Boots, Gloves, and the Body of Christ
Read: Galatians 6:2-10
“Now you are the body do Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
What better says “work” than a sturdy set of leather gloves and a pair of roughed-up boots? Not much. But what good can a glove do without a hand inside it? How far can boots go without the feet that wear them?
Here are some names of hands and feet: Luis Versical, Emily Stowell, Bruce Kafarski, Tamara Baubie, Lynn Van de Putte, Dave DeWitt – and there are more. These people are the hands and feet of Christ. They will be wearing boots and gloves and helping Christ rebuild homes and lives that were shattered eighteen months ago by two hurricanes.
And just as gloves and boots don't go far without hands and feet – hands and feet can't work without arms and legs and a body of Christ to guide the work, and pump life's blood to sustain the effort.
So who is that body of Christ? You know, of course. It's all of us. It's you and whoever else is reading this devotion.
Maybe you went to Gumbopalooza to have some fun and do some good. Or maybe you will join us on the trip to New Orleans, where we are going to have a lot of fun and do a lot of good.
But if you didn't contribute a dessert, and you didn't make it to Gumbopalooza, and you can't spare a little something to help those still suffering, it's OK.
Just keep us in your prayers, and especially pray for the people we are going to serve.
You are the body of Christ, and your presence, your prayers, and your service sustain the hands and feet of Christ wherever they work.
The Volunteers in Mission headed for New Orleans are a special group of people, but they aren't the only special group. People in this congregation serve in dozens of missions within our family of faith, and throughout the community and world at large.
I describe all of us as the Body of Christ, but everyone of us is also called in some way to be His hands and feet. If you haven't found your calling, just take a moment now to listen to the quiet voice deep inside you. What is it saying right now? If the noise of the world is drowning it out, then stop for a moment right here, right now.
Can you hear Him now?
Adapted from a Gumbopalooza and Volunteers in Mission announcement 2/4/07.
Bob Rossbach
Saturday, February 24, 2007
March 18, 2007
You Don't Have To Do It Alone
A few years ago, the Wednesday Evening Discussion Group (now known as the Spiritual Adventurers) read and discussed the book by M. Scott Peck, M.D. The opening sentence is “Live is difficult.” I took issue with that statement, a generalization. As we read further and discussed the ideas presented by Dr. Peck, I acknowledged that there have been many difficult time in my life. There are people for whom life is always difficult, but still I resisted the idea of the generalization.
I do believe that we make life more difficult than necessary. First, by some choices we make, secondly by resisting the help that is always available to us.
One biblical passage that often comes to my mind is 1 Peter 5:7. “Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” (TEV) Since I tend to be a worrier, I have a few back-up verses. One found in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” (TEV)
There are biblical helps for all of life's situations and emotions: anger, belief, comfort, envy, guilt, guidance, love, peace, poverty, sickness, worship, and so many more. One other thought, God has not promised that we will have not troubles, but he has promised to be with us through them. We only have to acknowledge him, and let him come into our everyday lives.
Carol Ann Maleitzke
A few years ago, the Wednesday Evening Discussion Group (now known as the Spiritual Adventurers) read and discussed the book by M. Scott Peck, M.D. The opening sentence is “Live is difficult.” I took issue with that statement, a generalization. As we read further and discussed the ideas presented by Dr. Peck, I acknowledged that there have been many difficult time in my life. There are people for whom life is always difficult, but still I resisted the idea of the generalization.
I do believe that we make life more difficult than necessary. First, by some choices we make, secondly by resisting the help that is always available to us.
One biblical passage that often comes to my mind is 1 Peter 5:7. “Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” (TEV) Since I tend to be a worrier, I have a few back-up verses. One found in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” (TEV)
There are biblical helps for all of life's situations and emotions: anger, belief, comfort, envy, guilt, guidance, love, peace, poverty, sickness, worship, and so many more. One other thought, God has not promised that we will have not troubles, but he has promised to be with us through them. We only have to acknowledge him, and let him come into our everyday lives.
Carol Ann Maleitzke
March 17, 2007
God's Coffee
Read: Psalm 23:5-6
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
"Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups ........ Enjoy your coffee!
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God !!!
Mary Ellen Lewandoski
Just as at the wedding at Cana in Galilee the plain stone jars, which were normally used to hold water for cleansing rituals, were used by Jesus to bring forth wine - to bring Joy to the celebration - so in this story, God is showing us that if He is allowed to fill our vessels, they will always be filled with the best - no matter what kind of cup or pot we may have.
(Thanks, Mary Ellen - you knew I couldn’t resist a devotion about coffee, didn’t you? - Charlie)
Read: Psalm 23:5-6
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
"Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups ........ Enjoy your coffee!
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God !!!
Mary Ellen Lewandoski
Just as at the wedding at Cana in Galilee the plain stone jars, which were normally used to hold water for cleansing rituals, were used by Jesus to bring forth wine - to bring Joy to the celebration - so in this story, God is showing us that if He is allowed to fill our vessels, they will always be filled with the best - no matter what kind of cup or pot we may have.
(Thanks, Mary Ellen - you knew I couldn’t resist a devotion about coffee, didn’t you? - Charlie)
March 16, 2007
Scrambled Eggs and Hank Wounk
Read: 2 Timothy 1:3-5
On a summer day in the early 60's my brothers and I were playing with some of our buddies in the back yard. Crawling in under some shrubs and pine trees we created what most kids would call a fort. The trees and shrubs were so thick, no one could see in but we could see out. (Mom saw us the whole time). At the time, our dad was opening a new furniture store, so our fort became a store and we named it “the Hank Wounk Store”. We played in there all summer. None of us remembers who Hank Wounk was.
One day after a whole morning of hard work in the store, Mom came out with lunch, as she always did. This time it was a plate stacked with scrambled egg sandwiches, cut on the diagonal, they taste better that way. My brothers, our buddies, and I didn’t eat them - we inhaled them. That day I thought I could live the rest of my life eating nothing but scrambled egg sandwiches. Then it was back to work on some very important construction projects in the sandbox. We had the biggest sandbox in the neighborhood.
One may not think of the significance of scrambled egg sandwiches at first. Emeril himself couldn’t hold a candle to my Mom's cooking. When you factor in the hope and dreams of a young mother and the love and attention she puts into everything she does for her children, the sandwiches become something more. They become a cherished memory for a lifetime, and a life lesson that can’t be taught in any other school.
As time goes on and I become older I find more often than not, it’s the little, seemingly insignificant things we do for people, for no particular reason at all, that added up make the world a better place.
Happy Birthday, Mom
Ron Draper
PS: My Dad Wears a Cape and Flies in through the Window! Always Has, Always Will!
This may look weird at 1st glance, but if you consider the context and inner meaning of who wrote it and who it's about, I think it applies to all of us at some level.
Read: 2 Timothy 1:3-5
On a summer day in the early 60's my brothers and I were playing with some of our buddies in the back yard. Crawling in under some shrubs and pine trees we created what most kids would call a fort. The trees and shrubs were so thick, no one could see in but we could see out. (Mom saw us the whole time). At the time, our dad was opening a new furniture store, so our fort became a store and we named it “the Hank Wounk Store”. We played in there all summer. None of us remembers who Hank Wounk was.
One day after a whole morning of hard work in the store, Mom came out with lunch, as she always did. This time it was a plate stacked with scrambled egg sandwiches, cut on the diagonal, they taste better that way. My brothers, our buddies, and I didn’t eat them - we inhaled them. That day I thought I could live the rest of my life eating nothing but scrambled egg sandwiches. Then it was back to work on some very important construction projects in the sandbox. We had the biggest sandbox in the neighborhood.
One may not think of the significance of scrambled egg sandwiches at first. Emeril himself couldn’t hold a candle to my Mom's cooking. When you factor in the hope and dreams of a young mother and the love and attention she puts into everything she does for her children, the sandwiches become something more. They become a cherished memory for a lifetime, and a life lesson that can’t be taught in any other school.
As time goes on and I become older I find more often than not, it’s the little, seemingly insignificant things we do for people, for no particular reason at all, that added up make the world a better place.
Happy Birthday, Mom
Ron Draper
PS: My Dad Wears a Cape and Flies in through the Window! Always Has, Always Will!
This may look weird at 1st glance, but if you consider the context and inner meaning of who wrote it and who it's about, I think it applies to all of us at some level.
March 15, 2007
THE WALL
Read: Luke 19:41-43
I have pictures of many places we visited where Jesus walked. As I look at them I relive the emotions I felt as I was there and viewed them in person. One memory does not need pictures to help me remember – it is etched permanently in my mind.
As we drove into Bethlehem we were stopped at a tall cement wall with a check point. Later as we left Bethlehem we waited about 45 minutes at this same place while guards roughly turned back several men who apparently did not have the right papers.
With its wall and towers and barbed wire and armed guards Bethlehem looks like a prison. And to many of its residents it is!
This wall separates many Palestinian families from their land or shops; children from their schools; nursing homes from hospitals; the bereaved from the cemeteries.
And what is the reason for this wall? According to our news media it is to prevent terrorism. People who spoke to us said it is simply for land.
In 1973 Ariel Sharon said “We’ll make a pastrami sandwich of them. We’ll insert a strip of Jewish settlement, in between the Palestinians, and then another strip of Jewish settlement, right across the West Bank, so that in 25 years time, neither the United Nations, nor the United States, nobody, will be able to tear it apart.”
And in 1998, 25 years later, he said “Everybody has to move, run and grab as many hilltops as they can … Everything we don’t grab will go to them.”
Several people who spoke to us told stories of coming home from work to find their property had been confiscated and they now had to live in “temporary” relocation camps. Today there are fences around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, Ramalah, Nablus and dozens of other villages, separated by illegal Israeli settlements.
Later we visited the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. I saw a quotation along with a picture from a Polish ghetto which said “I spent the next three years in camps.” And another quote said “Remember only that I was innocent and, just like you, mortal on that day. I, too, had had a face marked by rage, by pity, by joy, quite simply a human face.
My scripture is from Luke 19:41-43.
As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you and hem you in on every side.”
As we drove by this wall around Bethlehem I wept. I wanted to bring back a story of peace and hope. There is no peace. Strangely I saw many examples of hope, but these walls must come down.
Ched Fine
Read: Luke 19:41-43
I have pictures of many places we visited where Jesus walked. As I look at them I relive the emotions I felt as I was there and viewed them in person. One memory does not need pictures to help me remember – it is etched permanently in my mind.
As we drove into Bethlehem we were stopped at a tall cement wall with a check point. Later as we left Bethlehem we waited about 45 minutes at this same place while guards roughly turned back several men who apparently did not have the right papers.
With its wall and towers and barbed wire and armed guards Bethlehem looks like a prison. And to many of its residents it is!
This wall separates many Palestinian families from their land or shops; children from their schools; nursing homes from hospitals; the bereaved from the cemeteries.
And what is the reason for this wall? According to our news media it is to prevent terrorism. People who spoke to us said it is simply for land.
In 1973 Ariel Sharon said “We’ll make a pastrami sandwich of them. We’ll insert a strip of Jewish settlement, in between the Palestinians, and then another strip of Jewish settlement, right across the West Bank, so that in 25 years time, neither the United Nations, nor the United States, nobody, will be able to tear it apart.”
And in 1998, 25 years later, he said “Everybody has to move, run and grab as many hilltops as they can … Everything we don’t grab will go to them.”
Several people who spoke to us told stories of coming home from work to find their property had been confiscated and they now had to live in “temporary” relocation camps. Today there are fences around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, Ramalah, Nablus and dozens of other villages, separated by illegal Israeli settlements.
Later we visited the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. I saw a quotation along with a picture from a Polish ghetto which said “I spent the next three years in camps.” And another quote said “Remember only that I was innocent and, just like you, mortal on that day. I, too, had had a face marked by rage, by pity, by joy, quite simply a human face.
My scripture is from Luke 19:41-43.
As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you and hem you in on every side.”
As we drove by this wall around Bethlehem I wept. I wanted to bring back a story of peace and hope. There is no peace. Strangely I saw many examples of hope, but these walls must come down.
Ched Fine
March 14, 2007
Gifts of Time
Read: James 1:22-27
I am the fourth son of four boys. When growing up in upper NY State, my mother, a good Presbyterian woman, regularly visited a nursing home where she spent time with the residents that had no connection to our family or friends. Being the youngest, and at home while the older brothers were at school, I had to tag along with my mother for these visits. Little did I know the impact that that fact had on me.
Today, perhaps in part due to this ingrained activity from my youth, visiting the homebound, or continuing care facility residents, is one of the things that I do. Now, I do not doing it weekly or even every-other-week, but I do try to make time for this activity.
One of the people that I visit is Bob (Charles R.) Wilson. Bob and his wife are still members of our church and he has provided numerous pro-bono services over the recent history of GPUMC, particularly where a legal presence was required, and sometimes vital. He also is missed as a member of the choir's bass section.
Bob, when he was actively pursuing the legal profession, provided Sue and I wonderful and generous assistance to our small company. He personified the word "counselor" when applied to the legal profession. He, and his staff, not only supplied the detailed legal approach, but also gave some needed direction that naive young business owners desperately required.
We owe this man at many levels, and it is a pleasure to be able to provide a small token of our appreciation at a time when he is held to the personal physical confines that sometimes confront our lives.
I thank both my mother and Bob, for the gifts they bestowed on the world.
Dave DeWitt
Read: James 1:22-27
I am the fourth son of four boys. When growing up in upper NY State, my mother, a good Presbyterian woman, regularly visited a nursing home where she spent time with the residents that had no connection to our family or friends. Being the youngest, and at home while the older brothers were at school, I had to tag along with my mother for these visits. Little did I know the impact that that fact had on me.
Today, perhaps in part due to this ingrained activity from my youth, visiting the homebound, or continuing care facility residents, is one of the things that I do. Now, I do not doing it weekly or even every-other-week, but I do try to make time for this activity.
One of the people that I visit is Bob (Charles R.) Wilson. Bob and his wife are still members of our church and he has provided numerous pro-bono services over the recent history of GPUMC, particularly where a legal presence was required, and sometimes vital. He also is missed as a member of the choir's bass section.
