Friday, March 8, 2024

Light in the Darkness

Read: Psalm 23

It is easy to get a sense of God's presence sitting in a church with beautiful colored windows. It is also easy to feel God's presence watching the sun rise over the lake as I am driving to work. But what about those days when the sun is not shining, literally or figuratively?

In all of our lives there are days – and especially, nights, when we feel lost and abandoned. Where is the God who inspired the choirs and organ in churches to fill the air with joys of praising Him?

Where is the brilliant sun that shone so brightly we had to move our cars' visors to the left to safely see what lies ahead on the road?

These are times when we are experiencing what has been called "The Dark Night of the Soul," a time when the sweet consolations of God's joys seem so very far away. It is during this time that we are doing well just to "hold on" to our faith as we might feel as when we are descending the basement stairs without having remembered to switch on the lights; the handrail becomes our lifeline.

And so it is that when we are in the dark and greatly desire the light to cast understanding to our fears, we can forget that God has allowed us to be in that place for a reason; though the reason why is far from our understanding.

It is during those times that we can return to the Book of Psalms, aka "Jesus’ Own Prayer Book." We can be strengthened by the verse "The Lord is My Shepherd; there is nothing I shall lack...even though I should walk through the valley of death...I shall fear no evil, for you, O Lord, are with me."

So when we are lost in a darkness when we were expecting a light to shine, so the perceived loss of light provides a True Illumination to our souls – and teaches us to center our hope not in always understanding but TRUSTING the Lord of all light, love, and consolations.

David Smith

Thursday, March 7, 2024

“Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”

You may know this song from 1969, written by Robert Lamm of the then called Chicago Transit Authority, later known as the group Chicago.
I loved the song in the 70s and heard it recently – and I have been thinking about how profound is this question. It sort of gets into my personal theme for 2024 of slowing down, living in the moment, and really being present to now.

The singer makes reference to people hurrying and trying to beat the clock – and constantly referencing “what time is it?” – in a panicky way.
We have learned that time is given to us by God, moment by moment, and that there is no way to speed up or slow down time.
I feel that hurrying has become a habit for me – with an app that gives me the fastest directions for driving, and I even try to gain a minute or two on that!

I chart a schedule that has felt like more a burden than a joyful road-map. I am working to change.

This song reminds me that rushing might be a part of human nature. Staying in the present moment takes intention and practice. Meditation and prayer are a way for me to slow down. Being intentional about what I plan to do and then being fully there for it.

Making music is a wonderful way to stay in the moment. My time spent each week with bells and the choir are joyful moments of being fully present. I concentrate my efforts there and am not thinking about other things during that time. It’s very beneficial for my brain and for my soul.

Studying Jesus’s words also keeps me in the now. In fact, I hear him calling me to be present with him and the time is now. Now is the time to change and live more like Jesus. Simply NOW. His teachings counsel me not to worry, to live fully this range of human experience. I hear that I am already enough and am loved, now.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for the time to be fully present with you. Thank you for loving me as I am. Amen.

Read Mark 1 verse 15.
And listen to the song from Chicago!

Anne Sullivan

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

God Needs Us?

Read: 1John 4:16

I think most Christians would agree with the statements, “God is love” and “We need God.” Recently, my sister tossed a curve ball question at me which caused me to ponder. She said, “I know we need God, but why does God need us?”

I thought to myself of God as all-sufficient, omnipotent, creator of all which exists. Why would the source of love need us? Then I thought of all the scriptural references to love that I could starting with “God is Love….(1 John 4:16…). Then, 1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4-8. And, so many more verses. It finally dawned on me that God needs us as an outlet for his love.

Love does no good unless it is given away. Love must be given away. Self love is necessary to keep one alive and to kindle the fire of God’s love within to be given away, to do the good which God would have us do.

So, my take on why God needs us may not be the correct one, and certainly not the only one, but it helps me answer my sister’s question and my own.

Prayer: Our God, source of love, continue stoking the fire of love that you share with us so that we may share it with everyone. Amen.

