Christ, The Lord, Is Risen Today!
"CHRIST, the Lord, is risen to-day," Sons of men and angels say!
Raise your joys and triumphs high: Sing, ye heavens; thou earth, reply.
Love's redeeming work is done; Fought the fight, the battle won:
Lo! the sun's eclipse is o'er, Lo! he sets in blood no more!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Christ hath burst the gates of hell:
Death in vain forbids his rise, Christ hath opened Paradise.
Lives again our glorious King! Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once he died our souls to save; Where's thy victory, boasting grave
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Following our exalted Head:
Made like him, like him we rise, Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
King of glory! Soul of bliss! Everlasting life is this,
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Thus to sing, and thus to love.
Charles Wesley (from 1739)
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
April 3, 2010
Keep On Keeping On
Read: 1 John 1:5-9
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.
Suddenly, my son Matthew spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat: "Mom, I'm thinking of something."
This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"The rain," he began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms, I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Matthew."
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would my little boy take this revelation?
So I asked, "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"
Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."
I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
Read: 1 John 1:5-9
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.
Suddenly, my son Matthew spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat: "Mom, I'm thinking of something."
This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"The rain," he began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms, I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Matthew."
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would my little boy take this revelation?
So I asked, "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"
Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."
I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
I think I will also remember this when I turn on my wipers.
I hope you will too.
Friday, April 02, 2010
April 2, 2010 - Good Friday
O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done
O Love divine, what has thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's coeternal Son
bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th' immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Is crucified for me and you,
to bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
ye all are bought with Jesus' blood.
Pardon for all flows from his side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Behold him, all ye that pass by,
the bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
and say, "Was ever grief like his?"
Come, feel with me his blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
O Love divine, what has thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's coeternal Son
bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th' immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Is crucified for me and you,
to bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
ye all are bought with Jesus' blood.
Pardon for all flows from his side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Behold him, all ye that pass by,
the bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
and say, "Was ever grief like his?"
Come, feel with me his blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Thursday, April 01, 2010
April 1, 2010 - Maundy Thursday
Feast of Love
Read Luke 22:17-20
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” Luke 22:19
In preparing for a discussion on the book Food & Faith by Wendy Whiteside for my fellowship group, I have gained a new understanding of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Communion is an act “of sharing intimate fellowship with God.”
Our Wesleyan traditional calls it “an outward sign of inward grace.” Whiteside writes, “In this sacrament we find a place where God offers each of us, in tangible ways, a channel for receiving God’s grace.” In communion Jesus created a new Covenant and proclaimed our sins forgiven. “Every time we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we are to experience Jesus’ love and grace anew to strengthen and encourage us on our faith journey.”
Methodists call the consecration and sharing of the elements The Great Thanksgiving. We take the bread and wine and we are restored by receiving grace. But communion shouldn’t stop there. I had never thought of Communion requiring a response from us. Whiteside says, “We should response to this gift with joyful hearts and acts of caring and kindness toward others. “In giving thanks we receive the gift of gratitude. Thanks to God for his goodness, for the gift of Jesus and our life in him is the key to our joy” Once we have this joy we are ready to serve God.
Whiteside makes clear that Holy Communion is the communion of the church, the gathered community of the faithful. It is more than a personal event. “Communion is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the family of God. We eat and drink both in acknowledgments of common loyalty and in anticipation of being strengthened for discipleship in the world.”
The hymn: Come, and Let Us Sweetly Join
Come and let us sweetly join, Christ to praise in hymns divine;
Give we all with one accord glory to our common Lord.
Hands and hearts and voices raise, sing as in the ancient days;
antedate the joys above, celebrate the feast of love.
Jesus, dear expected guest, Thou art bidden to the feast;
For thyself our hearts prepare; come, and sit, and banquet there.
Sanctify us Lord and bless, breathe thy Spirit, give thy peace;
Thou thyself within us move, make our feast a feast of love.
Karen Bromley
Read Luke 22:17-20
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” Luke 22:19
In preparing for a discussion on the book Food & Faith by Wendy Whiteside for my fellowship group, I have gained a new understanding of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Communion is an act “of sharing intimate fellowship with God.”
Our Wesleyan traditional calls it “an outward sign of inward grace.” Whiteside writes, “In this sacrament we find a place where God offers each of us, in tangible ways, a channel for receiving God’s grace.” In communion Jesus created a new Covenant and proclaimed our sins forgiven. “Every time we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we are to experience Jesus’ love and grace anew to strengthen and encourage us on our faith journey.”
Methodists call the consecration and sharing of the elements The Great Thanksgiving. We take the bread and wine and we are restored by receiving grace. But communion shouldn’t stop there. I had never thought of Communion requiring a response from us. Whiteside says, “We should response to this gift with joyful hearts and acts of caring and kindness toward others. “In giving thanks we receive the gift of gratitude. Thanks to God for his goodness, for the gift of Jesus and our life in him is the key to our joy” Once we have this joy we are ready to serve God.
Whiteside makes clear that Holy Communion is the communion of the church, the gathered community of the faithful. It is more than a personal event. “Communion is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the family of God. We eat and drink both in acknowledgments of common loyalty and in anticipation of being strengthened for discipleship in the world.”
The hymn: Come, and Let Us Sweetly Join
Come and let us sweetly join, Christ to praise in hymns divine;
Give we all with one accord glory to our common Lord.
Hands and hearts and voices raise, sing as in the ancient days;
antedate the joys above, celebrate the feast of love.
Jesus, dear expected guest, Thou art bidden to the feast;
For thyself our hearts prepare; come, and sit, and banquet there.
Sanctify us Lord and bless, breathe thy Spirit, give thy peace;
Thou thyself within us move, make our feast a feast of love.
Karen Bromley
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
March 31, 2010
Humility
Read Philippians 2: 5-11
Humble. Humility. Humiliation. All three words come from the Latin root: humus. It means “dirt”…the soil, the rich earth out of which things grow. The word humiliation is related…to be humiliated is to be brought back down to the earth. The word humble also finds its meaning in this root word. Humble people may take their life’s work very seriously, but they take themselves lightly.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Think for a moment if that were the only verse of Scripture available to you for meditation. Take everything you think, believe, and understand about yourself, the world, even the way you form opinions and decisions and set them aside. Now, “take up the mind of Christ Jesus.” Conform and mold all that you are after Christ’s way of thinking.
