Devotional 7-16-10

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

I had just finished unpacking my office, which had been a major chore. I couldn’t believe how much stuff that I had accumulated in so short of a time. Sally came to my office and looked around and said, “wow! This place is busy.” Busy, I thought, what did she mean? She told me that, “when it comes to decorating, less is more.” “Too much stuff is just clutter… it overwhelms the eye,” she said. “Think of it like your taking a picture. You can’t fit the whole world in it. Decide what is important and focus on it.”

I understand Martha. There always seems to be so much to do and so little time. Step into her shoes for a moment. She has a guest. She is trying to be hospitable. She is trying to get everything ready. She is probably even remembering all the stuff in the Scripture about hospitality and welcoming the stranger. She is trying to do what is right.

And then there is Mary… sitting there doing nothing (are you thinking of the word lazy?). So much to do and Mary won’t even help. Surely Jesus believes in helping others. Surely he will tell Mary to lend a hand. Surely Jesus knows how important servant ministry is.

Jesus, however, does no such thing. Instead he says to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted about many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Mary chose the better part? Doing nothing is better? But Mary wasn’t doing nothing was she? She wasn’t passive; Mary was active. She was spending time with Jesus.

But back to Martha… before you think Jesus was harsh, think about his words: worried and distracted. Jesus is concerned about Martha (and all of us Marthas).

I can hear Sally saying, “this place is busy… focus.” If you could only fit one thing into the picture what would it be? Cooking, cleaning, or relationship? We have grocery lists and to do lists and Christmas wish lists. But where is our relationship list? Our lives can become so cluttered and so busy (like my office) that we lose our focus… our sense of what is important.

“Martha, Martha,” Jesus says to all of us Marthas, “you are worried and distracted about many things; there is need of only one thing.” But Jesus, I have so much that has to be done. My list is still full. But somewhere in my heart, I know that my words are correct, but not in the way that I meant them. I do have much to do. Should I start with a visit to my parents, a romantic dinner with my spouse, a bicycle ride with my kids, or an invitation to the neighbor to dinner at our house? Who knows, I might even find time to spend with God?

Rev. David Stackpole

Devotional 7-9-10

Take a moment and read the “The Good Samaritan” parable in Luke 10:25-37. It is probably familiar to many of us, but read it today and ask yourself the question, “Whose sandals fit my feet?” Which character speaks to you – to your life, to your call from God, to your present-day experience? What is God saying to you and your situation through this parable?

Are you the Priest, on his way to Jericho, who passed by an injured man? Don’t judge him too harshly. If he had stopped and touched what was in all likelihood a dead body, he would have been unclean, and unable to perform his duties as a priest. Are you a Levite, headed to Jericho to undoubtedly do the Lord’s work, unable to take the time to help? Are you someone who knows his or her call from God, who is already doing ministry for the Lord, and who can’t afford to be interrupted? Do you ever feel as if you are trying to balance the demands of family, work and church, and don’t feel that you can answer even one more call from God? What is God saying to you in this parable?

Are you the Samaritan, who most likely feels like an outsider? Do you wonder if you even have a role in the work of the church? When someone tells you that God gives everyone gifts, do you imagine that He must have missed you? Do you doubt that you have talents? Or do you walk into the church building and feel as if you do not belong? What is God saying to you in this parable?

Are you the innkeeper? Do you feel as if ministry has been dropped, unexpected and unwanted, on your doorstep? Do you feel surprised by what God is calling you to do? Are you wondering if you even had a choice in the matter? What is God saying to you in this parable?

Are you the lawyer, questioning God? Do you like to know the rules of the game before you start? Are you more comfortable if you know what is expected of you ahead of time, and perhaps would be happiest if you knew God wouldn’t demand everything of you? Are you looking for the loopholes? What is God saying to you in this parable?

Are you the injured person on the side of the road? Do you feel helpless and lost in your pain, wondering if God cares about you? Do you hear the footsteps of those who walk by, ignoring you? What is God saying to you in this parable?

