Devotional 11-19-17

As the breeze blows by
and the drying leaves,
Dying leaves,
Rustle with the footsteps
of the gardener,
The creator comes near.
 
Colors are so brilliant
that they hurt your eyes.
Yellow into orange into red.
Brown, foreshadowing death.
All against a blue, blue sky.
Free of snow, but ready.
The creator comes near.
 
The gardener trims the dead roses,
thorns bringing blood
that is wiped against the undergrowth.
Stained, like the sin in his life.
Dead growth is pruned away,
Weeds are ripped out
as the ground is prepared for emptiness.
Emptiness that will bring new life.
The creator comes near.
 
Finally in the house,
standing at the sink,
looking out over the garden,
the man washes away the dirt.
He feels the presence of the creator,
and he sends out a prayer.
For the hot water cleaning his hands,
warming his soul from the chill.
For the soup bubbling on the stove,
and the bread baking in the oven.
For the setting of the sun
on the golden splendor outside his window.
He offers up his gratitude
to the creator
who has come near.

Kim Matthews

Devotional 11-11-17

Acts  7: 51-60    Galatians  1: 11-17

Earlier this spring when I looked at the Lectionary passages provided to me for the devotional ministry, I read among others the verses in Acts referenced above.  It is the story of events that led to the stoning of Stephen.  At the time I thought there might be a devotional here but I could not see it.  It was a scene difficult to contemplate, let alone write about and certainly not bedtime reading.  Over the summer I felt a prodding to revisit the passage and read on in the next chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

As you may recall, Stephen was an apostle who witnessed to his faith in Jesus Christ.  His words put him in direct conflict with the hierarchy of the Jewish leaders.  He was considered out of the mainstream, dangerous, and he was quickly put to death.  His last words were: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”  His death marked the beginning of a time of persecution of Christians.

There was a young Jewish man named Saul present at Stephen’s execution who approved of the stoning.  Years later following his conversion and name change to Paul, he wrote in a letter to the church of Galatia:  “You may have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.   I advanced in Judaism beyond many Jews of my age for I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.”  Paul also wrote in this same letter:  “I want you to know that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”   So a question arises for us:  How might we experience a revelation from Christ?  Certainly there are countless ways but several thoughts come to mind.

Looking Back:  This is not to imply that we live in the past but rather to suggest that there are times when we are so close to a situation that any revelation eludes us.  This was certainly true of the disciples who did not grasp all that Jesus was telling them.  It was later, in light of the resurrection, they began to remember, understand and see with clarity what He had said.  Reflection can be illuminating to us as well.   This summer I enjoyed an organized tour of several National Parks which concluded near the home of a friend whom I had not seen in years.  I knew that she had multiple health issues but on the afternoon of our visit she was dressed, seated and awaiting my arrival.  She talked about the death of her sister and I listened and then shared some thoughts.   Later when her husband joined us, I said:  “I have just seen the majestic Yellowstone Park.  Take me back to the summer you met there years ago.”  It was a happy time in their lives and the expression of their voices reflected it.  Upon returning home I learned that she died one week after our visit.  Had I realized that her death was imminent? No, but in looking back I could see some signs that I had over looked.  I could also see that events which enabled our visit to occur were not by mere happenstance.

Looking from Another Perspective:  Sometimes we become so entrenched in our view of things that it helps to look from another angle.  Recently our pastor had a fine sermon in which she spoke about “looking through different lenses.”  What might it be like to walk in someone else’s shoes? To whom do we identify in a story and how would the same story feel from another point of view?  We might find a revelation or nugget of truth from a different perspective. 

Looking to Scripture: The study of scripture with others can be beneficial in discerning God’s word. Daily devotions make a difference in our spiritual journey as well.  One helpful thing for me is to read a chapter of the Bible rather than just the verses provided in a daily devotional.  The context of what comes before and what follows can provide an insight.  Perhaps few have experienced the intense revelation that Paul did but God seeks to be in communion with each of us.  Did Paul ever reflect on the scene of Stephen’s death?  While he probably did not dwell on it, certainly Paul knew that Christ who had chosen him and called him to proclaim the Gospel was the Lord and Savior to whom Stephen gave witness and offered forgiveness years before.

Prayer:
Open my eyes that I might see glimpses of truth Thou has for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee; Ready my God Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.    Amen.

Sue Woods

Devotional 11-2-17

IT'S CATCHING

Watch out or you will catch it too. What am I talking about? A bad cold or the 'flu? No, I'm talking about GLOOM AND DOOM, a sneaky destructive state of mind that you can either succumb to or fight it with everything you have.

Yes, I know the news, whether national or international or even local  can bring anyone down with a case of GLOOM AND DOOM.   A sick friend, a personal problem, a feeling of malaise  not easy to identify.  We have all experienced this type of thing from time to time especially at the holiday season. Do we expect too much and then feel let down?

So what is the answer? It's not found in a prescription bottle nor in an OTC package. It's not in a glass or even a hot cuppa, though these can help in moderation. The best solution to Gloom and Doom is found between the covers, the covers of your bible. Its sixty-six  books will help you to find the answer to your personal Gloom and Doom attack.  Try the Book of Psalms or Proverbs next time you feel Gloom and Doom coming on.You will be surprised!

As the old hymn chorus says,

Count your blessings, count them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Jean Dean

Devotional 10-27-17

Please read Luke 24:13-35

THE WALK TO EMMAUS

This past weekend, I participated in the Ashland Area Emmaus Women’s Walk #46. My own Walk #35 was in the spring of 2012, and since that time, I have occasionally participated in subsequent walks as a member of the Emmaus Team—those community members asked to help direct attendees through their 72-hour retreat. I shall never forget my own Walk, because it changed my life from someone who just automatically attended church, to one who acknowledges Christ as my Lord and Savior, and who has been filled with God’s grace. I have never felt such joy in my life, nor have I ever felt such a close relationship with God.

The purpose of The Walk to Emmaus is to “… raise up Christian leaders to renew their own church as the Body of Christ in action”—all people of God who, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seek to continue Christ’s life and ministry wherever they are. There are two walks for men, and two walks for women, held in the spring and in the fall every year at South Ashland United Methodist Church.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions of this wonderful retreat which make people somewhat hesitant to give it a try. I’ve heard some joke that the Walk is a cult, or a club, or a secret organization to be avoided. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth! The Walk can be a time of spiritual renewal; it can be a time to learn more about being a good Christian; it is a time of making new Christian friends—some of whom remain friends long after their Walk has been completed. It’s a time of learning, worshipping, singing, sharing, joy, laughter, and yes—sometimes tears. But always, it is a time of nurturing and support.

Each Walk to Emmaus becomes a Christian Community all its own, similar to that of the early churches formed after Christ’s resurrection—made up of men and women, young and “old,” of every denomination, every race, every class and background. By the end of their Walk, they have become part of the church’s witness at its best—that in Christ, all natural differences that normally separate us from others, are overcome. When people who might otherwise be divided become united in Christian love, working for the common good, the church is truly an expression of the Body of Christ. One’s commitment doesn’t end when their Walk ends. It continues in the work of his/her own church, supported by others who have completed their Walk, as well as all members in the Ashland Area Emmaus Community who gather monthly for supper, worship and participation.