Paul says Christ “emptied himself; did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited; and took on humanity in the form of a slave.” What a change Christ made for the sake of the whole world…salvation. Paul does not talk about what a good teacher Jesus was or about the miracles he performed, or anything that might distract from the essential message: Christ was God; he humbled himself to humanity and then to death as an ultimate gift of self-denial for our sake.
In this season of Lent, may we be open to reflect on our understanding of humility. How might the practice of humility enrich our life of faith? What role might it play in our speech, our actions, our decisions, our lifestyle and our relationships? Who might benefit from our gift of servanthood in the name of Christ? Paul offers some answers in verses 1-4 of this same chapter.
Rev. Judy May
Read Philippians 2: 5-11
Humble. Humility. Humiliation. All three words come from the Latin root: humus. It means “dirt”…the soil, the rich earth out of which things grow. The word humiliation is related…to be humiliated is to be brought back down to the earth. The word humble also finds its meaning in this root word. Humble people may take their life’s work very seriously, but they take themselves lightly.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Think for a moment if that were the only verse of Scripture available to you for meditation. Take everything you think, believe, and understand about yourself, the world, even the way you form opinions and decisions and set them aside. Now, “take up the mind of Christ Jesus.” Conform and mold all that you are after Christ’s way of thinking.
Paul says Christ “emptied himself; did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited; and took on humanity in the form of a slave.” What a change Christ made for the sake of the whole world…salvation. Paul does not talk about what a good teacher Jesus was or about the miracles he performed, or anything that might distract from the essential message: Christ was God; he humbled himself to humanity and then to death as an ultimate gift of self-denial for our sake.
In this season of Lent, may we be open to reflect on our understanding of humility. How might the practice of humility enrich our life of faith? What role might it play in our speech, our actions, our decisions, our lifestyle and our relationships? Who might benefit from our gift of servanthood in the name of Christ? Paul offers some answers in verses 1-4 of this same chapter.
Rev. Judy May
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
Jesus Never Fails
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35
The passage from Matthew brings back childhood memories of my parents and conversations they shared about Rev. Arthur Luther, a beloved pastor who performed their wedding ceremony in 1953. Rev. Luther was an inspiration, and in fact, he is the one who encouraged my Dad to enter into the ministry (and he did.) While I was growing up, I remember sitting in church and frequently singing a hymn called, "Jesus Never Fails." It was composed by Rev. Luther and definitely one of my parents' favorites.
I recall my Dad sharing the story behind this hymn with his own congregation. As a child, Rev. Luther wanted to be a missionary in a foreign land, but that never materialized. He had a genuine love of music, and he dreamed about composing a popular song for everyone to sing, and he tried, but that was a dismal failure. In 1927, he became involved with an evangelistic team, often traveling to very remote places in the United States. It was in one of those places, that the hymn was born. Late one night, Rev. Luther received a telegram from home, with news that his nine year old son was rushed to the hospital suffering from a life threatening illness. He had no way to get to his child who was 600 miles away, and there was nothing he could do, other than pray. After praying, he sat down at the piano and this thought came to him, "Jesus never fails." Then and there, the words and the music of the chorus were born. Rev. Luther went on to explain that after writing the song, he felt a sense of peace in his heart, believing that God, who never fails, would provide an answer, and he did. His son survived the medical crisis.
c. 1927 Rev. Arthur Luther (1891-1960)
Over the course of time, the Lord has used this song in concentration camps in Germany and by missionaries all over the world. Soldiers continue to use it on the battlefield. The song has been translated into ten different European languages and Chinese. During World War II, a church in England had the slogan printed on top of a wall. It escaped destruction from bombs until the end, and even then, the wall still remained standing.
In his hour of need, God put a song in the heart of Rev. Luther which has gone on to bless the entire world with its message of divine triumph.
Dear God, help us all to remember that difficult times should be the stepping stones to our spiritual growth and usefulness. Amen
Cindy Rolka
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35
The passage from Matthew brings back childhood memories of my parents and conversations they shared about Rev. Arthur Luther, a beloved pastor who performed their wedding ceremony in 1953. Rev. Luther was an inspiration, and in fact, he is the one who encouraged my Dad to enter into the ministry (and he did.) While I was growing up, I remember sitting in church and frequently singing a hymn called, "Jesus Never Fails." It was composed by Rev. Luther and definitely one of my parents' favorites.
I recall my Dad sharing the story behind this hymn with his own congregation. As a child, Rev. Luther wanted to be a missionary in a foreign land, but that never materialized. He had a genuine love of music, and he dreamed about composing a popular song for everyone to sing, and he tried, but that was a dismal failure. In 1927, he became involved with an evangelistic team, often traveling to very remote places in the United States. It was in one of those places, that the hymn was born. Late one night, Rev. Luther received a telegram from home, with news that his nine year old son was rushed to the hospital suffering from a life threatening illness. He had no way to get to his child who was 600 miles away, and there was nothing he could do, other than pray. After praying, he sat down at the piano and this thought came to him, "Jesus never fails." Then and there, the words and the music of the chorus were born. Rev. Luther went on to explain that after writing the song, he felt a sense of peace in his heart, believing that God, who never fails, would provide an answer, and he did. His son survived the medical crisis.
Jesus Never Fails
Earthly friends may prove untrue,
Doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you,
One who will not fail.
Though the sky be dark and drear,
Fierce and strong the gale,
Just remember, He is near
And he will not fail.
In life's dark and bitter hour
Love will still prevail;
Trust his everlasting pow'r
Jesus will not fail.
Chorus
Jesus never fails,
Jesus never fails,
Heav'n and earth may pass away,
But Jesus never fails.
c. 1927 Rev. Arthur Luther (1891-1960)
Over the course of time, the Lord has used this song in concentration camps in Germany and by missionaries all over the world. Soldiers continue to use it on the battlefield. The song has been translated into ten different European languages and Chinese. During World War II, a church in England had the slogan printed on top of a wall. It escaped destruction from bombs until the end, and even then, the wall still remained standing.