Mike Bernhardt

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

God Was With Us

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

My cousin Paul and I were on a weekend Boy Scout camping trip near a rock quarry when we were young teenagers. It was a Sunday morning in early spring, and our troop was packing up everything and having some last-minute fun. Paul and I decided to take one more walk along the rim of the quarry before his dad showed up to drive us home. As I was sitting near the edge of the rim looking east at the rising sun and the valley below us, Paul was approaching me to my left, taking exaggerated long steps. I yelled to him to be careful, because there were patches of thin ice and mud where he was walking. Just when I said those words, Paul’s feet slipped from underneath him, and I could see him sliding towards the edge of the cliff. I jumped up and over towards him, hoping to grab his hands or any part of his body before he disappeared over the edge. It was too late, and I remember seeing his body, arms, and hands all disappear. His momentum carried him away from the quarry wall as he somersaulted in the air down to the quarry floor. Halfway down, his voice stopped, and there was no noise at all until he collided with the ground. I got up and started running nearly halfway around the rim to find a trail that led to the quarry floor. I was shouting to everyone below that my cousin had just fallen, and I could hear Paul making weird sounds like he was trying to breathe. I was frantic because I thought he was going to die.

Amazingly, Paul did not die. He did not even break any bones. The doctors believed he became unconscious during his fall, causing his muscles to relax, which allowed his body to better absorb the impact of hitting the ground. He landed a few feet away from a massive boulder that was laying on the floor of the quarry. On our ride home, none of us said much of anything, and I often wonder what Uncle Earnie was thinking about during that drive home. Paul was their only child.

God saved a lot of people that morning. He clearly saved my cousin Paul. God also saved Uncle Earnie and Aunt Jeane, for they would have been devastated to lose their only child.

God saved me as well, on multiple levels. If I had been able to grab Paul’s hand, I probably would have slid over the quarry edge with him. If both of us were free-falling down that cliff, Paul may not have fallen in the exact right way to save his life, and I would have ended up on top of that massive boulder. By allowing Paul to live, God also saved me from forever kicking myself for not being able to grab Paul before he went over the edge of that cliff. It was a miracle God provided all of us that morning, and I will be forever grateful to our Savior.

When we can, we need to try to help others in their moments of crisis. But we will not always be successful in our attempts to be the hero. That does not mean we have failed, or a negative outcome is assured. If we put forth our best efforts and have faith in God, we will have all we need to handle whatever happens in our lives.

Prayer: Our loving Father, please give us courage to act whenever someone needs our help, and faith to know You are with us no matter what happens. Amen.

Kurt Fish

Monday, March 4, 2024

 No Expiration

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

I saw this sign on the restroom door in the car dealership.

DON'T FLUSH:

• Paper Towels

• Tissues and Wipes

• Sanitary Napkins

• Kittens and Puppies

• Your Hopes and Dreams

I thought about it all day and smiled. It is so true. Do not give up on your hopes and dreams. They do not have an expiration date. Keep praying and believing.

I pray you may accomplish all your hopes and dreams.

Nancy M. Kramer

 

Pass It On

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

Over the past year I have received an outpouring of prayers and support that will stay with me forever. I will do my best to pass along that same spirit and love to others going forward.

Eternally grateful,
Greg Gardner

 

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Grounded In God’s Love

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me way from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. – Psalm 51:10-12 NRSV Bible

These verses are part of the Morning portion of the Daily Devotions for Individuals and Family found in the Book of Common Prayer. Over the years I have used this devotion to begin my day, so much so that I have memorized this opening prayer based on Psalm 51.

Over the years I have spoken these words for a variety of reasons: as a vow to be better grounded in God and God’s way, as a confession for my sinfulness and need for God, as a reminder of who God is and God’s yearning for me, and as an inspiration in my journey to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that the way it is with familiar and memorized scripture passages, they meet us where we are and when we are. Although God’s word never changes, we do... all the time. It’s the price we pay for living in this reality. And so, if all around me be in some form of change, then these memorized passages ground me in God and God’s way. Even if my life is in seemingly constant motion (seen and unseen), I am still in God’s hands. God’s promises are still within my reach. God is with me. And that brings me comfort, and it also challenges me to take stock in my faith journey.

Am I willing to be made new? Am I willing to be shaped and molded by God and God’s way? Am I willing to let God be that big a part of my life? Each day we have the opportunity to reflect on such questions. Each day we have the opportunity to say “Yes” to God once more… thank God!

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me, today. Restore my joy for you today, and sustain me in the midst of all the change that I may encounter today. Amen.

