During the Advent Season, we post our devotionals at the Johnson Memorial Advent Devotional blog.
Please be our guest, and go to www.jmadvent.blogspot.com
Have a blessed Christmas season
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Devotional 11-28-08
Inspired by Psalm 65
We open our thoughts.
Our minds, our hearts, our spirits
in praise of you, our God.
We open our sins to you, our God,
when they threaten to overwhealm us,
when we are drowning, unable to catch our breath
in the suffocation of them.
You free us.
You forgive us.
And we are alive again.
All praise and thanksgiving
We lift to you.
We open our hearts to you, our God.
You draw us close in your unconditional,
Unbreakable
Unfathonable
Love for us.
You transform our lives to joy,
and we celebrate our time
spent in your presence,
in your house,
in your Holy Kingdom.
We open our minds to understand you, our God.
We see you at work in your world
We try to grasp what you do
as you deliver us from evil.
You bring us alive in hope.
Hope.
Hope that is larger than we could ever grasp.
And yet you tempt us
Encourage us
Convince us
To believe.
We open our eyes, and we see you, our God.
We see your mountains, which you shaped with your power.
We hear the silence of the sea, the roaring of the water,
The voices of your children.
The morning whispers your name.
The evening echoes your breath.
The trees lift their hands to your in gratitude for the rain
The rivers dance to your bidding.
And we are fed.
We open our lives to you, our God,
and offer them in thanksgiving.
You shape the earth
And bring it to life
You shape our lives
as we live them here on earth.
Time itself is witness to your royalty,
The land is overwhelmd by your bounty.
Creation itself is joy.
We lift our voices in praise of you, our God
And we join in the hymn of the world.
We sing counterpoint to the praise of your creatures,
crossing your land
We clap in syncopation to the heads of grain
moving in the wind.
We join in creation's praise
as it shouts and sings together for joy.
All praise and glory is yours, our God,
and we come to you
raising our voices in thanksgiving,
for our song has no end.
Kim Matthews
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Devotional 11-21-08
Readings: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30
Quotes like “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” surface, as does the statement “If you prefer security to opportunity, you’re doomed from the start.” Both of these have a significant relationship to Jesus’ parable of the Talents.
The parable itself is part of the farewell discourse on the Mount of Olives during which Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem. Jesus also reveals signs that will precede his personal return. After telling the parable of the Fig Tree, Jesus gives four other parables: the Thief in the Night, the Faithful and Wicked Servants, the Ten Virgins, and the parable of the Talents—our text.
In this parable a master travels to another country, leaving his capital in the hands of three servants. Today we use the word talent to refer to some special ability or aptitude one might have, as for example, a talent in music or art. However, in Jesus’ time talent referred to wealth and was not a coin but a measure of weight. A silver talent for example, was worth about $1,000. (Some translations indicate the servant hid his master’s silver.)
Suffice to say, a talent amounted to a considerable amount of money. The servant who received five talents and the one who received two talents traded them, each doubling his capital. The servant with only one talent did not attempt to invest but dug a hole and hid it in the ground.
When the master returned there was a day of reckoning. With joy the servants who had invested their capital made their reports. To each of them the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”(v. 21 NIV).
The man who received the single talent also reported. The reprimand of this servant was as severe as the master’s commendation for the other two servants was glorious. This servant was called wicked and lazy, the opposite of good and faithful.
The master took away the one talent this servant had, gave it to the one who now had ten talents, and expelled the unfaithful servant from his presence. This is figuratively expressed as being thrown into the darkness.
Jesus adds no explanation of the parable, yet the emphasis is on service. Blessings bring responsibility and accountability. God’s gifts are tools to be used in the divine kingdom and not prizes to enjoy along the way. In a very real sense we use these gifts or we lose them. This may be disturbing or sound harsh, but it is true.
What of our talents? Talents come in all sizes and shapes. God blesses everyone with some talent—the just as well as the unjust. Lest we become proud of our particular talent, the Bible notes that we are given talents “according to our . . . ability.” All people are created equal only in the sense that all have equal chance to prove themselves. Somewhere along the line we all realize we are unequal in looks, in opportunity, in advantages, even in mental capacity. When you get right down to it, all talents are undeserved.
One thing, however, is supremely clear. God expects each of us to perform up to our own capability. The five-talent individual is expected to produce five additional talents and the two-talent individual is not condemned if he only produces two additional talents. The one-talent person was not required to produce five talents! You might say all talents are like coins: on one side is written “endowment” and on the other, “accountability.”
Never forget that the reward for faithfulness is greater opportunity and greater responsibility. Both the five-talent and the two-talent person were given additional talents, which meant more responsibility. Polio vaccine inventor Dr. Jonas Salk said it well: “The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.” If you think because of your faithfulness you will be relieved of further responsibility, think again!
The “villain” in this parable is the one-talent individual. In calling this person “wicked,” Jesus used the same term he used six times in reference to Satan, seven times in a general sense, and only two times related to a character outside Satan. “Wicked” is a strong, strong word in the Bible.
Far too many church members are doing exactly what this one-talent person did. Afraid of any risk, they bury their talent and refuse to get involved in meaningful Christian service of any kind. These people minimize the talent they have.
How many church members do you know who “used to” sing, “used to” teach, “used to” visit, “used to” help around the church? Look at them now and realize this parable is so true to life—you really do lose what you refuse to use! Obviously, God expects from each of us faithfulness, dependability, tenacity, diligence, and discipline. Anything else merits no commendation from God, only condemnation. We bring it on ourselves.
George Buttrick, in his fine book, The Parables of Jesus, tells of visiting an ancient abbey in France named “Our Lady of the Risk.” Upon investigation he found this was a reference to none other than Mary, the mother of Jesus, who risked everything to have the Christ child. What was the master looking for from his servants when he returned from his journey? Not fame, but faithfulness. Not genius, but goodness. Not degrees, but dependability. Those God commends are those willing to work while others play, to study while others sleep, to risk all for God’s sake rather than play it safe for their own sake.
The practical appeal of the parable is clear. This parable is a stimulus to faithfulness in service, knowing of a sure and glorious reward. At the same time, it is a warning against sloth or laziness, knowing the sure and certain loss.
Written by Drew J. Gunnells Jr.
For J. Jasper
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Devotional 11-14-08
DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE
Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.
There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.
When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.
You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.
Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.
Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.
From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.
Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road.
As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.
Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.
Pass up Envy Drive and Hate Avenue.
Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane and Backbiting Blvd.
However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!
AMEN!!!!!
SEND THESE DIRECTIONS TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO THEY WILL NOT GET LOST.
Life is God's gift to you.
The way you live it............is your gift to God!
Brency Sturm
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Devotional 11-7-08
Sometimes when we are shopping, I will ask my daughter, "Did you see anything you can't live without?" Really there is very little we can't live without. We need food, basic clothing, and shelter for our physical needs. We need love, especially Gods love for our souls. All too often we lose sight of the basic things and get caught up in an endless cycle of wants. Whatever we have, it is never enough. It is like we have a hole in our soul and we are constantly trying to fill it to be complete.
Picture a deep, bottomless hole. You feel empty inside. You must fill it to be happy. Too often we fill it with the wrong things. Things won't fill it. Work won't fill it. Alcohol and drugs definitely won't fill it. It is like whatever you put into that hole trying to find happiness just drains out the bottom. Nothing is ever enough. Sometimes we put anger and resentment in the hole. It forms little pockets of infection. They fester and eventually spew out nastiness. The only way to fill that hole is with Gods love. His love seems to act as a stopper for our hole. Somehow when you fill your life (and soul) with Gods love your wants are fewer and things are not as important. Our souls are satisfied, filled and over flowing with love.
Margaret Williams
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Devotional 10-31-08
Read Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, I Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-45
God gave the gift of the promised land to the descendants of Moses, as he promised. God's gave us the gift of this Earth. He knew us even before we were born. He has given us his gift of un-conditional Love. Our God has protected us from opposition. We were prepared for his grace at birth, all that we need to do is accept his "justifying grace" as it is "free for all" as John Wesley said. And once we accept his grace we maintain that grace through "means of grace". By praying, studying the word and through the sacrament of Holy Communion.
We are not to keep all this for ourselves, as Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matthew 22:36-39)
Remember this, that we are a witness, a gift, to all we encounter daily, showing the love of God in all we do, for those that know you and that do not know you. Know matter how little or how small you are a God given Gift.
Fred Herr
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Devotional 10-24-08
Please read Psalm 1 and Matthew 22: 34-39
I can appreciate the image used to distinguish the righteous from the wicked, whose path leads to death. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water. They are healthy, prosperous, and fruitful. Obviously, the streams of water represent God. Notice that the trees didn’t just end up by the stream; no, they were purposefully planted there, just as we are created intentionally to be in relationship with God.
If I could look at a graph of my spirituality, I would see peaks and valleys. Using the image of the tree, I can imagine that there are times when my roots are soaking in the water. I can look back at the most fruitful, healthiest, happiest times in my life and see clearly that those were times of intimacy with God—streams of living water. However, there have been times when I have experienced spiritual drought and feel like I could wither away. I can imagine that the roots are moving in the wrong direction, seeking nourishment from something else. On the surface, everything is fine; the tree is standing, and the stream certainly hasn’t moved. Underneath, something’s not right. Eventually, the tree will dry up and die.
The good news is that when we are planted near the stream, our roots go deep and become entwined with other trees whose strength and nourishment come from the same stream. We hold each other up, just as the community of the righteous—the body of Christ—support each other in times of trial.
Through nothing of my own doing, and I suppose you would call it God’s prevenient grace, I am a descendent of the righteous. My ancestors were planted by streams of water—Gnat’s Run in Ritchie County and Laurel Lick in Lewis County. They lived out the two great commandments, loving God and loving neighbor as self. A friend recently told me that his family didn’t suffer during the depression because they were already poor; they didn’t lose anything and they already had their support systems for taking care of each other. It echoed something my Grandpa Mitchell told me 35 years ago about raising his family of nine children including my mother in the thirties and forties: “We didn’t have much, but we sure had a helluva time.”
The example set for me by the psalmist and my grandparents is to stay connected to God and community. Jesus said it another way: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Dear God, thank you for streams of living water that never run dry and for the community of the righteousness. Fill us with water from the well that never runs dry so that we can bear fruit in our love for You and for our neighbors. Amen.
Jeff Taylor
Friday, October 17, 2008
Devotional 10-17-08
Psalms 133
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) dwell in unity.”
RSV
As I write this devotional thought in October 2008, we are in the midst of the presidential campaign. In the tradition of being transparent, I must disclose that it is my intention to vote for Barack Obama. I share this fact to give you permission to disregard the rest of this devotional or to move on to the next devotional. I cannot get away from my naiveté, idealism, unrealistic, or deluded state that we as Christians should be able to live together in harmony. For me it is a central teaching of Jesus and one that he was willing to die for.
The political campaign and rhetoric make me sick. I find that it is very divisive and plays upon our fears. Our political process plays to the lowest common denominator. By and large the speeches and the advertisement play to our fear. Obama is a Muslim because his middle name is Hussein. Obama is an Arab because his middle name is Hussein. Obama can’t be trusted. All these misstatements were taken as the truth. It got so bad that at one point during the campaign McCain had to defend Obama as being a “decent” man.