In his hour of need, God put a song in the heart of Rev. Luther which has gone on to bless the entire world with its message of divine triumph.
Dear God, help us all to remember that difficult times should be the stepping stones to our spiritual growth and usefulness. Amen
Cindy Rolka
Monday, March 29, 2010
March 29, 2010
Worship is Dangerous
Read: Psalm 43
What is worship? It's our response to God's Love. It's working out our love for Him.
Since we love God, that means we want to spend time with Him; but you know, I've decided that it's pretty dangerous to spend time with God. It's dangerous because it means spending time with the One who never changes – Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and always. It's dangerous because God's not satisfied with leaving us alone. He wants us to become just what He created us to be, and He'll keep pushing and pulling and chastening and blessing us until that's what happens.
Oh, and even though that's what we always say we want – that we want to be what God has created us to be – I know that it's much easier to say that than to mean it.
What if God wants me to be something that I don't think I'll like? Frankly, that's much more likely than the other way around. Moses wasn't much interested in the job offer he got at the burning bush. Jeremiah had his doubts. Jonah turned the job down cold.
So what would make me think that I'd like God's offer any better than they did? Nothing, really, and that's why I say spending time with Him is dangerous. It's where I want to be, but it's bound to result in what I should do instead of what I want to do, in what I should be instead of what I want to be.
Go back and reread the story we used as the introduction to this year's book. You'll find two people, Daniel and the narrator, who both spent time with God, who both ended up changed in ways they wouldn't have anticipated, but neither of whom would trade that change for their original plans.
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to act on the trust I have in You. Help me to remember that what you want for me is always far better than what I think I want for myself, and that Joy beyond happiness is what awaits me. May Christ live in me the life you have chosen for me. Amen.
Charlie van Becelaere
Read: Psalm 43
What is worship? It's our response to God's Love. It's working out our love for Him.
Since we love God, that means we want to spend time with Him; but you know, I've decided that it's pretty dangerous to spend time with God. It's dangerous because it means spending time with the One who never changes – Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and always. It's dangerous because God's not satisfied with leaving us alone. He wants us to become just what He created us to be, and He'll keep pushing and pulling and chastening and blessing us until that's what happens.
Oh, and even though that's what we always say we want – that we want to be what God has created us to be – I know that it's much easier to say that than to mean it.
What if God wants me to be something that I don't think I'll like? Frankly, that's much more likely than the other way around. Moses wasn't much interested in the job offer he got at the burning bush. Jeremiah had his doubts. Jonah turned the job down cold.
So what would make me think that I'd like God's offer any better than they did? Nothing, really, and that's why I say spending time with Him is dangerous. It's where I want to be, but it's bound to result in what I should do instead of what I want to do, in what I should be instead of what I want to be.
Go back and reread the story we used as the introduction to this year's book. You'll find two people, Daniel and the narrator, who both spent time with God, who both ended up changed in ways they wouldn't have anticipated, but neither of whom would trade that change for their original plans.
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to act on the trust I have in You. Help me to remember that what you want for me is always far better than what I think I want for myself, and that Joy beyond happiness is what awaits me. May Christ live in me the life you have chosen for me. Amen.
Charlie van Becelaere
Sunday, March 28, 2010
March 28, 2010
Depth of Mercy
Depth of mercy! Can there be
mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear,
me, the chief of sinners, spare?
I have long withstood his grace,
long provoked him to his face,
would not hearken to his calls,
grieved him by a thousand falls.
I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
oft profaned his hallowed name,
put him to an open shame.
There for me the Savior stands,
shows his wounds and spreads his hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.
Now incline me to repent,
let me now my sins lament,
now my foul revolt deplore,
weep, believe, and sin no more.
Charles Wesley
Depth of mercy! Can there be
mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear,
me, the chief of sinners, spare?
I have long withstood his grace,
long provoked him to his face,
would not hearken to his calls,
grieved him by a thousand falls.
I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
oft profaned his hallowed name,
put him to an open shame.
There for me the Savior stands,
shows his wounds and spreads his hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.
Now incline me to repent,
let me now my sins lament,
now my foul revolt deplore,
weep, believe, and sin no more.
Charles Wesley
Saturday, March 27, 2010
March 27, 2010
Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let it Shine
Read: John 8:12, Matt 5:13-16
One day on the way home from church a little girl turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this morning confused me."
The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?
The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"
"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.
"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?"
Again the mother replied, "Yes."
"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"
Read: John 8:12, Matt 5:13-16
One day on the way home from church a little girl turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this morning confused me."
The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?
The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"
"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.
"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?"
Again the mother replied, "Yes."
"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"
Let His light shine in your life, so that everyone who sees you will want whatever it is that you have.
When they ask you what it is, you can tell them Who it is!
Amen.
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26, 2010
Checked Out
Read: Micah 6:7-9
I find that I am in a funk. I have “checked out” emotionally and mentally. “Out” of what I am not sure. Everyday life? Maybe not the everyday routine stuff but the stuff that matters? I am not sure, but I find I have been more reflective. I was especially interested in this year’s various Martin Luther King Day celebrations. I think because of my own state of mind, I am searching for Dr. King’s vision. I was inspired and excited at the celebration held at our own church; the idea of a beloved community is a wonderful concept. I had come across the following poem (or prayer) by Maya Angelou last June and felt like it was a prayer FOR me; meaning, I needed this prayed for me.
Reflecting on the Lenten season, this poem came to mind again. I was thinking; why not take on the tasks ourselves? Working toward a non-violent, caring, full of love no matter who or what or where kind of community. A beloved community. What if instead of asking God to speak for those with no voice, WE do the speaking; for those who are lonely, WE keep them company? I know I have it in me; I have seen it before. I am willing to take the journey and ask God to help me find it again; to become the person full of the Spirit and Love that will help me be a better Christian and better person. What better time to start the journey than now with the promise of Easter before me.