Bob, when he was actively pursuing the legal profession, provided Sue and I wonderful and generous assistance to our small company. He personified the word "counselor" when applied to the legal profession. He, and his staff, not only supplied the detailed legal approach, but also gave some needed direction that naive young business owners desperately required.
We owe this man at many levels, and it is a pleasure to be able to provide a small token of our appreciation at a time when he is held to the personal physical confines that sometimes confront our lives.
I thank both my mother and Bob, for the gifts they bestowed on the world.
Dave DeWitt
March 13, 2007
Do I Have To?
Read: Matthew 21:28-32
The first thing that came to my mind when I woke up on Sunday mornings was what do I have to do to get out of church and would my plan work; that was before I realized that church wasn’t so bad after all.
Maybe I would have realized this before, if I had actually tried listening to the sermon. The thing that I thought was the most boring was the sermon. They seemed so long and pointless, but had I actually listened to one? I mean sure, I showed up and sat there during the sermon, but most of the time I was doodling on the bulletin.
Once Confirmation started and I had to go to church I made it a goal to look at church in a fun way, not the kind of fun like I would get up early and start jumping around because I was going to church, but more like I don’t try to get out of going to church and don’t dread listening to the sermon.
Once I actually started listening to the sermon and trying to understand what was being read, I figured out that the sermons weren’t so boring and church isn’t so bad.
McKenzie Pearce
Read: Matthew 21:28-32
The first thing that came to my mind when I woke up on Sunday mornings was what do I have to do to get out of church and would my plan work; that was before I realized that church wasn’t so bad after all.
Maybe I would have realized this before, if I had actually tried listening to the sermon. The thing that I thought was the most boring was the sermon. They seemed so long and pointless, but had I actually listened to one? I mean sure, I showed up and sat there during the sermon, but most of the time I was doodling on the bulletin.
Once Confirmation started and I had to go to church I made it a goal to look at church in a fun way, not the kind of fun like I would get up early and start jumping around because I was going to church, but more like I don’t try to get out of going to church and don’t dread listening to the sermon.
Once I actually started listening to the sermon and trying to understand what was being read, I figured out that the sermons weren’t so boring and church isn’t so bad.
McKenzie Pearce
March 12, 2007
Wisdom
Read: Proverbs 1:1-7
I used to be smart - but that was before my children passed me up in the “smart department”. Now I see my granddaughters catching up and can foresee the day when they will also pass me. This is not just speculation since my grandson has already done that!
I am also concerned about the “social graces department”. I seem to be trailing in this department too. Starting with my wife, through my children and grand children - “They all feel the rain – I just get wet”.
However, I still have the advantage in Wisdom! Wisdom comes through age and experience. Wisdom comes from learning from one’s mistakes. I know I’m ahead because I have already made most of the mistakes they have yet to make. What concerns me is whether the gap between us is getting wider or narrower.
Wisdom does have drawbacks. I am constantly pondering why; When accidents happen, no “Guilty” bystanders are ever injured. And why only persons who are “wonderful, caring, devoted to family, etc” are the ones to die. Does this mean since we are still here, we are not of that character? And if God had meant for us to be on the metric system, would there have been only ten apostles?
It’s tough to ponder the things that are ponderable. Imagine pondering the rest.
Jack Van Becelaere
Read: Proverbs 1:1-7
I used to be smart - but that was before my children passed me up in the “smart department”. Now I see my granddaughters catching up and can foresee the day when they will also pass me. This is not just speculation since my grandson has already done that!
I am also concerned about the “social graces department”. I seem to be trailing in this department too. Starting with my wife, through my children and grand children - “They all feel the rain – I just get wet”.
However, I still have the advantage in Wisdom! Wisdom comes through age and experience. Wisdom comes from learning from one’s mistakes. I know I’m ahead because I have already made most of the mistakes they have yet to make. What concerns me is whether the gap between us is getting wider or narrower.
Wisdom does have drawbacks. I am constantly pondering why; When accidents happen, no “Guilty” bystanders are ever injured. And why only persons who are “wonderful, caring, devoted to family, etc” are the ones to die. Does this mean since we are still here, we are not of that character? And if God had meant for us to be on the metric system, would there have been only ten apostles?
It’s tough to ponder the things that are ponderable. Imagine pondering the rest.
Jack Van Becelaere
March 11, 2007
See You Sundays!
Read: Luke 10:38-42
This devotion was actually written as my devotion for the 2005 UMW Christmas dinner, but when I ran across it when cleaning a couple of weeks ago, I realized that Christmas time does not always have the monopoly on stress and chaos. So when Charlie started asking for devotions, I thought I might share it with those who are feeling a little crazy AFTER Christmas too. Here it is ... and hope to see you Sundays!
Laurie Stowell
As schedules started getting busy, even before Thanksgiving, I kept telling myself, take it easy, don’t get stressed and think about saying “no” or let those less important things go - unmade, or unattended....
But here we are, in the middle of it all, wondering if we will make it through and we keep hearing “Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season”... but that doesn’t seem to calm my worries ... this is when I know I need Sunday mornings. I need Music Sunday; I need to watch the kids anxious to light the next Advent candle. I need the weekly reinforcement, the fellowship with church family. I need Sunday morning to refresh for the week so that I can happily meet each task with a renewed spirit of the season.
I found a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that helped me focus on the reason ... it is called “So Swift the Way! So Short the Day!”
In this fast-moving world of turmoil and tension,
With problems and troubles, too many to mention,
Our days are so crowded and our hours are so few,
There’s so little time and so much to do....
We are pressured and pushed until we are “dizzy,”
There’s never a minute we’re not “crazily busy,”
And sometimes we wonder as we rush through the day –
Does God really want us to hurry this way?
Why are we impatient and continually vexed,
And often bewildered, disturbed and perplexed?
Perhaps we’re too busy with our own selfish seeking
To hear the dear Lord when He’s tenderly speaking...
We are working so tensely in our self-centered way,
We’ve no time for listening to what God has to say,
And hard as we work, at the end of the day
We know in our hearts we did not “pay our way” ...
But God in His mercy looks down on us all,
And though what we’ve done is so pitifully small,
He makes us feel welcome to kneel down and pray
For the chance to do better as we start a new day,
And life would be better if we learned to rely
On our Father in heaven without asking “why”...
And if we’d remember as we rush through the day,
“The Lord is our Shepherd and He’ll lead the way” ...
So don’t rush ahead in reckless endeavor,
Remember “He leadeth” and “Time is forever”!
Read: Luke 10:38-42
This devotion was actually written as my devotion for the 2005 UMW Christmas dinner, but when I ran across it when cleaning a couple of weeks ago, I realized that Christmas time does not always have the monopoly on stress and chaos. So when Charlie started asking for devotions, I thought I might share it with those who are feeling a little crazy AFTER Christmas too. Here it is ... and hope to see you Sundays!
Laurie Stowell
As schedules started getting busy, even before Thanksgiving, I kept telling myself, take it easy, don’t get stressed and think about saying “no” or let those less important things go - unmade, or unattended....
But here we are, in the middle of it all, wondering if we will make it through and we keep hearing “Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season”... but that doesn’t seem to calm my worries ... this is when I know I need Sunday mornings. I need Music Sunday; I need to watch the kids anxious to light the next Advent candle. I need the weekly reinforcement, the fellowship with church family. I need Sunday morning to refresh for the week so that I can happily meet each task with a renewed spirit of the season.
I found a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that helped me focus on the reason ... it is called “So Swift the Way! So Short the Day!”
In this fast-moving world of turmoil and tension,
With problems and troubles, too many to mention,
Our days are so crowded and our hours are so few,
There’s so little time and so much to do....
We are pressured and pushed until we are “dizzy,”
There’s never a minute we’re not “crazily busy,”
And sometimes we wonder as we rush through the day –
Does God really want us to hurry this way?
Why are we impatient and continually vexed,
And often bewildered, disturbed and perplexed?
Perhaps we’re too busy with our own selfish seeking
To hear the dear Lord when He’s tenderly speaking...
We are working so tensely in our self-centered way,
We’ve no time for listening to what God has to say,
And hard as we work, at the end of the day
We know in our hearts we did not “pay our way” ...
But God in His mercy looks down on us all,
And though what we’ve done is so pitifully small,
He makes us feel welcome to kneel down and pray
For the chance to do better as we start a new day,
And life would be better if we learned to rely
On our Father in heaven without asking “why”...
And if we’d remember as we rush through the day,
“The Lord is our Shepherd and He’ll lead the way” ...
So don’t rush ahead in reckless endeavor,
Remember “He leadeth” and “Time is forever”!
March 10, 2007
The Rest of the Story
Matthew 6: 34 “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I like to read the Upper Room. (Actually I prefer the GPUMC Lenten Devotion Book, but it doesn’t last long enough.) I realized after reading one of the devotions that I felt like I needed a sequel – or next week’s episode… In fact I realized that every once in awhile there is a devotional cliffhanger. Somebody forgave a friend in hopes that someday…. Somebody chose to rely on God to heal a family member… Somebody rejoiced in small triumphs and the beauty of each day as they battled cancer… What happened? Did the friend come back? Did the family member survive? Is the cancer in remission?
As we go through the rough patches in life sometimes we realize that it’s not what happens in the end that really matters. I may not know the specifics of what happened to the writers from the Upper Room, but I do know that God was with them, and maybe more importantly they knew He was with them. I don’t know the specifics of what will happen next for me either, but I know God is with me too.
Jesus said that if God will feed the birds and clothe the lilies, how much more will he care for you. He knows what you need. He’ll take care of you. So – while I may not know exactly how each story ends, I know that for all of us who love God and include him in our lives the stories will end happily ever after. How could they not when God is there?
Thought for the day: Just like any parent would want to take care of his/her children, God wants to care for you.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for watching out for us, and taking care of our needs.
Jacki Rumpp
Matthew 6: 34 “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I like to read the Upper Room. (Actually I prefer the GPUMC Lenten Devotion Book, but it doesn’t last long enough.) I realized after reading one of the devotions that I felt like I needed a sequel – or next week’s episode… In fact I realized that every once in awhile there is a devotional cliffhanger. Somebody forgave a friend in hopes that someday…. Somebody chose to rely on God to heal a family member… Somebody rejoiced in small triumphs and the beauty of each day as they battled cancer… What happened? Did the friend come back? Did the family member survive? Is the cancer in remission?
As we go through the rough patches in life sometimes we realize that it’s not what happens in the end that really matters. I may not know the specifics of what happened to the writers from the Upper Room, but I do know that God was with them, and maybe more importantly they knew He was with them. I don’t know the specifics of what will happen next for me either, but I know God is with me too.
Jesus said that if God will feed the birds and clothe the lilies, how much more will he care for you. He knows what you need. He’ll take care of you. So – while I may not know exactly how each story ends, I know that for all of us who love God and include him in our lives the stories will end happily ever after. How could they not when God is there?
Thought for the day: Just like any parent would want to take care of his/her children, God wants to care for you.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for watching out for us, and taking care of our needs.
Jacki Rumpp
March 9, 2007
Leaving Egypt
Read: Exodus 15:22-27, 16:1-8
My mom reminded me of a story about myself recently. During my senior year of high school I planned to attend Michigan State University after graduation. I was absolutely determined; I visited, applied, lined up financial aid and was done. I was so excited. I put the date on the calendar and packed and planned as the day of departure approached. On that Sunday we loaded the van, I said goodbye to my boyfriend and then I absolutely fell apart. We have a photo of me in the backyard with tears streaming down my face, completely forlorn. I did go to East Lansing that day and I had a great time and received a wonderful education. The point of departure was just rough.
Sometimes your life follows a path and leads you to a new place that you don’t expect. I am at a place in my life like that now. There are many changes and new experiences that I have faced and it hasn’t been very comfortable. In fact, at times I have felt sheer panic.
My wise brother Andy reminded me about Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. They were so happy to leave their enslavement, but life out in the desert was hard. They were scared and hungry and they didn’t know what to expect. Moses didn’t know, either.
I didn’t know what to expect when I left my home for college and I don’t know exactly what to expect now. It is a human condition to be unsure and it can be scary. It is at this time, however, that I remember about faith and trust in God. I trust that I am in the place on my path where I am meant to be. I have faith that not my will, but God’s will, is being done. With a breath and a prayer, the panic will pass and life will go on. It might not be the same as life before, but it is still life and it is a wonderful gift to be living.
Dear God, thank you for my life and my path. Help me to trust you to walk with me and lead me. Amen
Anne Sullivan
Read: Exodus 15:22-27, 16:1-8
My mom reminded me of a story about myself recently. During my senior year of high school I planned to attend Michigan State University after graduation. I was absolutely determined; I visited, applied, lined up financial aid and was done. I was so excited. I put the date on the calendar and packed and planned as the day of departure approached. On that Sunday we loaded the van, I said goodbye to my boyfriend and then I absolutely fell apart. We have a photo of me in the backyard with tears streaming down my face, completely forlorn. I did go to East Lansing that day and I had a great time and received a wonderful education. The point of departure was just rough.
Sometimes your life follows a path and leads you to a new place that you don’t expect. I am at a place in my life like that now. There are many changes and new experiences that I have faced and it hasn’t been very comfortable. In fact, at times I have felt sheer panic.
My wise brother Andy reminded me about Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. They were so happy to leave their enslavement, but life out in the desert was hard. They were scared and hungry and they didn’t know what to expect. Moses didn’t know, either.
I didn’t know what to expect when I left my home for college and I don’t know exactly what to expect now. It is a human condition to be unsure and it can be scary. It is at this time, however, that I remember about faith and trust in God. I trust that I am in the place on my path where I am meant to be. I have faith that not my will, but God’s will, is being done. With a breath and a prayer, the panic will pass and life will go on. It might not be the same as life before, but it is still life and it is a wonderful gift to be living.
Dear God, thank you for my life and my path. Help me to trust you to walk with me and lead me. Amen
Anne Sullivan
March 8, 2007
Temples and Living Water
Read: Acts 10:1-8
As we were traveling around Israel, I was impressed with the Roman ruins, and their engineering: in particular, the city of Ceasarea, built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 B.C. The Roman Governors of Judea lived here to administer to the people.