I realize that politics is based on competition. I know that our culture and capitalism are based on competition. It is not a bad thing, but I worry about whether we use competition or if it uses us. I know that there were intense feelings when Obama beat out Clinton for the democratic presidential nomination. Yet I found it interesting to hear the speeches she and her husband gave at the convention and to observe them campaigning for Obama.
We are not going to have unity in our churches, states, or communities until we begin to understand and see the greater good. There is time when a stance I call the “mature adult stance” is appropriate. It is what I see in the Clintons out campaigning for Obama. I know that they have to wish that Hillary instead of Barack were the candidate. For the Clintons putting aside the personal disappointment and campaigning for Barack is an act of intimacy.
That is what makes Jesus so special. It is what makes him a role model for our culture. Instead of moving toward Jesus we appear to be moving away from him. Instead of reaching out to others who are different, we are putting more emphasis on being the same. As an articulate black man Barack Obama does not fit the image that many have projected on him. Jesus also had expectations projected onto him such as “Messiah”, “King” and “Lord”. As Christians we are called not be co-opted by our competitive society but rather hear the message of love and respond to others by seeing what they could be rather than what they are. I would like to see a presidential campaign or a public debate, which is focusing on an intense issue using that paradigm.
Rev. David Johnson
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Devotional 10-10-08
Matthew 21:22 " And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Timothy 5:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Ah, the rain has come. I believed it would, I just didn't know when. It feels good. Everything was dry. I even felt dry. Even though I was drinking plenty of liquids, I was feeling dry. Usually, I want it to rain between midnight and maybe 6 AM. But I know that doesn't work. I usually find it a nuisance to go out into the rain. I need a raincoat and or umbrella, extra things that I would not need if the sun was shining and just getting in and out of the car in the rain can be a hassle. Poor me!
We need rain to quench the the thirst around us, and I need to believe in God and the Trinity to quench my thirst and being.
Sometimes, I get to thinking, how could there be God? Why can't I see Him? Where is He? What if someone just fed me the Bible and teachings and is manipulating me from somewhere? All of us? How can all of 'this' be, exist?
But then I think of all the people that believe. They are intelligent. I was recently at the "Commission Possible" workshop in Summersville, WV. Looking around at the more than 1,200 people and thinking of all the people in the world, I thought , they couldn't be all wrong about believing either.
I believe because it makes my life easier, better and makes me feel good. I feel good because I believe. I feel relieved that I can take my fears and woes to God and let go. I feel good about doing for others. I am not that young anymore, but I try to be an example to the believers and non believers. I hope to be a good witness.
Thank you Heavenly Father for my belief, and let me witness to those around me. Amen.
Kay Lewis
Timothy 5:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Ah, the rain has come. I believed it would, I just didn't know when. It feels good. Everything was dry. I even felt dry. Even though I was drinking plenty of liquids, I was feeling dry. Usually, I want it to rain between midnight and maybe 6 AM. But I know that doesn't work. I usually find it a nuisance to go out into the rain. I need a raincoat and or umbrella, extra things that I would not need if the sun was shining and just getting in and out of the car in the rain can be a hassle. Poor me!
We need rain to quench the the thirst around us, and I need to believe in God and the Trinity to quench my thirst and being.
Sometimes, I get to thinking, how could there be God? Why can't I see Him? Where is He? What if someone just fed me the Bible and teachings and is manipulating me from somewhere? All of us? How can all of 'this' be, exist?
But then I think of all the people that believe. They are intelligent. I was recently at the "Commission Possible" workshop in Summersville, WV. Looking around at the more than 1,200 people and thinking of all the people in the world, I thought , they couldn't be all wrong about believing either.
I believe because it makes my life easier, better and makes me feel good. I feel good because I believe. I feel relieved that I can take my fears and woes to God and let go. I feel good about doing for others. I am not that young anymore, but I try to be an example to the believers and non believers. I hope to be a good witness.
Thank you Heavenly Father for my belief, and let me witness to those around me. Amen.
Kay Lewis
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Devotional 10-3-08
Who are you trying to please?
I'm hearing the phrase, "to whom much is given, much is expected," a great deal more than I used to. This is a verse from Luke 12:47-49, which according to the King James' version, reads: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
A lot of folks are very familiar with the first part of this passage and most believe, if you have nice possessions -- the expensive house, the fancy car, and the hefty bank account -- then you properly inherit all of the headache and stress that comes along with the luxuries.
But what is often overlooked in this passage, is the second part of it. "And to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Living about 15 minutes from Washington D.C., politics are always the talk of the day here. And many politicians, when running for office, want to set themselves apart from the "Washington insiders" or the politicians who are viewed as being bought by the lobbyists. After all, "to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." And while the special-interest politician is fulfilling the tall orders of those who have committed much, the ones who have committed nothing or have nothing to commit often go without.
I have come to personalize the second part of the passage and have applied it to my life. How many of us have gotten a great deal on a car, a discount at the sales counter or even landed a job because of someone we knew? We call it "networking." It happens all the time. And usually that friend wants to be repaid in some manner, don't they? Our friends sometimes commit or invest in us because they expect repayment of some kind.
At work, we enjoy being admired by the boss and our co-workers. And they will certainly put in a good word for us -- just as long as we don't apply for the same position they want. Or, when we have the boss' eye, it's all gravy until the competitor comes calling.
We can easily begin to measure who we are and just how far we can go by those who have committed to us in some way.
I love a lyric from an Eryka Badu song: "I work to please me, 'cause I can't please you," because at the end of the day, we have to work to make ourselves – and the Almighty -- happy. If we are allowing others to judge us and decide if we are smart enough, pretty enough, rich enough, or just plain out good enough -- we'll never reach our goals or come to appreciate what the Lord has in store for us.
I enjoy watching the wonder of what God can do when the odds are stacked against us. I love the stories of triumph and success when "no one believed" in someone.
Don't let others hinder you. Lift up your hands to the heavens and stretch!
Marina Matthews
Marina Mathews, is a former Huntington resident. She worked as a reporter and columnist at The Herald-Dispatch for 7 years and now lives in Montgomery Village, Md., with her husband Vada and two children, Todd and Ava, and their little dachshund, Reuben.
I'm hearing the phrase, "to whom much is given, much is expected," a great deal more than I used to. This is a verse from Luke 12:47-49, which according to the King James' version, reads: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
A lot of folks are very familiar with the first part of this passage and most believe, if you have nice possessions -- the expensive house, the fancy car, and the hefty bank account -- then you properly inherit all of the headache and stress that comes along with the luxuries.
But what is often overlooked in this passage, is the second part of it. "And to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Living about 15 minutes from Washington D.C., politics are always the talk of the day here. And many politicians, when running for office, want to set themselves apart from the "Washington insiders" or the politicians who are viewed as being bought by the lobbyists. After all, "to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." And while the special-interest politician is fulfilling the tall orders of those who have committed much, the ones who have committed nothing or have nothing to commit often go without.
I have come to personalize the second part of the passage and have applied it to my life. How many of us have gotten a great deal on a car, a discount at the sales counter or even landed a job because of someone we knew? We call it "networking." It happens all the time. And usually that friend wants to be repaid in some manner, don't they? Our friends sometimes commit or invest in us because they expect repayment of some kind.
At work, we enjoy being admired by the boss and our co-workers. And they will certainly put in a good word for us -- just as long as we don't apply for the same position they want. Or, when we have the boss' eye, it's all gravy until the competitor comes calling.
We can easily begin to measure who we are and just how far we can go by those who have committed to us in some way.
I love a lyric from an Eryka Badu song: "I work to please me, 'cause I can't please you," because at the end of the day, we have to work to make ourselves – and the Almighty -- happy. If we are allowing others to judge us and decide if we are smart enough, pretty enough, rich enough, or just plain out good enough -- we'll never reach our goals or come to appreciate what the Lord has in store for us.
I enjoy watching the wonder of what God can do when the odds are stacked against us. I love the stories of triumph and success when "no one believed" in someone.
Don't let others hinder you. Lift up your hands to the heavens and stretch!
Marina Matthews
Marina Mathews, is a former Huntington resident. She worked as a reporter and columnist at The Herald-Dispatch for 7 years and now lives in Montgomery Village, Md., with her husband Vada and two children, Todd and Ava, and their little dachshund, Reuben.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Devotional 9-26-08
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
I am always struck by the difference between “man’s way” and “GOD’S WAY” when I read the Bible.
By man’s thinking, the Christ would come in power and glory! God’s way was by a virgin and carpenter from the countryside. Human vision assumes a King with a Palace and courtiers. God’s vision was a lowly stable with farm animals.
So it is, as we read this parable, that we are drawn to cries of “fairness” for the workers who labored long and hard in the fields all day. From a worker’s point of view it is not right for those who labored the least to receive the same as those who spent the entire day in the fields.
Here again Jesus reminds us of the difference between life on earth and the Kingdom of Heaven as he advises, “the last will be first and the first will be last.”
Man can be vengeful, stubborn, proud and unforgiving. God patiently waits for us to ask for forgiveness of our sins and is always ready to grant it time and time again!
Pastor Jack mentioned in a recent sermon about being a “crib Christian” (one who was born into church), and I am thankful to be one. However, this scripture reminds me not to be concerned with how long or how hard I labor in his “field” but to be always thankful for “that House not made with hands- Eternal to the Heavens.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father- we thank you for your son-Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation! Despite our many days in your field we are unworthy and yet you forgive and welcome us. Open our eyes to your possibilities! Amen
Marv Jones
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Devotional 9-18-08
The following devotional was written for the Ashland Area Emmaus Community. Jeff graciously agreed to let me reprint it here for our devotional community.
Are you salty?
We're just back from the beach, relaxed, renewed and re-created, and ready get back to work. Well…three out of four ain't bad.
I love the beach. I love the ocean and the sights and sounds and smells. I love walking on the beach early in the morning. I stand in the water and look east at the early morning sun (this year, unlike most years, I slept in and missed the sunrises. I was really relaxed). I’m on the very edge of the earth; I think about how many other people have stood on a shore somewhere in the world and looked out at the vast horizon and marveled at God's creation.
I love the pounding waves that promote a rhythm of gratitude. When I am at the beach, I take the time to think about how grateful I am for God's goodness, for God's grace, and for the fact that God uses me, even me, to do ministry. Too often, I let the busyness of everyday life and work crowd out my gratitude. Too often, I let my routine and the interruptions to my routine cloud God's gift of clear vision.
I love the saltwater -- the stinging in the nicks and cuts, the burning in my throat and eyes -- all those things I hear others complain about. The first thing I do is plunge in and open my eyes. I feel cleansed by the saltwater and the abrasive sand. If you question whether you're in saltwater or fresh, open your eyes.
When I leave the beach, I am salty.
Jesus said that we are "to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?" Matthew 5:13.
When people are around me, do they know I am salty? Can they open their eyes and sense it?
Are you salty?
Jeff Taylor
Are you salty?
We're just back from the beach, relaxed, renewed and re-created, and ready get back to work. Well…three out of four ain't bad.
I love the beach. I love the ocean and the sights and sounds and smells. I love walking on the beach early in the morning. I stand in the water and look east at the early morning sun (this year, unlike most years, I slept in and missed the sunrises. I was really relaxed). I’m on the very edge of the earth; I think about how many other people have stood on a shore somewhere in the world and looked out at the vast horizon and marveled at God's creation.
