O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me………..
I come to the end – I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-5, 18
It is so natural for us as human beings and children of God, to reach out and touch our family, friends and loved ones constantly. We use our phones to call each other up; we meet each other for a meal or a special time together; we run into each other at various activities, so there are hugs and kisses and warm greetings. We are a touchy, feely loving group of people. It’s what we do. It’s how we get to know new people as well, so we can share God and God’s love.
That is – until this Coved 19 virus came to live among us. Now, since we are trying to not encourage the spread of this virus, we don’t touch, or hug, or get too close to each other. We must distance ourselves, and watch what we do at all times, so we can be safe and we can keep everyone around us safe.
Because of these safety issues, I have learned new ways of communicating with others, at a safe distance from them. Zoom calls have become an amazing way to talk and see others, without actually being in the same location. For me, these calls have ranged in size from a training session with just one other person, learning new techniques for reaching out to others - to a meeting with 250 other people and voting on the future of their work situations. I have also learned how to make presentations, take tests, read to others and work out math problems as I helped my grandsons in virtual school during this spring. It has been truly unbelievable to me, to learn all of these new tools for communicating at the age of 70.
But I am soooo grateful that nothing has changed with our communication arrangement with God. As the words in Psalm 139 explain, God knows us completely - no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing - from the beginning of our life to the end. God knows us inside and out, and God is always present with us. What reassuring, joy- filled knowledge for us to carry in our hearts and minds, and to know as we live out each day of out lives. God is always with us!!!
Thanks be to God. Amen!
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Showing posts with label Ellis S. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ellis S. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Friday, September 7, 2018
Devotional 9-7-18
Summer vacation has come to a close, so three weeks ago, my husband and I picked up 4 of our grandchildren after the first day of school in our van. You cannot believe the excitement that day. The noise level was unbelievably loud. All four of them wanted to tell us about their first day back to school at the same time. They had so much to tell us and they all wanted to be the first to tell us because they were so excited and so energetic. Each one tried to talk over the others, so they had to be the loudest, so we could hear them first. Whew!!! It was crazy in that van!!
But isn’t this commonplace today, when we want to share a story with someone. Whether we are in an office or a restaurant or at home, we find ourselves getting louder so we can be heard over everyone else and everything else that is going on around us. We just want to be heard, so we can tell our important story.
In James 3:1-12, we hear about “taming the tongue”. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” You see, it really is difficult to control our tongue. We have something important to say and we do not want to wait. Our tongue can get us into so much trouble so quickly. So often it controls us, not us controlling it.
The author of James explains that with God’s help we can slow down and think first, so we can control what we are about to say. The words we speak can harm and hurt or they can encourage. The words we speak can destroy or build up. If we love God, we must love all of God’s children as well. What are we going to tell others and what tone are we going to use to tell them?
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” What a responsibility for us to carry every minute of every day. Can you, with God’s help, stop before you speak? How will you use your tongue today?
Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
But isn’t this commonplace today, when we want to share a story with someone. Whether we are in an office or a restaurant or at home, we find ourselves getting louder so we can be heard over everyone else and everything else that is going on around us. We just want to be heard, so we can tell our important story.
In James 3:1-12, we hear about “taming the tongue”. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” You see, it really is difficult to control our tongue. We have something important to say and we do not want to wait. Our tongue can get us into so much trouble so quickly. So often it controls us, not us controlling it.
The author of James explains that with God’s help we can slow down and think first, so we can control what we are about to say. The words we speak can harm and hurt or they can encourage. The words we speak can destroy or build up. If we love God, we must love all of God’s children as well. What are we going to tell others and what tone are we going to use to tell them?
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” What a responsibility for us to carry every minute of every day. Can you, with God’s help, stop before you speak? How will you use your tongue today?
Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Friday, August 11, 2017
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
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
Friday, April 3, 2015
Devotional 4-3-15
As we come to the end of this Lenten season, and progress through these difficult days between Jesus’ triumphant entrance to Jerusalem and his death upon a cross, we come to the story of Mary Magdalene, who stands with Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the foot of Jesus’ cross, and then again at the tomb where Joseph and Nicodemus had placed Jesus’ body.