It was an important sea port on the Mediterranean Sea, with excellent connection to all parts of the Mediterranean world. At that time, the city had about 100,000 inhabitants (now it has about 8,000-10,000) and a large city needs a good water supply. That was provided by a double aqueduct which brought water from two sources, one about 10 km away, and the second about 7km. That was no small feat at the time. Remember, they had no electric pumps. It was all gravity fed, so the slopes had to be precise to accommodate the flow. Herod also built a huge theater with wonderful acoustics, a palace, and a hippodrome in Ceasarea. The hippodrome was about 300 meters long by 50 meters wide, providing seating for about 8,000 people. I could practically see Ben Hur racing his chariot in it.
Also, the city had a small harbor which Herod enlarged by about three times. He considered this his second greatest engineering feat. The greatest was the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
Peter was summoned here to preach to Cornelius and his family and friends who had gathered to hear him (Acts 10). Paul was imprisoned here for about two years, before going on to Rome, and began his missionary journeys from here – the first being to Cyprus.
Jack Landin
Isn’t it amazing? How could Herod be so proud of building a Temple for the Lord, but then didn’t even recognize Him when he saw Him?
The Romans were so good at bringing water into cities, but when the Living Water was offered, they saw only Threat -not Promise.
Dear Lord, open our eyes to recognize You when You cross our paths. Help us to see Your Life in our living. Amen.
Read: Acts 10:1-8
As we were traveling around Israel, I was impressed with the Roman ruins, and their engineering: in particular, the city of Ceasarea, built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 B.C. The Roman Governors of Judea lived here to administer to the people.
It was an important sea port on the Mediterranean Sea, with excellent connection to all parts of the Mediterranean world. At that time, the city had about 100,000 inhabitants (now it has about 8,000-10,000) and a large city needs a good water supply. That was provided by a double aqueduct which brought water from two sources, one about 10 km away, and the second about 7km. That was no small feat at the time. Remember, they had no electric pumps. It was all gravity fed, so the slopes had to be precise to accommodate the flow. Herod also built a huge theater with wonderful acoustics, a palace, and a hippodrome in Ceasarea. The hippodrome was about 300 meters long by 50 meters wide, providing seating for about 8,000 people. I could practically see Ben Hur racing his chariot in it.
Also, the city had a small harbor which Herod enlarged by about three times. He considered this his second greatest engineering feat. The greatest was the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
Peter was summoned here to preach to Cornelius and his family and friends who had gathered to hear him (Acts 10). Paul was imprisoned here for about two years, before going on to Rome, and began his missionary journeys from here – the first being to Cyprus.
Jack Landin
Isn’t it amazing? How could Herod be so proud of building a Temple for the Lord, but then didn’t even recognize Him when he saw Him?
The Romans were so good at bringing water into cities, but when the Living Water was offered, they saw only Threat -not Promise.
Dear Lord, open our eyes to recognize You when You cross our paths. Help us to see Your Life in our living. Amen.
March 7, 2007
SALLY’S FIELD
Read: Mark 1:16-18
My Aunt Sally’s house was a house of distractions and entertainment . . . distractions in the form of a bubbling fish tank near the front door (plastic scuba diver in distress!), a ginger-bread house candle over which I learned after the first time not to singe my eyebrows, a kitchen where chocolate cake mix was a staple. Her house was entertainment in the form of a pool table in the back room, toy boxes in the rec room closet, wide-set windows opening to the backyard. Her house was another home.
Aunt Sally was energy. She was the first person to pull out the toys, order a pizza for dinner, suggest a game. She was the first person to send an invitation for a party, to ask about my school life, to put my picture on the family picture board. She was the first person to teach me we all have people we can lean on in the dark.
Aunt Sally was one of Dad’s sisters. She was just across the field in the red-stained house. She would feed me dinner some evenings, visit with me, ask about life. She would see me safely zipped up, mittened, and ready to go. Looking just across the field – a hop, skip, and two jumps to Dad’s, I would tell her I could do it, no problem, but she would always call to Dad’s house, “Here she comes,” and then I would run through the dark, tripping on rocks, jumping over holes, leaning back to see the stars. Even after I became an adult and would visit Aunt Sally she would send me on my way with a hug or a good, long look and tell me to be safe. She stopped calling my dad but still, after I ran through the field I would look back to the house and there was Aunt Sally, waving from the doorway, light behind her.
She is gone now, swept away by cancer but she left so much good behind her. One sunny afternoon at a family party she went walking with a line of kids. She took them over the lawn and around the frog pond with a fishing net and her enthusiasm. “Here we go,” she said and the picture in my head remains. It was another great day of watching her lead by example. Sometimes it’s a matter of standing in the doorway at night and watching someone make it home; sometimes it’s a matter of taking that first step and leading people out for a daytime adventure. Sometimes, truly, it’s just a matter of sharing who you are by calling out in the darkness, “Here she comes.” You become a beacon of brightness, even in the daylight, no matter how bright the sunshine gets.
Prayer focus: Those who lead
Jenneth Wright
Read: Mark 1:16-18
My Aunt Sally’s house was a house of distractions and entertainment . . . distractions in the form of a bubbling fish tank near the front door (plastic scuba diver in distress!), a ginger-bread house candle over which I learned after the first time not to singe my eyebrows, a kitchen where chocolate cake mix was a staple. Her house was entertainment in the form of a pool table in the back room, toy boxes in the rec room closet, wide-set windows opening to the backyard. Her house was another home.
Aunt Sally was energy. She was the first person to pull out the toys, order a pizza for dinner, suggest a game. She was the first person to send an invitation for a party, to ask about my school life, to put my picture on the family picture board. She was the first person to teach me we all have people we can lean on in the dark.
Aunt Sally was one of Dad’s sisters. She was just across the field in the red-stained house. She would feed me dinner some evenings, visit with me, ask about life. She would see me safely zipped up, mittened, and ready to go. Looking just across the field – a hop, skip, and two jumps to Dad’s, I would tell her I could do it, no problem, but she would always call to Dad’s house, “Here she comes,” and then I would run through the dark, tripping on rocks, jumping over holes, leaning back to see the stars. Even after I became an adult and would visit Aunt Sally she would send me on my way with a hug or a good, long look and tell me to be safe. She stopped calling my dad but still, after I ran through the field I would look back to the house and there was Aunt Sally, waving from the doorway, light behind her.
She is gone now, swept away by cancer but she left so much good behind her. One sunny afternoon at a family party she went walking with a line of kids. She took them over the lawn and around the frog pond with a fishing net and her enthusiasm. “Here we go,” she said and the picture in my head remains. It was another great day of watching her lead by example. Sometimes it’s a matter of standing in the doorway at night and watching someone make it home; sometimes it’s a matter of taking that first step and leading people out for a daytime adventure. Sometimes, truly, it’s just a matter of sharing who you are by calling out in the darkness, “Here she comes.” You become a beacon of brightness, even in the daylight, no matter how bright the sunshine gets.
Prayer focus: Those who lead
Jenneth Wright
March 6, 2007
SUPPORT
Back in November, I went to Bair Lake Bible Camp for a fall retreat and had a really good time. Two of the topics discussed were “From whom are you getting your support? Who are you giving yours to?”
As Pastor Andy Stanley put it, “Your friends will determine the quality and direction of your life.” I learned: Don’t make it harder for yourself by being with people you know won’t support you in your beliefs.
Are you frequently around people who do unchristian things that you don’t approve of, yet find yourself joining in? This is not what God wants from us. I’ve learned that the church is a great way to get the right Christian support you need.
For example, as part of confirmation, I had to talk to church members to ask them what the church meant to them. All of them said something about how the church community was always supportive. I myself have experienced it many times, like after the Christmas pageant when I was flooded with compliments, or when I returned from up north after my grandma died…everyone I talked to was caring enough to say something encouraging.
When I was at camp, I was also in a friendly, comfortable environment with other Christians. I told myself that I would be pure and holy when I went back to school, which, compared to camp, is a judgmental and sometimes hostile environment. Doing this was and is much harder than I expected. It really hit me hard that I didn’t have that many Christian friends supporting me. This made me, once again, turn back to God for help.
But it also reminded me of the second lesson from the retreat: Who are you giving your support to, or how much support are you giving? Do you keep your faith a secret, only doing what you know is right once a week at church? Purity is about treating everyone with respect. Maybe I wasn’t making it clear enough what I needed from my friends. Maybe it works both ways.
Here are some short verses that define good ways to be a true friend.
Craig Campbell
Back in November, I went to Bair Lake Bible Camp for a fall retreat and had a really good time. Two of the topics discussed were “From whom are you getting your support? Who are you giving yours to?”
As Pastor Andy Stanley put it, “Your friends will determine the quality and direction of your life.” I learned: Don’t make it harder for yourself by being with people you know won’t support you in your beliefs.
Are you frequently around people who do unchristian things that you don’t approve of, yet find yourself joining in? This is not what God wants from us. I’ve learned that the church is a great way to get the right Christian support you need.
For example, as part of confirmation, I had to talk to church members to ask them what the church meant to them. All of them said something about how the church community was always supportive. I myself have experienced it many times, like after the Christmas pageant when I was flooded with compliments, or when I returned from up north after my grandma died…everyone I talked to was caring enough to say something encouraging.
When I was at camp, I was also in a friendly, comfortable environment with other Christians. I told myself that I would be pure and holy when I went back to school, which, compared to camp, is a judgmental and sometimes hostile environment. Doing this was and is much harder than I expected. It really hit me hard that I didn’t have that many Christian friends supporting me. This made me, once again, turn back to God for help.
But it also reminded me of the second lesson from the retreat: Who are you giving your support to, or how much support are you giving? Do you keep your faith a secret, only doing what you know is right once a week at church? Purity is about treating everyone with respect. Maybe I wasn’t making it clear enough what I needed from my friends. Maybe it works both ways.
Here are some short verses that define good ways to be a true friend.
- “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.” – Proverbs 27: 17
- “The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.” – Proverbs 25: 11
- “Some friends don’t help, but true friends are closer than your own family.” – Proverbs 18: 24
- “True friends are consistent; the same in public and private.” – Hebrews 13:7,8
- “True friends promote doing the right things.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
- “True friends lead, and follow, to the right places.” – Joshua 24:15
Craig Campbell
March 5, 2007
Shared Consolation
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:1-4
God consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:4
There is a little story about a Little Grass Hut which a shipwrecked man built to survive on an isolated island. He went hunting for food and came back to a burning hut. This was the worst thing that could have happened. He asked God how he could have done this to him. He lost everything! Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. He asked the crew when it landed, “How did you know I was here?” “We saw your smoke signal.”
God understands our anguish. As we experience our shipwrecks in life, God sends us help—sometimes in people who themselves have experienced anguish and trauma. Thank goodness for these messengers of God who save us from total devastation and pain. When we seek God’s comfort, however, it presents itself to us, through friends, family, music, flowers, our church, peace surrounds us. With time, we may even see that our struggles assist us in our daily life to mature as believers and to help others.
Dear God of compassion we thank you for those messengers of your love and peace. Grant us comfort and peace as we surround others with your loving presence. Amen
Carolyn Barth (with the aid of the Upper Room and another message)
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:1-4
God consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:4
There is a little story about a Little Grass Hut which a shipwrecked man built to survive on an isolated island. He went hunting for food and came back to a burning hut. This was the worst thing that could have happened. He asked God how he could have done this to him. He lost everything! Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. He asked the crew when it landed, “How did you know I was here?” “We saw your smoke signal.”
God understands our anguish. As we experience our shipwrecks in life, God sends us help—sometimes in people who themselves have experienced anguish and trauma. Thank goodness for these messengers of God who save us from total devastation and pain. When we seek God’s comfort, however, it presents itself to us, through friends, family, music, flowers, our church, peace surrounds us. With time, we may even see that our struggles assist us in our daily life to mature as believers and to help others.
Dear God of compassion we thank you for those messengers of your love and peace. Grant us comfort and peace as we surround others with your loving presence. Amen
Carolyn Barth (with the aid of the Upper Room and another message)
March 4, 2007
Advice from 1761
Read: p. vii in the United Methodist Hymnal “Directions for Singing”
When I first discovered and read the Directions for Singing in my new hymnal, my eyes kind of popped open. It almost seemed like a joke. The first one got a smirk. The second, an eye-pop. The third got the one-eyebrow lift. The fourth got a giggle. The fifth actually made me think about my singing. The sixth brought a full-toothed smile. The seventh a small nod of agreement. The directions are now my favorite part. How fun to get some advice from 1761. At first glance they seem outdated and stodgy, but in fact I think John Wesley’s instructions encourage us to grow and change and support each other.
The second of the seven rules seems very commanding and strict, but it is my favorite. It makes me smile first of all, but I also have decided it’s actually not restrictive. Instead I think it is telling us to keep up with the times – what is going on right now. Some hymns are very familiar to many of us and some of those familiar ones have had some words changed. We can moan about changed words. We can be obstinate and refuse to sing the new words. Why change a good thing after all, right? Or – we can listen to John Wesley’s words from long ago that tell us to “sing them exactly as they are printed” and “if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.” I think he’s telling us to stop clinging to the past just because that’s the way it’s always been.
He is also encouraging us to come together as one congregation. The bulk of the rules remind us that we are one body – even in song. We are told to join in (with gusto no less), and to blend together in a united voice, both in volume and tempo. We are all individuals but we have a great common bond – our love for and faith in God. That should be celebrated with song.
Ignoring my first impression of the directions, I let them bounce around in my head as I sang songs from the hymnal. It actually made me realize that in fact John Wesley is giving us great advice for our lives today. Our past and present can work together. We can honor our past by bringing it into the present. We can honor each other by coming together as one family in Christ, a family that appreciates individuality but sticks together as a cohesive group. I think words that are nearly two and a half centuries old are directing us to embrace the present and each other.
Thought for the day: Sometimes change is a good thing.
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to remember that we are one congregation bound together by our love for You. Blessed be the ties that bind. Amen.
Jacki Rumpp
Read: p. vii in the United Methodist Hymnal “Directions for Singing”
When I first discovered and read the Directions for Singing in my new hymnal, my eyes kind of popped open. It almost seemed like a joke. The first one got a smirk. The second, an eye-pop. The third got the one-eyebrow lift. The fourth got a giggle. The fifth actually made me think about my singing. The sixth brought a full-toothed smile. The seventh a small nod of agreement. The directions are now my favorite part. How fun to get some advice from 1761. At first glance they seem outdated and stodgy, but in fact I think John Wesley’s instructions encourage us to grow and change and support each other.