I love the pounding waves that promote a rhythm of gratitude. When I am at the beach, I take the time to think about how grateful I am for God's goodness, for God's grace, and for the fact that God uses me, even me, to do ministry. Too often, I let the busyness of everyday life and work crowd out my gratitude. Too often, I let my routine and the interruptions to my routine cloud God's gift of clear vision.
I love the saltwater -- the stinging in the nicks and cuts, the burning in my throat and eyes -- all those things I hear others complain about. The first thing I do is plunge in and open my eyes. I feel cleansed by the saltwater and the abrasive sand. If you question whether you're in saltwater or fresh, open your eyes.
When I leave the beach, I am salty.
Jesus said that we are "to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?" Matthew 5:13.
When people are around me, do they know I am salty? Can they open their eyes and sense it?
Are you salty?
Jeff Taylor
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Devotional 9-12-08
Last winter Johnson Memorial UMC lost one of its true saints, Jim Ray. Jim was the guy who helped everyone. He was known for helping shut-ins; taking them food, shopping for them, running errands for them, helping them stay in their homes rather than going to nursing homes. He also did all kinds of jobs around the church, chiefly, making coffee. He was a faithful volunteer at Christian Associates, the downtown churchs' food and clothing pantry.
At the funeral, the pastor gave those in attendance a chance to pay tribute to Jim. Many took the opportunity to speak; church members, family members of those Jim had helped; the director of Christian Associates. Finally a man stood up who most of us did not know. He introduced himself and the man next to him as TTA bus drivers. You see, with all Jim managed to do for others, he did not drive. Many of us were priviledged to have heard the words, "I'm going to let you take me....." but he was also known to ride the bus all over town.
The bus driver said that Jim would get on the bus and offer him a candy bar or a stick of gum and would ask about his family. He said Jim often talked about his church, then he said something that really struck me, "I knew this church had a good heart because Jim had a good heart." In his eyes, Jim was a representative of Johnson Memorial.
Would any of us act differently if we thought of ourselves as representing our church? If we wore a button that said Member of JMUMC would we be a little more likely to conduct ourselves in an honorable manner, to be a little kinder? In Colossians 3:17, Paul tell us, "...whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father."
Do you think Paul would have enjoyed having some of Jim's coffee? I'm sure Jim's happy brewing for the Almighty, but we sure miss him!
Anita Gardner Farrell
Devotional 9-12-08
Last winter Johnson Memorial UMC lost one of its true saints, Jim Ray. Jim was the guy who helped everyone. He was known for helping shut-ins; taking them food, shopping for them, running errands for them, helping them stay in their homes rather than going to nursing homes. He also did all kinds of jobs around the church, chiefly, making coffee. He was a faithful volunteer at Christian Associates, the downtown churchs' food and clothing pantry.
At the funeral, the pastor gave those in attendance a chance to pay tribute to Jim. Many took the opportunity to speak; church members, family members of those Jim had helped; the director of Christian Associates. Finally a man stood up who most of us did not know. He introduced himself and the man next to him as TTA bus drivers. You see, with all Jim managed to do for others, he did not drive. Many of us were priviledged to have heard the words, "I'm going to let you take me....." but he was also known to ride the bus all over town.
The bus driver said that Jim would get on the bus and offer him a candy bar or a stick of gum and would ask about his family. He said Jim often talked about his church, then he said something that really struck me, "I knew this church had a good heart because Jim had a good heart." In his eyes, Jim was a representative of Johnson Memorial.
Would any of us act differently if we thought of ourselves as representing our church? If we wore a button that said Member of JMUMC would we be a little more likely to conduct ourselves in an honorable manner, to be a little kinder? In Colossians 3:17, Paul tell us, "...whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father."
Do you think Paul would have enjoyed having some of Jim's coffee? I'm sure Jim's happy brewing for the Almighty, but we sure miss him!
Anita Gardner Farrell
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Devotional 9-5-08
Read Romans 12:9-21
Love our enemies
There are so many different types of love, each with many sides and aspects to it. It is one of the many flaws of the English language that we have a single word to describe them all, so we often fail to distinguish between that which we feel for our spouses, and that which compels us to feed the poor. Where this linguistic limitation has the most impact is where it tricks us to believing that love is a feeling, and worse, one over what we have no control.
It’s probably true that we cannot choose whom we love romantically. We fall in love and out of love at the whim of our emotions. Since this is the kind of love with which we are the most familiar (and perhaps the most comfortable), we struggle when we hear Jesus speak of “loving our enemies.” A contradiction forms in our mind as we think, “How can I love them? I don’t feel a shred of sympathetic emotion for them at all!”
The love of which Jesus speaks is not a feeling in any sense of the word. It is a decision resulting in action. It is a choice you make that has nothing whatsoever to do with how you feel, and quite often, occurs in spite of a feeling to the contrary. This kind of love judges the needs of a person but never the person themselves, and responds according to the gravity of the need, never the character of the person.
Understand that you must absolutely ignore whatever you feel for a person and treat them with as much compassion and kindness as you would show your own mother or child. This is the kind of love that Christ demands --not a feeling, but rather a spirit of service, selflessness and humility. It is the ability to give to others with no regard to what they can do to repay you, what they feel for you or what you feel for them.
This kind of love is extremely hard. Unlike romantic love, which naturally drives us to do wonderful things for our spouse, loving our enemies goes against what our sinful nature drives us to do. It is far from effortless. Very often, when we stand at the brink of loving our enemies, our sinful nature cries out, “I don’t want to do this!” And stand poised to halt our progress. We have to push through it. We have to resist the notion that something so difficult and so contrary to our natural desire could be called “love.” It is, in fact the greatest kind of love. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated when he saved us while we were his enemies (Romans 5:10).
There are opportunities for each of us to put this kind of love into practice every day, but it takes extraordinary courage and faith to even recognize these opportunities, let alone act on them. Imagine a coworker that you simply cannot get along with who is on the verge of making a huge mistake that will get her fired. Our sinful nature revels in this, and tells us that it serves her right. Let her get fired! Yet, if we are to love as God loves, we cannot let this situation unfold. We must intervene and prevent her from making that mistake despite all objections from our emotions. This is not at all what we will “feel” like doing, and that is why it requires such courage and faith. And what reward will we get? Perhaps she will thank us, or perhaps she will tell us to mind our own business. Yet, our love does not expect her appreciation and our motives are simple and pure-- love her as God loves her.
Remember that this kind of love is not about emotion, it is about action. Never stop looking for these opportunities to act in your life, and don’t give in to the nagging voice which insists that love is always easy and always rewarding. Don’t stop when you’re on the brink of kindness because it doesn’t feel right, for it often doesn’t. This kind of love can be hard and uncomfortable, but it is the most important of all, for it is by this kind of love that others will know that Christ lives in you.
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother who he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. (I John 4:20)
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth. (I John 3:18)
From “Delve into Jesus: Devotionals: Love our Enemies”
Dear Lord,
Be with us as we go through out our daily tasks and remind us that you are there for us to call on when we get into a situation that we should love our enemies, or someone that needs the love of God reveled to them through us. Even when we say, “I can’t do this,” give us the strength to love the children of God. For it is by your strength that we depend on to get us through the day. Thank you for all the blessings you have given to all of us, and let us share the blessing of your love to our enemies, by showing them that “Jesus loves you” through our actions.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Submitted by Melanie Herr
Love our enemies
There are so many different types of love, each with many sides and aspects to it. It is one of the many flaws of the English language that we have a single word to describe them all, so we often fail to distinguish between that which we feel for our spouses, and that which compels us to feed the poor. Where this linguistic limitation has the most impact is where it tricks us to believing that love is a feeling, and worse, one over what we have no control.
It’s probably true that we cannot choose whom we love romantically. We fall in love and out of love at the whim of our emotions. Since this is the kind of love with which we are the most familiar (and perhaps the most comfortable), we struggle when we hear Jesus speak of “loving our enemies.” A contradiction forms in our mind as we think, “How can I love them? I don’t feel a shred of sympathetic emotion for them at all!”
The love of which Jesus speaks is not a feeling in any sense of the word. It is a decision resulting in action. It is a choice you make that has nothing whatsoever to do with how you feel, and quite often, occurs in spite of a feeling to the contrary. This kind of love judges the needs of a person but never the person themselves, and responds according to the gravity of the need, never the character of the person.
Understand that you must absolutely ignore whatever you feel for a person and treat them with as much compassion and kindness as you would show your own mother or child. This is the kind of love that Christ demands --not a feeling, but rather a spirit of service, selflessness and humility. It is the ability to give to others with no regard to what they can do to repay you, what they feel for you or what you feel for them.
This kind of love is extremely hard. Unlike romantic love, which naturally drives us to do wonderful things for our spouse, loving our enemies goes against what our sinful nature drives us to do. It is far from effortless. Very often, when we stand at the brink of loving our enemies, our sinful nature cries out, “I don’t want to do this!” And stand poised to halt our progress. We have to push through it. We have to resist the notion that something so difficult and so contrary to our natural desire could be called “love.” It is, in fact the greatest kind of love. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated when he saved us while we were his enemies (Romans 5:10).
There are opportunities for each of us to put this kind of love into practice every day, but it takes extraordinary courage and faith to even recognize these opportunities, let alone act on them. Imagine a coworker that you simply cannot get along with who is on the verge of making a huge mistake that will get her fired. Our sinful nature revels in this, and tells us that it serves her right. Let her get fired! Yet, if we are to love as God loves, we cannot let this situation unfold. We must intervene and prevent her from making that mistake despite all objections from our emotions. This is not at all what we will “feel” like doing, and that is why it requires such courage and faith. And what reward will we get? Perhaps she will thank us, or perhaps she will tell us to mind our own business. Yet, our love does not expect her appreciation and our motives are simple and pure-- love her as God loves her.
Remember that this kind of love is not about emotion, it is about action. Never stop looking for these opportunities to act in your life, and don’t give in to the nagging voice which insists that love is always easy and always rewarding. Don’t stop when you’re on the brink of kindness because it doesn’t feel right, for it often doesn’t. This kind of love can be hard and uncomfortable, but it is the most important of all, for it is by this kind of love that others will know that Christ lives in you.
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother who he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. (I John 4:20)
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth. (I John 3:18)
From “Delve into Jesus: Devotionals: Love our Enemies”
Dear Lord,
Be with us as we go through out our daily tasks and remind us that you are there for us to call on when we get into a situation that we should love our enemies, or someone that needs the love of God reveled to them through us. Even when we say, “I can’t do this,” give us the strength to love the children of God. For it is by your strength that we depend on to get us through the day. Thank you for all the blessings you have given to all of us, and let us share the blessing of your love to our enemies, by showing them that “Jesus loves you” through our actions.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Submitted by Melanie Herr
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Devotional 8-29-08
A PERSONAL SAVIOUR
In 1954 Dr. Billy Graham arrived in London, England to conduct an evangelistic crusade at the Earls Court Arena which had a seating capacity close to 20,000. Not particularly large for an arena but to Londoners such as I who had never been to a religious event of this nature it was remarkable. Although I don't recall the text he spoke on I do remember that the meeting ended with his plea to listeners to come forward and accept Christ as personal Savior. Many people surged forward as the huge choir sang "Just as I am, without one plea".