Mary Magdalene, the young woman who was possessed by at least “7 demons”, lived in the town of Magdala. One day, when Jesus was passing through that area, a relative brought Mary Magdalene to Jesus, explaining to him, that she was possessed and needed Jesus’ healing touch. Jesus took one look at the very mentally ill woman, and did touch her.
Immediately, Mary Magdalene was healed, and began her journey with Jesus, supporting his ministry in every way she could. She became a part of the group which travelled with Jesus, as He taught and performed miracles in many locations throughout the country side. She sat at His feet and listened to His teaching; she provided monetary support: and she cooked and served meals as well. She loved Jesus; He had healed her physically, so she was able to grow spiritually and mentally, as she served Him daily.
How have you been touched during this Lenten season - this time we as Christians take to search ourselves, and open our heats and minds to God’s transforming love and grace? God loves us just as we are, but God loves us too much to allow us to stay the same. We are constantly in need of God’s healing – God’s cleansing of the dark places in our hearts and minds, so we may share God’s light and love to every person we encounter each day of our lives.
Reread Mary Magdalene’s story in John 20:1-18, and see how richly she is blessed by Jesus again at the tomb.
We too have a story to tell, and love and light to share. Allow God to work on you and through you every day, so you may be blest and a blessing to others. Amen.
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Mary Magdalene, the young woman who was possessed by at least “7 demons”, lived in the town of Magdala. One day, when Jesus was passing through that area, a relative brought Mary Magdalene to Jesus, explaining to him, that she was possessed and needed Jesus’ healing touch. Jesus took one look at the very mentally ill woman, and did touch her.
Immediately, Mary Magdalene was healed, and began her journey with Jesus, supporting his ministry in every way she could. She became a part of the group which travelled with Jesus, as He taught and performed miracles in many locations throughout the country side. She sat at His feet and listened to His teaching; she provided monetary support: and she cooked and served meals as well. She loved Jesus; He had healed her physically, so she was able to grow spiritually and mentally, as she served Him daily.
How have you been touched during this Lenten season - this time we as Christians take to search ourselves, and open our heats and minds to God’s transforming love and grace? God loves us just as we are, but God loves us too much to allow us to stay the same. We are constantly in need of God’s healing – God’s cleansing of the dark places in our hearts and minds, so we may share God’s light and love to every person we encounter each day of our lives.
Reread Mary Magdalene’s story in John 20:1-18, and see how richly she is blessed by Jesus again at the tomb.
We too have a story to tell, and love and light to share. Allow God to work on you and through you every day, so you may be blest and a blessing to others. Amen.
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Friday, October 17, 2014
Devotional 10-17-14
DID YOU KNOW????????????????
Recently I was working on a program about the importance of being like a child as we grow in our faith and work on our relationship with God. I went to the Children’s Defense Fund webpage for some information, and discovered some unbelievable facts about the children in West Virginia.
There are 385,994 children living in West Virginia. (As of 2013)
Did you know that:
in West Virginia, a child is abused or neglected every 2 hours.
in West Virginia, a child dies before his or her first birthday every 2 days.
in West Virginia, there are 97,677 poor children, which is 25.8% of the total children in the state.
in West Virginia, 37,134 children are without health insurance, which is 9.7% of the total children in the state.
There are so many of God’s little children in need right here in our state. I was astounded. I know that there is much to be done and it sounds so over whelming. I also know that many of you are already involved in ways to help some of these children – like the Back Pack Ministry, Ebenezer Outreach Center and Common Grounds. And yet – are we doing all God wants us to do? Is there something else we should be doing to advocate for these children who have no voice and no power to change things?
In Mark 9:36-37, Jesus took a little child in his arms and said “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” God show me the way!
Dear God, We know that every baby born is a sign of hope from You. Guide our steps as we strive to make life better for the children in this state. Help us to see Your vision for these children. Help us as we yearn to be closer to you and we share Your love with everyone we encounter. Help us to be more child-like as we grow in our faith and our relationship with You. Amen
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Friday, January 13, 2012
Devotional 1-13-12
Ginzel – Pauline – Madame Alexander - Can you guess what I
collect?