Between now and March, or later in the fall of October, please think about taking your own Walk to Emmaus. If you have questions, seek out other church members who have already taken their own Walk to Emmaus. I guarantee you will never regret it. And the experience may change your life, just as it has changed mine! 

Diane Feaganes    

Devotional 10-21-17

Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99
Matthew 22:15-22

Okay, so I told Kim I would write a devotion.  Hmmmm, that was 2 months ago and now the time is here. What to write about in this devotion.  Let me start with reading the scripture. What speaks to me?

Matthew 22:21---“Give Caesar what is Caesar’s, and God what is God’s.”

In Sunday church service, that ‘bad’ word ‘stewardship’ is being mentioned.  Let’s see, what does the dictionary say stewardship is.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states, 1. The office, duties, and obligations of a steward. 2. The conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care, stewardship of natural resources.

Oh, I get it; we are to give to God what is God’s.  We are the stewards of what is God’s.  So, by not littering, by recycling, by giving an offering to the church, I am being a good steward. I am taking care of God’s kingdom. I am keeping the physical workings of Johnson Memorial UMC going, permitting the staff to do their tasks, keeping the ministries/programs going, being a good steward. So, even though I am retired and on a fixed income, I give to the church what money I can. Not what I can spare, but what will be pleasing to me to give to God. I LIKE BEING A GOOD STEWARD!

Prayer:  Our gracious and loving Father, I thank you for all you have blessed me with in my life.  Bless me to give back to You.    Amen

Kay Lewis

Devotional 10-13-17

Tribute

Lectionary Readings:  Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; Matthew 22: 15-22; 1 Thessalonians 1:  1-10.
Every time we think of you, we thank God for you.  Day and night, you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith; your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father.  1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3 (The Message)

This devotion is not a typical one for me, but I hope you will indulge me and read it anyway. In the passage highlighted above, Paul, Silas and Timothy were writing to the church in Thessalonica and were praising their faithfulness and their acts of love and patience in following Christ. The whole passage speaks to the faithful servants living in this city, just like my friend, Al. I have been preoccupied with my memories of JMUMC’s past Minister of Music, Albert J. Zabel, III, since learning of his death last week.  He was a talented organist and a prolific composer/arranger of sacred music for the organ, hand-bells, other instruments and choral works for adults, teens and children.  I didn’t know that he had even written a book on how to move from employing piano skills to playing the organ (Practically Perfect Pedaling).

 As talented and gifted as he was, the qualities I most admired were his perseverance in serving God by using those talents and his steadfast faith in God.  He was a very humble person who did not seek the limelight.  He never called attention to the works that we performed that were his creations or arrangements.  Someone in the choir (Handbell or Sanctuary) would notice his name, sometimes only after we had practiced the work several times, but he never made that announcement.  His individual performances on the organ were primarily preludes/postludes and the occasional concert which was usually in coordination with other performers.  He willingly accompanied a host of choirs and singers throughout his life, always focusing on the performer and the music, and not himself.  He was dedicated to the rich tapestry of music that honored and glorified God.

I got to know Al “up close and personal” on the Summer Players Youth Tours between 1984 and 1991.  The first musical drama that I toured with was the newly written “Uniquely Yours”, a collaboration between Al and Trilby Jordan.  It was full of humor and real life about how teens can remain close to God and still express their unique qualities and gifts.  His musical score included a violin, flute, clarinet, French horn and hand bells, as well as some “special effects”.  The musical drama was so appropriate for the youth in our group, but Al’s talent seemed so effortless, we didn’t realize the depth of his gifts.

The message from this drama to all of us, was that God uses us as we are.  We don’t need to be anything other than who we already are. We are enough! God calls each of us and asks us to be faithful in following His guidance and to put His plan into action.  We all have a history of struggles and heartache; joys and mountain-top experiences also. But, we are never alone.  God is With Us throughout every struggle and rejoices with us in every joy.   God blessed our congregation and community with the talents of Al Zabel and we are all better for it.  He created, taught, served and cared for all those around him.  He inspired us through his music and through his entire life. He was faithful to God’s plan for him and did not seek adulation for his efforts.  May we all go and do likewise with the gifts God gives us. God asks us to spread the gospel, to sow the seeds…and He will take care of the rest.  Al was faithful to God’s direction in willingly sharing his God-given gifts with students, choirs, congregations and even those who have purchased his music who do not even know him.

Dear Almighty and Wonderful God: We thank you for the life and service of Al Zabel.  We know that his gifts came from you and he was faithful to use them to glorify your name.  Thank you for all that you have taught us through our association with him.  You bless us every day with angels and saints who appear in our lives as ordinary people, but have been sent by you to show us more clearly how we should live and care for one another.  We thank you for this glimpse of the eternal through the extraordinary life and music of Al Zabel.  AMEN                                                                                                                                                                  

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 10-7-17

What Do They Call You?

My brother and I were born in an Army hospital. Our names were chosen before our mom went back through the big double doors – alone – to delivery whatever we would be. 50+ years ago, ultrasound was an unknown baby-sex-determining technology. She had to write down a boy’s name and a girl’s name BEFORE delivery (As a total aside, I would have been Ann Elizabeth had I been a girl.). So as a result of that notation on the page > I have been Steve for 55 years. More recently, as I move through the West Virginia Annual Conference and the National United Methodist Foundation circles, I get to be Kim’s husband…I like that. Makes my stock price HIGH. The last 20 plus years have garnered me the title of Grant and Josh’s dad. I like that one too > I’m uber proud of my fellas and will NEVER miss a chance to be identified with them.

For the bulk of my electrical career I have had the  (nick) name "The Lightbulb Guy" – with some customers even introducing me using the company name as my last name > catching their mistake and grinning.

At work now some call me the bicycle guy and ask a myriad of chain, tire, gear, and riding questions. What I don’t think anyone has ever called me is the church guy or God’s guy or the religious guy, or…

The internet (namely Facebook) is riddled with memes! Memes about just about EVERY subject imaginable. Some are so silly. One shows our 16^th President’s famous silhouette with the words, “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.” And it’s signed – A. Lincoln. A meme/story that did catch my eye was from a Fred Rogers quote: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”

Physical helpers can certainly be spotted. Although the news would rather show the looters, occasionally a story surfaces of someone or several someones helping. I was moved by the video clip of trucks pulling boats on trailers lined along the interstate, queued up ready to help after Harvey hit Texas. We also see pictures of our WV United Methodists packing flood buckets and repairing homes and churches.

Society seems to be on an unfiltered rampage of being offended, complaining and name calling. I have to stop myself and ask if I’m helping to NOT spread gossip, if I’m helping to NOT discredit ideas that aren’t my own, if I’m helping to NOT  blame when things don’t go my way, if I’m helping to NOT dismiss someone because I don’t like their stance, if I’m helping – if I’m helping! There’s an old saying (not from Facebook – Ha): No word is ever wasted. It either helps or it hurts. I MUST be sure that I HELP.

