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
Saturday, February 24, 2007
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
Friday, March 31, 2006
March 31, 2006
Ironed Sheets
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17. Always be joyful and never stop praying.
I iron my sheets. Oh, I know no one can believe that I do this. Even Henrietta McInally once said to me (when I mentioned it), “Oh, Marianne, you don't!”
It probably goes back to the fact that my mother ironed sheets even before she had a mangle. Early memories of coming home from school to see my mother standing (ironing boards were not adjustable) ironing and listening to Ernie Harwell broadcasting Tiger games will never leave me. Ironing was a real chore then. As a child, my mother used several irons which were heated on a wood stove to iron clothes, so an electric iron was a great improvement.
Later washing machines were not automatic. Clothes were washed and put through a wringer for two rinses, then once again through a wringer and hung on a line outside during warm weather, or in a basement in cold weather.
My mother ironed at least 14 white shirts each week for my father and brother. These were dipped in starch after the last rinse and put through the wringer before they were hung up to dry. Before ironing, they were sprinkled with water, rolled in a ball, and placed in the refrigerator before ironing. Keeping up a house was a lot different too. Lots of work and hours went into cooking breakfast every day, packing lunches and preparing varied and healthful dinners. We always ate dinner together. We were blessed with a Christian home and family.
But back to ironing. There was a list which my mother kept near the ironing board. It was her prayer list, and I know she often prayed for our family, church, friends, missionaries, and other concerns. The King James Version says, “Pray without ceasing.” I think it means whenever you think about something that needs prayer – pray even when ironing.
I know there are many in this church who pray daily and often even with a prayer list. When I wasn't feeling the best, I received a phone call from a dear friend who said, “Don't call me back. I just wanted you to know I am praying for you.” How fortunate we are to have friends who never cease to pray.
Marianne Kiess
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