Rev. David Eardley

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Lending to the Lord

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." – Proverbs 19:17

When I was 17, my brother Chip and I attended a concert in Detroit on a freezing winter night. As we were leaving the venue, we encountered a homeless man asking for spare change. Chip and I didn’t have any money, and I was ready to walk away until Chip struck up a conversation with the man. He asked the man his name and noticed that his coat was old and tattered, totally inadequate for the weather. Without a second thought, Chip removed his own winter jacket and handed it to the man. That was 19 years ago, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

In our world, there's often a tendency to view the less fortunate and homeless as inconveniences, almost to the point of avoiding eye contact and pretending they don’t exist. But Chip's actions remind me of something profound, even if it sounds so obvious: homeless individuals are real people with stories, lives, and experiences. They're not just faceless statistics, but often individuals who have faced difficult circumstances or fallen on hard times.

There's a prevailing notion that homeless people will squander any money they receive on liquor or drugs, but my personal experiences and many research studies have shown otherwise. More often than not, people just need a little help and a touch of compassion.

Proverbs 19:17 captures this sentiment perfectly: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." It's a reminder that acts of kindness and generosity towards the less fortunate are the same as lending to the Lord Himself. This verse encourages us to extend help and support to those in need, not just as an obligation, but as an expression of our faith and obedience to God.

This Lenten season, let's carry this message with us. Let's open our hearts to the needs of those around us and seek opportunities to show kindness and compassion, knowing that in doing so, we honor God and fulfill His purpose for us.

David Switzer

Friday, March 1, 2024

She Remained

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. – John 19:25-27

I’ve stopped, started, and thrown out this devotion so many times this week. Nothing seems to come out insightful or meaningful these days. It’s pretty representative of this phase of my life. Welcoming a fourth baby into our family this fall has been everything you think it is – wonderful, amazing, insane, chaotic, sleepy, joyful – and so many more things. My office is now sprinkled with pack-n-plays, nursing pillows, and burp cloths. My house is never as clean as I want it to be.

My first two weeks back to work were littered with snow days, sick kids, and a federal holiday. Sometimes it feels like, no wonder Jesus’ twelve disciples were all men. By the time a mom got everyone ready to trek to the seashore or to a last supper, someone would need a snack or a diaper change or have a temperature of 103.

All jokes aside, we know that women played a variety of important roles in Jesus’ ministry. If only modern women saw themselves as Jesus sees them. We keep ourselves, our families, and our households running, yet somehow our inner shame tells us we’re not good enough. Our brains in mom-mode seem like an endless loop of “I am woman, hear me roar!” and whatever shame story we’re telling ourselves that day.

I’ve been thinking about the women in Jesus’ circle a lot the last four months, mostly his mother, Mary. I’ve prayed to her in times of postpartum distress and thanked her for her courage when days felt hard to get through. As moms we sacrifice a lot of things, but Mary had to stand and watch as her son made the ultimate sacrifice, his life, for our sins.

I think about Mary at her dying son’s feet. He was suffering in his physical body and she, undoubtedly, was suffering in her soul. And yet, she remained.

So, when days as a modern woman and mother feel hard to get through, I think of Mary’s “hear me roar” strength. I ask God for that same trust in Jesus and peace of mind and heart. After all, she watched her son give his life, so I could give my sons and daughters life. And who else can do that but a mother?

Emily Bianchi

Thursday, February 29, 2024

God Is Our Guide

Read Psalm 16:1-11

I remember back in October of 2021, walking a corn maze with Team Red White and Blue Grand Rapids (a nationwide Veteran group.) We followed the walled path; but when we neared what we thought was the exit, there was another wall. We had to back up and look for another way out. It was a bit difficult to reach the end, but with perseverance we reached the goal.

Life is like a maze. Many times, we ask God why certain things happen to us. We try to grasp difficult situations but are unable to understand them. We hurry here and there, looking for the right path. Obstacles stop us in our tracks, and we don’t understand why we must backtrack or even face those obstacles in the first place. It becomes crucial to allow God to guide us through the twisting and turning passageways of life so that we can find the path that will lead to the fullness of joy that only God can offer.

Prayer: Almighty God, show us the path that leads to the fullness of joy in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Ben DeWitt

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness

Read: Matthew11:25-30

For several years we went to Florida for the winter. We had one neighbor, Johnny, who lived four doors from us. He came with his parents from the Boston area.