Well, if not, these are the names of some of the companies that make the dolls that I have collected as an adult.
Well, if not, these are the names of some of the companies that make the dolls that I have collected as an adult.
However, when I was just a young girl, my family began the
collection for me. Every time a member
of our family or a friend of the family’s traveled to a foreign land or an
unusual location in the United States, they were encouraged to bring back a
doll to add to “Suzanne’s collection”.
And so I have dolls from Siam
(now known as Thailand ), the
Czech Republic ,
Argentina , Greece and India
Now that I am in my golden years, I seldom buy a new doll
for my collection. But when I do buy
one, it’s not because of the company that made it, or the antique or monetary
value of it. Rather, it is because of
the doll’s face. I like to look in the eyes of the doll, and if it speaks to
me, then I can’t resist adding it to my collection. The eyes make all the
difference.
In Psalm 139, David explains that God and God’s eyes have
searched him and have known him inside and out, in all ways. God put David
together in his mother’s womb, and God’s works are most wonderful. For David, such knowledge is truly amazing
and beyond comprehension.
I love this Psalm. God’s eyes. Only God is with each and every one of us from
the beginning until eternity. Only God
knows our every thought, word and deed.
Only God sees and knows our inner workings, our innermost thoughts, our
comings and goings. God’s eyes are beyond our comprehension, but truly are
amazing!
In our daily lives, we encounter so many people. And yet we only see into someone else’s life
what they allow us to know or see. We
all do it. We keep so much from every
other human being around us. But God
knows us in every way, whether we want God to know it or not. To me that is scary and yet such a
comfort. God’s eyes are a blessing to me
in all that I do and say. God – the one
being I can always count on – God’s presence and love with me every minute in
every way.
God’s eyes – God’s love and grace – always present for all
of God’s children. The eyes are so
important and make the difference!!!!!
Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Friday, July 27, 2007
Devotional 7-27-07
Our family loves the ocean, and so every year we make our annual trek to the beach - for rest, renewal and fellowship. We always look forward to beach week, and one of the main reasons is the motion of the waves and its consistency. I think all of us in this family agree, that the constant movement of the waves is so soothing and so relaxing. It just renews our spirits.
In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus says, "Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." When we take stock of our life, the one constant throughout our entire life is God. Friends, family and loved ones move in and out of our lives, due to circumstances beyond our control, but God is always there. We may ignore, forget, take for granted or refuse to see or feel God's presence and love, but God is consistently still there. Jesus reminds us in this scripture passage that all we have to do is ask - search - knock - just open our eyes, ears, mind or heart, and there God is - always - consistently - no matter what.
God, God's love, God's presence, God's care. Consistently there. We just have to reach out. Seek God, feel God, praise God and pray to God for when we do, we are like a sweet aroma, so pleasing to God. As Fanny Crosby so aptly reminds us in her beloved hymn:
Thank you God for being the one constant in our lives. You are always there - just waiting for us to ask - search - knock. You alone fill us and bless us. We are your children and we love you the best that we can. Amen.
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus says, "Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." When we take stock of our life, the one constant throughout our entire life is God. Friends, family and loved ones move in and out of our lives, due to circumstances beyond our control, but God is always there. We may ignore, forget, take for granted or refuse to see or feel God's presence and love, but God is consistently still there. Jesus reminds us in this scripture passage that all we have to do is ask - search - knock - just open our eyes, ears, mind or heart, and there God is - always - consistently - no matter what.
God, God's love, God's presence, God's care. Consistently there. We just have to reach out. Seek God, feel God, praise God and pray to God for when we do, we are like a sweet aroma, so pleasing to God. As Fanny Crosby so aptly reminds us in her beloved hymn:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
and give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Thank you God for being the one constant in our lives. You are always there - just waiting for us to ask - search - knock. You alone fill us and bless us. We are your children and we love you the best that we can. Amen.
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
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