Looking back to 1954 it is the words "personal Savior" that I find to be so important. Most of us like to personalize things, give them our own personal touch, a monogram on a shirt, our home decor, the choices we make. What is so important about our relationship with our Savior that it is described as personal? Because each one of us has to make a "personal" decision to accept Jesus and His salvation, no one else can do it for us. Because He knows everything there is to know about us, more than we may know or care to admit about ourselves. Because it exemplifies the most loving and caring relationship we can ever enjoy.
Every day this Personal Savior reminds us that His love enfolds us (Rom.8:39), His light surrounds us (Eph.5:8), His power protects us (1Pet.1:5) and His presence watches over us, wherever we are He is there (Ps.139:7)
Hallelujah!
All scripture from the King James Version
Jean Dean
In 1954 Dr. Billy Graham arrived in London, England to conduct an evangelistic crusade at the Earls Court Arena which had a seating capacity close to 20,000. Not particularly large for an arena but to Londoners such as I who had never been to a religious event of this nature it was remarkable. Although I don't recall the text he spoke on I do remember that the meeting ended with his plea to listeners to come forward and accept Christ as personal Savior. Many people surged forward as the huge choir sang "Just as I am, without one plea".
Looking back to 1954 it is the words "personal Savior" that I find to be so important. Most of us like to personalize things, give them our own personal touch, a monogram on a shirt, our home decor, the choices we make. What is so important about our relationship with our Savior that it is described as personal? Because each one of us has to make a "personal" decision to accept Jesus and His salvation, no one else can do it for us. Because He knows everything there is to know about us, more than we may know or care to admit about ourselves. Because it exemplifies the most loving and caring relationship we can ever enjoy.
Every day this Personal Savior reminds us that His love enfolds us (Rom.8:39), His light surrounds us (Eph.5:8), His power protects us (1Pet.1:5) and His presence watches over us, wherever we are He is there (Ps.139:7)
Hallelujah!
All scripture from the King James Version
Jean Dean
Friday, August 22, 2008
Devotional 8-21-08
Lamentations 3:22
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When our medical machines can no longer keep us alive or solve our problems we ask --- Why God!!!!
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When we keep our taxes low and our profits based on a short-term focus while our societal safety net crumbles we ask ---- Where is God?
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When we invest in pleasure and self-indulgence only thinking of ourselves and not others in our world by the burning of forest, global warming, unsafe environmental practices and our lifestyle implodes we ask --- Who is God?
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When business lay low-income workers off and give bonuses to management based on those decisions – We wonder about justice?
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When our government official’s former companies make billions from a war that they promote while our children are killed and maimed in that war which was uncertain to begin with -- It angers us.
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When we continue to eat, live, and act unhealthy and find ourselves dying from diseases and causes that are related to the way we have lived, eaten, and acted. We want God to fix our problems. When He doesn’t we say it is God’s will.
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When and oil company Exec makes $ 50 million in salary and bonuses a year and responds to a questions about the price of gas by saying he is only charging what the “free Market” will bear and that it is his “right” to make a profit, we have to wonder where profit becomes greed. We ask does only that which is limited have value?
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Leader: When a society can produce financial crisis’s such as the junk bond collapse, the saving and loan bailout, the disintegration of the tech stock market, the real estate balloon burst and foreclosure, Enron’s debacle, the Bears and Sterns implosion and still believe to not be motivated by self centered desires – We wonder when God?
Response: But the steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases.
Rev. David Johnson
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Devotional 8-15-08
Matthew 15:1-28
I always enjoy reading about the interactions that Jesus had with the women of his day. Jesus ministered to a wide variety of people. I truly believe that his approach to people was revolutionary. He talked not only to women, but foreigners, people who were sick, social outcasts of all kinds, wealthy people who were important socially, lepers, you name it. He treated everyone with respect and dignity because his understanding of what constituted righteous behavior was not how well they followed a ritual. The Law in the book of Leviticus talked about who and what was unclean and how the Hebrew people were to conduct themselves on every occasion. But those laws had little to say about why they should practice good behavior, in other words, what motivated people to please God. Jesus wanted people to "behave;” to make choices that were pleasing to God because they wanted to, not because they felt they had to. He wanted them to understand that following God meant much more than eating the right foods, or staying away from this person or that situation. He looked at the reasons why people behaved the way that they did. He wanted people to be pure of heart
So, with that concept of Jesus' openness and acceptance in mind, I have to admit that I become a little angry with him in this Scripture from this week's lectionary. Here was a pagan woman, certainly someone considered ritually unclean, but who, in my opinion, was at the end of her rope as she sought healing for her daughter. Jesus ignored her request. His disciples told him to send her away. I am not absolutely positive about this, but I think this is the only place in Scripture where Jesus refused, at least at first, to help someone. This woman was persistent. She kept asking until finally Jesus healed her daughter and commended her for her faith. Perhaps her tenaciousness and love for her daughter made him respect her. Perhaps he was impressed with the fact that she did have faith that He could heal her, when apparently no one else had been able to. She did not give up.
We're all tempted to give up on something that is important to us. Sometimes we wonder if God hears our prayers or why they seem to go unanswered. Probably all of us have had times when we prayed for loved ones to be cured from illnesses such as cancer, and the person died, in spite of our fervent, faith filled prayers. Many of us have had incidents take place in our family that were so difficult to deal with, that we wondered where God could possibly be. I have no easy answer to that question, other than to share that I have asked it a few times myself. However, I have learned over the years that God works in ways that we don't see, that God has the bigger picture in mind, and sees every situation in ways we cannot.
As a pastor, I tell people that from the worst situation God can and will and does bring something good, although we often have to discipline ourselves spiritually to see it.
This challenging scripture reminds me that maybe the answer to our prayers is "No" or "Not now". Prayer is not a way for us to somehow gain control of God and thus control of our lives. It is not a way of piling up things that we simply would like to have, of having our every whim catered to and every desire fulfilled. It can be a remarkable resource for sustenance and support. I have to trust that God acts in God's own time, not mine.
This story of a remarkable, feisty woman reminds me of that. She never gave up. The cynical part of me thinks that maybe she just nagged and wore Jesus down. (Obviously, that's not something I recommend for the best inter-personal relationships!) But we can use her as an example of prayer. She exhibited clarity about what she wanted, the ability to go to the Source that she was sure could help her and a determination to make herself understood and heard. Maybe that's what a healthy prayer really is, seeking with determination while trusting that some sort of answer will be forthcoming, and an awareness that sometimes God does indeed say "No" or "Not yet."
Rev. Dorcas Conrad
Dillon Chapel UMC
I always enjoy reading about the interactions that Jesus had with the women of his day. Jesus ministered to a wide variety of people. I truly believe that his approach to people was revolutionary. He talked not only to women, but foreigners, people who were sick, social outcasts of all kinds, wealthy people who were important socially, lepers, you name it. He treated everyone with respect and dignity because his understanding of what constituted righteous behavior was not how well they followed a ritual. The Law in the book of Leviticus talked about who and what was unclean and how the Hebrew people were to conduct themselves on every occasion. But those laws had little to say about why they should practice good behavior, in other words, what motivated people to please God. Jesus wanted people to "behave;” to make choices that were pleasing to God because they wanted to, not because they felt they had to. He wanted them to understand that following God meant much more than eating the right foods, or staying away from this person or that situation. He looked at the reasons why people behaved the way that they did. He wanted people to be pure of heart
So, with that concept of Jesus' openness and acceptance in mind, I have to admit that I become a little angry with him in this Scripture from this week's lectionary. Here was a pagan woman, certainly someone considered ritually unclean, but who, in my opinion, was at the end of her rope as she sought healing for her daughter. Jesus ignored her request. His disciples told him to send her away. I am not absolutely positive about this, but I think this is the only place in Scripture where Jesus refused, at least at first, to help someone. This woman was persistent. She kept asking until finally Jesus healed her daughter and commended her for her faith. Perhaps her tenaciousness and love for her daughter made him respect her. Perhaps he was impressed with the fact that she did have faith that He could heal her, when apparently no one else had been able to. She did not give up.
We're all tempted to give up on something that is important to us. Sometimes we wonder if God hears our prayers or why they seem to go unanswered. Probably all of us have had times when we prayed for loved ones to be cured from illnesses such as cancer, and the person died, in spite of our fervent, faith filled prayers. Many of us have had incidents take place in our family that were so difficult to deal with, that we wondered where God could possibly be. I have no easy answer to that question, other than to share that I have asked it a few times myself. However, I have learned over the years that God works in ways that we don't see, that God has the bigger picture in mind, and sees every situation in ways we cannot.
As a pastor, I tell people that from the worst situation God can and will and does bring something good, although we often have to discipline ourselves spiritually to see it.
This challenging scripture reminds me that maybe the answer to our prayers is "No" or "Not now". Prayer is not a way for us to somehow gain control of God and thus control of our lives. It is not a way of piling up things that we simply would like to have, of having our every whim catered to and every desire fulfilled. It can be a remarkable resource for sustenance and support. I have to trust that God acts in God's own time, not mine.
This story of a remarkable, feisty woman reminds me of that. She never gave up. The cynical part of me thinks that maybe she just nagged and wore Jesus down. (Obviously, that's not something I recommend for the best inter-personal relationships!) But we can use her as an example of prayer. She exhibited clarity about what she wanted, the ability to go to the Source that she was sure could help her and a determination to make herself understood and heard. Maybe that's what a healthy prayer really is, seeking with determination while trusting that some sort of answer will be forthcoming, and an awareness that sometimes God does indeed say "No" or "Not yet."
Rev. Dorcas Conrad
Dillon Chapel UMC
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Devotional 8-8-08
Read: Psalm 105:1-6, Matt 14:22-33 and Romans 5:1-15
Faith is defined in Webster’s as:
1 a: allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
As a Christian we are to place all of our Faith in God through his son, our savior, Jesus. Let all of our life be guided in everything we do by his hands. We are to do this every day of our life. WOW, can we really do this??? Well, if you read the above passags you’ll see that this is exactly what our God of the Old Testament and of the new Covenant, through his son Jesus wants us to do.
Now I don't suggest that we do not have to make certain informed choices in our lives. (Don't try driving a car on Faith alone. You do have to place your hands on the wheel.) We are to talk with God and listen for his guidance when we need to make a choice, or when we need to take a leap of faith.
Twenty-four years ago I was looking to make a career change decision. As I investigated what I would have to do to make this change I needed Gods help to lead me to see if this was the path I was to take. I prayed about it, I counseled with our Senior Pastor F. Emerson Wood. Because one thing was certain I would have to leave Huntington for a school I would need to attend. What that meant was leaving my job, loss of income, and my family. We had three small children, a home, expenses, etc. Well, after all the prayers and counseling, a school was found, and I was accepted. Funds to help defray the loss of income were made available. (And much appreciated) I left Huntington and commuted on weekends from Cincinnati to maintain our family connection. A year later I returned to Huntington with a new career.
None of this would have happened with having the faith I needed in our God. As my dear mother, Frances Herr, often said, "everything always works out for the best." She had great faith in God. Since then has my faith wavered? I have had not had enough faith at times. But I always find out that when I place all of my worrys, decisions and concerns in God's hands, "everything does work out."
When we have this faith in God we are not to keep it to ourselves, but we are to use it to bring other to Christ and God. It is through our example of living a life in Christ and faith in God that will help others see the light.
The refrain in the lyrics from the song below have a special place in my heart, as it was a part of the music used during my "Walk to Emmaus" weekend. I have just seen the rest of the lyrics as I was writing this devotion, and I was taken aback by how much they followed parts of the scriptures above. (Divine intervention!!) (For those able to be at church this past week Patricia Green's music during the Offering was a beautiful arrangement of this song).