I hope this poem/prayer inspires you as well. I hope that we can pray it and reach the final goal – Peace.
PRAYER by Maya Angelou
Father Mother God, thank You for Your presence during the hard and mean days.
For then we have You to lean upon.
Thank You for Your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less.
And thank You for Your presence during the Holy Days, for then we are able to celebrate You and our families and our friends.
For those who have no voice, we ask You to speak.
For those who feel unworthy, we ask You to pour Your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain, we ask You to bathe them in the river of Your healing.
For those who are lonely, we ask You to keep them company.
For those who are depressed, we ask You to shower upon them the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance, we ask You to give to all the world that which we need most – Peace.
Amen.
Laurie Stowell
Read: Micah 6:7-9
I find that I am in a funk. I have “checked out” emotionally and mentally. “Out” of what I am not sure. Everyday life? Maybe not the everyday routine stuff but the stuff that matters? I am not sure, but I find I have been more reflective. I was especially interested in this year’s various Martin Luther King Day celebrations. I think because of my own state of mind, I am searching for Dr. King’s vision. I was inspired and excited at the celebration held at our own church; the idea of a beloved community is a wonderful concept. I had come across the following poem (or prayer) by Maya Angelou last June and felt like it was a prayer FOR me; meaning, I needed this prayed for me.
Reflecting on the Lenten season, this poem came to mind again. I was thinking; why not take on the tasks ourselves? Working toward a non-violent, caring, full of love no matter who or what or where kind of community. A beloved community. What if instead of asking God to speak for those with no voice, WE do the speaking; for those who are lonely, WE keep them company? I know I have it in me; I have seen it before. I am willing to take the journey and ask God to help me find it again; to become the person full of the Spirit and Love that will help me be a better Christian and better person. What better time to start the journey than now with the promise of Easter before me.
I hope this poem/prayer inspires you as well. I hope that we can pray it and reach the final goal – Peace.
PRAYER by Maya Angelou
Father Mother God, thank You for Your presence during the hard and mean days.
For then we have You to lean upon.
Thank You for Your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less.
And thank You for Your presence during the Holy Days, for then we are able to celebrate You and our families and our friends.
For those who have no voice, we ask You to speak.
For those who feel unworthy, we ask You to pour Your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain, we ask You to bathe them in the river of Your healing.
For those who are lonely, we ask You to keep them company.
For those who are depressed, we ask You to shower upon them the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance, we ask You to give to all the world that which we need most – Peace.
Amen.
Laurie Stowell
Thursday, March 25, 2010
March 25, 2010
Providence
Read Psalm 43:3-5
GPUMC is my church. Well, it’s OUR church. After all, as the song goes, we ARE the church. What amazes me is how I landed in this church 25 years ago. Makes me wonder at those who say God doesn’t have a plan – even if He doesn’t move us like chess pieces, I believe he at least uses an outline. Here’s why.
Let’s go back about, oh, 85 years. My mother was a girl in the small town of Ranger, TX. Another family, the Davenports, lived in that Texas town. One of them was Mary Edlo Davenport. My mother knew her.
In the mid-1940s, my mom, who was raised in a Christian Scientist household, had met a guy, my dad, who was raised in a Roman Catholic household. They were married and moved to Detroit where my brother and I were born.
When Art and I were 7 or so, Mom decided we needed Christian education. By that time, Mary Edlo Davenport (remember her, from Ranger, TX?) had grown up, married, and was Mary Edlo Thompson, the Sunday School Superintendent at Grosse Pointe Methodist Church. You know what’s coming. Art and I received our early Christian education at GPMC.
Coincidentally, or maybe not, my buddy in elementary school attended Christ Methodist Church. He talked me into attending a gym and swim with their MYF when I was 13. I met Lynn Grose (his girlfriend) who, 10 years later, became my wife. After we started our family we made the reluctant decision to leave Christ UMC (by that time Methodism had become United Methodism) because of the children’s programs available at GPUMC. We’ve been here since then, over 25 years ago.
I couldn’t make up that series of seemingly coincidental encounters and events but I know who could. I’m here now because God wants me here. His hand is in all we do and I thank Him for bringing me to this point in my life. I’m looking forward to learning what He has in store for me and my church, Grosse Pointe United Methodist.
Fred Van de Putte
Read Psalm 43:3-5
GPUMC is my church. Well, it’s OUR church. After all, as the song goes, we ARE the church. What amazes me is how I landed in this church 25 years ago. Makes me wonder at those who say God doesn’t have a plan – even if He doesn’t move us like chess pieces, I believe he at least uses an outline. Here’s why.
Let’s go back about, oh, 85 years. My mother was a girl in the small town of Ranger, TX. Another family, the Davenports, lived in that Texas town. One of them was Mary Edlo Davenport. My mother knew her.
In the mid-1940s, my mom, who was raised in a Christian Scientist household, had met a guy, my dad, who was raised in a Roman Catholic household. They were married and moved to Detroit where my brother and I were born.
When Art and I were 7 or so, Mom decided we needed Christian education. By that time, Mary Edlo Davenport (remember her, from Ranger, TX?) had grown up, married, and was Mary Edlo Thompson, the Sunday School Superintendent at Grosse Pointe Methodist Church. You know what’s coming. Art and I received our early Christian education at GPMC.
Coincidentally, or maybe not, my buddy in elementary school attended Christ Methodist Church. He talked me into attending a gym and swim with their MYF when I was 13. I met Lynn Grose (his girlfriend) who, 10 years later, became my wife. After we started our family we made the reluctant decision to leave Christ UMC (by that time Methodism had become United Methodism) because of the children’s programs available at GPUMC. We’ve been here since then, over 25 years ago.
I couldn’t make up that series of seemingly coincidental encounters and events but I know who could. I’m here now because God wants me here. His hand is in all we do and I thank Him for bringing me to this point in my life. I’m looking forward to learning what He has in store for me and my church, Grosse Pointe United Methodist.