Psalm 19 v14: Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Steve Matthews

Devotional 9-28-17

I have never turned away a stranger
but have opened my doors to everyone. --Job 31:31

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—
a stranger, not your own lips. --Proverbs 27: 2

With her permission, I am sharing a Facebook post from my niece Kerry who is a social worker in Columbus, Ohio:

Friends. I have just had what might be the single most delightful conversation of my life with Ms. Ann Smith, an 80 year old woman dining next to me at Lavash. She struck up a conversation about an Uber Eats sign and we spent at least the next half hour (maybe longer) talking. She told me all about the 26 day trip she took for her 80th birthday which included a week-long cruise on the Columbia River even though she couldn't get anyone to go on the cruise with her. Next month she's going on a cruise around Portugal and Spain with a woman she just met. We talked about politics, and my job, and bad drivers, and so many other things. Several times I had to stop myself from weeping with joy at connecting with this woman. She reminded me of my grandmother. My 36th birthday is in about six weeks and when I told her she was inspiring me to consider a solo trip of my own, she told me I was "just a child" and that I should practice self-care and do things to find joy. And I feel so wonderful about it all that I just had to share with the internet. One million heart emojis could not convey how this chat with a stranger warmed my heart.

Afterwards, Ms. Smith came back and stuffed a note, about a restaurant in the area that has yummy desserts and a happy upcoming birthday message, also $7--so Kerry could treat herself on her birthday. This from a total stranger!

I told my niece that I have rarely been disappointed when striking up a conversation with a stranger.

Several years ago, I heard a story about Egypt on NPR. The reporter told about an average Egyptian coffee shop. Rather than single tables, there were long tables where strangers were forced to sit together. Patrons actually talked to each other rather than burying their noses in their phones or laptops.

Can you make someone's day by simply engaging in conversation? Think of what you might be missing by not.

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. --Matthew 25:35

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 9-22-17

In January, Jeff Taylor told us that as cradle Christians ours is more of a faith story of our growth as a christian. Looking back at my life, a lot of that growth was in micro-mini steps that are hard to quantify.

What I can tell you is that I eventually learned to ask God to guide me when I wasn’t sure what was the right thing to do.  A warm feeling in my heart would tell me I was on the right track. If I did not get a warm feeling I took that to mean I needed to rethink what I was doing.

I wish I could tell you that I always stop and ask for guidance, but of course that doesn’t happen!  It did teach me to listen for God’s voice.

The next time God spoke to me was many years later before our convocation about becoming  a Reconciling Ministry congregation.  I hate conflict and had been to enough meetings to know that the convocation would be painful for  me.  I didn’t want to go, but was feeling guilty, feeling like it was my responsibility to be there.  So I was  praying.  God told me that not only was I going, but I was going to speak!  Another thing I don’t like is speaking in front of groups.  I said “Ok, but what am going to say?  I get tongue tied on all those alphabet letters and besides I don’t like the labels!”  God reminded me of Mathew 22:35-40 when Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment was and “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord, your God with all of 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. (Mathew 22: 37-40 NIV) I’m thinking, “Ok.  I can do this.  Everyone is my neighbor.  I don’t need to use those alphabet labels.”  I wrote out what I was going to say starting with the bible quote from Mathew.  I added that this makes it very easy for  me, I want all of our neighbors to know that they are welcome in our church before they come through our doors.  Sunday morning before church I was studying what I was going to say and  praying to God to help me not to stumble over my words.  At this point, God had one more surprise for me.  He told me I needed to add that what Jesus says trumps anything else in the Bible!  I added it, then took it out.  I’m thinking, this is really going to upset some people.God put it back in two more times!

God takes us out of our comfort zones.  Every time I have taken that step of faith I have been truly blessed!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 9-16-17

A few Sundays ago, I attended worship in a different church than my own. Steve and I went there only because a friend was preaching, and we wanted to hear his message. We live in a different town than the church; there is no chance that living where we live, we would become members of this church. I wasn't there in my Foundation role; I looked like a "regular" visitor.

As we sat there, a person brought us a visitor bag that had homemade banana bread in it. I tried to tell her that she didn't need to do that, but nothing stopped her, and we came home with bread.

As I sat there in worship, feeling guilty, I realized that I was doing the church an injustice. My guilt was based on the idea that the bread was offered in exchange for something - that it was offered to persuade me that they were friendly and to try to convince me to return. That's not a very grace-filled motivation behind offering a gift, and why would I expect that their motivation was anything but grace-filled? The bread was a gift, offered in the love of Christ, to two peoploe they did not know.

Glory to God.

Instead of feeling guilty, I should have felt thankful for their message of welcome and grace. And now I do.

There is a lesson in this for all of us, I think. When we offer hospitality, we should remember that it is a radical act of grace, not done in the expectation of something in return. When we receive that kind of grace, we should be thankful for it, and not think it was done in "exchange" for something.

It's grace.

Kim Matthews

Devotional 9-8-17

With a Voice of Singing

Psalm 149
¹ Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.
² Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
    let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
³ Let them praise his name with dancing
    and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
⁴ For the Lord takes delight in his people;
    he crowns the humble with victory.
⁵ Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor
    and sing for joy on their beds.

When I was about five years old, I did something wonderful! I joined the Johnson Memorial Carol Girls Choir. I remember one of our first anthems was “Come Christians Join and Sing,” and I was so proud when the Carol Girls and Wesley Boys Choirs presented it to the congregation. From that very first performance, I was hooked.

When I graduated to junior high school, I became a member of the Crusader Choir, and with high school came membership into the Chapel Choir. With each graduation brought anthems with greater difficulty and deeper meaning. Those anthems helped me understand the scriptures in a way nothing else did.

I’m now a member of JM’s Sanctuary Choir, and I still get goose bumps when we are sight-reading an especially beautiful anthem. I may love the melody, or the words may move me to tears. Either way, singing God’s praises brings joy. It was true when this psalm was written. It is true today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are thankful for all You have given us. We are also thankful for the ways we can praise Your name. Let us praise Your name with dancing, instruments of all kinds, and, of course, singing! In Your name we pray. Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 9-3-17

Humanity

Read Romans 12:9-21

A definition of Humanity is; compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane.

I believe that the above definition is exactly what is being stated in in the passage from Romans.  It is how we as Christians are to treat all we encounter, no exceptions.

It distresses me to hear Christians making light of another's misfortune, of looking at those who have made bad decisions in life as someone less then human.  We all are on this big ball floating in space, and it is all we have.  We have to care for each other as God desires for us to do.  We are losing our Humanity for our brothers and sisters.  We should be reaching out to each other offering support.

Love each other, reach out to all in need, be the Disciple we are called to be for Jesus Christ.  Again I say, no exceptions!!!!! Remember Jesus never made an exception...

Peace and love to all.
Fred Herr

Devotional 8-25-17

Jesus Wept

God promised that a Messiah would come to help the people. This covenant is a change in his approach. This savior would have human characteristics. He would have human emotions and understandings.  We have been studying God’s human characteristics in Sunday school.  When Jesus told how he was to die, Peter told him that he was thinking of the human point of view and not God’s point of view.  But, by knowing he had human emotions, we can understand his fear and yet his willingness to be a human sacrifice. His sacrifice would be for Mankind’s Sins.  We learn this in Matthew 16: 13-20.