The second of the seven rules seems very commanding and strict, but it is my favorite. It makes me smile first of all, but I also have decided it’s actually not restrictive. Instead I think it is telling us to keep up with the times – what is going on right now. Some hymns are very familiar to many of us and some of those familiar ones have had some words changed. We can moan about changed words. We can be obstinate and refuse to sing the new words. Why change a good thing after all, right? Or – we can listen to John Wesley’s words from long ago that tell us to “sing them exactly as they are printed” and “if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.” I think he’s telling us to stop clinging to the past just because that’s the way it’s always been.
He is also encouraging us to come together as one congregation. The bulk of the rules remind us that we are one body – even in song. We are told to join in (with gusto no less), and to blend together in a united voice, both in volume and tempo. We are all individuals but we have a great common bond – our love for and faith in God. That should be celebrated with song.
Ignoring my first impression of the directions, I let them bounce around in my head as I sang songs from the hymnal. It actually made me realize that in fact John Wesley is giving us great advice for our lives today. Our past and present can work together. We can honor our past by bringing it into the present. We can honor each other by coming together as one family in Christ, a family that appreciates individuality but sticks together as a cohesive group. I think words that are nearly two and a half centuries old are directing us to embrace the present and each other.
Thought for the day: Sometimes change is a good thing.
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to remember that we are one congregation bound together by our love for You. Blessed be the ties that bind. Amen.
Jacki Rumpp
March 3, 2007
HOT
Read: Psalm 118:21-25
Helen is the “hot chick” who has worked in the Jewelry and Women’s departments for our church rummage sales. She brings smiles to those around her and brightens their days by her presence and her outlook. Lately she has said - on some days she is “not so hot”.
Helen has been having some bad days, some not so good days and some good days. The bad days she tosses in the trash and looks forward to the good days. Her outlook is the opposite of how my mother saw things. My mother always believed every silver lining had a dark cloud. One day she was mad at my dad because “you only remember the good stuff”. Helen looks forward to the “good stuff” each day and like always, lifts the spirits of those around her.
What a role model!
Thought for every day: Thank God for the gift of people like Helen.
A. Pundit
Read: Psalm 118:21-25
Helen is the “hot chick” who has worked in the Jewelry and Women’s departments for our church rummage sales. She brings smiles to those around her and brightens their days by her presence and her outlook. Lately she has said - on some days she is “not so hot”.
Helen has been having some bad days, some not so good days and some good days. The bad days she tosses in the trash and looks forward to the good days. Her outlook is the opposite of how my mother saw things. My mother always believed every silver lining had a dark cloud. One day she was mad at my dad because “you only remember the good stuff”. Helen looks forward to the “good stuff” each day and like always, lifts the spirits of those around her.
What a role model!
Thought for every day: Thank God for the gift of people like Helen.
A. Pundit
March 2, 2007
An Oasis of Love
Read: UM Hymnal #445 - Happy the Home when God is There
In the winter of 1995, I was on assignment in Haiti covering Operation Restore Democracy. I was embedded with a military unit outside Port Au Prince and I quickly came to understand that my life of tents, cots, mosquito nets and c-rations was better than the life being lived by most of the Haitian population. Haiti is one of the poorest nations on earth and about 80 percent of the people live in abject poverty. I walked the streets of Port Au Prince and watched children (children the age of my children at home) playing in raw sewage in the streets. Riding the highways, I was always amazed at the number of people standing in the middle of empty fields, nothing to do, no place to go. And I had hard time figuring out what compelling interest the United States had in sending its military forces into a place of such despair and wretchedness.
Toward the end of my assignment, I was told the unit was going to visit an orphanage. A Haitian orphanage? After all I had already seen, I wasn't sure I could take that. And I was filled with dread as our small convoy wound up a hillside toward a high black iron gate.
I was astonished (and relieved) to find that it was the happiest place I saw during my entire stay. We were greeted by a round of cheerful songs, clapping hands and beautiful, happy young faces. And as they sang to us, it dawned on me that this was a happy place because these children had someone taking care of them, someone who loved them. That was saying something in Haiti. And there were actually kids standing on the outside of that black iron gate wishing they were inside.
That orphanage has become a metaphor in my life.
Lord, help me to be like that orphanage. Help me to be a refuge for those in need, a shelter for those needing protection, and a bounty for those who are hungry. Make me an oasis of love in an arid world of indifference. Amen.
Devin Scillian
Read: UM Hymnal #445 - Happy the Home when God is There
In the winter of 1995, I was on assignment in Haiti covering Operation Restore Democracy. I was embedded with a military unit outside Port Au Prince and I quickly came to understand that my life of tents, cots, mosquito nets and c-rations was better than the life being lived by most of the Haitian population. Haiti is one of the poorest nations on earth and about 80 percent of the people live in abject poverty. I walked the streets of Port Au Prince and watched children (children the age of my children at home) playing in raw sewage in the streets. Riding the highways, I was always amazed at the number of people standing in the middle of empty fields, nothing to do, no place to go. And I had hard time figuring out what compelling interest the United States had in sending its military forces into a place of such despair and wretchedness.
Toward the end of my assignment, I was told the unit was going to visit an orphanage. A Haitian orphanage? After all I had already seen, I wasn't sure I could take that. And I was filled with dread as our small convoy wound up a hillside toward a high black iron gate.
I was astonished (and relieved) to find that it was the happiest place I saw during my entire stay. We were greeted by a round of cheerful songs, clapping hands and beautiful, happy young faces. And as they sang to us, it dawned on me that this was a happy place because these children had someone taking care of them, someone who loved them. That was saying something in Haiti. And there were actually kids standing on the outside of that black iron gate wishing they were inside.
That orphanage has become a metaphor in my life.
Lord, help me to be like that orphanage. Help me to be a refuge for those in need, a shelter for those needing protection, and a bounty for those who are hungry. Make me an oasis of love in an arid world of indifference. Amen.
Devin Scillian
March 1, 2007
Accept the Invitation
Read: Romans 12:8-21
As United Methodists, we know that the grace of salvation is given freely through Christ
Simply by the asking. But what then? How do we as Christians truly fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit? Paul tells us the answer in Romans Chapter 12, verses 11-13. “ Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in Hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer and most importantly contribute to the needs of others, extend hospitality to strangers.” In other words, faith comes from work. We are filled with the Holy Spirit through our works. Our works are not measured in numbers, but by the spirit in our heart when we offer them.
During our visit to the Holy Land, I was struck by the relentless works of faith by those involved in missionary projects such as Sabeel which is supported by our Global Methodist Ministry, often times the face of opposition, and even persecution.
One such woman was Tina Whitehead. I meant Tina at Bethlehem Bible College. Also sup-ported by our Global Ministry, Bethlehem Bible College serves those who have heard the calling to teach, preach or counsel the Word of God Some of us may not be aware, but Bethlehem Bible College is in the West Bank and 10% of those living in the West Bank are Christians. I visited the West Bank four times during my visit to the Holy Land, twice on my own. Each time, I was greeted with open arms, with the voices of strangers saying, “welcome” or “you are our first guest in two weeks, I am so glad you are here.” The pain, the hurt, the misunderstanding that sounded in their voices, that was seen on their faces, and that was felt from their hearts was real. This pain, this hurt from families being divided, one from another, their homes from their land, their children from their schools is what Tina was trying to express to us during one of our evening hotel lectures.
What was so special about her faith, her works? She had visited Sabeel and Bethlehem Bible College the year before, a housewife from PA, she saw people like you and I trying to hold on to hope against all odds, she saw businesses closing, services being withheld and fellow Christians responding with Exodus from the very town of our Saviors Birth. She, in the face of adversity, decided to stay, to be that voice, that heart, that soul, that body who represented the hope and faith that so many are holding dear. Even more special was, on this night, for the very first time, standing nervously before us, she had come to witness to a crowd of her own believers about the turmoil and misunderstanding surrounding the West Bank. She wasn’t sure how we would react, she wasn’t sure how we would respond, but nonetheless she persevered, patience abounding, answering each question in detail, mak-ing sure we understood, making sure we believed.
I have heard many of my fellow Christians say, I have been a Christian all my life, but I have never felt the Holy Spirit. My question to you today, is what have you done to fill your heart with Christ’s Holy Spirit? Tomorrow when you see a piece of paper on the ground, pick it up and throw it away, the next day when you see a child or an elderly person who needs your time, spend it with them, and next weekend when you see a homeless man standing in front of Wendy’s, offer him the food in your hand, and in Jan. 2009, accept this invitation to make your very own pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Thus, you too can truly be filled with the Holy Spirit and spread the Good News of Christ.
Donna Sperry
Read: Romans 12:8-21
As United Methodists, we know that the grace of salvation is given freely through Christ
Simply by the asking. But what then? How do we as Christians truly fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit? Paul tells us the answer in Romans Chapter 12, verses 11-13. “ Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in Hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer and most importantly contribute to the needs of others, extend hospitality to strangers.” In other words, faith comes from work. We are filled with the Holy Spirit through our works. Our works are not measured in numbers, but by the spirit in our heart when we offer them.
During our visit to the Holy Land, I was struck by the relentless works of faith by those involved in missionary projects such as Sabeel which is supported by our Global Methodist Ministry, often times the face of opposition, and even persecution.
One such woman was Tina Whitehead. I meant Tina at Bethlehem Bible College. Also sup-ported by our Global Ministry, Bethlehem Bible College serves those who have heard the calling to teach, preach or counsel the Word of God Some of us may not be aware, but Bethlehem Bible College is in the West Bank and 10% of those living in the West Bank are Christians. I visited the West Bank four times during my visit to the Holy Land, twice on my own. Each time, I was greeted with open arms, with the voices of strangers saying, “welcome” or “you are our first guest in two weeks, I am so glad you are here.” The pain, the hurt, the misunderstanding that sounded in their voices, that was seen on their faces, and that was felt from their hearts was real. This pain, this hurt from families being divided, one from another, their homes from their land, their children from their schools is what Tina was trying to express to us during one of our evening hotel lectures.
What was so special about her faith, her works? She had visited Sabeel and Bethlehem Bible College the year before, a housewife from PA, she saw people like you and I trying to hold on to hope against all odds, she saw businesses closing, services being withheld and fellow Christians responding with Exodus from the very town of our Saviors Birth. She, in the face of adversity, decided to stay, to be that voice, that heart, that soul, that body who represented the hope and faith that so many are holding dear. Even more special was, on this night, for the very first time, standing nervously before us, she had come to witness to a crowd of her own believers about the turmoil and misunderstanding surrounding the West Bank. She wasn’t sure how we would react, she wasn’t sure how we would respond, but nonetheless she persevered, patience abounding, answering each question in detail, mak-ing sure we understood, making sure we believed.
I have heard many of my fellow Christians say, I have been a Christian all my life, but I have never felt the Holy Spirit. My question to you today, is what have you done to fill your heart with Christ’s Holy Spirit? Tomorrow when you see a piece of paper on the ground, pick it up and throw it away, the next day when you see a child or an elderly person who needs your time, spend it with them, and next weekend when you see a homeless man standing in front of Wendy’s, offer him the food in your hand, and in Jan. 2009, accept this invitation to make your very own pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Thus, you too can truly be filled with the Holy Spirit and spread the Good News of Christ.
Donna Sperry
February 28, 2007
Quiet Time
Read: Matthew 14:22-23
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side while he dismissed the crowds. And after he dismissed the crowds, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
The other day I realized that most young people do not know how to be alone, or have quiet time. They do not know how to be silent. For them, silence is something that must be filled. Their ears are constantly bombarded with sound. At home, each room has a TV or CD blaring. The first thing most adults do upon entering the house it turn on the TV. They ride in cars that vibrate with the boom of the radio. Malls and homes are filled with talking, yelling, and laughing.
After this revelation, I practiced keeping silent and learned that, in the silence, the mind can have a chance to think. I made lists of things to think about.
The scripture passage tells us that Jesus went off by himself, away from the multitudes. He went into the silence to pray. We too, must have time to allow our minds to commune with God.
Betty J. Reas
Read: Matthew 14:22-23
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side while he dismissed the crowds. And after he dismissed the crowds, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
The other day I realized that most young people do not know how to be alone, or have quiet time. They do not know how to be silent. For them, silence is something that must be filled. Their ears are constantly bombarded with sound. At home, each room has a TV or CD blaring. The first thing most adults do upon entering the house it turn on the TV. They ride in cars that vibrate with the boom of the radio. Malls and homes are filled with talking, yelling, and laughing.
After this revelation, I practiced keeping silent and learned that, in the silence, the mind can have a chance to think. I made lists of things to think about.
The scripture passage tells us that Jesus went off by himself, away from the multitudes. He went into the silence to pray. We too, must have time to allow our minds to commune with God.
Betty J. Reas
February 27, 2007
Pay Attention
Read: Luke 19:47-48
The day we were assigned this sermon, I think everyone’s first reaction was, Oh no, I can’t believe we have to write a sermon. The first words that come to mind when I think of sermons are boring, dull, long and tedious. I know we’re supposed to listen and learn. I also know that sometimes sermons are interesting and even funny when they include jokes. Usually though it seems that during the sermon people are doing one of three things: staring off in the distance, drawing on the bulletin, or sleeping. (Well that’s what I guess I do, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.) But maybe looks are deceiving.
It occurred to me that staring off into space doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is not listening. In fact I need to defend that because I do it to my mom all the time. I claim that I’m listening – and of course I am!- even though I’m not looking at her. She doesn’t believe me though. It’s probably true for other people too. Some people might be enjoying the stained glass windows. Some people may be thinking about what they are hearing. Some may be just staring off, but I bet they hear a lot more than they realize. I know I do. One time my mom had to go home because my sister forgot her 3rd grade Bible at home. She came back and asked what she had missed in the sermon and surprisingly I was able to fill her in pretty well.