Fred Van de Putte
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24, 2010
Work in Process
Read: Isaiah 64:9
Joel Osteen says we are all a work in process, that God is continually working to improve us. We should remember that and not dwell on past mistakes or failings. If that is so - - from my observations some of us are much further along in the process than others. It isn’t my place to judge; but I can have an opinion.
Difficulties and setbacks should not be unexpected, but rather we should know they are but bumps along the way in God’s process. Our role in this process is to keep working to improve; to reduce mistakes and missteps and get closer to the person God has planned for us to be.
Looking ahead to the better you is much more productive than looking back to missteps or failures. God has expected those and has plans for us to overcome them as we travel the paths He has in store for us.
Keep faith in God and expect His plans to come to be; revel in the goodness of his favor; and give thanks for His blessings.
God is at work on your behalf.
Jack Van Becelaere
Read: Isaiah 64:9
Joel Osteen says we are all a work in process, that God is continually working to improve us. We should remember that and not dwell on past mistakes or failings. If that is so - - from my observations some of us are much further along in the process than others. It isn’t my place to judge; but I can have an opinion.
Difficulties and setbacks should not be unexpected, but rather we should know they are but bumps along the way in God’s process. Our role in this process is to keep working to improve; to reduce mistakes and missteps and get closer to the person God has planned for us to be.
Looking ahead to the better you is much more productive than looking back to missteps or failures. God has expected those and has plans for us to overcome them as we travel the paths He has in store for us.
Keep faith in God and expect His plans to come to be; revel in the goodness of his favor; and give thanks for His blessings.
God is at work on your behalf.
Jack Van Becelaere
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
March 23, 2010
Breaking Bread Together
“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
We Methodist are noted for always passing the plate and having food when we gathered together. Who doesn’t like food? We have fabulous cooks to supply tasty dishes and delicious desserts for our body nourishment and our pleasure. But what does this have to do with being a Christian? Wendy Whiteside in her study book Food & Faith happily had answers I had never thought about.
“The early church recognized the benefit to the community of a regularly shared meal.” In fact, Communion doesn’t end with Holy Communion. When we gather as a church family for a meal, it is an “extension of the Communion table.” “The presence of God in our lives is shared in community when the faithful gather for substance in the form of fellowship and food table.” Wow!
In order to have community in a church, we need to eat together. Something we at Grosse Pointe UMC love to do. A district superintendent was appointed to a district in crisis. There was no community, morale was low. He met with the district pastors and asked them this question: “When was the last time you ate in each other’s home?” The answer was “never”. The DS left saying he could do nothing about morale if they were not eating together. They listened and changed. “Eating seals the bonds of friendship. Food draws us together and fellowship keeps us together.”
What happens after church in Fellowship Hall with our coffee hour is the community of faith open to all. It is a time for visitors, guests and members to gather together to exchange welcoming greetings, good wishes for the coming week and to show God’s love to each. Remember at the next soup supper, Lenten Dinner, retreat, Gumbopalooza, or church activity that features food “we are bound together as a community of faith in the sharing of food and fellowship”!
Prayer:
Most holy and gracious God, help us to learn more about your holy Word and your will for our lives. May this Lenten season be a time for us to remember that we are yours and you provide our every need. Feed us the bread of life that we may hunger no more. “Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven feed us till we want no more.” In Christ’s name we pray, Amen
Karen Bromley
“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
We Methodist are noted for always passing the plate and having food when we gathered together. Who doesn’t like food? We have fabulous cooks to supply tasty dishes and delicious desserts for our body nourishment and our pleasure. But what does this have to do with being a Christian? Wendy Whiteside in her study book Food & Faith happily had answers I had never thought about.
“The early church recognized the benefit to the community of a regularly shared meal.” In fact, Communion doesn’t end with Holy Communion. When we gather as a church family for a meal, it is an “extension of the Communion table.” “The presence of God in our lives is shared in community when the faithful gather for substance in the form of fellowship and food table.” Wow!
In order to have community in a church, we need to eat together. Something we at Grosse Pointe UMC love to do. A district superintendent was appointed to a district in crisis. There was no community, morale was low. He met with the district pastors and asked them this question: “When was the last time you ate in each other’s home?” The answer was “never”. The DS left saying he could do nothing about morale if they were not eating together. They listened and changed. “Eating seals the bonds of friendship. Food draws us together and fellowship keeps us together.”
What happens after church in Fellowship Hall with our coffee hour is the community of faith open to all. It is a time for visitors, guests and members to gather together to exchange welcoming greetings, good wishes for the coming week and to show God’s love to each. Remember at the next soup supper, Lenten Dinner, retreat, Gumbopalooza, or church activity that features food “we are bound together as a community of faith in the sharing of food and fellowship”!
Prayer:
Most holy and gracious God, help us to learn more about your holy Word and your will for our lives. May this Lenten season be a time for us to remember that we are yours and you provide our every need. Feed us the bread of life that we may hunger no more. “Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven feed us till we want no more.” In Christ’s name we pray, Amen
Karen Bromley
Monday, March 22, 2010
March 22, 2010
Benchmarks
Read: Colossians 3:23-24
It has been just over two years since I merged my small business with another business based in Livonia. One of the reasons we picked this company for our merger, was they offered marketing advice, and implementation of that advice, to local companies in need of finding new business. This is accomplished by listening to the owners discuss where their business has been, successes in current products, new products and trends anticipated and other background information. We take this data and develop a simple plan targeting areas where their expertise would be best accepted and acted upon. Most small businesses do a great job running their business, but need assistance reaching out and getting their company noticed in the right places. Our initial interview is free and the resulting plan is outlined and costs quoted.
How does this all relate to my relationship with God? One aspect is that our marketing ‘guru’ is a smart woman who has had a difficult life, but uses those experiences, coupled with her strong ‘reborn’ Christian faith, to work with our customers in a direct way that assists them to reach their goals. Each proposal is tailored to their actual need and focus, with no agenda other than making the best use of the available resources. Our intent is to make our customers successful. Her Christian faith is never mentioned, but is evident in her considerate and measured approach to the customer. Coming from this perspective is not always perfect, but matches my historic approach treating customers with respect and desire to create a long-term relationship that benefits all involved … my customers, their potential customers, and hopefully us too.