Becoming a Christian has been a process for me.  Each time I face a human problem, I have to reason it to myself.  What do I believe?  I do not believe that God is a punishing God.  He did not cause misfortune to happen.  He gave me strength to face that misfortune.  Since God has human emotions, he feels my pain.  One of the most difficult things for all of us is to give up control.  When we do this, there is a peaceful feeling that does help.  Some people find that this comes easily, but not for me.  When I finally do, I wonder why I waited so long.

At the time of this writing, a member of my family has been in SICU on life support for over a month. We do not know the future.  I have learned to be patient, to take each tiny step for the positive as a blessing. I do know that Jesus is weeping along with us. He understands our pain and will be with us. Many people are praying for our family and it gives us courage to take each day.

I have always been a “fixer” and I know that it is not within my power to “fix” this, and I pray for God’s blessed shoulder for all of us to lean upon. He truly understands our pain. Lord, Hear our prayer.

Carolee Brown

Devotional 8-18-17

Scripture text is Genesis 45: 1-15

This scripture tells about Joseph in Egypt after gaining great power and influence with Pharaoh. Famine had reigned in the region for two years. Joseph's brothers had been sent to Egypt by their father, Jacob, in order to try to purchase food for their family, since their region was suffering also. Before this time period, Joseph had forecast the great famine and had prepared the Egyptians . Thus they had great storerooms of food to outlast the drought.

As we can recall, Joseph had arrived in Egypt previously because his brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. They were totally unaware of whom they would encounter.Had they  known, do you think they would have ventured near him in fear of retribution? Joseph held their lives in his hands, to punish as severely as he wished.Let's look at some of the verses and see how the situation was handled.

3.And he said, I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me here before you to preserve life.....
He then goes on to tell them that God sent him to Egypt to save Jacob's family.

My gosh, this was the ultimate example of forgiveness. If we had been treated as Joseph had, could we possibly rationalize forgiving these scoundrels? In my case probably not.

As we go about our every day life we encounter so many things which lead us to believe we deserve revenge for these slights.

We must keep in mind what Jesus commands us to do in the Lord's Prayer: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

If we are unable to forgive those who sin against us, we shouldn't be seeking forgiveness for our own misdeeds.

Heavenly Father, as we go through our daily lives, help us to remember and practice forgiveness as you have commanded.

Scott Ramsey

Devotional 8-11-17

Early in the morning, he (Jesus) came walking toward them (the disciples) on the sea. . . .   And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid.”  Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.  But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  (Matthew 14: 25-31)

How many times have YOU heard about something new or different to try, or you have thought of something new or different to do, and it sounds enticing, but then those doubts you have about yourself, come creeping in, and you say to yourself, “I can’t do that!  What if I fail?”  And so that is the end of THAT story.

But what if – what if – what if this new or different thing might encourage you in your relationship with God or bring someone else to better understand about God and God’s love for them?   Do you dare try it?  Do you remember this story of Jesus and Peter, and think about the possibility that Jesus is always there, reaching out his hand and loving you through every experience, whether you can do it or whether you fail?

I was reading a science lesson about the mother eagle and her baby eagle, with my grandson Sam, and all of these pieces of this story about Peter and Jesus fell into place for me.  You see, the mother eagle just seems to know when it is time for her baby to learn to fly. So she takes her baby out of the nest and flies as high as she can go, and then she drops that baby.  The baby falls fast, for the baby has never flown before.  But the mother eagle watches her baby, and at the very last minute, she swoops down and saves her baby.  The mother eagle then flies back up as far as she can, and drops her baby again. She keeps doing this, until her baby begins to fly.

The reality is that Jesus is always present in our life, through every experience, whether it is good or bad, a success or a failure. We just forget about his presence, until we think there is a real need and cry out, “Lord, save me” or sometimes we don’t even attempt something because of our fear of failing to begin with.  Jesus is always there.  When are we going to remember and trust that He is always there, reaching out for us and loving us no matter what?

Amen and Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis   

Devotional 8-4-17

The Feeding of the 5000

Matthew 14: 13-21   

¹³ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."

¹⁶ Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
¹⁷ "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
¹⁸ "Bring them here to me," he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

In these scriptures, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to mourn.  Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, has just been beheaded by Herod.  Who among us does not want privacy and solitude when we lose a loved one? Yet- his desire for solitude was interrupted by the large crowd of people who wanted to see and hear him.  Even as Jesus was in spiritual pain at the loss of his cousin- he looked out at this mass of people and had compassion on them and immediately starting healing the sick!

As evening comes, the disciples urge Jesus to send the crowd away, but instead Jesus commands the disciples to give them something to eat.  The miracle of feeding the 5,000 ensues.

How about you and your spiritual journey?  Have you mourned the loss of a loved one?  Ever yearned for peace & quiet to heal your hurts? Regret words said or actions done?  In this account, I feel there are several miracles we can learn.  First- no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the sin.... Jesus is there with us.  He knows our inner struggles and can help shoulder the weight, because he has been there too!  Secondly- Jesus challenges us to stretch our faith beyond what we can imagine.  You see what is not possible with man is achievable through Jesus.  Jesus physically fed 5,000 but only after giving thanks.  Today in God's kingdom here on earth we can be fed the bread of life no matter how desperate our situation if we, like Jesus, give thanks!  May it always be so.

Prayer: Father thank you for helping each of us as we wrestle with the problems of life. Help us to remember that when we give thanks miracles happen! Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 7-21-17

My All

When I taught middle school English and reading, I was adamant that my students learn Greek and Latin word roots to help them unlock word meanings. The prefix omni was especially important when we discussed an author’s point of view.

Omniscient third person point of view gives the narrator the ability to tell the story through the actions and thoughts of ALL characters, as if the narrator were God and could see and hear everything. It is preferred by many because it reveals the most information to the reader.

I can remember teaching the prefix omni to a group of eighth grade students at Vinson Middle School. As we discussed the words omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, I saw Jeremy’s eyes light up. He said his pastor had used those words in his sermons many times, but he hadn’t understood their meanings. Now he would be more successful in following the pastor’s line of thought.

Just as the light came on for Jeremy, it came on for David as he sang about his all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present God.
  
Psalm 139:1-12   The Message (MSG)
A David Psalm
 God, investigate my life;
    get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
    I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too—
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
    I can’t take it all in!
Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit?
    to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!
    If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings
    to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute—
    you’re already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
    At night, I’m immersed in the light!”
It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;
    night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.
23-24
Investigate my life, O God,
   find out everything about me;
Cross -examine and test me;
   get a clear picture of what I’m about;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong,
   then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Isn’t this a beautiful description of what it means to be loved by God? Isn’t this how it feels to love the people in your life?   “You know everything about me, and you choose to stay.”

Take a minute and rejoice in the thought that you’re loved that much. Take another minute and rejoice in the realization that you have the capacity to love that much. Finally, bow your head and give thanks to your omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Father for the love in your life and the loves of your life.
Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 7-14-17

How firm is your root?

Gospel Reading for this week; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 “Parable of the Sower”

This parable is the first of many that Jesus will be teaching the Disciples and the people concerning the Kingdom of Heaven.  Although the people he is speaking with at the time for the most part are rejecting him.  In the parable Jesus uses the actions of a person sowing seeds by broadcast seeding.  On a land that is rocky, dry and where other vegetation may also grow with the sown seeds, not all of the seeds will mature.  In the first illustration, the seeds land on hard ground and are soon eaten by the birds. In the second some of the seeds land in rocky areas with some soil but not enough to sustain growth.  The third example, the seeds fall on soil but the seeds from weeds grow at a faster pace and choke out the farmers seeds.  The seeds that are sown on fertile land will grow and produce good crops some of which will produce great yields.