When Johnny was born with Down Syndrome and a heart condition, his physician recommended he be put into an institution. His parents said, no, they would take care of him. His mother was a teacher, and put him in a special school where he learned to read and write, and later enjoyed art classes.

Johnny was friends with everyone, and every day would meet the mailperson and visit while they sorted the mail.

His mother would take him to the pool at dinner time, when the pool was nearly empty, and let him swim with two empty milk cartons, so he would not interfere with others.

The parents gave him a birthday party every year (no gifts, please) with a small band and pizza, salad, and cake. Of course, several gave him monetary gifts which he used to take his parents and friends to lunch at his favorite restaurant, McDonald’s.

One night last year he didn’t feel well, and asked his mother to sleep with him. The next morning he felt better, but that night she again slept with him. When she awoke that second morning, he was deceased. He was 61 years old.

Life gives us challenges, but God gives us the ability to handle them.

Sara Wooton

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

A Hymn of Promise, Verse 4

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. – Psalm 133:1

First, I must confess that the writing of a “simple” devotion creates anxiety for me. I am not blessed with creative writing ideas and skills. I tell myself that all I need is a simple story to share. Or I try to look at Bible verses and devotions and consider what life experiences I have had that would fit the thought. Other folks write lovely things that I appreciate and cherish. Personal frustration kicks in, so many years I just give up and write nothing. You would think I was a novelist with writer’s block.

That said, I came across a verse I wrote for Christopher and April (my son and daughter-in law) in 2017. It was sung by Chris’s aunt at their wedding celebration as an addition to the verses from the “Hymn of Promise.”

In a vow there is a promise,
In a lifetime a world to see.
With God’s love and assistance
In our lives, our hope will be.
Sharing all of it together,
What a glorious journey
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

Our GPUMC family shares this journey as well in so many ways. In the presence of God and with his guidance, together we worship, support each other in need, provide clothing, food, shelter, and funds to support disaster relief and the under-served, share the gift of reading, provide Christian education to our youth and adults through Sunday School, book studies, and VBS, as well as many fellowship groups (and so much more). We also stay connected on this journey through our newsletters, Facebook, and even YouTube for those who cannot be present. With God’s help what promises can we make in this Lenten season to share our journey of Christian love? What does God have planned for us next?

Prayer: Dear God,
With your guidance and in your time may we find ways to fulfill and share the promises we make to you, ourselves, and others. Amen.

Beth Blunden

Monday, February 26, 2024

An Unexpected Visit

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." – Matthew 25:35-40

He was standing just outside my office door. I didn't hear him come into the church and was startled when I did see him. He was dressed in his usual…black pants, t-shirt, and a black full-length overcoat. Most folks in the church didn't like the way he dressed. They said he scared them. Today there was something different about him though. His face was sad and he had tears running down his weathered cheeks. In his outstretched hands was a lifeless white dove. He held her with care as he tried to convey his desire for her. She was lying on the sidewalk in front of him down the street, and the one place he chose to come with her was to church.

Please allow me to expound before I go on. We'll call him Larry for the sake of confidentiality. Larry was unhoused, and had been for a very long time. How long I'm not sure, but his tan, leathery skin from exposure to the South Florida sun indicated it had been years. Larry also lived with some sort of mental health illness (another one of his features that people were scared of). He usually had a skewed expression and was very quiet.

I asked him how I could help him as he stood before me with the departed avian. Larry wanted to give her a proper burial. I agreed, jumped up out of my chair and walked with him to the food pantry. I don't know why I went into the food pantry. Perhaps to find an empty container with which we could dig a hole. As soon as I opened the door, on the shelf right in front of us, was a beach pail and shovel. We walked to the back of our building, dug a hole in the dirt, and he placed her in ever so gently. I said a prayer, he said a prayer, and we closed the funeral for our friend.

We are called to serve others. The church is supposed to be a place where we help others with a joyful spirit. Let us continue to help one another, love one another, care for one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, and support one another. Let's do that for each other, and for those outside our walls.

Leslie Rutland-Tipton

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Offering Kindness

Remember this saying, “A few seeds make a small harvest, but a lot of seeds make a big harvest.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6

Timmy was a sweet tempered boy with cognitive impairments in my second grade classroom. He came from a very poor family with many brothers and sisters. He tried hard to fit in with the other children but his over-sized shoes and tattered clothing made him stand out as different. Many local agencies tried to support his family but it was a challenge to make gains.