Where does the GPUMC come in? Attending church and interaction with the Christian members helps remind me about keeping the right perspective in approaching the various complicated areas of the business world. We all know that today’s commerce is always changing, but there are certain underlying benchmarks that can be applied. Prompting those benchmarks is the GPUMC.
David DeWitt
Read: Colossians 3:23-24
It has been just over two years since I merged my small business with another business based in Livonia. One of the reasons we picked this company for our merger, was they offered marketing advice, and implementation of that advice, to local companies in need of finding new business. This is accomplished by listening to the owners discuss where their business has been, successes in current products, new products and trends anticipated and other background information. We take this data and develop a simple plan targeting areas where their expertise would be best accepted and acted upon. Most small businesses do a great job running their business, but need assistance reaching out and getting their company noticed in the right places. Our initial interview is free and the resulting plan is outlined and costs quoted.
How does this all relate to my relationship with God? One aspect is that our marketing ‘guru’ is a smart woman who has had a difficult life, but uses those experiences, coupled with her strong ‘reborn’ Christian faith, to work with our customers in a direct way that assists them to reach their goals. Each proposal is tailored to their actual need and focus, with no agenda other than making the best use of the available resources. Our intent is to make our customers successful. Her Christian faith is never mentioned, but is evident in her considerate and measured approach to the customer. Coming from this perspective is not always perfect, but matches my historic approach treating customers with respect and desire to create a long-term relationship that benefits all involved … my customers, their potential customers, and hopefully us too.
Where does the GPUMC come in? Attending church and interaction with the Christian members helps remind me about keeping the right perspective in approaching the various complicated areas of the business world. We all know that today’s commerce is always changing, but there are certain underlying benchmarks that can be applied. Prompting those benchmarks is the GPUMC.
David DeWitt
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March 21, 2010
Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown
Come, O thou Traveler unknown,
Whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
And I am left alone with Thee;
With Thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.
I need not tell Thee who I am,
My misery and sin declare;
Thyself hast called me by my name,
Look on Thy hands, and read it there;
But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou?
Tell me Thy name, and tell me now.
In vain Thou strugglest to get free,
I never will unloose my hold!
Art Thou the Man that died for me?
The secret of Thy love unfold;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go,
Till I Thy name, Thy nature know.
My strength is gone, my nature dies,
I sink beneath Thy weighty hand,
Faint to revive, and fall to rise;
I fall, and yet by faith I stand;
I stand and will not let Thee go
Till I Thy Name, Thy nature know.
’Tis Love! ’tis Love! Thou diedst for me!
I hear Thy whisper in my heart;
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
Pure, universal love Thou art;
To me, to all, Thy bowels move;
Thy nature and Thy Name is Love.
Charles Wesley
Come, O thou Traveler unknown,
Whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
And I am left alone with Thee;
With Thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.
I need not tell Thee who I am,
My misery and sin declare;
Thyself hast called me by my name,
Look on Thy hands, and read it there;
But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou?
Tell me Thy name, and tell me now.
In vain Thou strugglest to get free,
I never will unloose my hold!
Art Thou the Man that died for me?
The secret of Thy love unfold;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go,
Till I Thy name, Thy nature know.
My strength is gone, my nature dies,
I sink beneath Thy weighty hand,
Faint to revive, and fall to rise;
I fall, and yet by faith I stand;
I stand and will not let Thee go
Till I Thy Name, Thy nature know.
’Tis Love! ’tis Love! Thou diedst for me!
I hear Thy whisper in my heart;
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
Pure, universal love Thou art;
To me, to all, Thy bowels move;
Thy nature and Thy Name is Love.
Charles Wesley
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March 20, 2010
Sunday Dinner at Grandma's House
Read: UM Hymnal #621
Little Jimmy and his family were having Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Jimmy received his plate, he started eating right away.
"Jimmy! Please wait until we say our prayer," said his mother.
"I don't need to," the boy replied.
"Of course, you do." his mother insisted through gritted teeth. "We always say a prayer before eating at our house."
"That's at our house," Jimmy explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook."
Read: UM Hymnal #621
Little Jimmy and his family were having Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Jimmy received his plate, he started eating right away.
"Jimmy! Please wait until we say our prayer," said his mother.
"I don't need to," the boy replied.
"Of course, you do." his mother insisted through gritted teeth. "We always say a prayer before eating at our house."
"That's at our house," Jimmy explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook."
That story is pretty funny, but it also made me think about how we view prayer.
Prayer shouldn't be a “just in case I can't handle it myself” kind of thing. It shouldn't be a “there's nothing we can do now, so we might as well pray,” a last resort.
Prayer is just talking with my Father. He loves me and I love Him. I want Him to know what's going on with me, and I want his wisdom and guidance, and all I have to do is ask.
Have you talked with your Father today?
Friday, March 19, 2010
March 19, 2010
Evidence of God
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made… Romans 1:19-20
Through the ages, mankind has sought to gain an understanding of God. That search has led us in many different directions, yet the Holy Scriptures tell us that the power and nature of God is clearly revealed in His creation. Numerous references are made to nature throughout the Bible from the first few verses in Genesis to the parables of Jesus. Modern man has developed complex scientific techniques with which to unlock many secrets of nature, yet the more we know the more we realize that we do not know.
Consider the tremendous flight capabilities of birds such as the peregrine falcon. This bird is only slightly larger than a crow, yet is able to reach speeds over 200 miles per hour in controlled flight during descents from high altitudes in pursuit of prey. Other birds such as eagles can soar effortlessly on air currents while in search of food. How do birds learn to fly and soar? It is not through education and training as with humans, but rather through their instincts that they know when and how to leave the nest and begin flying. I like to think of their instincts as God’s programming that is exquisitely placed in their small brains for use when needed.