My sister, Faith, draws during the sermon - on the children’s bulletin, on the envelopes, on the stack of plain paper we sometimes bring. I’m always certain she isn’t listening when all of a sudden something is said about faith in the sermon and she sits up straight and starts poking me. I turn to her and say, “What?” And she says, “Did you hear, did you hear, she just said FAITH!” I bet my cousin Christian did the same thing when he was little. I’ve seen other people writing, but they could be jotting down notes, they could be drawing something that goes along with the sermon. I remember drawing fruit when I heard about the fruit of the spirit. I guess even if you’re drawing, you can get something out of the sermon too.
Can you get anything out of the sermon if you’re sleeping? Probably not if that’s what you are really doing. I have seen my aunt many times though up in the choir loft looking like she is asleep. I heard her talking about the sermons one time and how she makes it a habit to listen to them with her eyes closed. She says she can’t pay attention to them otherwise. Either it’s a great cover, or maybe we jump to conclusions about the people around us with closed eyes. It would be kind of hard for me to fall asleep with someone talking into a micro-phone. (Not to mention a fidgeting little 8-year old sitting next to me).
I was imagining a conversation with Linus from Charlie Brown. He always seems to know quotes from the Bible. How is it possible for a little kid who drags around a blanket to know all that anyway? If I told him how it is sometimes hard to pay attention in church, he would say, “You have to it’s in the Bible”. He actually would be right. It says in Hebrews 2:1, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Maybe we all drift a little while we listen. Even when our eyes, hands, and some-times even thoughts drift a little, maybe we are paying more attention than we give ourselves credit for. God gives us credit for coming to church. Next time I’m sitting in a service I’ll try to think of this scripture and hopefully I wont drift out too far. It might be easier if I had a name like Faith or Christian because then occasionally someone would call my name and get me to pay attention. I’m not sure I would want that to happen though. I’m sure there are better ways.
Kayla Rumpp
Read: Luke 19:47-48
The day we were assigned this sermon, I think everyone’s first reaction was, Oh no, I can’t believe we have to write a sermon. The first words that come to mind when I think of sermons are boring, dull, long and tedious. I know we’re supposed to listen and learn. I also know that sometimes sermons are interesting and even funny when they include jokes. Usually though it seems that during the sermon people are doing one of three things: staring off in the distance, drawing on the bulletin, or sleeping. (Well that’s what I guess I do, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.) But maybe looks are deceiving.
It occurred to me that staring off into space doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is not listening. In fact I need to defend that because I do it to my mom all the time. I claim that I’m listening – and of course I am!- even though I’m not looking at her. She doesn’t believe me though. It’s probably true for other people too. Some people might be enjoying the stained glass windows. Some people may be thinking about what they are hearing. Some may be just staring off, but I bet they hear a lot more than they realize. I know I do. One time my mom had to go home because my sister forgot her 3rd grade Bible at home. She came back and asked what she had missed in the sermon and surprisingly I was able to fill her in pretty well.
My sister, Faith, draws during the sermon - on the children’s bulletin, on the envelopes, on the stack of plain paper we sometimes bring. I’m always certain she isn’t listening when all of a sudden something is said about faith in the sermon and she sits up straight and starts poking me. I turn to her and say, “What?” And she says, “Did you hear, did you hear, she just said FAITH!” I bet my cousin Christian did the same thing when he was little. I’ve seen other people writing, but they could be jotting down notes, they could be drawing something that goes along with the sermon. I remember drawing fruit when I heard about the fruit of the spirit. I guess even if you’re drawing, you can get something out of the sermon too.
Can you get anything out of the sermon if you’re sleeping? Probably not if that’s what you are really doing. I have seen my aunt many times though up in the choir loft looking like she is asleep. I heard her talking about the sermons one time and how she makes it a habit to listen to them with her eyes closed. She says she can’t pay attention to them otherwise. Either it’s a great cover, or maybe we jump to conclusions about the people around us with closed eyes. It would be kind of hard for me to fall asleep with someone talking into a micro-phone. (Not to mention a fidgeting little 8-year old sitting next to me).
I was imagining a conversation with Linus from Charlie Brown. He always seems to know quotes from the Bible. How is it possible for a little kid who drags around a blanket to know all that anyway? If I told him how it is sometimes hard to pay attention in church, he would say, “You have to it’s in the Bible”. He actually would be right. It says in Hebrews 2:1, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Maybe we all drift a little while we listen. Even when our eyes, hands, and some-times even thoughts drift a little, maybe we are paying more attention than we give ourselves credit for. God gives us credit for coming to church. Next time I’m sitting in a service I’ll try to think of this scripture and hopefully I wont drift out too far. It might be easier if I had a name like Faith or Christian because then occasionally someone would call my name and get me to pay attention. I’m not sure I would want that to happen though. I’m sure there are better ways.
Kayla Rumpp
February 26, 2007
How Are Ye Able?
Read: John 13:1-17
Christians are called in many ways to love and serve. Last year’s Volunteers in Mission trip to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans had a profound effect on me.
Sharing stories of that trip, I have often said, “Every morning I got out of bed, having slept on the floor of an unfinished Sunday school room, being tired, often sore, and asking myself just what on earth was I doing there. And every evening, following the gutting of a house, the cleanup of a yard or some similar work, when the homeowner expressed gratitude and, more importantly, hope, I had my answer.”
I just returned from a similar trip to New Orleans and Gulfport, MS, having accompanied my brother and joined my niece Katy’s group of Albion College students doing hurricane relief work in that region. This time we slept in a church attic (in Mississippi) and in a now-finished Sunday school room at our host church in New Orleans.
Know what? I had the same feelings every morning on the recent trip. Know what else? Despite some organizational snafus that affected our work efforts in Mississippi, every evening I had my answer, just as I had last year.
John 13:1-17 contains the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. When asked why he was performing this menial task, Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
In whatever ways we are able, can we do any less than follow Christ’s example of service to others?
Fred Van de Putte
Read: John 13:1-17
Christians are called in many ways to love and serve. Last year’s Volunteers in Mission trip to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans had a profound effect on me.
Sharing stories of that trip, I have often said, “Every morning I got out of bed, having slept on the floor of an unfinished Sunday school room, being tired, often sore, and asking myself just what on earth was I doing there. And every evening, following the gutting of a house, the cleanup of a yard or some similar work, when the homeowner expressed gratitude and, more importantly, hope, I had my answer.”
I just returned from a similar trip to New Orleans and Gulfport, MS, having accompanied my brother and joined my niece Katy’s group of Albion College students doing hurricane relief work in that region. This time we slept in a church attic (in Mississippi) and in a now-finished Sunday school room at our host church in New Orleans.
Know what? I had the same feelings every morning on the recent trip. Know what else? Despite some organizational snafus that affected our work efforts in Mississippi, every evening I had my answer, just as I had last year.
John 13:1-17 contains the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. When asked why he was performing this menial task, Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
In whatever ways we are able, can we do any less than follow Christ’s example of service to others?
Fred Van de Putte
February 25, 2007
Sanctuary
Read: Ezekiel 37:26-28
We usually sit at the back of the church. That way we don’t disturb others when we leave early to set up for coffee hour.
Sitting at the back gives me the opportunity to really see the Sanctuary. The stained glass windows on each side are special as are the large wooden trusses which support the roof and other parts of the building. The trusses are all the same, but from the back those in front look smaller, closer together and seem to lead to the large window at the front.
As I look at the clear portion at the top of the window, it frames the cross suspended above us. Although nothing in the sanctuary is ornate, the cross is special in its stark simplicity and it reminds us by its emptiness that ours is a risen God.
In our sanctuary I see not just the building, but people who have become a second family, people who care about each other and who offer comfort in time of need.
The dictionary defines sanctuary as a holy place or a place that provides refuge, and synonyms for sanctuary include haven, oasis and shelter.
No wonder it’s called a Sanctuary!
Jack Van Becelaere
Read: Ezekiel 37:26-28
We usually sit at the back of the church. That way we don’t disturb others when we leave early to set up for coffee hour.
Sitting at the back gives me the opportunity to really see the Sanctuary. The stained glass windows on each side are special as are the large wooden trusses which support the roof and other parts of the building. The trusses are all the same, but from the back those in front look smaller, closer together and seem to lead to the large window at the front.
As I look at the clear portion at the top of the window, it frames the cross suspended above us. Although nothing in the sanctuary is ornate, the cross is special in its stark simplicity and it reminds us by its emptiness that ours is a risen God.
In our sanctuary I see not just the building, but people who have become a second family, people who care about each other and who offer comfort in time of need.
The dictionary defines sanctuary as a holy place or a place that provides refuge, and synonyms for sanctuary include haven, oasis and shelter.
No wonder it’s called a Sanctuary!
Jack Van Becelaere
February 24, 2007
Reaching Out
Read: Luke 18:1-8
I work at a Social Security hearings office, where people who have been denied disability benefits can come before a judge to appeal. You might say that I have seen it all -- the man who had not cut his fingernails for years and came in for his hearing with his yellowed nails dragging on the floor, the woman who was so heavy that she could barely fit through our doors, and people who practically skip through the parking lot and then limp into the hearing room with a cane. It would be easy to become cynical, after 25 years of watching claimants come and go. We certainly have employees in our office who refer to such people using very derogatory terms and are less than accommodating. I have also noticed that when I tell people where I work the response is usually, “Oh, you must see a lot of phonies -- people trying to bilk the system.”
The truth is that the vast majority of those individuals coming in for hearings are decent, hard-working people who are merely down on their luck. They may be seriously ill and unable to work, or they may be unable to perform their heavy-labor job and are unskilled for other positions. Many times those trying to “cheat” the system also have a sad history of hardship and despair.
I try to remember that each individual that comes into our office is entitled to be treated with respect and compassion. I try to remember that Jesus showed us how we, as Christians, must reach out to our fellow man. After all, Jesus came to the aid of those who were outcasts -- a prostitute, leper, and blind man.
I recently ran across a quote by George Bernard Shaw, which I have placed on my refrigerator as a constant reminder:
“THE GREAT SECRET ... IS NOT HAVING BAD MANNERS OR GOOD MANNERS … BUT HAVING THE SAME MANNER FOR ALL HUMAN SOULS: IN SHORT, BEHAVING AS IF YOU WERE IN HEAVEN, WHERE THERE ARE NO THIRD-CLASS CARRIAGES, AND ONE SOUL IS AS GOOD AS ANOTHER.”
Jan Versical
Read: Luke 18:1-8
I work at a Social Security hearings office, where people who have been denied disability benefits can come before a judge to appeal. You might say that I have seen it all -- the man who had not cut his fingernails for years and came in for his hearing with his yellowed nails dragging on the floor, the woman who was so heavy that she could barely fit through our doors, and people who practically skip through the parking lot and then limp into the hearing room with a cane. It would be easy to become cynical, after 25 years of watching claimants come and go. We certainly have employees in our office who refer to such people using very derogatory terms and are less than accommodating. I have also noticed that when I tell people where I work the response is usually, “Oh, you must see a lot of phonies -- people trying to bilk the system.”
The truth is that the vast majority of those individuals coming in for hearings are decent, hard-working people who are merely down on their luck. They may be seriously ill and unable to work, or they may be unable to perform their heavy-labor job and are unskilled for other positions. Many times those trying to “cheat” the system also have a sad history of hardship and despair.
I try to remember that each individual that comes into our office is entitled to be treated with respect and compassion. I try to remember that Jesus showed us how we, as Christians, must reach out to our fellow man. After all, Jesus came to the aid of those who were outcasts -- a prostitute, leper, and blind man.
I recently ran across a quote by George Bernard Shaw, which I have placed on my refrigerator as a constant reminder:
“THE GREAT SECRET ... IS NOT HAVING BAD MANNERS OR GOOD MANNERS … BUT HAVING THE SAME MANNER FOR ALL HUMAN SOULS: IN SHORT, BEHAVING AS IF YOU WERE IN HEAVEN, WHERE THERE ARE NO THIRD-CLASS CARRIAGES, AND ONE SOUL IS AS GOOD AS ANOTHER.”
Jan Versical
February 23, 2007
Bright Spots
Read: Psalm 55:1-2,16-17,22
Throughout our time in the States for Aaron's treatment, we have had many amazing opportunities. We call them our bright spots.
One of those opportunities was when we were invited to be the guest speakers at the Ronald McDonald House Light the House Campaign Kick-off last November. The major donors/sponsors for the House are invited to this kick-off. We wrote our speech as a thank you to the people that donate time and money to the Ronald McDonald House. When Charlie made his request for devotions, I immediately thought of this speech and how it applies to everyone that has ever sent a card, called, prayed for or just did some small favor for some-one in need.
Imagine yourself on top of the world. Wonderful family, great job, caring friends, nice house, family vacations. For most of you, it is probably not too hard to imagine.
That is where we come from- the top of the world. We “have it all”. The family, the house, the friends, exciting vacations, and what a job! 18 months ago, my husband started the job of a lifetime- an international assignment in Seoul, South Korea. We all headed off to South Korea to join in on this once in a lifetime adventure. Our life there has been all that we expected.
Little did we know that something bigger than we could control was going to push us off the top of the world. On Sept 13, my son was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. In a matter of days we were forced to make a decision about where to have him treated. Madison became our choice, so we packed up a few belongings and headed back to the states leaving behind two of my sons.
The first few days here were a whirlwind of activities- doctor consults, medical procedures, visits from friends and family. Our first “home” was the hospital and a hotel room for a quick clothing change and a shower. Our sustenance was hospital food three meals a day.
Finally we took my sister-in-law’s advice and moved into the Ronald McDonald House. That is where we have been for the last 8 weeks. We had no idea when we moved in that we would be here this long. We had hoped to return to Korea for some of his 24 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
What a difference the house has made to us. Aaron is not inpatient at the hospital all of the time. He lives here at the house in between his treatments. The house has been like a home to us. - surrounded by caring people, close to the hospital, a kitchen that is always full of food, and the ability to talk to other families that are going through the same thing that we are going through.
At a time like this it has been a blessing to not have to worry about shopping for groceries or repairing a leaky toilet. It is an environment that cannot be duplicated anywhere.
On Tuesday, A friend of mine reminded me that God won’t give you more than you can handle. I don’t believe this anymore. I think that if he does give you more than you can handle, he gives you other things, timed just perfectly to help you overcome whatever adversity that he has given you. This house and the people in it are one of the gifts that God, with your help, has given us to help us through this time and to help us climb back to the top of the world when the time is right.