Just before Christmas break, I was opening gifts from the students and opened a package that was clearly wrapped by a child – without tape, and the gift wrap scrunched around the contents. It was a partially used bottle of perfume and it was from Timmy. A few children started to snicker. I immediately spritzed some on my wrists and raved about how beautiful it smelled. Timmy beamed and the class thankfully quieted. One boy even commented, “That’s nice Timmy. It smells good.” It was a gift from the heart and it touched me to think of his “quest” to find something for his teacher.

My response was no different from thousands of teachers who try to level the playing field between children who have and those who do not. But outside the classroom, how often do we miss opportunities to offer kindness to strangers? Do we turn a blind eye to someone who seems to be of a lesser standing, lack social graces, or appear “different?” How glorious it is to think of the teachings of Jesus in every day life: his love of the downtrodden, sick, and marginalized! During this time of Lenten reflection, may we seek ways to offer kindness in a world where it is lacking.

Prayer: Dear God, make us mindful of all who need our love. Give us the focus to be aware of the needs of others no matter how small. Help us find ways to show your kindness and caring to others and may we strive to always live as you would have us live. Amen.

Marcia Wright

Saturday, February 24, 2024

In the Spirit of John Wesley

Read: Isaiah 55:6-9

Well Charlie, ya know, me bein’ me, I wanted to be the first to submit a Devotion written by an AI-Chatbot. For those who don’t yet know, that’s a computer with artificial intelligence, you can talk to it, and it’ll respond like a person. At first, I really didn’t like the idea of these things, they’ve been the Holy Grail of computer engineering since at least the 1970’s and now they’re here. Our oldest however, told me I better get on the bandwagon. Dave’s a genius and a senior engineer. He consults the wealthiest people in the world on how to solve their unique problems, because nobody else can. Over Christmas he got me going on this AI thing. Dave told me that he’s been using it to do a lot of his engineering work for a year now, and that in a few more years, most of the people in his field of engineering will be obsolete. He’s thinking his later career will not be engineering but teaching the remaining few how to use a robot to do engineering. Our oldest granddaughter, (The Golden Child😊😊) who is an even higher-level genius, has been using this thing to help with her college work for a couple years now, and the colleges welcome it. Incidentally, last June she graduated High School. 2 weeks after, she graduated her first degree in College😊😊. The volume of college work she gets done now with AI is astronomical.

I’ve been playing with it for a few weeks since they were all here at Christmas and I gotta tell ya, I’ve used it to teach myself how to do things I’ve always wanted to learn but just didn’t get to. It taught me things in a few minutes that would have taken me days to figure out on my own. I’ve gained skills in a very short time. It’s kinda cool. Problem is, so far, everything it's taught me is a commercially valuable skill, someone’s job, something a person could make a good living doing, but now they’re all things a robot can do for next to nothing. I’m just doing them for fun.

Soooooooo, when I got my much anticipated, eagerly awaited, annual request from Charlie, I thought, hmmmmm, let’s give it to the Robot and see what it can do. On a whim early one morning, I just gave it the instruction you see after “Ron” below. The result it gave me is the part after “ChatGPT” below.

 

Ron:
I need a devotional in the Methodist spirit of John Wesley. Something about our robotic world, a couple paragraphs will do.

ChatGPT:
In the spirit of John Wesley and the Methodist tradition, let us reflect on our increasingly robotic world. Just as Wesley emphasized the importance of connecting with God through intentional living and disciplined practices, we too can find spiritual meaning in the midst of technology.

In our modern age, where machines and algorithms seem to govern much of our daily lives, it becomes crucial to discern how we can maintain a deep and meaningful connection with our faith. Just as Wesley urged his followers to avoid complacency and seek genuine encounters with God, we can challenge ourselves to use technology in ways that align with our spiritual values.

Rather than succumbing to the automation of our existence, let us employ these tools as instruments for positive change and connection. In a world dominated by screens and artificial intelligence, may we strive to keep our hearts open to the divine presence, remembering Wesley's emphasis on personal and social holiness. As we navigate the complexities of our robotic world, let our actions be guided by love, compassion, and a commitment to building a more just and humane society.

End of ChatGPT output.