What is God saying to you?

Kim Matthews

Devotional 7-2-10

July 2, 2010

Galatians 6:1-6 (7-16)

Today’s scripture has always felt like it was written specifically for me. There is so much said in so few pen strokes, and I’d rather not muddle things by adding much. I think of the following verses as “Paul’s Three Rules for Life”.

Verse 4: “Each one should judge his own conduct. If it is good, then he can be proud of what he himself has done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done.” No two people have walked the same path, so no two can be compared as such.

Verse 8: “If [a person] plants in the field of his natural desires, from it he will gather the harvest of death; if he plants in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit he will gather the harvest of eternal life. ” Whether or not we get the “fruit” we expected, putting the time and work into any noble and Christian purpose will always leave us fulfilled.

Verse 10: “So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.” In the midst of so many peoples’ efforts to be divided, it is crucial for us to be caring toward one another.

If I were leading a Bible study on this scripture, I would have wallet-sized cards to give everyone. Each would be a small reminder, saying the following:

Rule 1: Judge only yourself, and take simple joy in your good works.
Rule 2: Sow in the field of the Spirit, because you reap what you sow.
Rule 3: Do good to everyone, especially brothers and sisters in Christ.

“SEE WITH WHAT BIG LETTERS I WRITE”, IN HOPES THAT THIS SCRIPTURE SPEAKS TO YOU! Maybe you want to make a card for yourself with Paul’s recommendations on it. His words are almost more potent today than they were when originally written. In a world with so many demons, we must try always to think and act with God’s love.

Natalie Wray

Devotional 6-25-10

A special person in my life asked me to pray for him. When I asked him what need he had or what I should ask of God, my friend revealed his need for guidance.

I have heard people relate how they let God open doors for them, then they just walk through. To a person seeking guidance this may seem a bit simplistic. In seeking guidance it can be hard to discern God’s will, so for a starting point it may help to find a meaningful bible verse, use it daily, hourly, or as needed. This may not be the one for you; there are many from which you can choose. Here is a verse that might work for you; it has meaning for me, and you can find it in Psalms 27:11.

Teach me Lord, what you want me to do and lead me along a safe path, because I have so many enemies.

Or as you might read this from The Message:

Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well lighted street; show my enemies whose side you are on.

Talk to God about what you want. Quietly ask for your needs to be filled, whether it be peace, forgiveness, joy, hope. It could be a need that is hard for you to verbalize, or you may not know for what you should ask.

Prayer is a spiritual act of worship. Let me suggest that you might even write out your needs. Writing out your needs may help you. At this point you may suggest that you don’t know how to pray. Let’s don’t go there. You know how to talk, ask questions, give someone directions or a compliment. Tell God out loud or in your heart -- he hears you either way. Then, be quiet, listen and watch. Opportunities may come to you and you wonder why. God may be answering your prayers. As I look back at my life I realize some of the prayer requests that I have had were not answered (I thought); actually the answer was no, but it took me a while to realize that. I also know now that no was the answer that was best for me.

When we follow these open doors, we are following God’s perfect will, and we know the comfort of the Holy Spirit surrounding us. This may lead us to places we never dreamed of going. Of doing things we never thought we would do. It may change our direction completely, change where we live, work; change what we do with our lives. Or it may change nothing. This is not to be feared, but you will find joy in knowing that you are within God’s perfect will, and the joy is God’s gift to us.