Now that I have rambled too long, one last word "KEEP the FAITH" is more than just a saying it is something we all should live by daily.
God Bless ALL
Fred HerrTURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
Words and Music by Helen H. Lemmel
1922
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Devotional 8-1-08
Please read Matthew 14:13-21
The story of the miraculous feeding of the 5000 has always been one of my favorite bible stories. I learned about it in Bible School . In the version I first learned, a boy about my age was the hero. I could imagine myself handing over my lunch to Jesus' disciples and watching as Jesus used it to feed the multitudes. It wasn't until I was much older that I discovered the little boy is only in one of the four gospel accounts of the miracle. Matthew, Mark, and Luke do not mention a little boy.
This is the only miracle that occurs in each of the four gospels, so it must be pretty important. What does it mean for us today?
Today's passage starts out in verse 13 with "[w]hen Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself..." This was the murder of John the Baptist. Imagine that you are one of the twelve, and you have given up everything to follow Jesus. I imagine the disciples were afraid; if John the Baptist had been killed, maybe Jesus (and they) would be next.
Even though Jesus wanted to get away to be by himself, he put himself in the place of the crowds. Verse 14 tells us he had compassion for the crowds that followed. He felt for them, and put their needs first before his own need to be by himself. The disciples wanted to get rid of the crowds, to send them home; they wanted to be left alone. They wanted to eat, and they only had enough for themselves.
It doesn't seem that unreasonable to me that the disciples would want to get rid of the crowds. They needed time to regroup, to relax, to refresh. They didn't have food enough for the large crowd.
Jesus gave a harsh command. "You give them something to eat."
The disciples offered their defenses, but Jesus wouldn't hear them. They protested that they only had a few loaves of bread and a couple fish. "Bring them to me."
The disciples obeyed, and the results were miraculous. Jesus took what was offered, gave thanks, and then distributed it. Not only was everyone fed, but also there were plenty of leftovers.
We view the world through eyes of scarcity in the midst of abundance. There's not enough time; not enough money; not enough resources; not enough help; not enough people. When we offer what we have to Jesus, miracles happen. There is more than enough, if we are willing to obey Jesus' command.
"You give them something..."
Jeff Taylor
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Devotional 7-25-08
My business is light. Not lite beer, lite bread, lite
bagels or lite blueberry pie -- nothing really advantageous to the waist line but just light. The kind of light you use to see to read a book, build a shelf, cook a meal, change the oil from underneath your car, and the kind of light you block with your Foster Grants while on the beach or by a saluting hand when you step from a dark place (like a movie matinee) into the sun. I have spent many hours over the past 17 years learning about light. We can all probably remember meeting Roy G. Biv when we were kids in science class. Red -- Orange -- Yellow -- Green -- Blue -- Indigo -- Violet. Roy' s namesake lines up perfectly when sunlight is passed through a prism onto a surface such as the sidewalk or a wall. Red to violet represents what is called the visible spectrum. This radiant energy is measured in nanometers and this particular, visible range is from 380nm to 780nm. On one end of the spectrum is infrared and on the other, ultraviolet. I know what you're thinking, "Get to the point, man, I didn't like this stuff then, and I don't especially like it now." Stay with me. Who hasn't smiled at little Trixie of Hi and Lois fame as she sat near the window and talked to her sunbeam? As a child I used to like seeing the particles floating in the wedge of light as the beam pierced its way into the living room. As an adult (and probably with the same chagrin my parents felt then) I know what all that floatie stuff is -- it's "not often enough vacuuming." Ok, ok, here is the point. You can not SEE light. The evidence of light is seen by our eyes only when it is reflected off of something else. Reflected off the road, the neighbor's car, the puddle of rain on the front stoop, the kitchen counter, a magazine page, a friend's face and yes, the dust floating in the sunbeam that visits through your window. 
As recorded in John chapter 8 verse 12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." In order for many in this world, in this town, in this church to see Jesus He is going to have to be reflected off of something -- US. As we are kept out of the darkness by the light of Christ, we must reflect that warmth and love to all around us. Could there be a better job than to have a brother or sister see and know God because He was reflected through your life?
Steve Matthews
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Devotional 7-18-08
Last Sunday, before Sunday school, I stood in the JM sanctuary. I know it's just a room, but often when I stand there, when it's empty and quiet, I feel like it echoes with the presence of God. Maybe the quiet just makes finding Him easier, or maybe there is a spiritual memory of all of the times He has made himself known to me in that room, but often when I need a moment with God, I can find Him there.
One of the lectionary readings this week is Genesis 28:10-19a. It is the story of Jacob. He is on the run, leaving home, when he falls asleep in the wilderness. He sees angels ascending and descending a ladder. God is standing next to Jacob, and He retells him about the promise made to Abraham and now to Jacob, and then says, "Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
When Jacob wakes up, he says, "Surely the LORD is in this place -- and I did not know it!"
Sometimes I think that we come into church -- the building or the group of people God has formed into His Church, and we don’t think to look for God. If He were to walk up to us, and stand beside us, retelling us of His promises to us, we would be surprised to find that He was in church at all.
With our Vision and Mission before us, we are in the process of stepping out in faith. Andy Stanley, a minister in Georgia, says that the bridge between hope and faith is the promise of God. God promised Jacob, and He promises us that He will never leave us; He is always with us.
Surely the presence of God is in this Church.
There will be risks that we will be asked to take as we live into God's dreams for His Church. There will be times when we might be afraid. Stepping out into unknown is frightening. I know that it is. We should never forget that the presence of the Lord is in His Church. This Church -- this body of Christ that is assembled and meets on the corner of 5th Avenue and 10th Street -- is the dwelling place of God. Do not be afraid, for He is with us.
Jacob called the place where he found God, "Bethel ." Bethel means "house of God." This building, this sanctuary, this assembly of God's Children into the Body of Christ -- all of them are the dwelling places of God.
We are blessed by God to be a blessing. Do not be afraid. Just step out of the boat and walk on the water.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this placeKim Matthews
I can feel His mighty power and His grace
I can hear the brush of angels' wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
(lyrics by Lanny Wolfe)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Devotional 7-11-08
I have always believed in God. I have not always believed in the devil. Flip Wilson used to tell us "The devil made me do it!" It was a joke. The devil was a joke. A one dimensional figure that I really didn't believe existed. Over the last several years I have come to believe he not only exists, but is alive and well! If I believe in a loving God, and I do, then I have to believe in the devil. Nothing else explains why terrible things happen to good people, why people betray one another, brutalize one another. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of the pain and sadness in this world. In the book The Will Of God. Leslie D. Weatherhead writes that this is not Gods will, but Satan trying to separate us from God. It is Gods will that we react to evil in a positive, creative way to wrest good out of evil circumstances.
Unfortunately the Devil not only is at work on the big life and death matters, he is also at work in each of our lives. Do you ever have a mean, nasty thought pop into your head? I do, and I'll look up and say to myself, "Where did that come from?" It came from the devil sewing his seeds of anger, greed, and selfishness.. I have a good friend who has a bit of a temper. Often when he is in the middle of a snit his wife will look at him and ask him if the devils on his back. The devil is on all of our backs at times, and we all need someone to ask us that question. We need to ask God how He wants us to handle the bad situations-both big and small. We need to keep the devil off our backs because as the song goes,you can't dance with the devil on your back!
Margaret Williams
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Devotional 7-4-08
John 8:36: Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
As I reflect upon July Fourth and freedom, I am ever so grateful to live in this country. To go and come as I will and the law will allow, is a blessing. I am grateful too, for the freedom of choice that Jesus has given to me. I may not always make the right choices, but I have the freedom to do so. Jesus trusts me to make the right choice and I trust Jesus to guide me in doing so.
Also reflecting on this day are the words and tune of Irving Berlin, "God Bless America".
Happy Fourth of July to you all and God Bless you.
Kay Lewis
As I reflect upon July Fourth and freedom, I am ever so grateful to live in this country. To go and come as I will and the law will allow, is a blessing. I am grateful too, for the freedom of choice that Jesus has given to me. I may not always make the right choices, but I have the freedom to do so. Jesus trusts me to make the right choice and I trust Jesus to guide me in doing so.
Also reflecting on this day are the words and tune of Irving Berlin, "God Bless America".
God bless America,I believe I am correct in quoting Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", "God Bless us, Every One."
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
Happy Fourth of July to you all and God Bless you.
Kay Lewis
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Devotional 6-27-08
NO CELL PHONE NEEDED!
I love to walk in Ritter Park and I especially enjoy the different people who are in the park, walking, jogging, running. There are the mommies pushing strollers and getting their exercise at the same time. The dog owners leading every known breed from golden retrievers to dachsunds. The man who feeds the squirrels as he walks along. With his squirrel entourage followng him it's like a version of the Pied Piper.
The other morning I noticed a young woman talking on her cell phone as she went around the track. She seemed to be having a pleasant conversation with a friend. Personally I walk alone but a lot of walkers like to have a companion to chat with as they walk so I suppose a cell phone conversation could be a good substitute.
The refrain of an old hymn came to my mind. "And He walks with me and He talks with me...". What better time for a conversation with Him, no cell phone necessary. And what better Friend to walk with. "What a Friend we have in Jesus" indeed.
Now I walk with my greatest Friend and am grateful for the time of quietness in a small corner of the beautiful world He has created. What a blessing to find a few minutes each day when I can be more aware of Him. Not everyone has the inclination to walk in the park but somewhere in each busy day a time can be found for quietness in His presence. What a blessing is there just waiting to be claimed.
The LIGHT of God surrounds me
The LOVE of God enfolds me
The POWER of God protects me
The PRESENCE of God watches over me,
Wherever I am God is.
Jean Dean
I love to walk in Ritter Park and I especially enjoy the different people who are in the park, walking, jogging, running. There are the mommies pushing strollers and getting their exercise at the same time. The dog owners leading every known breed from golden retrievers to dachsunds. The man who feeds the squirrels as he walks along. With his squirrel entourage followng him it's like a version of the Pied Piper.
The other morning I noticed a young woman talking on her cell phone as she went around the track. She seemed to be having a pleasant conversation with a friend. Personally I walk alone but a lot of walkers like to have a companion to chat with as they walk so I suppose a cell phone conversation could be a good substitute.
The refrain of an old hymn came to my mind. "And He walks with me and He talks with me...". What better time for a conversation with Him, no cell phone necessary. And what better Friend to walk with. "What a Friend we have in Jesus" indeed.
Now I walk with my greatest Friend and am grateful for the time of quietness in a small corner of the beautiful world He has created. What a blessing to find a few minutes each day when I can be more aware of Him. Not everyone has the inclination to walk in the park but somewhere in each busy day a time can be found for quietness in His presence. What a blessing is there just waiting to be claimed.
The LIGHT of God surrounds me
The LOVE of God enfolds me
The POWER of God protects me
The PRESENCE of God watches over me,
Wherever I am God is.
Jean Dean
Friday, June 20, 2008
Devotional 6-20-08
The Summer Olympics are being played in 2008. The Track & Field relay races differ from other events in a significant way. In order to win (i.e. get a medal) each athlete must depend upon the performance of others! Participants in the first three “legs” must successfully pass the baton in a confined space—and having done so—after years of commitment, training, and sacrifice watch anxiously and helplessly. The athlete(s) running the “anchor” can only win for the team if the previous “legs” were effective.