Treva Beckius
Read: Psalm 55:1-2,16-17,22
Throughout our time in the States for Aaron's treatment, we have had many amazing opportunities. We call them our bright spots.
One of those opportunities was when we were invited to be the guest speakers at the Ronald McDonald House Light the House Campaign Kick-off last November. The major donors/sponsors for the House are invited to this kick-off. We wrote our speech as a thank you to the people that donate time and money to the Ronald McDonald House. When Charlie made his request for devotions, I immediately thought of this speech and how it applies to everyone that has ever sent a card, called, prayed for or just did some small favor for some-one in need.
Imagine yourself on top of the world. Wonderful family, great job, caring friends, nice house, family vacations. For most of you, it is probably not too hard to imagine.
That is where we come from- the top of the world. We “have it all”. The family, the house, the friends, exciting vacations, and what a job! 18 months ago, my husband started the job of a lifetime- an international assignment in Seoul, South Korea. We all headed off to South Korea to join in on this once in a lifetime adventure. Our life there has been all that we expected.
Little did we know that something bigger than we could control was going to push us off the top of the world. On Sept 13, my son was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. In a matter of days we were forced to make a decision about where to have him treated. Madison became our choice, so we packed up a few belongings and headed back to the states leaving behind two of my sons.
The first few days here were a whirlwind of activities- doctor consults, medical procedures, visits from friends and family. Our first “home” was the hospital and a hotel room for a quick clothing change and a shower. Our sustenance was hospital food three meals a day.
Finally we took my sister-in-law’s advice and moved into the Ronald McDonald House. That is where we have been for the last 8 weeks. We had no idea when we moved in that we would be here this long. We had hoped to return to Korea for some of his 24 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
What a difference the house has made to us. Aaron is not inpatient at the hospital all of the time. He lives here at the house in between his treatments. The house has been like a home to us. - surrounded by caring people, close to the hospital, a kitchen that is always full of food, and the ability to talk to other families that are going through the same thing that we are going through.
At a time like this it has been a blessing to not have to worry about shopping for groceries or repairing a leaky toilet. It is an environment that cannot be duplicated anywhere.
On Tuesday, A friend of mine reminded me that God won’t give you more than you can handle. I don’t believe this anymore. I think that if he does give you more than you can handle, he gives you other things, timed just perfectly to help you overcome whatever adversity that he has given you. This house and the people in it are one of the gifts that God, with your help, has given us to help us through this time and to help us climb back to the top of the world when the time is right.
Treva Beckius
February 22, 2007
Preparing to Meet Jesus
Read: Luke 24:13-32
As I prepared for my recent trip to the Holy Land my thoughts focused on the activities that would allow ministry to continue in my absence and what I needed to pack. Pointer articles, worship services, program ministries, warm weather clothing, rain gear, and the small bottle of Woolite that would make packing less clothing possible. I considered carefully whether I would read a novel or a book on ministry during the plane ride and at night before bed. I contemplated the items that John and I did not need two of and consolidated our packing list even more.
I arrived at the airport with great joy and thanksgiving in my heart for the people with whom I would be sharing the next ten days, the staff at Educational Opportunities (who had so carefully planned our trip, handled the registration, made all of the arrangements, and kept our costs down), and my colleagues in ministry, whom I had not seen since our Ordination, and I was looking forward to spending some time. Excitedly, I boarded the plane ready, or so I thought, to begin yet another faith journey.
What I did not prepare for was a pilgrimage—a holy expedition, a holy journey that takes one to a sacred place. As a group, we had prepared for our exodus. We had prayed for and expected God’s provision as we traveled to and through this foreign land, and we had arrived in Tel Aviv seeking God and the City of God. But it wasn’t until I was walking through the Ben-Gurion Airport (in Israel) on my way to claim my luggage, that I realized that I had not prepared myself to meet Jesus.
I wondered how many of us are unprepared to meet Jesus and walk with him in our busy lives. How many of us are like the disciples on the road to Emmaus--knowing all about the people and events, but unable to recognize Jesus as he walks beside us on our road towards home? I wondered where we would be when Jesus would once again make himself known to me, to my fellow pilgrims from Grosse Pointe and the United Methodist Church in Michigan.
Having met Jesus in so many places and times in my own life, I knew that I did not have to go to the Holy Land to meet him, but I also knew that I had to be ready to receive him—prepared for the next time we would meet. As the days passed, I found myself reading the Bible stories of the places we were about to visit in anticipation of our reunion. That is when I remembered that it is living in anticipation and expectation that we will meet again soon, which prepares all of us to meet our Redeemer, our Savior and our Friend, Jesus Christ. After that, Jesus seemed to be everywhere. In the arm of the Bishop as he and Roberta Fuller walked arm in arm down the steep road to the Garden of Gethsemane, in the conversations about ministry and mission work on our bus, in the faces of those we shared communion with in the Baptist Church in Jerusalem, and in conversation after conversation shared around the table as we broke bread.
I am glad I was able to recognize Jesus in so many places and situations, but as we walk towards the cross in this season of Lent I find myself wondering how many others are unprepared to meet the risen Christ. After all, that is what Lent prepares us for—to meet the risen Christ. I pray that you are well prepared and that you too will find Christ everywhere you look during this Lenten season.
Rev. Pam Beedle-Gee
Read: Luke 24:13-32
As I prepared for my recent trip to the Holy Land my thoughts focused on the activities that would allow ministry to continue in my absence and what I needed to pack. Pointer articles, worship services, program ministries, warm weather clothing, rain gear, and the small bottle of Woolite that would make packing less clothing possible. I considered carefully whether I would read a novel or a book on ministry during the plane ride and at night before bed. I contemplated the items that John and I did not need two of and consolidated our packing list even more.
I arrived at the airport with great joy and thanksgiving in my heart for the people with whom I would be sharing the next ten days, the staff at Educational Opportunities (who had so carefully planned our trip, handled the registration, made all of the arrangements, and kept our costs down), and my colleagues in ministry, whom I had not seen since our Ordination, and I was looking forward to spending some time. Excitedly, I boarded the plane ready, or so I thought, to begin yet another faith journey.
What I did not prepare for was a pilgrimage—a holy expedition, a holy journey that takes one to a sacred place. As a group, we had prepared for our exodus. We had prayed for and expected God’s provision as we traveled to and through this foreign land, and we had arrived in Tel Aviv seeking God and the City of God. But it wasn’t until I was walking through the Ben-Gurion Airport (in Israel) on my way to claim my luggage, that I realized that I had not prepared myself to meet Jesus.
I wondered how many of us are unprepared to meet Jesus and walk with him in our busy lives. How many of us are like the disciples on the road to Emmaus--knowing all about the people and events, but unable to recognize Jesus as he walks beside us on our road towards home? I wondered where we would be when Jesus would once again make himself known to me, to my fellow pilgrims from Grosse Pointe and the United Methodist Church in Michigan.
Having met Jesus in so many places and times in my own life, I knew that I did not have to go to the Holy Land to meet him, but I also knew that I had to be ready to receive him—prepared for the next time we would meet. As the days passed, I found myself reading the Bible stories of the places we were about to visit in anticipation of our reunion. That is when I remembered that it is living in anticipation and expectation that we will meet again soon, which prepares all of us to meet our Redeemer, our Savior and our Friend, Jesus Christ. After that, Jesus seemed to be everywhere. In the arm of the Bishop as he and Roberta Fuller walked arm in arm down the steep road to the Garden of Gethsemane, in the conversations about ministry and mission work on our bus, in the faces of those we shared communion with in the Baptist Church in Jerusalem, and in conversation after conversation shared around the table as we broke bread.
I am glad I was able to recognize Jesus in so many places and situations, but as we walk towards the cross in this season of Lent I find myself wondering how many others are unprepared to meet the risen Christ. After all, that is what Lent prepares us for—to meet the risen Christ. I pray that you are well prepared and that you too will find Christ everywhere you look during this Lenten season.
Rev. Pam Beedle-Gee
February 21, 2007 – Ash Wednesday
Still Searching
Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God, and the word was God. NRSV
Some of you may know that I have been searching for answers for almost my entire life, ever since my mother died. Was she in heaven, was there a heaven, would I ever see her again. I knew she was very involved on the altar society and that she went to church every week, and made sure we said our nightly prayers. But I didn’t know about her beliefs, about her relationship with God. I guess in the 60’s those deep topics weren’t things adults discussed with their 9 year old children. As I grew older I still had these same questions and more and so I began searching for answers.
I looked everywhere. I looked to my religious friends, I went on retreats, I went to Catholic churches, Baptist churches, Protestant churches. I took religion classes in college. I talked to nuns, priests and rabbis; Muslims, Buddhists and atheists. The more people I talked to the more confused and unclear I became. At one point I even joined the Mormon Church because they had baptism for the dead and I figured if I found the answers I could “stand in” for my Mom if she hadn’t done it right. I looked everywhere except for one place.
As I write this I think of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. She went through so much in her quest to get back to Kansas. The flying monkeys, the nasty apple trees, that wicked witch, the miles and miles and miles of yellow brick road and in the end the power to get her home was right there with her. Those ruby red slippers had been on her feet the whole time but she didn’t know the power they held.
Well all the years I have spent searching I too have had the power available to me but I didn’t know it either. It was my Bible.
When I first started in the Disciple I Bible Study class I found the reading interesting and the history fun but it was really nothing more then I could have gotten from the Discovery channel. But as the weeks went by, something changed; it wasn’t overnight, but gradually. I was no longer reading a history book, I was beginning to understand the Bible as God speaking out to us and his message is very simple and clear. He is telling us that he loves us and will take care of us if we love and trust him.
At the end of Disciple I class we identified gifts we saw in each other. Many of the people in the class gave me the gift of teacher. I have also been called a learner. I love to learn and I will exhaustively research a question until I find the answer. So it’s odd that for all these years as I searched I never turned to the Bible. It’s like looking for the answer to a tax question without using the Internal Revenue Code. It’s stunning to me that no one ever pointed it out or that I didn’t realize it for myself.
Now that the class is over I still don’t have all the answers and I know I never will but at least I am finally looking in the right place. The other big difference is that while I am still searching it’s for something different. I am no longer searching for the answers to the questions I carried with me from my childhood. Now I’m searching for a closer relationship with God.
During Lent try to find time every day read your Bible. It is a precious gift, as precious as those ruby slippers and much more powerful.
Cathy Lorenz
Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God, and the word was God. NRSV
Some of you may know that I have been searching for answers for almost my entire life, ever since my mother died. Was she in heaven, was there a heaven, would I ever see her again. I knew she was very involved on the altar society and that she went to church every week, and made sure we said our nightly prayers. But I didn’t know about her beliefs, about her relationship with God. I guess in the 60’s those deep topics weren’t things adults discussed with their 9 year old children. As I grew older I still had these same questions and more and so I began searching for answers.
I looked everywhere. I looked to my religious friends, I went on retreats, I went to Catholic churches, Baptist churches, Protestant churches. I took religion classes in college. I talked to nuns, priests and rabbis; Muslims, Buddhists and atheists. The more people I talked to the more confused and unclear I became. At one point I even joined the Mormon Church because they had baptism for the dead and I figured if I found the answers I could “stand in” for my Mom if she hadn’t done it right. I looked everywhere except for one place.
As I write this I think of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. She went through so much in her quest to get back to Kansas. The flying monkeys, the nasty apple trees, that wicked witch, the miles and miles and miles of yellow brick road and in the end the power to get her home was right there with her. Those ruby red slippers had been on her feet the whole time but she didn’t know the power they held.
Well all the years I have spent searching I too have had the power available to me but I didn’t know it either. It was my Bible.
When I first started in the Disciple I Bible Study class I found the reading interesting and the history fun but it was really nothing more then I could have gotten from the Discovery channel. But as the weeks went by, something changed; it wasn’t overnight, but gradually. I was no longer reading a history book, I was beginning to understand the Bible as God speaking out to us and his message is very simple and clear. He is telling us that he loves us and will take care of us if we love and trust him.
At the end of Disciple I class we identified gifts we saw in each other. Many of the people in the class gave me the gift of teacher. I have also been called a learner. I love to learn and I will exhaustively research a question until I find the answer. So it’s odd that for all these years as I searched I never turned to the Bible. It’s like looking for the answer to a tax question without using the Internal Revenue Code. It’s stunning to me that no one ever pointed it out or that I didn’t realize it for myself.
Now that the class is over I still don’t have all the answers and I know I never will but at least I am finally looking in the right place. The other big difference is that while I am still searching it’s for something different. I am no longer searching for the answers to the questions I carried with me from my childhood. Now I’m searching for a closer relationship with God.
During Lent try to find time every day read your Bible. It is a precious gift, as precious as those ruby slippers and much more powerful.
Cathy Lorenz
Introduction (2007)
The other day I was reading the daily devotion in the Upper Room, and I thought to myself, “That was good enough to go in our Lenten Devotion book.” I hadn’t realized quite how important this book is to me, I guess, until I noticed that my daily readings through the rest of the year just don’t quite measure up.
I’m sure it’s partly the fact that I know the writers of this book that makes it so special to me, but I think it really is just that - partly. It seems that this exercise brings out some of the deepest thoughts we each have - some of the most important sharing of feelings, experiences, and musings we could hope for.
As has been the case each of the past issues, it’s been quite exciting to see the patterns emerge in the submissions. Not only can we catch a glimpse of the Holy Land, we can share in worship and song, enjoy a family meal, celebrate a wedding, in short, we can share our lives and our living with one another - all centered around Jesus. That, of course, is only appropriate as we make our journey through Lent and on to Easter and Christ’s glorious resurrection!
It still seems just as appropriate as it has been these last several years 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
I’m sure it’s partly the fact that I know the writers of this book that makes it so special to me, but I think it really is just that - partly. It seems that this exercise brings out some of the deepest thoughts we each have - some of the most important sharing of feelings, experiences, and musings we could hope for.
As has been the case each of the past issues, it’s been quite exciting to see the patterns emerge in the submissions. Not only can we catch a glimpse of the Holy Land, we can share in worship and song, enjoy a family meal, celebrate a wedding, in short, we can share our lives and our living with one another - all centered around Jesus. That, of course, is only appropriate as we make our journey through Lent and on to Easter and Christ’s glorious resurrection!