It did this in less than 4 seconds! I don’t know what my grandkids are gonna be doin’ for income when they grow up, but right now I’m thinkin’ it’s gonna be a lot more like what my grandparents did. Hmmmmm, now there’s seed for a whole new devotional, wonder if I should write it myself, or just let the robot do it...:)😊😊

Have a great day everybody,

Ron Draper

Friday, February 23, 2024

Walking Through the Valley

But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die—there I will be buried. May the LORD do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. – Ruth 1:16-18 NRSV Bible

Ruth the Moabitess is the great grandmother of King David. She is a model of faithfulness in the midst of great tragedy. At the lowest point of the valley of the shadow of death for her and her mother-in-law Naomi, she speaks these words. Naomi’s husband has died in Moab, as had Naomi’s two sons, one who was husband to Ruth. These two women are left with no land and family. Naomi encourages Ruth to go back to her family, but she refuses to leave Naomi to face the future alone.

Imagine that: she is willing to walk the valley of the shadow of death with Naomi, rather than go back to her family. This is such a powerful example of the love of God at work within her. Her resilience, courage, and strength will carry them back to Bethlehem. It is a love that honors and trusts God’s faithfulness, whether the Lord gives or takes away. Ruth is honored as one of Jesus’ ancestors in Matthew’s genealogy. Being reminded of Ruth’s story, who has shown you God’s faithfulness in your life? Who willingly walked with you through the valley of the shadows? Who may need your companionship as they make their way through the valley of shadows this Lent season?

Prayer: God, thank you for the Ruths within our lives. Thank you for the men and women who have walked through the valley of shadows with us. Their presence was a sign of your faithfulness and love. Because of them and you, we never lost our way among the shadows and deep darkness. May we, like Ruth, walk with others who find themselves in such a valley at this time. Amen.

Rev. David Eardley

Thursday, February 22, 2024

God Is With Us

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

In January, our grandson was involved in an accident and was hospitalized. Immediately we had questions that, because he’s in college out of town, couldn’t be immediately answered. Our anxiety, however, was immediate. The news spread through our family, our friends, and our church family. Many people said they were praying for him and for our family.

The very next day at choir practice we started working on a piece titled “God is With Us.” It’s a gentle chant that reminds us that God is always there. As we sang those words, it occurred to me they gave us assurance that all those prayers were being heard. It was exactly what we needed to hear, and it came at the time we most needed that assurance.

Thankfully, prayers are being answered. He has a long way to go but, as I write these words, he is slowly improving. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers.

Fred Van de Putte

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The Mourner’s Path

After Charlie's announcement that Lent will be coming up quickly this year, I re-read my devotional from last year through tears, but also joy. Not much has changed in my feeling about the church and its support during my season of grief after the sudden loss of my mom at the beginning of January 2023.

What did change is the deep shock and grief I have felt over the sudden and tragic loss of several of our beautiful young adults in our close-knit community this past year.

I again turned to GPUMC and its staff and members who were sharing in my anger and my deep sadness, and I learned that the only way to be free of those unbearable days was to "turn it over to God."

I also attended a workshop in December with our pastor, David, and fellow Stephen Minister, Carolyn Barth, called the mourner's path at Christ Episcopal Church in Grosse Pointe. The central theme of this Christ-centered ministry is that inviting Christ to be a part of the pain is central to your healing, so that you can transform your grief into joyful living.

I have also spent this year traveling the mourner's path thinking, dreaming, and reading about Heaven.

Pastor Greg Laurie, whose journey to Christ was told in the wonderful movie, “Jesus Revolution,” has a new book called “As it Is in Heaven.” In it he says "Heaven is a real place where real people do real things. The Bible says that Heaven is a city, a country, and a paradise. And we can eat there too. In fact the first thing you can do is have a feast!"

One of my favorite Bible passages is John 14, where Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure to the Father. I read it at the beautiful memorial service at church for my dear friend, Julie Froggett, in 2019, and also had the honor to read it at the small service I had for my beloved mom, Dee Allison, on February 3rd, 2023:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going." – John 14 1-4

Our mourner's path is very real and deeply personal, but is also meant to be shared with our fellow humans who are grieving, and are looking for a path to joyful living.

I am so looking forward to sharing in the hope and joy of this new season of Lent at GPUMC, with both friends on Earth and friends in Heaven.