Heavenly father, thank you for being there when we call on you to help us. Thanks for your guidance and help us be able to listen and hear what you would have us to hear. Be with us when we have hard things to do, guide us when we are unsure, and strengthen us that we may give you the honor and the glory. Amen

Marilyn Holleron

Devotioal 6-18-10

“The Voice”

Lectionary Readings: 1 Kings 19:1-25; Psalm 42; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

“Then he was told, “Go stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he covered his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave and stood there.” 1 Kings 19:11-13. (The Message)

I don’t remember how old I was when I first heard this passage, but I clearly remember my father using it to explain how I would know right from wrong. My dad told me that God was with me always and that the voice I heard in my head/heart that most people called their conscience was really God sending me messages about how to behave. He emphasized that it would probably always be a very quiet voice that I would have to listen for. The voice would not be a yelling, nagging or preachy kind of voice. It would just be a gentle suggestive voice and I would have to be paying close attention. My dad also said that if I had any doubts about the message, I should always feel free to ask for his (my dad’s) advice and interpretation—he wanted to make sure I heard the voice correctly at an early age.

The story of Elijah is a powerful reminder that obeying God’s instructions can be the factor in whether we live or die. The passage for today from 1Kings follows the dramatic demonstration of God’s power on Mount Carmel. Elijah had challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to see whose God was the mightiest. Of course, the one true God of Elijah sent fire to consume the altar sacrifice after the prophets of Baal had failed to call forth fire from their god. The prophets of Baal were all killed for believing in a false god who could not deliver. And then the God of Abraham sent rain to cleanse the land of three years of drought. Queen Jezebel was not happy with these outcomes and threatened Elijah. Elijah, fearing for his life, ran away. He ended up in the desert, exhausted and depressed. God’s angels appeared and sent him to a cave on the top of Mount Horeb where he waited for directions from God which eventually came in the “quiet voice”.

How do we make sense of this type of voice? God has every method available to communicate with us: earthquake, wind, fire, thunder, lightening, etc. God does speak through these mighty powers, but the most frequent way that I “get in touch with God” is through the still small voice. I have sometimes tried to imagine what God sounds like. The kind of voice I hear most often is a male bass voice somewhat like my dad’s or James Earl Jones or maybe Morgan Freeman. I can also tell you without reservation that the voice has indeed been the guide for my behavior—that is when I pay attention to it. The still small voice works because it requires our participation and response. The most effective voice of God is not dramatic or flamboyant, but a whisper that I can only hear if I am actively listening. Elijah was paying attention—listening for the voice of God. When it came, Elijah’s response was to obey the directions from God and he lived to serve God many more days.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, we are very thankful for those fathers who willingly let God speak through them. We are grateful for men of God, like Elijah who have lived before us to demonstrate the power of God in their lives—that if we obey, God is with us. We give thanks for all the voices that give us clear messages of God’s love and care. And we are eternally indebted for the gift of the still small voice that resides in each of our hearts, guiding us toward more godly behavior.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the many gifts you send throughout our lives. We are thankful for fathers who lived as godly men according to your guidance. We especially thank you for the voice they used to comfort, guide and direct us. We are grateful for all who are willing to let your eternal light shine through their daily walk and give voice to your word. Help us to continue to listen for that whisper that guides us as forcefully as a hurricane wind. Help us to quiet our constant blabbing so that we can truly listen for that still small voice that guides us to grace and eternal life. AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 6-11-10

Luke 7:36-50

I attended high school graduation a couple of weeks ago. If you have ever been to a graduation, you may have noticed then when some students walk across the stage, there is a burst of applause from the student’s family, but all in all, the response is rather calm and sedate. Dignified. Then another student will walk across the stage, and the response is huge. There’s cheering and clapping, stomping of feet and a short lived, but lively celebration. I wonder if those students whose family and friends respond in what Steve and my boys would call a “ginormous” way are graduating after a long, hard battle. Does the battle serve to make them more grateful for the hard-won result?

The passage from Luke describes Jesus having dinner in the home of Simon the Pharisee. Picture for a moment what the scene was like. Homes of wealthy people at the time were built in a U-shape with a courtyard in the middle with a garden and maybe a fountain. William Barclay tells us that the garden area was open, and when a rabbi came to teach, people were welcome to come in and to listen. It was in this way that a “bad woman” – and that’s the word from the scripture – a “bad” woman – came to be near Jesus. She finds that Simon hasn’t provided basic hospitality for Jesus, so she strives to do it. She’s wearing what is called an alabaster around her neck – a common practice for the day – full of costly perfuse. She washes Jesus feet with her tears and dries them with her hair, anointing him with the perfume.