It still seems just as appropriate as it has been these last several years 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
Monday, April 17, 2006
Lent Is Over
Well, folks. Lent is over.
We've celebrated Easter:
The Lord is Risen!
The Lord is Risen Indeed!
That means we're no longer posting new devotions for Lent (I know, big surprise there), but we'll leave these here for a while. We pray that these devotional readings and writings from members of our congregation have been a blessing in your life, and that you have come to know us a bit better. More importantly, though, we pray that you have come to know our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior.
Feel free to stop by our web site (which will "soon" be undergoing a complete makeover) at www.gpumc.org as well as visiting us for Sunday worship. Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church is located at 211 Moross in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His fact to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
We've celebrated Easter:
The Lord is Risen!
The Lord is Risen Indeed!
That means we're no longer posting new devotions for Lent (I know, big surprise there), but we'll leave these here for a while. We pray that these devotional readings and writings from members of our congregation have been a blessing in your life, and that you have come to know us a bit better. More importantly, though, we pray that you have come to know our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior.
Feel free to stop by our web site (which will "soon" be undergoing a complete makeover) at www.gpumc.org as well as visiting us for Sunday worship. Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church is located at 211 Moross in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His fact to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
April 16, 2006 - Easter Sunday
The Day of Resurrection
The day of resurrection!
Earth, tell it out abroad;
the Passover of gladness,
the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal,
from earth unto the sky,
our Christ hath brought us over,
with hymns of victory.
Our hearts be pure from evil,
that we may see aright
the Lord in rays eternal
of resurrection light;
and listening to his accents,
may hear, so calm and plain,
his own "All hail!" and, hearing,
may raise the victor strain.
Now let the heavens be joyful!
Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph,
and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen
their notes in gladness blend,
for Christ the Lord hath risen,
our joy that hath no end.
The Lord is Risen!
The Lord is Risen Indeed!
Hallelujah!
Amen and Amen!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
April 15, 2006
Reflections on Scripture
(from the Living Bible – Paraphrased 1971)
1 John 2:1 – “My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sing. But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who is all that is good, and who pleases God completely.”
Where would we stand without Him?
2 John 1:5 – and now I want to urgently remind you, dear friends, of the old rule God gave us right from the beginning, that Christians should love one another.
Sure is true today, isn't it?
Jude 1:5 – My answer to them is: Remember this fact – which you know already – that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and killed every one of them who did not trust and obey.
Revelation 3:20 – “Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears Me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him, and he with Me.”
What a wonderful thought to finish on!
Bob Kiess
Friday, April 14, 2006
April 14, 2006
You Are Here
Read Psalm 16:8-11
After a conversation with Steve Lorenz (who gets the credit for the title of this devotion), I imagined myself standing at the directory of my life (like a mall directory) looking for that dot on the map that reads “You Are Here.”
Even if I know where I want to go, I have to find out where I am first. Where I am may turn out to be a disappointment. I could discover that I am much farther away from my destination than I’d hoped – or not. I also may discover that the path I took to the “You Are Here” spot was a poor choice – maybe I missed something I really wanted to do along the way, or maybe I took too many wrong turns. It could be that somebody else’s needs or actions led me a different way. I might have discovered many amazing things along the way. No matter what my path was, or whether the decisions involved were good or bad – where am I now?
I am here.
The map tells me so.
How do I get where I want to go?
From here.
I imagine Jesus standing at a directory in the Garden of Gethsemane and finding the “You Are Here” spot. I imagine seeing his shoulders sag and his head slump. His destination couldn’t have looked very appealing. His path up to that point though certainly had been filled with amazing things. He was pretty close to his destination, but where was he then?
He was there.
The good news was he knew that he wasn’t the only one at that point on the directory. I imagine Jesus looking at that spot on the directory again and reading “You Are Here” and I am with you. We can read the same thing.
Prayer for the day: Dear God, help us to not dwell on wrong turns along life’s path. Thank you for being with us where we are. Amen.
Thought for the day: No matter where you go, there you are.
Jacki Rumpp
Thursday, April 13, 2006
April 13, 2006
A Place at the Table
And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this. A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. “You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. - Luke 22:14-30
As we look at the disciple’s confusion, we can at times see our story. Sometimes we, too, can be more concerned with our need for affirmation – especially during those times in our lives when we feel tired and spent – then we are called to be. Sometimes, we, too, can let our fears get the best of us
We do not need to be overcome by self-concern or thoughts on who is the “greatest.” Which of us is the greatest? Everyone is – especially if we measure greatness the way that Jesus does – by service and not by self-importance.
Each one of us plays an important role in the overall plan of God. Each one of us, regardless of our betrayals or short comings, is loved by God more than we will ever fully realize. In the midst of disciples who are concerned about their own human greatness – with betrayals, denials, and death just around the corner – it does not stop God’s salvation from being offered to the world.
One of the earliest charges leveled against Jesus was that he “welcomes sinners and eats with them.” He did the same at the Last Supper. He still does. Thank God, he still does.
Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
April 12, 2006
Beyond Belief
And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31 NKJV
That sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? What must I do to be saved? Just believe. Just believe - that’s pretty easy, isn’t it? It seem to me that depends on what you mean by belief.
Sure, it’s not hard to say “I believe you” to someone, but how easy is it to really do it? Belief, as it’s use in this passage, doesn’t just mean a mental assent to a series of propositions. It’s not like following an argument in a debate or a proof in math class. You may accept each step of logic, you may even accept the conclusion, but if it doesn’t mean something to you personally, there isn’t much to your belief.
You may well believe your kid’s promise to be home by midnight, but at 11:35, when Devin signs off, how easy is it to head off to bed and go right to sleep? As the Petra song says, “There’s a higher place to go, beyond belief.” That higher place is trust.
One of the greatest things about our Christian faith (remember that word, “Faith”) is that it’s not simply a philosophy of life. It’s not a competitor with stoicism, existentialism, logical positivism, or any of those other philosophical -isms. Our faith is a trust in a Person; it’s a relationship with Jesus Christ. Believing that tighter oil supplies will make the price of gasoline go higher is easy. It’s also fairly empty. Believing that Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, and rose again because He loves us is an entirely different thing.
Once you believe that, you have to believe Him; not just believe in Him, but believe and trust Him personally, and in what He has already done for us. That’s what our faith is all about, because that’s Who our faith is all about.
Prayer: Father, we thank You that we don’t have to trust in what we can do, but rather we can trust in what Your son, Jesus Christ, has already done for us, and in what the Holy Spirit continues to do in us. Amen.
Thought for the day:
But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all at the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
Charlie van Becelaere
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
April 11, 2006
The Garden Spirit
When I was growing up, our Summer table was laden with the greatest variety of homegrown vegetables and fruits. We had a country home with lots of fertile land, and my Mother spent many hours converting much of it to flower beds, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and berry patches of every kind. Before riding my bike or going swimming, I had to put in my time planting, weeding, or picking, and I really didn't mind doing it. The food was plentiful and delicious; the flowers fragrant and beautiful; the labor well worth it.
Every Fall, with the coming of the frost, my Mother would become somewhat depressed; declaring that the garden was too large, and the work too hard. But each Spring,l as the gardening catalogs arrived, she would start planning the beds, talking cheerily of converting another bit of land into a new plot.
Growing up with a garden is knowing the full circle of life, and the promise of rebirth each Spring. My Mother is now interred in our lovely Memorial Garden – the proper resting place for one so intimate with the earth and the cycles of the growing season. In a sense, she is still gardening.
“With the kiss of the sun for pardon
And the song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on Earth.”
Anonymous
Sarah Frakes
Monday, April 10, 2006
April 10, 2006
Reflections on Scripture
(from the Living Bible – Paraphrased 1971)
Titus 3:3 – Remind your people to obey the government and its officers, and always o be obedient and ready for any honest work.
Philemon 1 – From: Paul, In jail for preaching the Good News about Jesus Christ, and from Brother Timothy.
Paul never forgot to pray for his friends, no matter where he was. Not a bad habit!
Hebrews 11:1 – What is Faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
Boston Marathon, 1989 Hebrews 12:1 – Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.
Amen to verse 12!
James 1:22 – And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don't fool yourselves.
Amen to that statement!
1 Peter 2:17 – Show respect for everyone. Love Christians everywhere. Fear God and honor government.
Great advice for anyone!
2 Peter 2:22 – There is an old saying that “a dog comes back to what he has vomited, and a pig is washed only to come back and wallow in the mud again.” That is the way it is with those who turn again to their sin.
Ugh! don't think some people will like that.
Bob Kiess
Saturday, April 08, 2006
April 8, 2006
Is God Dancing on Your Potato Chips?
Read: 2 Samuel 6:14-21
Not too long ago I had "one of those days." I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine. By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner.
Deciding on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed the Tupperware container from the fridge, popped the seal, took a look and groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars.
Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free: hot dogs and potato chips. Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty.
It was the final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process!
I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a leap onto the chips. And then I danced. Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from that rather funky moment provided just that.
So now I have a question for you, and it's simply this: Has God ever stomped on your chips? I know that, in my life, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess.
What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all. Sometimes I have to wait weeks or months before I begin to understand how and why God answered a particular prayer the way he did. There are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond.
Do I trust Him? Even when he's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when he's dancing and stomping instead of sweeping and mopping:? Can I embrace what He's offering? Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on the sidelines and sulk, or am I willing to learn the steps of the dance he's dancin' with my needs in mind? I'll be honest with you: Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down.
Author Unknown
Read: 2 Samuel 6:14-21
Not too long ago I had "one of those days." I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine. By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner.
Deciding on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed the Tupperware container from the fridge, popped the seal, took a look and groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars.
Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free: hot dogs and potato chips. Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty.
It was the final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process!
I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a leap onto the chips. And then I danced. Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from that rather funky moment provided just that.
So now I have a question for you, and it's simply this: Has God ever stomped on your chips? I know that, in my life, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess.
What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all. Sometimes I have to wait weeks or months before I begin to understand how and why God answered a particular prayer the way he did. There are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond.
Do I trust Him? Even when he's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when he's dancing and stomping instead of sweeping and mopping:? Can I embrace what He's offering? Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on the sidelines and sulk, or am I willing to learn the steps of the dance he's dancin' with my needs in mind? I'll be honest with you: Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down.
Author Unknown
Friday, April 07, 2006
April 7, 2006
Love Without Measure
Freda Bright says, "Only in opera do people die of love." It's true. You really can't love somebody to death. I've known people to die from no love, but I've never known anyone to be loved to death. We just can't love one another enough.
A heart-warming story tells of a woman who finally decided to ask her boss for a raise in salary. All day she felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon she summoned the courage to approach her employer. To her delight, the boss agreed to a raise.
The woman arrived home that evening to a beautiful table set with their best dishes. Candles were softly glowing. Her husband had come home early and prepared a festive meal. She wondered if someone from the office had tipped him off. Or … did he just somehow know that she would not get turned down?
She found him in the kitchen and told him the good news. He offered his congratulations and then they sat down to the wonderful meal. Next to her plate the woman found a beautifully lettered note. It read: "Congratulations! I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you."
Following dinner, her husband went into the kitchen to clean up. She noticed that a second card had fallen from his pocket. Picking it off the floor, she read: "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserve it anyway! These things will tell you how much I love you."
Someone has said that the measure of love is when you love without measure. What this man feels for his spouse is total acceptance and love, whether she succeeds or fails. His love celebrates her victories and soothes her wounds.
He stands with her, no matter what life throws in their direction. He may say that he loves her to death. But he doesn't. He loves her to LIFE. For his love nourishes her life like nothing else can.
Upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa said: "What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." And love your friends. Love them without measure.
Love them to LIFE.
P.S. OPTIMISM .... is getting married at age 90 and looking for a house near a school!
Cindy Rolka
Freda Bright says, "Only in opera do people die of love." It's true. You really can't love somebody to death. I've known people to die from no love, but I've never known anyone to be loved to death. We just can't love one another enough.
A heart-warming story tells of a woman who finally decided to ask her boss for a raise in salary. All day she felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon she summoned the courage to approach her employer. To her delight, the boss agreed to a raise.
The woman arrived home that evening to a beautiful table set with their best dishes. Candles were softly glowing. Her husband had come home early and prepared a festive meal. She wondered if someone from the office had tipped him off. Or … did he just somehow know that she would not get turned down?
She found him in the kitchen and told him the good news. He offered his congratulations and then they sat down to the wonderful meal. Next to her plate the woman found a beautifully lettered note. It read: "Congratulations! I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you."
Following dinner, her husband went into the kitchen to clean up. She noticed that a second card had fallen from his pocket. Picking it off the floor, she read: "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserve it anyway! These things will tell you how much I love you."
Someone has said that the measure of love is when you love without measure. What this man feels for his spouse is total acceptance and love, whether she succeeds or fails. His love celebrates her victories and soothes her wounds.
He stands with her, no matter what life throws in their direction. He may say that he loves her to death. But he doesn't. He loves her to LIFE. For his love nourishes her life like nothing else can.
Upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa said: "What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." And love your friends. Love them without measure.
Love them to LIFE.
P.S. OPTIMISM .... is getting married at age 90 and looking for a house near a school!
Cindy Rolka
Thursday, April 06, 2006
April 6, 2006
A Sacred Thing
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16
When my oldest brother died at age 44 many years ago, I started something that has given me a lot of comfort; I had his memorial service tape recorded. I did this so I could savor the words of comfort and admiration that were said at this lovely service.
And so it was on the first anniversary of my dad’s passing, a few months ago, that I pulled out the recording of his service. Worship services go fast many times but not as fast as a memorial service for someone you love. So I was taken back when I heard for the first time the parting words of the Unitarian minister at the end of my dad’s service. She said,
“Let us be confident that a human life is full of purpose and meaning. In life and in death a human life is a sacred thing. So be it.”
Well, the sense of this benediction is nothing new. As Christians we are admonished to appreciate everyone as a child of God. But out of a different mouth and to a certain extent out of a somewhat different religious tradition, these words rang true and provide comfort to me today
So I offer these words so they may provide comfort to you, too. So be it.
Vivian Anderson
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16
When my oldest brother died at age 44 many years ago, I started something that has given me a lot of comfort; I had his memorial service tape recorded. I did this so I could savor the words of comfort and admiration that were said at this lovely service.