Another example from nature is the miraculous story of the Monarch butterfly. This beautiful creature seems so weak and fragile to us; yet, a careful study shows us just how strong and durable it is. We see Monarch butterflies in the spring and summer and marvel at their beauty as they go from flower to flower in our yards gathering nectar. Did you know that the Monarch butterfly species performs a migration of over 2,500 miles during its life-cycle? Most butterflies reproduce and die in two to six weeks. Once every four generations, some Monarch butterflies hatch in Canada, make their way through our area in Michigan, cross the United States into Mexico and spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico. The journey takes many months during which the butterflies navigate across many different types of terrain, find food for sustenance, endure bad weather, avoid predators and time it all so that they arrive in central Mexico before the oncoming winter makes it too cold to survive. This fourth generation lives six to eight months before producing the next generation which starts the northern migration to their original homes. Not bad for a small creature that weighs just one fifth of an ounce!
We serve an awesome God. As we are shown repeatedly through examples in nature, God is all powerful and able to give us everything we need for an abundant, fruitful life. All we have to do is to acknowledge Him and to trust Him.
Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your miraculous creation on earth through which we can gain insight into Your power and divine nature. Help us to always remember that just as you take care of the creatures in nature, you are more than capable of taking care of us through our journey of life. Amen
Let us worship our Creator God, as we seek to know more of Him through His creation.
Mitchell Kent
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made… Romans 1:19-20
Through the ages, mankind has sought to gain an understanding of God. That search has led us in many different directions, yet the Holy Scriptures tell us that the power and nature of God is clearly revealed in His creation. Numerous references are made to nature throughout the Bible from the first few verses in Genesis to the parables of Jesus. Modern man has developed complex scientific techniques with which to unlock many secrets of nature, yet the more we know the more we realize that we do not know.
Consider the tremendous flight capabilities of birds such as the peregrine falcon. This bird is only slightly larger than a crow, yet is able to reach speeds over 200 miles per hour in controlled flight during descents from high altitudes in pursuit of prey. Other birds such as eagles can soar effortlessly on air currents while in search of food. How do birds learn to fly and soar? It is not through education and training as with humans, but rather through their instincts that they know when and how to leave the nest and begin flying. I like to think of their instincts as God’s programming that is exquisitely placed in their small brains for use when needed.
Another example from nature is the miraculous story of the Monarch butterfly. This beautiful creature seems so weak and fragile to us; yet, a careful study shows us just how strong and durable it is. We see Monarch butterflies in the spring and summer and marvel at their beauty as they go from flower to flower in our yards gathering nectar. Did you know that the Monarch butterfly species performs a migration of over 2,500 miles during its life-cycle? Most butterflies reproduce and die in two to six weeks. Once every four generations, some Monarch butterflies hatch in Canada, make their way through our area in Michigan, cross the United States into Mexico and spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico. The journey takes many months during which the butterflies navigate across many different types of terrain, find food for sustenance, endure bad weather, avoid predators and time it all so that they arrive in central Mexico before the oncoming winter makes it too cold to survive. This fourth generation lives six to eight months before producing the next generation which starts the northern migration to their original homes. Not bad for a small creature that weighs just one fifth of an ounce!
We serve an awesome God. As we are shown repeatedly through examples in nature, God is all powerful and able to give us everything we need for an abundant, fruitful life. All we have to do is to acknowledge Him and to trust Him.
Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your miraculous creation on earth through which we can gain insight into Your power and divine nature. Help us to always remember that just as you take care of the creatures in nature, you are more than capable of taking care of us through our journey of life. Amen
Let us worship our Creator God, as we seek to know more of Him through His creation.
Mitchell Kent
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 18, 2010
Shoulder Rolls
Read Isaiah 30:21
For some reason whenever Charlie asks for a Lenten Devotion, my thoughts turn to our dog, Toby. Being from a suburban community is hard on a dog of Toby’s nature who is built to run, so most Friday late afternoons I meet Heidi and Diane Martin with their dogs Kooder and Bonnie (Toby’s good and perhaps only dog friends) at church. At the back of the property the dogs can be supervised off-leash to roam and sniff.
As soon as the phone call from Heidi comes, Toby starts whining in anticipation and pretty much continues all the way to church (good thing it’s a short ride). He leaps from the car, delighted to explore and run for the joy of running – it’s a beautiful thing to watch. The dogs chase the occasional rabbit or squirrel, and one time they even cornered a possum. Once in a while they stray from the property and have to be reminded where they belong (Kooder is amazingly adept at “selective hearing”).
Too often for my taste, Toby engages in what Dave and I now refer to as the “shoulder roll”, which involves rubbing and rolling in the most obnoxious-smelling thing he can find on the ground. This necessitates a humbling ride home banished to the “back-end” of the car with the windows open and an inevitable bath. Ironically, this situation brings to my mind our relationship with God. He gives us the free will to explore and shares our joy. Sometimes we stray, and He calls us back to the right path.
Even when we make bad mistakes, He is there to wash away our sin and guide us back to where we belong. Praise God and give thanks for His many blessings!
Sue DeWitt
Read Isaiah 30:21
For some reason whenever Charlie asks for a Lenten Devotion, my thoughts turn to our dog, Toby. Being from a suburban community is hard on a dog of Toby’s nature who is built to run, so most Friday late afternoons I meet Heidi and Diane Martin with their dogs Kooder and Bonnie (Toby’s good and perhaps only dog friends) at church. At the back of the property the dogs can be supervised off-leash to roam and sniff.
As soon as the phone call from Heidi comes, Toby starts whining in anticipation and pretty much continues all the way to church (good thing it’s a short ride). He leaps from the car, delighted to explore and run for the joy of running – it’s a beautiful thing to watch. The dogs chase the occasional rabbit or squirrel, and one time they even cornered a possum. Once in a while they stray from the property and have to be reminded where they belong (Kooder is amazingly adept at “selective hearing”).
Too often for my taste, Toby engages in what Dave and I now refer to as the “shoulder roll”, which involves rubbing and rolling in the most obnoxious-smelling thing he can find on the ground. This necessitates a humbling ride home banished to the “back-end” of the car with the windows open and an inevitable bath. Ironically, this situation brings to my mind our relationship with God. He gives us the free will to explore and shares our joy. Sometimes we stray, and He calls us back to the right path.
Even when we make bad mistakes, He is there to wash away our sin and guide us back to where we belong. Praise God and give thanks for His many blessings!