Amy Sanford

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Reconnecting …

Read: Psalm 133

An amazing thing happened this past Christmas Day. I was driving with Sue and our two rescue dogs that morning to spend the Day and overnight with our daughter Katrina and her family in Mt. Pleasant. It was an easy drive, especially with our new SUV that we bought in order to accommodate our dual canine experience. I think our two grandchildren were just as excited about the two dogs visiting as they were about Nana and Papa.

The amazing thing was how the special Day touched me in a way, starting to resolve a long ongoing family estrangement. I had just learned earlier in the week that my oldest brother on the East Coast had been ill for over a month and had lost 40 pounds, due to being unable to eat regular food. Doctors had been incapable of finding the root cause.

I looked over at Sue and said, “Now is the time to reach out and make the link that had been needed for a long time.” With the vehicle’s microphone and speaker working, the call was connected and a modest, yet important conversation and tie was made.

The conversation did not last long, and what you would expect from a normal caring conversation (on both sides) was an important step in helping him know his brother was offering some relationship again.

As of this writing, finally an initial diagnosis was that some arteries around the stomach were blocked and did not allow the stomach to function normally.

So, not only did the Christ Child’s birthday create a sensation, it also inspired my life to begin healing the relationship.

David DeWitt

Monday, February 19, 2024

There Will be Rejoicing in Cleveland!

Read: Luke 15:1-10

(It looks like I’m channeling my inner Sue DeWitt – here’s another dog-related devotion.)

Billie and I were walking on one of our normal routes, heading into Grosse Pointe Park down Charlevoix, when I kicked something with my right foot. I didn’t see anything on the sidewalk, so we just kept going.
After our three miles or so, having gone down to Jefferson along Three Mile Drive (Five Kilometre Drive I like to call it), and then back home up Cadieux, I realized that my keys weren’t in my jacket pocket.

I like old things, and I was wearing one. It was my Grandpa’s old jacket, and I discovered that I could put my hand through the bottom of the pocket – a new development, as far as I knew (and, as I said, I like old things).

Fortunately, Heidi was home to let us in, and once Billie was having her dinner, I headed out to seek my keys; but which way to go? Should I reverse my route, assuming it happened late? I started that way; but as I waited for the light to change at Cadieux, I changed my mind and continued along Charlevoix … wait a minute, I kicked something along here! Back and forth I went, looking in the grass on either side, under the bushes here and there, over and over … but to no avail. I started wondering what I needed to do about the lost keys (my house, car, bike, and church keys were all on that ring!). Then, a black SUV drove by, very slowly, and the driver rolled down his window and asked, “are you looking for a set of keys?”

Imagine my relief – and his – when he told me he had been driving back and forth, looking for someone who looked to be looking for something, and that he had been about to give up and try to figure out what to do with the keys he had found (my keys!). So, there was rejoicing on Charlevoix and back home at Cleveland, thanks to the kindness of a stranger who was acting as a neighbor to me. (For extra credit, read Luke 10:25-37.)

Prayer: Father, thank you for our neighbors; help us to be good neighbors to all. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

Sunday, February 18, 2024

The Gift of the Day

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." – Psalm 118:24

I’m not much of a football fan. I don’t know the goalie from the first baseman and I rarely understand how they score when they get the ball into the net. You get the idea.

But I have loved checking into various Lions games this season and appreciating the happiness that these victories have delivered for so many.

My favorite moment came after the Lions won the game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 21.

Aidan Hutchinson – honestly a player whose name was completely unknown to me until this year – stood apart from all of his teammates after that victory and just seemed to absorb all of the joy of the moment. Crazy delirium was swirling all around him, and Hutchinson just stopped. He seemed to be just taking deep breaths and soaking up all of the happiness around him.

There’s a lesson in that for all of us. Life is crazy, and we can be overwhelmed by it on almost any day. Or we can choose to pause. We can choose to give ourselves a break. We can choose to step back and smell the proverbial roses. We can choose.

I have no idea whether Aidan Hutchinson is a man of faith, but, in that moment, I could see that he was a man who chose to be grateful for an experience that was enveloping him and that he knew was probably fleeting.

Prayer: Lord, please help us to be grateful for the many miracles, big and small, in our lives. Help us to pause and appreciate the gift of every day, whether it brings a big victory or merely the routine of everyday life. Amen.

Joan Richardson