And so it was on the first anniversary of my dad’s passing, a few months ago, that I pulled out the recording of his service. Worship services go fast many times but not as fast as a memorial service for someone you love. So I was taken back when I heard for the first time the parting words of the Unitarian minister at the end of my dad’s service. She said,
“Let us be confident that a human life is full of purpose and meaning. In life and in death a human life is a sacred thing. So be it.”
Well, the sense of this benediction is nothing new. As Christians we are admonished to appreciate everyone as a child of God. But out of a different mouth and to a certain extent out of a somewhat different religious tradition, these words rang true and provide comfort to me today
So I offer these words so they may provide comfort to you, too. So be it.
Vivian Anderson
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
April 5, 2006
Find Faith in God's Presence
Read Luke 2:41-52
In the story of “The Boy Jesus in the Temple,” Jesus is twelve years old and he disappears for three days. His parents searched everywhere for him. When they found him, he was in the temple. His mother said, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!” Jesus answered, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?” His parents did not understand. Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him, and so were the people.
Jesus had faith in God. From the start he knew where he belonged, in his father's house. What is faith? It's not belief, it's much more powerful. It is when we have confidence and trust in something, there is a complete absence of doubt. It is the internal notion of knowing it's going to be okay. Faith is powerful, but can be broken. Faith is our own true connection to God. How we receive or inhabit this connection is a different story.
Ever since I was little, I was pre-programmed to have this connection, but I'm the one who has to install it and be able to read the manual. When I was growing up, I had the children's Bible, went to Logos, and had the Jesus Loves Me, This I Know song permanently implanted in my brain. But when I was little, I don't believe I truly knew what God was. It was more like a subject in school; I learned about it, but never was able to use or truly understand the information. God was like a really good dessert, you don't know what exactly is in it, all you know is that it tastes of feels good. My prayers back then probably consisted of every Christmas present that I desired. “Dear God, please bring me Barbie and Ken, and their pink dream house.” But Christianity no longer has the same meaning to me. I finally have to establish my connection with God, although some people never establish their own connection. I have to find my lifeline to God.
Confirmation has directed me in the right direction. It's like I'm playing piñata blind-folded, confirmation has turned me so I'm facing the right way, but I have to take the swing. Jesus, when he was my age, established his connection to God by growing in wisdom, stature, spiritually, and socially (Luke 2:52). We can't match exactly Jesus' faith, but I feel I can be a follower, and grow by walking in his footsteps. I could grow in wisdom by reading the Bible and learning through other people such as pastors or followers of God. I could grow in stature by becoming stronger physically. I could grow spiritually by praying, by worship, and by taking sacraments. I could grow socially by being around others, and considering the needs of others. Doing these things I feel will raise me up a step higher to God.
Bringing myself closer to God will lead me into a Christian life, the kind of life I would like to live. Christ loves and makes sacrifices for us today, how could I not want to know him or be able to feel his presence? There is no greater human need than to feel connected spiritually to our Savior. Everyone is accessible to God, even if there is even nothing left, there will still be God; I would love to fully follow and receive Him. I will find my faith in God.
During the Christmas season, God should be most thought of. It was the birth of our only human form and truly seen form of God, Jesus. People seem to be distant from Jesus. People instead of worshiping, they become wrapped up in materialistic gifts. Jesus is replaced with Santa, and the three Kings' gifts are being replaced with an Xbox. No longer do people see the Star to Bethlehem. My wish at Christmas is that presents are replaced with God's presence. And the greatest gift of all should be God's presence. We are returned to God. Establishing my faith in God will lead me to his Glory.
Cassie Rickard
Read Luke 2:41-52
In the story of “The Boy Jesus in the Temple,” Jesus is twelve years old and he disappears for three days. His parents searched everywhere for him. When they found him, he was in the temple. His mother said, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!” Jesus answered, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?” His parents did not understand. Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him, and so were the people.
Jesus had faith in God. From the start he knew where he belonged, in his father's house. What is faith? It's not belief, it's much more powerful. It is when we have confidence and trust in something, there is a complete absence of doubt. It is the internal notion of knowing it's going to be okay. Faith is powerful, but can be broken. Faith is our own true connection to God. How we receive or inhabit this connection is a different story.
Ever since I was little, I was pre-programmed to have this connection, but I'm the one who has to install it and be able to read the manual. When I was growing up, I had the children's Bible, went to Logos, and had the Jesus Loves Me, This I Know song permanently implanted in my brain. But when I was little, I don't believe I truly knew what God was. It was more like a subject in school; I learned about it, but never was able to use or truly understand the information. God was like a really good dessert, you don't know what exactly is in it, all you know is that it tastes of feels good. My prayers back then probably consisted of every Christmas present that I desired. “Dear God, please bring me Barbie and Ken, and their pink dream house.” But Christianity no longer has the same meaning to me. I finally have to establish my connection with God, although some people never establish their own connection. I have to find my lifeline to God.
Confirmation has directed me in the right direction. It's like I'm playing piñata blind-folded, confirmation has turned me so I'm facing the right way, but I have to take the swing. Jesus, when he was my age, established his connection to God by growing in wisdom, stature, spiritually, and socially (Luke 2:52). We can't match exactly Jesus' faith, but I feel I can be a follower, and grow by walking in his footsteps. I could grow in wisdom by reading the Bible and learning through other people such as pastors or followers of God. I could grow in stature by becoming stronger physically. I could grow spiritually by praying, by worship, and by taking sacraments. I could grow socially by being around others, and considering the needs of others. Doing these things I feel will raise me up a step higher to God.
Bringing myself closer to God will lead me into a Christian life, the kind of life I would like to live. Christ loves and makes sacrifices for us today, how could I not want to know him or be able to feel his presence? There is no greater human need than to feel connected spiritually to our Savior. Everyone is accessible to God, even if there is even nothing left, there will still be God; I would love to fully follow and receive Him. I will find my faith in God.
During the Christmas season, God should be most thought of. It was the birth of our only human form and truly seen form of God, Jesus. People seem to be distant from Jesus. People instead of worshiping, they become wrapped up in materialistic gifts. Jesus is replaced with Santa, and the three Kings' gifts are being replaced with an Xbox. No longer do people see the Star to Bethlehem. My wish at Christmas is that presents are replaced with God's presence. And the greatest gift of all should be God's presence. We are returned to God. Establishing my faith in God will lead me to his Glory.
Cassie Rickard
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
April 4, 2006
You Need a List
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
Last year there was a devotional in The Upper Room written by a woman whose best friend of many years was moving across the country. The woman who was leaving asked her friend to, "“pray for me every day when you make your bed".
If you want daily prayers from me, that may not be the request you should make. But if you'’re on my prayer list, you have them.
A few years ago there was a devotional in our GPUMC Lenten Devotionals about having a prayer list and using it daily while standing in line, picking up kids, expecting a phone call, waiting for an appointment, etc.
I've always prayed, often giving thanks for our blessings and praying for family, friends and others in need. But I realized I didn'’t have a LIST. So I made one. I have it on my nightstand and in my purse. I use it when I get out of bed (not when I make the bed) and when I'’m waiting for whatever. I add to it and subtract as needs change. It is a good reminder of special prayer needs and thanks to be given.
Thought for the day;
If you need a grocery list, you need a prayer list.
Shirley Van Becelaere
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
Last year there was a devotional in The Upper Room written by a woman whose best friend of many years was moving across the country. The woman who was leaving asked her friend to, "“pray for me every day when you make your bed".
If you want daily prayers from me, that may not be the request you should make. But if you'’re on my prayer list, you have them.
A few years ago there was a devotional in our GPUMC Lenten Devotionals about having a prayer list and using it daily while standing in line, picking up kids, expecting a phone call, waiting for an appointment, etc.
I've always prayed, often giving thanks for our blessings and praying for family, friends and others in need. But I realized I didn'’t have a LIST. So I made one. I have it on my nightstand and in my purse. I use it when I get out of bed (not when I make the bed) and when I'’m waiting for whatever. I add to it and subtract as needs change. It is a good reminder of special prayer needs and thanks to be given.
Thought for the day;
If you need a grocery list, you need a prayer list.
Shirley Van Becelaere
Monday, April 03, 2006
April 3, 2006
Prayer is a Way of Life
And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack any-thing?" They said, "Nothing." He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was reckoned with transgressors'; for what is written about me has its fulfillment." And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough." And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed: "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." - Luke 22: 35-46
“Prayer is an exercise of faith in the fullest sense of the phrase. Prayer requires a good bit of conditioning and there are no short cuts. This is hard news and hard work – especially for lumpy people like me. We wear out too quickly.” (Rev. Bill Carter, from a 2001 sermon).
Jesus prayed and the disciples slept in a grief-filled slumber.
Jesus could pray to God in his greatest hour of anguish because that was his pattern in life. There are those who do not pray through a sense of fatalism. “Why pray,” they will say, “if the only thing I am going to get is what God desires.” We tend to forget that the struggle we go through in praying is of great value – no matter what the outcome. Our relationship with God – and not the consumerism which only gives meaning to something if we get what we want – is the chief goal to why we pray.
Prayer is a way of life because it is based on a relationship with the living God. It would be different if we were believers in a “Star War’s” religion – latter day Stoics who believe that the universe ruled by an impersonal force. Then our task would be merely to adjust ourselves to whatever life placed in our path.
The whole aspect of our beliefs as Christians is based on our belief in a God of love and grace. It was out of this love that Jesus came into the world. It is the basis of salvation for us and for our world. It was his belief in such a God that Jesus could kneel in the garden on the night of his arrest and pray that the “cup might pass him by.” It was also this relationship and trust that also allowed him to say – in the midst of it all – in the silence –
“Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done:"
The best way to understand prayer is to start – to become involved with a dialogue and a relationship with God. For in this world which gives us – at times - eyes that are too weary – we are told by what Jesus said and practiced that prayer is essential. Our relationship with God will make all of the difference in the world – both in this world and in the next.
Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright
And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack any-thing?" They said, "Nothing." He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was reckoned with transgressors'; for what is written about me has its fulfillment." And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough." And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed: "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." - Luke 22: 35-46
“Prayer is an exercise of faith in the fullest sense of the phrase. Prayer requires a good bit of conditioning and there are no short cuts. This is hard news and hard work – especially for lumpy people like me. We wear out too quickly.” (Rev. Bill Carter, from a 2001 sermon).
Jesus prayed and the disciples slept in a grief-filled slumber.
Jesus could pray to God in his greatest hour of anguish because that was his pattern in life. There are those who do not pray through a sense of fatalism. “Why pray,” they will say, “if the only thing I am going to get is what God desires.” We tend to forget that the struggle we go through in praying is of great value – no matter what the outcome. Our relationship with God – and not the consumerism which only gives meaning to something if we get what we want – is the chief goal to why we pray.
Prayer is a way of life because it is based on a relationship with the living God. It would be different if we were believers in a “Star War’s” religion – latter day Stoics who believe that the universe ruled by an impersonal force. Then our task would be merely to adjust ourselves to whatever life placed in our path.
The whole aspect of our beliefs as Christians is based on our belief in a God of love and grace. It was out of this love that Jesus came into the world. It is the basis of salvation for us and for our world. It was his belief in such a God that Jesus could kneel in the garden on the night of his arrest and pray that the “cup might pass him by.” It was also this relationship and trust that also allowed him to say – in the midst of it all – in the silence –
“Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done:"
The best way to understand prayer is to start – to become involved with a dialogue and a relationship with God. For in this world which gives us – at times - eyes that are too weary – we are told by what Jesus said and practiced that prayer is essential. Our relationship with God will make all of the difference in the world – both in this world and in the next.
Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright
Saturday, April 01, 2006
April 1, 2006
Comfort of Trust
Read Jude 1:20-25
“Why haven’t I been praying about this?”
Christian was lying in pain in the ER, waiting for the doctor to come help him. I was there at the foot of the bed, watching him there, in the most intense pain I think I've ever seen, and that's when it hit me: “Why haven't I been praying about this?”
It had started not long before that moment. He had come home from having lunch with his grandparents, and had to lie down – hoping the pain would go away on its own. It didn't. It got worse, and then it got worse, and then it got even worse. Finally, I asked, “Should I take you to the hospital?” When he agreed to go, I knew something was seriously wrong – after all, what 21 year-old says “yes” to the emergency room?
We hustled downstairs, past Heidi (letting her know where we were going, of course), into the car, and quickly down the road to the ER. (I'm pretty sure Christian wouldn't describe it as quick, though.)
A few forms and questions and such later took us to the bedside, waiting for the doctor to come help, and there I was, asking myself, “Why haven't I been praying about this?” I'm sure a lot of it was because it happened quickly, and I just had to react and get things going – that's not so bad. I'm sure a lot of it was because I figured I had to be in control to take care of my kid – that's not bad either. I'm also sure a lot of it was because I just count on myself to be able to handle whatever comes my way – oops, that's not the way I want to think about things. That's the thought that caught me; “Why am I counting on myself, and not on God?”
Well, I don't think I needed to be quite that hard on myself, because I think there's yet another reason in there. I'm sure a lot of it was because I am so comfortable with the idea that God is taking care of us, that I don't really worry about things the way I “should” - even when they're serious. I think it's a good thing, being able to let God handle things for me. As the Keith Green song goes, “Just keep doing your best, and pray that it's blessed, and Jesus takes care of the rest.”
But there it was again: “and pray that it's blessed.” I've written devotions about developing a life of prayer. I've led retreats and lock-ins on prayer. I've resolved over and over to work on developing my prayer life. And there I was, wondering why I hadn't been praying.
It took me back to one of the early days of my marriage. Heidi and I were sitting in our “library” back at Bob (that's the house we lived in before Cleveland), and we realized that we were having a wonderful time together, just sitting there, not talking, just being together. I think that's what I had been doing with God – just sitting there together, not talking; and that's great, but I also would really like to cultivate a more “verbal” relationship as well. Once again, I know what I have to work on – I have to work on not working on so much myself, and talking to God about all of it, not just the overwhelming stuff.
Thank you, Lord, for those quiet moments together, but I thank You more that we can sit down and talk about whatever needs discussing. Let's do this more often. Amen.
Charlie van Becelaere
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