Passing the baton is a part of life. Parents and teachers show us the way and then let go of the baton—passing it to us to do our part in our time before we pass it on to the next generation. The baton is passed in corporate leadership succession, in civic clubs, and in church congregations who pass the baton to their spiritual heirs. We rely on the work and the faith of those who came before us.
The Bible provides a history of spiritual succession. Abraham to Isaac to Jacob. Moses to Joshua. Elijah to Elisha. Paul to Timothy. These successions have survived for centuries beyond the pages of history and still are alive and vital, in spite of flawed leadership and stubborn laity.
Then there’s the spiritual succession that applies to us. It is recorded in Matthew 28:19, when Jesus passed the baton to you and me. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” I like the way Teresa of Avila said it: “Christ has no body on earth but yours; no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ can look with compassion upon the world. Christ has no body on earth but yours.”
Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church is the heir of faithful servants of the Lord who decided to make disciples of Christ on the corner of 10th Street and 5th Avenue in Huntington. For generations, the people of Johnson Memorial of celebrated joys and lifted each other up in sorrows; they have enjoyed good times and endured difficult times. Now is our time.
Next month marks a clergy transition as new pastors begin their appointments to the ministries of Johnson Memorial. The mantle is being passed, so to speak, from clergy to clergy. Is the future of Johnson Memorial in Jack Lipphardt’s hands? No, it is in God’s hands. And Christ has no hands on earth but yours and mine.
Anonymous
Friday, June 13, 2008
Devotional 6-13-08
If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. --John 14:7
Happy Fathers' Day
When I was a kid, we had a puny magnolia tree which continually dropped its leaves, much to the chagrin of my father. He would pick them up, almost as soon as they hit the ground, and I would make fun of him and his compulsion. Fast forward several decades and now I have two large magnolia trees and every spring as I rake up bag after bag of those big, annoying leaves, I mutter to myself, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9).
In the past couple of years, I've reconnected with a high school classmate I hadn't seen in almost 40 years via the Internet. In our catching-up notes to each other she wrote: I've been meaning to let you know something about your dad. . I remember once when we were all going out, me, you and a couple of others (in my dad's 1967 silver and black GTO) I went to your door to get you and saw the most wonderful sight. .. your dad sitting in a chair in a darkened room and feeding your baby brother.. the one who was born during our senior year. I've never forgotten that beautiful sight.. . it has just stayed with me all this time.
I guess that scene stayed with her because my Dad was a hands-on dad in an era when many men bragged that they'd never changed a diaper. He always helped out with us kids and I could volunteer him to drive me and my girlfriends to away football games and he never complained, at least not so I could hear. Today, my younger brothers are wonderful, hands-on fathers, who are totally involved with their children. If you have seen them, you have seen their father.
One of my prized possessions is a letter my Dad sent shortly after I was married which contains these words, "Never forget that houses are just houses, but homes are filled with love." At the Last Supper, Jesus told his followers, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you may also be where I am." (John 14: 2-3).
How fortunate are we to have a hands-on savior? One who not only lived with us but goes on ahead to prepare a place for us, and even sent a Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to help us out in the meantime. Jesus told his disciples, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much you want us to come home and live with you forever. In the name of your Son who showed us the way, amen.
Anita Gardner Farrell
Happy Fathers' Day
When I was a kid, we had a puny magnolia tree which continually dropped its leaves, much to the chagrin of my father. He would pick them up, almost as soon as they hit the ground, and I would make fun of him and his compulsion. Fast forward several decades and now I have two large magnolia trees and every spring as I rake up bag after bag of those big, annoying leaves, I mutter to myself, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9).
In the past couple of years, I've reconnected with a high school classmate I hadn't seen in almost 40 years via the Internet. In our catching-up notes to each other she wrote: I've been meaning to let you know something about your dad. . I remember once when we were all going out, me, you and a couple of others (in my dad's 1967 silver and black GTO) I went to your door to get you and saw the most wonderful sight. .. your dad sitting in a chair in a darkened room and feeding your baby brother.. the one who was born during our senior year. I've never forgotten that beautiful sight.. . it has just stayed with me all this time.
I guess that scene stayed with her because my Dad was a hands-on dad in an era when many men bragged that they'd never changed a diaper. He always helped out with us kids and I could volunteer him to drive me and my girlfriends to away football games and he never complained, at least not so I could hear. Today, my younger brothers are wonderful, hands-on fathers, who are totally involved with their children. If you have seen them, you have seen their father.
One of my prized possessions is a letter my Dad sent shortly after I was married which contains these words, "Never forget that houses are just houses, but homes are filled with love." At the Last Supper, Jesus told his followers, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you may also be where I am." (John 14: 2-3).
How fortunate are we to have a hands-on savior? One who not only lived with us but goes on ahead to prepare a place for us, and even sent a Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to help us out in the meantime. Jesus told his disciples, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much you want us to come home and live with you forever. In the name of your Son who showed us the way, amen.
Anita Gardner Farrell
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Devotional 6-6-08
Lectionary Readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Romans 4: 13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” Genesis 9:1-2
I’m not always compliant when someone orders me to do something. I’m much more likely to comply if the situation is explained and the time frame is reasonable. The best approach for me is some sort of request that can be refused if necessary, but God doesn’t often work that way, at least in our Bible stories. It seems that God does a lot of ordering, especially in the Old Testament. I cannot imagine the faith that Abraham had in God to do as God commanded—to leave his homeland and move his entire ‘clan’ to a new land he knew nothing about. I know I could find at least a million excuses for not paying attention to a message like that. Even in the New Testament, the disciples left their jobs and families when Jesus said: “Follow Me.” I’m pretty sure I couldn’t do that, if Jesus walked the earth today. But, what is God calling me to do?
The Bible has many stories of ordinary men complying with God’s commands (Noah, Samuel, etc.). We also have stories of those who tried to ignore God’s wishes at first hearing and the consequences of their actions (Jonah, Jacob, Moses, etc.). I know that God speaks to us through our prayer conversations, through our readings and music. He speaks to us through our leaders (ministers and teachers). God speaks through any number of friends and family members. He speaks through the beauty and wonder of nature. God also speaks to us through ordinary situations and in ordinary circumstances. The point is: ARE WE LISTENING? What is God calling you to do today? What task is on your heart? Where will you be asked to go? And then: WILL YOU DO AS GOD COMMANDS? The hymn below helps put into words my fears and concerns about God’s calling.
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
by John Bell
Dear God, we come to you asking for the faith to open our lives to your call. We know your gifts are all that we need for any situation or command. We know that you will lead us through any situation with all the necessary skills and knowledge for the task. Be with all of your ministers who have been called to serve new congregations this summer. We know that you are already at work in their lives and in the hearts of those they will serve. Please, help us all to open our hearts and minds to your commands and then send us the courage to follow. Here am I, Send me. Amen
Chyrl Budd
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Devotional 5-30-08
Matthew 7: 21 – 29
I am on somewhat of a rant lately. I see it even in this devotional. Jesus is telling us to build our house on a rock and not the sand. The story of "Three Pigs" tells us to build our house out of bricks and not sticks or straw. We seem to not be following the advice of either lately. We invest in the short term and not the long term. We go for the short gain and not the long gain. We look for the easy way out of difficulty and not the complete way out. We live in an indulgent society and we participate in it. We want church growth, missional opportunities, and vibrant worship services to meet everyone’s needs. We do not want to volunteer our time and energy to make it happen. We want a clean city, paved streets, and a new infrastructure, without paying for it. We want our federal government to take care of the poor, the homele ss, those without healthcare but without increasing taxes. We want to make more money but we want the prices of all goods and services to decrease. We want our Hummers, Ford Excursion, Toyota Sequoia to get 50 miles to the gallon and believe the car manufactures could/should deliver that mileage. We want a safety net of social security but we do not want our social security taxes to increase nor to do we want to extend the level of income which is assessed over $100,000.00. Like a child we want what we want when we want it. We are a society of instant gratification. Delayed gratification is not only a powerful psychological tool we need to learn but it is a spiritual principle as well.
It is more difficult to build a house upon the rock. It takes time to drive in the stakes that will hold the walls up. It is hard to smooth out and flatten the ground. It is much easier to build a house on the sand. The stakes go in easily and the ground is smoothed with nothing more than a stroke of a brush or broom. If you build your house on the sand you will have more time to play but it will fail you in the storm. If you build your house on the rocks you will have less time for play but when the storms come you will survive.
We need to delay our need for instant gratification and build our spiritual house upon the rock of our Lord and Savior. Jesus knew and understood what it meant to go the distance. He also understood that when we practice the art and spiritual principle of delayed gratification, we would find ourselves at odds with our world. We are so co-opted by our culture that we find it difficult to build upon the rock. That is the rock of prayer, meditation, reflection, and inspiration. They will last a long time and wear well.
Rev. David Johnson
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Devotional 5-23-08
My wife buys my clothes for me! She does this in self-defense! For you see, if it were up to me, I would still be wearing wide ties, bell-bottoms and madras! Once, when jogging in Ritter Park, a friend saw me coming and laughing asked “Who dresses you?”
Yet- I worry. I worry about my job, my finances, old age, etc., knowing there is only so much I can do about these things that are outside of my control!
Therefore, this scripture speaks to me. It serves to remind me once again that God cares for ME! Why is it we sometimes find this hard to accept? I think in part, it is because we lose sight of what is truly important. A new car, nice home or great job may appeal to us for many reasons. But- after acquiring “things” it can not change how we feel on the inside. The power of God-thru Jesus Christ- can CHANGE us! Christ points out in this scripture that each day will bring troubles of its own. But- should we elect to “Seek his kingdom and his Righteousness” then we can be satisfied and unworried by the daily trials and tribulations in life.
During this time of spring, may we be reminded of this promise when we see flowers in bloom or hear birds singing outside our window!
This is God speaking to us thru true beauty!
Prayer: Heavenly father, thank you for the beauty each day brings and help us to turn our life over to you and put you in control. Amen
Marv Jones
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Devotional 5-15-09
In the Garden
If you are a man, think about the first time that you drove your date to the prom. If you are like my husband, I imagine that you paid special attention to the car. You made sure that it was spotless, perhaps waxed, swept inside. The car needed to look perfect. Now imagine if you did all of that work – paid all of that attention to the car – and then forgot to pick up your date.
Years ago, I was in a bible study class. One of the guidelines we were taught to follow as we explored the Bible was to think of it as a cart carrying cargo. God’s message – the cargo – is much more important than the cart which carries it. The prom date is (hopefully) more important than the car.
Consider one of this week’s lectionary readings – Genesis 1:1-2:4a. It’s the first creation story in the Bible. Our society often gets trapped in arguing about the cart. We engage in court action to make sure that intelligent design is taught in our schools. We argue over the existence of dinosaurs and the age of the earth. We buy bumper stickers which portray a large Christian fish eating a small Darwin fish. We debate the validity of evolution.
But none of that is God’s message. Concentrate on the message, because the message will change your life.
In the beginning, God – The first four words of the Bible are hugely humbling. “In the beginning, God…” tells us that we are NOT God. God existed before anything else. When I consider all the ways in life that I attempt to be God, I find enormous relief in the truth that I AM NOT GOD, and neither are you.