So how does this parable speak to us today?  First, There are those that hear the spoken Word but may reject it or let the evil one distract them from understanding the Word.  Second, The Word is heard and understood, even rejoiced, but when turmoil enters their life and their roots in faith and understanding the Word are weak they fall away.  Third, The worries of life and distractions of fame, money and things, choke out understanding the Word and the call to be Disciples for Christ.  Fourth, The Word is heard and understood with fruitful results of bringing others to Christ, “thirty, sixty and even one-hundred-fold, thus leading others to Salvation.  It also means working for Christ by using the fruits of the Spirit that we are all given.

A friend of mine recently told me his story after he accepted Christ.  He was so excited about what he had experienced he wanted to share it with others, to bring them to Christ.  So he talked with all of his friends and thought that they would attend his church one Sunday.  But when Sunday came not many attended.  He began to doubt himself.  (The Evil one speaking to him).  He prayed and tried again.  But he let Christ enter the hearts of those he nurtured and before he knew it some, then more and soon others started their journey with Christ.  So he was sowing the seeds where there was good nurtured soil.  There was one thing he didn't think about but how those he brought to Christ would themselves bring others over and over again.   All of this is preparing us, the Saved the well rooted, for the Kingdom of Heaven and we to should be increasing the yield for God !!

Blessings to all,
Fred Herr
Ref. A Christian Apologetics Blog posting by Bill Pratt

Devotional 7-7-17

Surrender
 

Lectionary Readings:  Genesis 24: 34-67; Psalm 45: 10-17; Psalm 72; Romans 7: 15-25; Matthew 11: 16-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11: 25-30

Life is like a roller coaster – multiple ups and downs, twists and turns.  Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be any resting place or even a slower pace.  I knew life was going by quickly, but the world seems to be speeding out of control these days.  I make matters worse by trying to change each situation myself.  I try to push and pull through until I am hopelessly tangled in the mess:  Saying the wrong things;  Interfering when I should stand back;  Spreading my opinions and agenda, not the love of God.

God keeps reminding me, though, (Sometimes gently and sometimes very loudly--but always persistently) that all I need to do is join with him and let Him take the lead.  When a lone ox is harnessed into the yoke, the ox just goes around in circles, because the yoke is so heavy.  The ox cannot get a bearing on balancing the load and moving forward.  Only when the oxen are attached to the yoke as a twosome, is the weight of the yoke and the load balanced so they can move forward with their task.  It’s a picture that makes so much sense, but in practice is so difficult to follow.  I can’t seem to relinquish my illusion of control for the assistance of the Master.

Jesus tried all through the Gospels to teach us about the power of God and to learn to trust Him in our daily walk.  The parables and the examples such as this one help to make things clearer.  God also sends messengers through the ages who preach and teach and share their thoughts through their writings.  God most especially uses music to help us learn more about our relationship with God.  George F. Handel used this passage from Matthew in his famous oratorio, The Messiah.  The words are first sung in a solo which is followed by a chorus singing “His yoke is easy and His burden is light.”  When the words and music are wafting through my brain, the message becomes clearer.  My role is to surrender.  But, NOT as a brain-dead zombie!!  He wants a thinking-doing follower who puts love into action.

God promises “rest”.  We tend to think of rest as an absence of activity.  But in reality, God promises that if we surrender, we can be freed from the ruts of worry and brooding. He will provide direction and strength to persevere.  Surrender, like forgiveness of sins and giving thanks is a daily activity.  We are called to awake each day and surrender to God all that the day holds.  We ask, not for an easy burden, but the strength to carry what we are given, knowing that we are not alone and the burden is always shared.

Dear Loving and Forgiving Father, please continue to send us messages to guide and teach us.  Hear our prayers as we ask for your understanding and eternal patience as we learn these lessons again and again.  Thank you for your love and for always giving us another chance to change.  Help us to surrender daily so that we might serve you by sharing your love through our words and our actions.  AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 6-30-17

The Gift of Silence

Habakkuk 2:20  “ The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”

I have recently been using a book of devotions by Sheila Walsh called “Quiet Time for Your Soul.” As the title suggests, the devotions focus on taking time to slow down, read scripture, and spend time with God. Sometimes that means we need to listen quietly to Him, to hear what he is saying to us during our prayer time. As busy as we all are, we sometimes find it difficult to take the time to be silent and just listen.

She asks, “Am I too often so concerned with being heard that I miss what God is saying? Is He speaking, but I can’t hear Him because I never embrace the silence?

I don’t think I’m the only one. Sometimes it seems our world is afraid of silence. It seems like almost every moment of the day is filled with motion and sound. Even in the middle of the night, our phones buzz and beep.

Does silence still matter in a world addicted to noise? I think it matters more than ever because practicing silence before God clears the way for Him to speak to us.

If you are new to the practice, you might find it challenging at first, but be patient with yourself. Begin by finding a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Then give yourself permission to put everything aside for just a few minutes—your worries, to-do list, whatever you need to do next—and be silent before God.

If your mind wanders, don’t beat yourself up. Just gently bring your heart and mind back to Jesus. He’s waiting there for you always…with love…with mercy…with forgiveness and grace. Let all the earth be silent before him.”

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to be silent. We so often ask You for direction in our lives, and then don’t take the time to listen. Our lives are so much better when we quietly sit to hear what you are telling us. We are grateful, Lord, for the gift of silence. Help us to better appreciate that gift. Amen

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 6-23-17

Riding in the Shadow of Giants

Events of June 23, 2016 would change the landscape (literally) of small towns along the Elk River – forever. The flood waters left behind empty foundations, debris, heartache, pain…and giants.

The area along Rt. 4 in Clendenin is known to me only from the seat of a bicycle. When traveling from Charleston to the north, I am usually in a car and it is usually on the Interstate. For more years than I have been a part, the WV Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has organized a fund raising bike ride from Charleston to Buckhannon.  The recipients of these funds change from year to year. In my eight rides, we have raised money (and awareness) for Imagine No Malaria, Tsunami Relief, Kids Affected by Aids, Clean Water for Africa and several other VERY worthy causes. Although ride support varies > the route does not. It brings us right along the Elk River…right through Clendenin.  This year’s fund raising pledges were designated for use in the flood recovery in WV. As planning began, I knew it would be an emotional ride – raising money for an area so often traveled yet so severely devastated. Would things we remembered be changed? Be gone? We knew already that our beloved Brawley Chapel, which was always an oasis with cold water, granola bars and an available restroom, was indeed gone. So damaged that it had to be torn down.  The ride launched on the bright, clear morning of June 3^rd. Away we rode. As the distance from Charleston grew longer and the distance to Clendenin grew closer, everything seemed normal. Just past the bridge that leads to Clendenin United Methodist Church, we stopped in a parking lot at the corner of Beech Street and Rt.4. Since Brawley Chapel was no more, this seemed like an acceptable alternative for a rest. The support drivers began un-stowing the water and snacks as we looked around. Jack Lipphardt, who is heading up the disaster recovery for our conference, had volunteered to be one of those drivers. Standing next to Jack, he casually said, “See that post over there?” and he pointed back towards the corner of the parking lot. “Yes.” “That white tag near the top is the high water mark. It has the date and level written on it.” I was speechless. Not only was it well over my head > it was, I do believe, ‘over the head’ of a school bus.  As I stood there with my mouth (I’m sure) hanging open, all I could muster was “wow.” If I could have seen through the trees to the other side of the river, I would have been able to see where Clendenin UMC set. I remember scrolling through the pictures on social media of the flooded areas and in particular of this church in Clendenin. On two different bike ride events, Clendenin UMC, its pastor and members, had been gracious enough to allow the riders and crew to stay in the church’s fellowship hall – in a space revealed by the pictures to be completely under water. Immediately next to the church is the pastor’s house – a place where he and his family had allowed the sweaty riders to shower (coming up with twelve extra towels). The living room of their home would eventually be under four feet of water.