Sue DeWitt
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17, 2010
It's Impossible
Read: Galatians 2:20
We have to push ourselves to work hard if living a Christian life is important to us. Don’t we? Please consider the following quote.
The Christian life isn't difficult--it is impossible. If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves. Faith is not necessary when we think we can do it ourselves. Faith comes along when we realize that we cannot do it on our own. -- Joseph Garlingen
When God leads us into situations that are uncertain, isn’t he providing the challenge that will allow our faith to grow? So by personal struggling to overcome the situation aren’t we becoming better Christians? It seems the key to it is making ourselves available to God; turning ourselves over so that God can use us to his best purposes.
If we are to believe Garlingen’s quote he seems to be saying that only by putting God in control can our faith become stronger. Only by learning to depend on God can we grow in our faith. In contrast, if we depend more on our own strength than we depend on God, we will simply be measuring our personal growth.
How can we learn to turn our lives over to God? Pray every day to express thankfulness for God being willing to live through us, and offer yourself to God for God’s uses. Be conscious always of how God might be using us in everyday situations to accomplish his work on earth. Be on the lookout for instances of God working through others.
Most important, we must remember that just when it seems hardest to turn things over to God, that’s the time when we need it most.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory,
Are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians. 3:18
Joy Baker
Read: Galatians 2:20
We have to push ourselves to work hard if living a Christian life is important to us. Don’t we? Please consider the following quote.
The Christian life isn't difficult--it is impossible. If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves. Faith is not necessary when we think we can do it ourselves. Faith comes along when we realize that we cannot do it on our own. -- Joseph Garlingen
When God leads us into situations that are uncertain, isn’t he providing the challenge that will allow our faith to grow? So by personal struggling to overcome the situation aren’t we becoming better Christians? It seems the key to it is making ourselves available to God; turning ourselves over so that God can use us to his best purposes.
If we are to believe Garlingen’s quote he seems to be saying that only by putting God in control can our faith become stronger. Only by learning to depend on God can we grow in our faith. In contrast, if we depend more on our own strength than we depend on God, we will simply be measuring our personal growth.
How can we learn to turn our lives over to God? Pray every day to express thankfulness for God being willing to live through us, and offer yourself to God for God’s uses. Be conscious always of how God might be using us in everyday situations to accomplish his work on earth. Be on the lookout for instances of God working through others.
Most important, we must remember that just when it seems hardest to turn things over to God, that’s the time when we need it most.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory,
Are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians. 3:18
Joy Baker
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March 16, 2010
LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES
Read I Corinthians 13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians. 13:13
To love and be loved is a basic driving force in life. Most of us believe that love is the most powerful force in the world. The Apostle Paul tells us that without love we have nothing. As such, people are always looking for love and hoping they find it. We’ve just celebrated Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to love, albeit romantic love rather than brotherly or charitable love.
We say “without love we are nothing “and “it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. So where should we be looking for love and how will we recognize it? It’s a quest that has led people to many of the wrong places and the results can be disastrous. Many songs, books and court cases deal with lost love, forbidden love and unrequited love. Being in love with the idea of love isn’t any guarantee we will find love.
To find love, we need to go to the source of love, God, and his teachings about love. In 1 John, the Bible teaches us that “love is of God”, that “we must love one another”, and that “if you abide in love, you abide in God”. We love because God first loved us. Love is the rule for fulfilling all rules. In fact the great commandment God give us is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12 and Matthew 22). Man cannot love his neighbor unless he loves himself and he cannot truly love himself unless he loves God. What an amazing connectedness: love God, love yourself, love your neighbor. We love God because of his sacrificial love for us. It is only though his love that we are able to love. We need to love ourselves in spite of our shortcomings. Ask God to help you with your weaknesses, not overlook them. We need to love others in spite of their shortcomings. Ask God to help you look for the good in others, not focus on their weaknesses.
Love has some pretty amazing qualities: you have to give it away to get it back, it has no limits on its growth, it can’t be bought but it is more valuable than anything that can. The results of living loved are an abundant life and the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Ask God each day to help you be aware of his loving goodness and to be an agent of that loving goodness. Seek out opportunities to show his love and celebrate that love.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the example of love in your Son. Guide us daily to seek your love and to give evidence of your love to others. May others know we are Christians by our love.
Pat Deck
Read I Corinthians 13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians. 13:13
To love and be loved is a basic driving force in life. Most of us believe that love is the most powerful force in the world. The Apostle Paul tells us that without love we have nothing. As such, people are always looking for love and hoping they find it. We’ve just celebrated Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to love, albeit romantic love rather than brotherly or charitable love.
We say “without love we are nothing “and “it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. So where should we be looking for love and how will we recognize it? It’s a quest that has led people to many of the wrong places and the results can be disastrous. Many songs, books and court cases deal with lost love, forbidden love and unrequited love. Being in love with the idea of love isn’t any guarantee we will find love.
To find love, we need to go to the source of love, God, and his teachings about love. In 1 John, the Bible teaches us that “love is of God”, that “we must love one another”, and that “if you abide in love, you abide in God”. We love because God first loved us. Love is the rule for fulfilling all rules. In fact the great commandment God give us is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12 and Matthew 22). Man cannot love his neighbor unless he loves himself and he cannot truly love himself unless he loves God. What an amazing connectedness: love God, love yourself, love your neighbor. We love God because of his sacrificial love for us. It is only though his love that we are able to love. We need to love ourselves in spite of our shortcomings. Ask God to help you with your weaknesses, not overlook them. We need to love others in spite of their shortcomings. Ask God to help you look for the good in others, not focus on their weaknesses.
Love has some pretty amazing qualities: you have to give it away to get it back, it has no limits on its growth, it can’t be bought but it is more valuable than anything that can. The results of living loved are an abundant life and the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Ask God each day to help you be aware of his loving goodness and to be an agent of that loving goodness. Seek out opportunities to show his love and celebrate that love.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the example of love in your Son. Guide us daily to seek your love and to give evidence of your love to others. May others know we are Christians by our love.
Pat Deck
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