Now, Simon the Pharisee was an expert in detecting “bad” people. He knew one when he saw her, and he tells Jesus so. Jesus, who loves the Pharisee as much as he loves the woman, tries to explain it to him. Jesus asks the Pharisee who would be more grateful – a person forgiven a debt of 500 denarii or one forgiven a debt of 50 denarii. The one who is forgiven more will be more grateful. Jesus makes this incredible link – the one who is forgiven more will love God more.

This woman reacts to Jesus in a way that demonstrates her incredible love for him. No one can mistake it, this love is so obvious. Jesus is telling us that her incredible love arises from her awareness of how much she has been forgiven. Simon, on the other hand, believes that he is “good” – that he is in no need of forgiveness.



The person who is forgiven a debt of 500 denarii has a whole lot for which to be grateful. The woman in Jesus’ story who is forgiven much has many reasons to love her Lord.



But in comparison, the Pharisee in the gospel scripture, firmly believes he is “good” and he stands not only in judgment of the woman who is “bad,” but also in judgment of Jesus. Because of where he is standing, he is blocking his own view of how much he is in need of God – of how much God has done and will do in his life.



Are we like the woman who has been forgiven much or are we more like the Pharisee?

There is a prayer often used on an Emmaus walk – Dear God, help the person who needs you the most, and help the person who believes she doesn’t need you at all. So I ask you today – which one are you? Are you the person who needs God the most? Or are you the person who doesn’t believe you need God at all?



Kim Matthews

Devotional 6-4-10

Fanaticism

Please read Galatians 1:11-24

I was 17 years old in September, 1978 when my life changed. I had gone to pick up my friend for some typical Friday night running around, and he was still eating dinner. “Here, give this a listen,” he said, handing me his headphones as he headed back to the table. That was my introduction to the music of Frank Zappa; and my life has never been the same.

My already eclectic taste in music was immediately transformed that night by the first side of Zappa’s newest album, Studio Tan. I marveled at the musical genius, the artistic risks, the humor, the complexity of the rhythm, the lack of structure. It was unlike anything I had ever heard—really weird, strange, polyphonic sounds…and I loved it. The influences of Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Igor Stravinsky, and Lightin’ Slim were obvious. I spent the next several years buying every Frank Zappa album I could find, reading every interview or article, learning everything I could about Frank Zappa. I also spent an inordinate amount of time in high school and college trying to prove the artistic value of Zappa’s music to my friends. My militant efforts made a lasting impression, if only a very few converts. When Frank Zappa died in 1993 of prostate cancer, I received condolences from friends from whom I hadn’t heard in years.

My Zappa LP collection remains intact, and I’ve purchased everything on CD as well. Most of it is on one of my IPODs. I confess: I’m a Frank Zappa fanatic. There you have it.

If you are still reading, you may be wondering if this really is the weekly Johnson Memorial devotional. This may well be the first (and last) devotional to focus on Frank Zappa, but I promise—you’re in the right place. There’s a connection.

In this week’s Epistle reading, the Apostle Paul writes of the dramatic transformation in his life that occurred “when God…was pleased to reveal his Son” to him. You know about the dramatic conversion of Paul; he was a persecutor of Christians, and then became the one who would spread the message of the love and grace of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Paul became a fanatic for Jesus Christ.

Chances are, you are fanatical about something, too. It may be a college or professional sports team, a politician, an author, a movie or television show, a rare collection that you try to expand…there’s something that you are passionate about. You schedule around it, you budget around it, you defend it, promote it, try to persuade new enthusiasts.

Sadly, when I compare my fervor for Zappa with my fervor for evangelism, I fall short. Sometimes we need to examine our priorities and ask ourselves whether we are as passionate about God and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ as we are about our own interests and hobbies.

Jeff Taylor