It is in such a fire that heroes are forged. Faced with a situation that would have so many – me included – wondering if giving up or running away would be the best solution, people like Rev. Scott Ferguson from Clendenin UMC dig in and look towards a solution. Offering prayer and hope to those in pain, food to those who are hungry and shelter to those whose homes were washed away > all while suffering the very same afflictions himself. Scott, you are a giant. To those in your community. To those in your church. To those around the state and region that draw strength from your actions. In the 2 Kings story, Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit. I would ask for a fraction of the faith exhibited by the giants of this flood recovery. A fraction so that I may soar over mountains. I have to believe that you are the living manifestation of the age old question printed on tee shirts, bumper stickers and bracelets; WWJD?

I will never travel that road again that I do not remember and respect in whose shadow I roll.

Steve Matthews

Devotional 6-17-17

Matthew 9: 35-38

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness, ³⁶  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  ³⁸ Ask the lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Anyone who has ever worked on a farm knows hard work!  If you had to cut a hay field, you knew before hand that it would be hot, dry, dusty and entail long hours between the cutting/ bailing and transport via a hay wagon to the storage shed!  It was necessary but not enjoyable.  On a farm it was one of many chores that had to be done.

In Matthew's account Jesus is traveling the countryside and sees people in need. He does many things to try and show God's good deeds to the least of them.  This too was necessary.  God's people were dominated by Roman rule and life was hard.  Jesus was sharing the GOOD NEWS that God's kingdom on earth was at hand!

Today, as Christian people we may not think of ourselves as "laborers".  However, just like in Jesus' day, we are called to do the hard work of sharing Christ's love with the harassed- the helpless- the sick- the lonely!  This can be very difficult because it calls us to step out of our comfort zone and go where we might not want to go or witness to people we do not know or like.  But Jesus remind us that the "harvest" is dependent upon each of us to do his work in his kingdom on Earth as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens.  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father give us the strength to do your work and share your word with those who need to hear that they are loved as a child of God too. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 6-9-17

Separation is Hell

Genesis 1:4  Common English Bible (CEB)
⁴ God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness.

On April 15, 1960, Rod Serling’s show, The Twilight Zone, aired an episode entitled “A Nice Place to Visit”.  Of course, the title came from the saying, “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live here.”  The story was about a ne’er- do- well named Henry “Rocky” Valentine who was shot by the police while robbing a pawn shop.

When Rocky awakens, he is greeted by a fellow named Pip who provides him with money, a furnished apartment, and women. Naturally, Rocky thinks that there’s been some sort of mistake, and he’s been admitted into Heaven!

This arrangement is wonderful - until it’s not. When Rocky wants a certain food it’s there. When he wants a certain woman, she’s there. And when he bets on a certain game, he wins – every time.

Eventually he grows bored with the situation and tells Pip that he’s tired of Heaven and wants to go to “the other place”. Pip laughs and tells him he’s not in Heaven. It is then that Rocky realizes he’s stuck in a place that offers no challenge and no hope. He’s separated from goodness. He’s separated from God. He is in Hell.

I was probably seven or eight when I saw this episode, but it made a lasting impression on me. It, along with my family and church, reminded me that to experience true joy, one had to work for it. Not because that’s what God demanded, but that it’s what comes when disappointment is replaced by hope, or hard work brings about happiness for oneself and others.

But no matter what we do, there will be times of darkness. It is then that we must ask for God’s love. No, he doesn’t need a reminder. He loves us always. But we need the reminder that we are loved always – no matter what hardship we face or terrible thing we’ve done.
It’s a shame that someone hadn’t taught Rocky Valentine about God’s love. Rocky could have said, “This is a nice place to visit, but I don’t want to live here. Separation is Hell.”

Our prayer comes from England Dan and John Ford Coley:
Light of the world, shine on me. Love is the answer.
Shine on us all; set us free. Love is the answer.
Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 6-4-17

Acts 2:1-4 (Common English Bible)

¹When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. ⁴ They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

As a deacon, part of my calling is to help lead the church out of the building and into the world -- our great commission is to go and make disciples, after all!  But it is important to remember and rejoice in the aspects of unity and fellowship that being together in one place provides.  The apostles were together regularly to eat and to talk and to remember their time with Christ when, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to them.

Many have asked about our current renovation work - why are we doing it, can we afford it, what are we going to do with the new space?   Again, as a deacon, part of my calling is to help lead the church OUT of the building.  But in our ministry context, we are literally within the mission field of those needing the hope and love of Christ as much as anyone anywhere in the world.  We face unprecedented rates of addiction, which is causing unprecedented rates overdoses, incarceration, and broken families.  

Johnson Memorial UMC has been abundantly blessed by many generous families through the years.  Many have left gifts to the church designated solely for building improvements and upgrades.  With the help of many in the church, we have visioned and discerned how ministry in Huntington, at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, might look in a building that is more easily accessible to all, a building that is inviting and welcoming to our neighbors, a building that has space available for other groups and churches to do ministry alongside us.

But the building is still just a building.  With the improvements to the physical structure, we must continue to pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the life of our church.  We must pray for the ability to speak in the language of those around us, the ability to connect with those who need to know the love of Christ, through us.  And we must pray that as we gather together, it is with the expectancy that the Holy Spirit will continue to come upon us, giving us the power and the courage to go and make disciples of all the nations, starting at our front door!

Rev. Alan Williams

Devotional 5-12-17

“Hear  Our  Prayer”

Psalm 31, verses 1-5,
Verses 15 and 16:  “My times are in Thy hands: deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.   Let thy face shine upon thy servant; save me in thy steadfast love.”

A vivid childhood memory is that of observing my grandmother pack boxes to be shipped to Poland. Years before, at the conclusion of the First World War, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South sent several persons to Europe to determine where the Church might establish a presence to relieve some of the suffering inflicted from the War.  Poland was one of the countries.  Now, years later my grandmother received a letter from a person she knew writing on behalf of the Methodists remaining in Warsaw.  Life was difficult due to hardships imposed by the Communist regime.  They were in dire need of medicines and warm clothing. Could she help? There were challenges in mailing packages to Poland as boxes were frequently opened, searched and inspectors kept what they wanted for themselves.  This did not deter my grandmother.  Friends from church donated clothing requested. Whenever a new garment was given, she was off to the scrub board in the basement to fray the fabric just enough to make it unappealing to inspectors. A physician in the church donated medications normally dispensed by prescriptions only.  I watched as she skillfully sewed medications, one pill at a time, into the lining of a man’s overcoat or another prescription into the hem of a heavy wool skirt.  Some might say that she was ahead of the times in shipping pills into a country undetected!  She later learned that while not all boxes arrived completely intact, many did.  Certainly those who received the contents felt not only blessed but that a prayer had been answered.