God created – What more do we really need to know? God created. He imagined the world and spoke it into being. His methods are the cart. His action of creation is the message. God created the world and everything in it. It is His. We are His.
God created humankind in his own image – We are not God, but we are His children, created in His own image. Has anyone ever said to you, “I knew your parents before you were a twinkle in your father’s eye”? When God breathed life into the first man and woman, you became a twinkle in his eye. When Eve’s heart started beating, God could hear the echo of your heartbeat in his mind. When Adam stood in the garden, staring at awesome wonder at all that God had created, God took joy in it, and dreamed of the day that you and He would stand together, as you held your daughter for the first time, amazed at her existence.
You are a child of God, created in His image, and loved beyond description by the God who dreamed you into existence. Don’t miss the message, because it will change your life.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known. (Austin Miles)
Kim Matthews
Friday, May 9, 2008
Devotional 5-9-08
One day as I was driving to work, I heard a new song on my favorite country music station. As I listened to the lyrics, I felt tears trickle down my cheeks. I wasn't crying because I was sad. On the contrary, I was weeping because the song brought back so many joyful memories of blessings I'd been given.
In the song, the writer illustrated the frustrations of a young teen as she made the transition from girlhood to womanhood. The adults in her life tried to get her to slow down and "be in the moment," if you'll excuse the cliché. After the singer told about each stage of her life, the chorus was sung as follows:
I thought of those words as I read today's scripture, Acts 2:1-21. It tells the familiar story of Pentecost. I could just imagine the disciples in the upper room, remembering all of the wonderful experiences they had shared with Jesus and reliving the miracles they had witnessed. Then, the scripture says, they "saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. "
As I read this passage, I imagined how much the disciples must have missed Jesus, and how this experience would have renewed them. They had watched their savior die. And even though they knew that he had risen from the dead and had ascended to his father, there must have been an emptiness that only the Holy Spirit could fill.
If you're feeling that kind of emptiness now, ask Jesus to fill your heart with the love of the Holy Spirit. If you're feeling that emptiness now, start listing your blessings. If you're feeling that emptiness now, join us this Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost. Everyone will be wearing red, and though they may not be speaking in tongues, they will be speaking to your heart. You don't want to miss this!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you've given me. Continue to fill me to overflowing with a love that only a parent can give to his child. Give me the courage to witness to others so that they, too, will know that they are loved unconditionally. In your name I pray. Amen
Becky Warren
In the song, the writer illustrated the frustrations of a young teen as she made the transition from girlhood to womanhood. The adults in her life tried to get her to slow down and "be in the moment," if you'll excuse the cliché. After the singer told about each stage of her life, the chorus was sung as follows:
You're gonna' miss this
You're gonna' want this back
You're gonna' wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna' miss this
I thought of those words as I read today's scripture, Acts 2:1-21. It tells the familiar story of Pentecost. I could just imagine the disciples in the upper room, remembering all of the wonderful experiences they had shared with Jesus and reliving the miracles they had witnessed. Then, the scripture says, they "saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. "
As I read this passage, I imagined how much the disciples must have missed Jesus, and how this experience would have renewed them. They had watched their savior die. And even though they knew that he had risen from the dead and had ascended to his father, there must have been an emptiness that only the Holy Spirit could fill.
If you're feeling that kind of emptiness now, ask Jesus to fill your heart with the love of the Holy Spirit. If you're feeling that emptiness now, start listing your blessings. If you're feeling that emptiness now, join us this Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost. Everyone will be wearing red, and though they may not be speaking in tongues, they will be speaking to your heart. You don't want to miss this!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you've given me. Continue to fill me to overflowing with a love that only a parent can give to his child. Give me the courage to witness to others so that they, too, will know that they are loved unconditionally. In your name I pray. Amen
Becky Warren
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Devotional 5-2-08
Acts 1:6-14 (with a nod to Acts 9:36-43)
To Joseph, my dear brother in Christ,
It seems like such a long time since we were young together and just beginning to learn about Jesus and what it meant to follow him, to be his disciples. We were inexperienced and hoped that we could do great things for the Lord. I trust that with God's help we have.
I have heard through the other disciples that you are leaving the church which you serve as pastor to go to another one, and that another brother is coming. I thought you, and the church, might need a bit of a reminder of the presence of Christ as you go through these changes. So I have laid aside my needle and picked up a pen instead. Maybe these words will be a help to anyone who is going through changes or times when the future is uncertain, or when we simply have to wait and see what God will do next.
Can you remember those first uncertain days after Jesus left us for the second time? I don't mean the time he died on the Cross. We know that God raised him up again on the third day. No, I'm remembering the uncertainty of all the disciples, both women and men, following His ascension into heaven. He always did exactly what he promised us he would do, but we had a hard time trusting the future and the leading of God.
We didn't know what to do after he truly left us. We returned to Jerusalem to the place where we had been meeting to remember what had happened. It was good to be someplace familiar. This was one thing that had not changed. In the safety of that place, we could meet together to think about the future and our place in it. Do you remember how afraid we were because things were changing so quickly? All we could do in that time of transition was to pray for one another. It seems as I look back, that besides eating and remembering Jesus, all we did was pray. How important the support of friends and family is when we go through any changes big or small
We remembered all of the times when we had been afraid in the past. There were so many times it was hard to wait to see what God would accomplish. We recalled with joy how Jesus appeared to so many of us over the period of 40 days after His resurrection. He even ate with us! Surely since God had accomplished all of this, we could trust God with the future. So over time, we learned to wait in hope. We remembered that the angel who had appeared at the time of Jesus' ascension instructed us to pray and tell people about what we had seen and experienced. That gave us something concrete to do. And God sent the Holy Spirit; the gift that Jesus promised us would come.
All that was long ago and much has happened. I myself am very ill and waiting to see what kind of work God might have for me even during this illness and even my death if I do not get better. But I am learning to trust. God has been with me in the past even when I could not see it. God acted in ways in my life that it took me awhile to understand. Sometimes things seem to make more sense a while after the event has passed. And so I wait.
I am sure that the church which you serve will miss you. I am also sure that they have many question, concerns and fears about the future. Change is so hard. "What will Brother John be like when he comes and in what direction will he lead us?" I can hear them prayerfully asking those questions now.
What I have learned as I continue through life, and as I struggle with so much still, is to trust that God is present in my life and in the lives of us all. That is my prayer for you and your church. Let us remember that we can trust God through the changes that are coming. As we wait, let us do so hopefully and with confidence, not in ourselves, but in the risen Lord.
Your sister in Christ,
Dorcas
Rev. Dorcas Conrad
Dillion Chapel UMC
(Special note -- for those who are not members of Johnson Memorial, our minister, Dr. Joe Shreve, will be appointed to Chapel Hill UMC)
To Joseph, my dear brother in Christ,
It seems like such a long time since we were young together and just beginning to learn about Jesus and what it meant to follow him, to be his disciples. We were inexperienced and hoped that we could do great things for the Lord. I trust that with God's help we have.
I have heard through the other disciples that you are leaving the church which you serve as pastor to go to another one, and that another brother is coming. I thought you, and the church, might need a bit of a reminder of the presence of Christ as you go through these changes. So I have laid aside my needle and picked up a pen instead. Maybe these words will be a help to anyone who is going through changes or times when the future is uncertain, or when we simply have to wait and see what God will do next.
Can you remember those first uncertain days after Jesus left us for the second time? I don't mean the time he died on the Cross. We know that God raised him up again on the third day. No, I'm remembering the uncertainty of all the disciples, both women and men, following His ascension into heaven. He always did exactly what he promised us he would do, but we had a hard time trusting the future and the leading of God.
We didn't know what to do after he truly left us. We returned to Jerusalem to the place where we had been meeting to remember what had happened. It was good to be someplace familiar. This was one thing that had not changed. In the safety of that place, we could meet together to think about the future and our place in it. Do you remember how afraid we were because things were changing so quickly? All we could do in that time of transition was to pray for one another. It seems as I look back, that besides eating and remembering Jesus, all we did was pray. How important the support of friends and family is when we go through any changes big or small
We remembered all of the times when we had been afraid in the past. There were so many times it was hard to wait to see what God would accomplish. We recalled with joy how Jesus appeared to so many of us over the period of 40 days after His resurrection. He even ate with us! Surely since God had accomplished all of this, we could trust God with the future. So over time, we learned to wait in hope. We remembered that the angel who had appeared at the time of Jesus' ascension instructed us to pray and tell people about what we had seen and experienced. That gave us something concrete to do. And God sent the Holy Spirit; the gift that Jesus promised us would come.
All that was long ago and much has happened. I myself am very ill and waiting to see what kind of work God might have for me even during this illness and even my death if I do not get better. But I am learning to trust. God has been with me in the past even when I could not see it. God acted in ways in my life that it took me awhile to understand. Sometimes things seem to make more sense a while after the event has passed. And so I wait.
I am sure that the church which you serve will miss you. I am also sure that they have many question, concerns and fears about the future. Change is so hard. "What will Brother John be like when he comes and in what direction will he lead us?" I can hear them prayerfully asking those questions now.
What I have learned as I continue through life, and as I struggle with so much still, is to trust that God is present in my life and in the lives of us all. That is my prayer for you and your church. Let us remember that we can trust God through the changes that are coming. As we wait, let us do so hopefully and with confidence, not in ourselves, but in the risen Lord.
Your sister in Christ,
Dorcas
Rev. Dorcas Conrad
Dillion Chapel UMC
(Special note -- for those who are not members of Johnson Memorial, our minister, Dr. Joe Shreve, will be appointed to Chapel Hill UMC)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Devotional 4-25-08
Lectionary Readings -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalms 66:8-20
Several churches in the area have given out bracelets to persons of their congregations for them to be reminded not to complain. If this works and if it is contagious we will soon have the most positive community around. Would that be wonderful? Never mind that there are pot holes, or that the newspaper sub topics make no sense and the grammar is questionable. We are reminded that God wants us to think in a positive way. It is a proven fact that positive thoughts generate good vibrations that can be transmitted and received where they are needed.
Jesus gave his disciples the authority and power to deal with people’s demons and to cure diseases. He commissioned the disciples to preach the good news and to heal the sick. The disciples traveled from city to city preaching and healing, and spreading the word that Jesus is in charge. He suffered because of our sins, he went through it all, was put to death and then made alive –to bring us to God. He did this for us. In the Message we are told that we need to keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at us, none of it will stick. Then the people who have thrown the mud will realize that they are the ones who need a bath. We are told to be ready to speak up and tell others why we live the way we do if we are asked, remembering that he has promised to always be with us and he will not play hide and seek, (he does not leave us). It may not be an easy trip, however Peter tells us that by putting our worries and fears in God's hands we are better off.
After some family trials we have claimed a motto – perhaps it could even be considered a mantra that we repeat over and over. During some of those trying times it has helped to put our worries and fears in Gods hands and know that we are not in charge. We simply repeat these words and meditate on the meaning that they have in our lives. There are times when words of prayer will not come, but at such times these words are a strength and solace.
ALL IS WELL, GOD IS HERE.
In Psalms we are told that God has road tested us inside and out. He came when he heard our prayer, he brings us gifts. How can we complain when we have a Father who is with us and loves us this much.
Do you have a Gratitude book or list? Each day think of 5 things for which you are thankful, and write them down. It is important to write them, so that you can look back and see the things for which you have been grateful in the past. This is a good way to change to a positive attitude, and also show God your thanks for all of his many gifts.