A lectionary reading for this week is selected verses from Psalm 31 including the verses quoted above. It is a psalm attributed to David.   The psalmist prayed to God to save him from the hands of his adversaries.   While we do not know a lot about those persecuting him, it is clear that the psalmist placed his trust and reliance upon the steadfast love of the Lord.  He prayed to God to deliver him.  I was reminded when reading this passage how many times throughout history God has worked through ordinary persons to answer the prayers of another.   What was true in the past is also true now:  a card or call to a person whose prayer is to be remembered; time or resources to fill backpacks with food for children whose unspoken prayer is for something to eat over the weekend; personal contacts with someone who has rarely gone to church but wonders what it would be like to meet others in a setting of fellowship and acceptance. 

There is another dimension to the psalmist prayer.  He knew that his times were in God’s hands.  He asked for a blessing that God’s face might shine upon him and redeem him yet he also inclined his spirit to God’s safe keeping.  The psalmist opened his heart to God and so can we.

Gracious God, nudge us and use us in answering the prayers of others and when as the psalmist, we incline our spirits and needs to Thy loving care, Lord in Thy mercy, Hear our prayer.  Amen.

 (This devotion is dedicated to the loving memory of Virginia Bourne Darlington.)

Sue D. Woods

Devotional 5-5-17

Pleasing our God

Read Genesis 1:1-2:4, Psalm 8, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20

Our God is a loving, a caring God that is easily pleased.  Pleased when the earth was created with all that is on the earth and above; the stars, the moon, the heavens and sun.

He created man and woman and was pleased.  We are all children of this great and awesome God.  He is pleased when we treat one another with acceptance, love and care.  His son, Jesus Christ is our example of how we are to treat each other. God is happy when we help the least of our brothers and sisters. The poor, the prostitute, the addicted, and equally our neighbors, the rich and on and on, with love and respect for all. Let us be the hands and feet for Jesus.  Let’s make our life one that is pleasing to God.

Fred Herr

Devotional 4-28-17

Read Luke 24: 13-35

Many Christians are faithful in attending worship, volunteering to serve in many aspects of their church; such as singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving on different Committees and helping out wherever called. This was my Christian life--just going through the motion. I knew that Jesus loves me-------but I had not felt his Love!

My life changed when I attended my walk to Emmaus. Fred had attended a walk first, I had not planed on attending until later. But when he came home after his walk, I saw such a difference in him, a big smile and a changed Christian man, with the love of Jesus in his heart.

I wanted that too! I attended my walk two weeks later and I am glad I did!

I have experienced the Love of Christ that he has for all of us! i know that some are not interested in attending the walk, but if you would like to have a closer relationship with Christ you might consider giving it a try, if someone should approach you. It is something that will change your journey with Christ. You might just like it and come back to your home and church a changed Christian. It is out there for you to experience for your self.

Just like the two men walking to Emmaus discussing what was taking place in their home land, when a stranger joined them and continued on with them.......they didn't know who he was until he was gone.

Their eyes were opened and they saw Jesus more fully!

Pray,
Dear Father please let your children have the desire to know you and experience your love that you have for them. Lead and guide them the way that you desire them to follow.
Thanks you for the love and blessing you spread to all your people.
Hold everyone in your hand and comfort them all no matter where they are in in their journey with you.

All Gods children say,
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 4-21-17

Shadow of Doubt

Lectionary Readings:  Psalm 16; Acts 2: 4a, 22-32; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; & John 20: 19-31
“You never saw him, yet you love him.  You still don’t see him, yet you trust him---with laughter and singing.  Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to:  total salvation”. 
1 Peter 1:  8-9  (The Message)

It was a week of highs and lows, pain, disappointment, wonder, and awe.  Was it only last week??  We started Holy week with a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a celebration with a parade and then the week ended with the amazing miracle of the resurrection.  In between these two mountaintop experiences were some of the lowest of “downer” events: the anger of Jesus in the temple that had become a marketplace, the Upper Room Last Supper, the trial, mocking and scourging and then the ultimate crucifixion and death of Jesus.  It was a traumatic week filled, to say the least, but filled with miraculous love and redemption.

It is no wonder that after the crucifixion, the disciples experienced much anxiety and fear.  And after Easter, when he appeared to them on several occasions, they thought they were dealing with an imposter or a spirit of some kind.  I don’t think I would be any different.  Doubt is easy for me.  I can second guess myself and the circumstances of my life without any trouble at all.  Is that what God is really saying to me?  What is God sending me to do? Who am I supposed to care for??

And here we are, more than 2000 years past the actual events and we are still dealing with our doubts about these riveting events.  How do we cope with the unreality of the Holy Week events??  What do we do with those shadows of doubt?? What do we do with our lives to show that we do believe??  We can’t touch Jesus’ nail wounds to give us physical proof.  We don’t have a time machine so that we can go back and observe and “take notes” to fill in the gaps of time and knowledge.  We have to take it on faith that Peter and the gospel writers were relating the events as they happened.

There are not many “sure things” in this world.  But as the writer of 1Peter affirms:  “What a God we have!  And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus!  Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!”  Peter was convinced of the truth of the situation beyond a “shadow of a doubt”.  He had no room for error, speculation or vacillation.  He was absolutely convinced that Jesus was the Messiah and through His amazing and wondrous love, had willingly sacrificed himself for our sins.

We are not promised a life free of aggravation, suffering or heartache.  Peter tells us that even pure gold must be refined in the fire.  Our faith in the resurrection means that our suffering in this life will be the proof of the fire that refines us for the wholeness and healing of the next life.  When we surrender our doubts to the God of Grace, His grace is sufficient for our every need, including our eternal life.

Dear God of Power and Grace, we thank you for your many gifts.  Most of all we are grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus.  We cannot easily believe that you love us so much that you would allow the death of your son for our sins, but we pray that you will help us with our unbelief.  Be with us as we struggle with this precious gift.  We thank you for the grace of your love for us and that we can be sure, beyond a doubt, that your love is dependable and faithful. We are thankful that we are yours and do not need to fear, because our eternal life has been arranged.  AMEN!!

Chyrl Budd

“I serve a Risen Savior, He’s in the world today! … You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart!!!”

Devotional 4-14-17

Please read Acts 10:24-43

Have you ever read something many times only to be suddenly hit by a passage that you had never really noticed before? That’s what happened to me when I read Acts 10:24-43. I was hit by not one, but two passages. The first was the second half of verse 28: “But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.” (NIV) The second came in verse 34: “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what’s right.’” (NIV) This reading is Peter, at God’s insistence, bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, bringing God’s love and acceptance to us. At that time Jews were not allowed to associate with us. We were the impure and unclean.

Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius, the centurion (a Gentile) with some of his brothers from Joppa. Cornelius was expecting him and had called together family and close friends. While Peter was telling them about Jesus, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The men who came with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out--even on Gentiles--even on us!

Is there any group of people that you would be astonished to find accepted by God? God does not show favoritism. We should not call anyone impure or unclean. We are each special to God.

The dark day is here, the day that Jesus died a horrible death for our sins. The good news is that Easter morning follows. On Easter we will shout Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is risen today! He is risen indeed--for everyone! Hallelujah!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 4-7-17

Exodus 23:9

"You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.

James 2:1-4

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?

Do you remember in the movie West Side Story, Anita sings to Maria, "Stick to your own kind, one of your own kind..."?

I'm glad I have not followed that advice in my life. When I was in grade school, I was fascinated by my Jewish friend's matzo sandwiches during Passover. Not one of my own kind, but my friend to this day. I'll admit, I didn't have an African-American friend until high school. Not because I came from a racist family. Unfortunately, that's just the way it was back then. My horizons broadened during college, but not a lot.

 I taught in a rural WV community for 3 years. I was in my 20's and knew everything and was quite superior and my first impression was "these poor country people." Well, guess what? Those poor country people had plenty to teach me!

Over the years, I made many friends via my children and their activities. I discovered over and over again that people who I first judged as a little rough around the edges were the very ones who would give you the shirt off their backs and would work long hours to send their kids on a band trip or make sure a sports team had a coach and uniforms. 

Some years ago, a Muslim woman was my substitute co-teacher for a year. We could easily share our faiths with each other and were eager to learn from each other. I consider her a precious sister.

Jesus said,  "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit._ (Matthew 28:19). Notice he said ALL THE NATIONS. He didn't say, "Go minister to people just like you." 

Stick to your own kind? No thanks!

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 3-31-17

To Follow Christ

              

Here, O Christ, our sins we see,
Learn Thy love while gazing thus;
Sin, which laid the cross on Thee,
Love, which bore the cross for us.

Here we learn to serve and give,
And rejoicing, self-deny;
Here we gather love to live,
Here we gather faith to die.”

--Elizabeth Charles

When I read these words from an old Methodist hymnal recently, I felt that it expressed what I am thinking about during these days of Lent:  to look at Christ and his purity and his sacrifice, to see my sins, my lack of love, to learn of Him and to seek and follow Him more closely as long as I live.

Lent is a time to reexamine our lives, to seek to follow in Christ’s steps.  However, I know we need others to encourage us and to hold us in love.  May all of us who read our Lenten devotions, open our hearts, seek God’s presence, think about Jesus, and share his love in all the ways we can.

Please think on these verses:

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:8-9

“Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”  Mark 8:34

Martha Casey 

Devotional 3-24-17

You Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover

1 Samuel 16: 6-7
⁶ When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.”[a] ⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

We have all heard a story of a person being disrespected or mistreated because of their outward appearance. There are others that admire certain people or things because of their beauty.  We are all taught from a very young age that looks can be deceiving.  But, the way things appear, the way someone or something looks is many times our first and only judgement.

In the story from Samuel, he looks at Eliab and knows immediately that this is the Lord’s chosen.  This is based on the fact that Eliab is apparently a handsome, tall man.  But we see quickly that the Lord isn’t looking at our appearance, but looking at our heart.  David, the youngest son of Jesse, is handsome but thought to be the runt of the family.  Yet this is God’s anointed, not because of his stature, but because of what is in his heart.

How often do we look away from people that are dirty, and disheveled, the “runts” of the town or community?  Some may stop and offer assistance, but unfortunately many of us pass by hoping that nothing will be said.  Changing this behavior is difficult, but if we listen for God he will lead us in the right direction just as he did with Samuel.

Recently I noticed a new commercial on television.  A young boy is getting snacks from the kitchen.  His mother asks, “Where are you going?”.  He responds, “I am going to have a snack with God”.  The mother smiles and says OK as the boy runs out the door headed for the park.

The scene changes to the boy walking through the park, passing people playing with animals, or throwing a ball when he notices a lone woman sitting on a bench.  The boy sits for a while, and eventually they begin to chat.  Satisfied, the boy opens his bag and removes the snacks and shares with the woman.

When it is time to go home, the boy gives the woman a hug and says goodbye.  The scene changes again, and the woman is sitting down in a shelter for a meal.  Another woman asks, “What did you do today?”.  The answer was I had a snack with God in the park!

Most of our encounters with God are probably not going to be this easy.  Many times we need to look and listen very closely to be sure we receive the messages he is trying to send.  But, as long as we keep God in our heart he will show us the way.

Lord, Help us to always see through to the heart of others.  Do not let appearances be a distraction that prevents sharing your grace with another.  Let your light shine through us that others may know your love!
Amen

Hulse Budd 

Devotional 3-17-17

WATER FROM THE ROCK

Please read Exodus 17: 1- 7

I learn so much each time I write a devotional. I just finished reading about Moses (Student’s Edition of the New International Version) in the introduction to the Book of Exodus. Though Moses did have an Egyptian upbringing, he became the true liberator of the Israelites, leading them from bondage as slaves in Egypt, to their freedom. It is the book of Exodus that tells the full story.

Moses didn’t have an easy time with these Israelites! In fact, Moses wasn’t sure he would ever gain their trust. And he called on God frequently to find out how in the world he was going to lead this long journey with them to the Promised Land. I have read very little of the Book of Exodus, but have begun and intend to finish it during Lent. I think it will be a fascinating journey!

The scripture noted above is the story of the Israelites’ reaction when they realize, upon reaching Rephadim to set up camp, that they have no water. They are furious with Moses and quarrels abound as they argue with him and proclaim that God is no longer with them. Moses cries out to God in frustration, asking for help. He is given instructions to proceed on to the Rock at Horab. He is to take several of the elders as witness, and once there, touch the rock with his staff. Amazingly, water flows from the rock for the Israelites. Appropriately, Moses calls this place Massah (meaning “testing”) and Meribah (meaning “quarreling”)! The Israelites, however, continue to rebel against Moses and because of their lack of faith in God, the Israelites wander the wilderness for forty years!

Have you ever felt like the Israelites, as if you are being tested by God? Perhaps you have shown anger, lashing out at Him because of something awful in your life which you believe God has done to you. Or maybe you didn’t receive an answer from God for something you have asked over and over again to do for you. There are times in each of our lives when it is so easy to forget that God is with us.

Unlike the Israelites, however, we are not wandering in the wilderness.  That is because God sent his Son to us as our Savior. We acknowledge Him as the Son of God, we are guided by the Holy Spirit to do his work. Our belief in Christ as our Savior tells us we will not perish, but have everlasting life. Our sorrow during Lent at His crucifixion becomes great joy upon His resurrection.  Though we make mistakes, sometimes question our faith, or unintentionally or otherwise separate ourselves from God, He never leaves us. He is always there for us.

Let us take time during the Lenten Season as we remember Christ’s death and resurrection, to think upon these things. And once we’ve finished this heart-to-heart talk with ourselves, let us try a heart-to-heart with God, to renew our relationship with Him and listen to Him speak to us. It seems the right thing to do at this time during Lent.

Diane Feaganes