Dear Father, Thank you for the many gifts that you give to us, thank you for being with us and watching over us. We ask that you will continue to watch over us and be with us in all that we do. Be with those who throw the mud, that they may learn to know you. Be with our church that we may continue to glorify you, and that others may see that we have something that they want. Continue to feed us, and fill us with your love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen
Marilyn Holleron
Several churches in the area have given out bracelets to persons of their congregations for them to be reminded not to complain. If this works and if it is contagious we will soon have the most positive community around. Would that be wonderful? Never mind that there are pot holes, or that the newspaper sub topics make no sense and the grammar is questionable. We are reminded that God wants us to think in a positive way. It is a proven fact that positive thoughts generate good vibrations that can be transmitted and received where they are needed.
Jesus gave his disciples the authority and power to deal with people’s demons and to cure diseases. He commissioned the disciples to preach the good news and to heal the sick. The disciples traveled from city to city preaching and healing, and spreading the word that Jesus is in charge. He suffered because of our sins, he went through it all, was put to death and then made alive –to bring us to God. He did this for us. In the Message we are told that we need to keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at us, none of it will stick. Then the people who have thrown the mud will realize that they are the ones who need a bath. We are told to be ready to speak up and tell others why we live the way we do if we are asked, remembering that he has promised to always be with us and he will not play hide and seek, (he does not leave us). It may not be an easy trip, however Peter tells us that by putting our worries and fears in God's hands we are better off.
After some family trials we have claimed a motto – perhaps it could even be considered a mantra that we repeat over and over. During some of those trying times it has helped to put our worries and fears in Gods hands and know that we are not in charge. We simply repeat these words and meditate on the meaning that they have in our lives. There are times when words of prayer will not come, but at such times these words are a strength and solace.
ALL IS WELL, GOD IS HERE.
In Psalms we are told that God has road tested us inside and out. He came when he heard our prayer, he brings us gifts. How can we complain when we have a Father who is with us and loves us this much.
Do you have a Gratitude book or list? Each day think of 5 things for which you are thankful, and write them down. It is important to write them, so that you can look back and see the things for which you have been grateful in the past. This is a good way to change to a positive attitude, and also show God your thanks for all of his many gifts.
Dear Father, Thank you for the many gifts that you give to us, thank you for being with us and watching over us. We ask that you will continue to watch over us and be with us in all that we do. Be with those who throw the mud, that they may learn to know you. Be with our church that we may continue to glorify you, and that others may see that we have something that they want. Continue to feed us, and fill us with your love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen
Marilyn Holleron
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Devotional 4-18-08
I have three close friends from high school that I meet every year for a week. We've been doing this for ten years. Every year we are each dealing with something-sometimes more than one something! We rush through life, putting out fires-work health, family, money, you name it. We all have problems. Life can be very stressful when you try to deal with it on your own. You make plans, work on solutions, think you've got it all figured out, but somehow things never work out the way we think they will. Our plan may not be Gods plan.
We all want to control our lives. But, there is something very restful and comforting about accepting our limitations, giving ourselves over to Gods time table, and turning our problems over to God. Knowing He cares for us allows us to rest in his love. Imagine yourself crawling up onto Gods lap, take a few deep breaths and settle in, rest your head on His chest, feel His arms wrap around you in a loving embrace. Relax and talk to God. Tell Him about your problems, your fears, your worries. Feel the warmth of His love surrounding you, sustaining you.
When you get up will your problems be miraculously gone? Of course not. But, you will feel more capable of facing what life is throwing at you because you won't be alone. And as Archbishop William Temple said, "When I pray, coincidences happen, when I don't, they don't."
"Into Thy hands I commit my Spirit", Jesus said it as He was dying on the cross, Stephen said it as he was being stoned, and David wrote it in Psalm 31. Follow their example. Commit your spirit into His hands. Rest in Him.
"Spirit Song"
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you
with His spirit and His love,
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
O' let him have the things that hold you, and
his spirit like a dove will descend upon your life
and make you whole.
O' come and sing this song of gladness as your hearts
are filled with joy.Lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name,
O' give Him all your tears and sadness;
Give Him all your years of pain,
and you'll enter into life in Jesus name.
Margaret Williams
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Devotional 4-11-08
Read Psalm 23 and John 10: 1-10
The Gatekeepers
In the gospel passage, Jesus uses a pastoral image to describe his leadership style. His audience was not unfamiliar with this imagery because they knew from Psalm 23 that “the Lord is my shepherd.”
Think about what it means to lead like a shepherd.
I imagine that a shepherd cares for the flock; tends them, feeds them, makes sure that all their needs are cared for. He uses his rod and staff to keep them together. If one of the sheep veers away, he can bring them back. The shepherd saves the sheep from danger. It was comforting to the psalmist and it is comforting to me to know that in the darkest of times, God cares for us. God cares.
But it is not all up to the shepherd; we have a responsibility, too. Jesus also talks about the gate. The shepherd enters by the gate, and the sheep know who he is by the sound of his voice. How does he get in the gate? The gatekeeper opens the door for him.
Who are the gatekeepers in your church? Who opens the door for Jesus, so that Jesus can come in by the gate and care for the flock? Do people hear Jesus in your church, and recognize him?
What are the ways you can be the gatekeeper, to open the door for Jesus?
Being the gatekeeper is an awesome responsibility. You can be the one who opens the door for Jesus. On the other hand, you can be the one who keeps him out.
Dear God: Help us to be graceful gatekeepers, who always open the door for Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Jeff Taylor
The Gatekeepers
In the gospel passage, Jesus uses a pastoral image to describe his leadership style. His audience was not unfamiliar with this imagery because they knew from Psalm 23 that “the Lord is my shepherd.”
Think about what it means to lead like a shepherd.
I imagine that a shepherd cares for the flock; tends them, feeds them, makes sure that all their needs are cared for. He uses his rod and staff to keep them together. If one of the sheep veers away, he can bring them back. The shepherd saves the sheep from danger. It was comforting to the psalmist and it is comforting to me to know that in the darkest of times, God cares for us. God cares.
But it is not all up to the shepherd; we have a responsibility, too. Jesus also talks about the gate. The shepherd enters by the gate, and the sheep know who he is by the sound of his voice. How does he get in the gate? The gatekeeper opens the door for him.
Who are the gatekeepers in your church? Who opens the door for Jesus, so that Jesus can come in by the gate and care for the flock? Do people hear Jesus in your church, and recognize him?
What are the ways you can be the gatekeeper, to open the door for Jesus?
Being the gatekeeper is an awesome responsibility. You can be the one who opens the door for Jesus. On the other hand, you can be the one who keeps him out.
Dear God: Help us to be graceful gatekeepers, who always open the door for Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Jeff Taylor
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Devotional 4-4-08
I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the Lord, am their God." --Leviticus 26:45
The Man at the Top of the Stairs
When my third son, Marty, was about 7, he showed me a picture he drew in Sunday School. The teacher had asked the students to draw something about their church. His drawing showed a stick figure with a series of horizontal lines under it. Not sure what I was looking at, I asked, "Is that Dr. Wood preaching?" "No," he said, "it's the man at the top of the stairs." I must admit, it took me a minute and a few more questions before I realized he was talking about Dan Handloser, who during those years, stood at the top of the steps at the 10th Street door (the door used by those coming to Sunday School) to greet people and assist any visitors looking for a Sunday School class. How sweet and uncomplicated that, for a child, the church was symbolized by a friendly face at the top of the stairs.
During my childhood, the man at the top of the stairs was Hansford Welch, one of the saints of Johnson Memorial, who passed away this January at the age of 97. Hansford served as Sunday School Superintendent for 20 years, and proudly took his place at the top of the stairs Sunday after Sunday. Several years ago, my Sunday School class sent him a collective birthday card. The next Sunday he came to our class and asked if he could say a few words. He shared with us his vision for our church and told us we were its future leaders. It was as though he was passing the mantle of leadership onto us. What a responsibility to live up to his example!
This Sunday is Native American Sunday in the United Methodist Church. Here is a Native American prayer:
Anita Gardner Farrell
When my third son, Marty, was about 7, he showed me a picture he drew in Sunday School. The teacher had asked the students to draw something about their church. His drawing showed a stick figure with a series of horizontal lines under it. Not sure what I was looking at, I asked, "Is that Dr. Wood preaching?" "No," he said, "it's the man at the top of the stairs." I must admit, it took me a minute and a few more questions before I realized he was talking about Dan Handloser, who during those years, stood at the top of the steps at the 10th Street door (the door used by those coming to Sunday School) to greet people and assist any visitors looking for a Sunday School class. How sweet and uncomplicated that, for a child, the church was symbolized by a friendly face at the top of the stairs.
During my childhood, the man at the top of the stairs was Hansford Welch, one of the saints of Johnson Memorial, who passed away this January at the age of 97. Hansford served as Sunday School Superintendent for 20 years, and proudly took his place at the top of the stairs Sunday after Sunday. Several years ago, my Sunday School class sent him a collective birthday card. The next Sunday he came to our class and asked if he could say a few words. He shared with us his vision for our church and told us we were its future leaders. It was as though he was passing the mantle of leadership onto us. What a responsibility to live up to his example!
This Sunday is Native American Sunday in the United Methodist Church. Here is a Native American prayer:
Oh great Spirit of our Ancestors,
I raise my pipe to you,
to your messengers the four winds,
and to Mother Earth who provides for your children.
Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love,
to respect and to be kind to each other
so that they may grow with peace of mind.
Let us learn to share all the good things
that you provide for us on this Earth.
Anita Gardner Farrell
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Devotional 3-28-08
The chorus of praise began
With the angels
Their song a gentle melody
Whispered on the breeze
The notes pure tones
Of majestic glory.
Flawless in its simplicity
Nothing could compare
To its greatness.
And yet, the praise was not complete.
The sun, the moon, the sky, the stars,
Added to the symphony.
Darkness and light,
An antiphonal response.
The ocean rose against the sand
Clapping God’s honor.
Even the rocks contributed their stony silence
Created in perfection
And yet, the praise was not complete.
Trees, reaching toward heaven
Arms outstretched.
The flowers joined in the hymn
Heads nodding in assent.
All sang of his glory.
Bright colors, dancing rainbows
Seeds flew on the wind
Extolling God with their potential.
And yet, the praise was not complete.
Rhythm was added to the song
As the crickets chirped
And the bullfrogs joined in the percussion.
Glory had a voice
In the singing of the birds,
And the howling of the wolves.
The song finally had body and strength,
As elephants trumpeted,
And joy, as hyenas laughed.
And yet, the praise was not complete.
For one moment, one small break in time
He came to teach his children how to sing.
“This,” he said, “Is how you do it.”
And he stretched out his arms,
As a conductor, directing them into songs of love.
His dying breath a note of silence.
Creation brought to its knees
As the song of praise ended.
Angels shocked into pause.
And all waited to see if the song would begin again.
Haltingly, faltering, the children began
Their notes discordant,
Never perfect, far from complete.
But they did sing,
And creation picked up their tune.
Urging them along
Encouraging, helping,
Harmony at its finest.
And finally, the praise was music to God’s ears.
Poem inspired by a line from one of Rev. Suzanne's Ellis’ sermons -- On Holy Ground -- in which she said, "And the praise was not complete."
Kim Matthews
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