Devotional 8-19-16

Hold Hands and Dance

My 16 year old granddaughter, Savannah, had just finished a very traumatic 24 hours, “Gramma,”  she asked, “Why can’t we all just get along? Why can’t we all just hold hands and dance?” My heart broke for her, but the imagery that her question inspired has stuck with me. Why can’t we all just hold hands and dance?

John 3:16-17 tells us that God sent his Son into the world, not to judge the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. God sent Jesus into a chaotic world full of hate, greed, fear, jealousy, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. Sound familiar? He sent Him to save us from ourselves. Jesus not only brought us forgiveness from our sins, He taught us how to live. He taught us not to judge others. He taught us to forgive ourselves and others. Most of all He taught us to love God and each other. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if all the world just lived by these simple precepts. Could we all just get along? Could Gods plan be for the world to hold hands and dance?

Margaret Williams

Devotional 8-12-16

This was taken from  book "Poems of Inspiration and Comfort" by Deborah Bell

God can Handle It

I an the vine, he are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.   John 15:5

I tried to do it on my own...I tried to work it out
I knew that God could handle it (with just a little doubt)
I was closer with each step I took...new hope each day arose
But when I'd near the end it seemed the book would quickly close.

From my Lord these words then came...My Child...just move aside
I heard your prayer...now here I am but both My hands are tied
Yes...I will give all things you ask...just ask in faith and believe
Then do your part...and step aside...do not My Spirit grieve
You ask but still continue on so what am I to do
I cannot work a mighty work until your work is through

So...I laid aside my selfish will and moved out of the way
I left it in God's loving hands and left it there to stay
He intervened so lovingly with timing and with skill
I laid my crown down at His feet...and yielded to His will....

Let us pray:
Thank you God for loving us and for always listening to us. All we must do is to let go and let you take care of us by believing in faith and the Holy Spirit to see us through! Keep all of your children in your loving arms and bless them all!
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 8-5-16

SISTERLY ADVICE 

“This is the world today.”  Mass attacks, Terror Attacks, Killing policemen, Killing the innocent, Black Lives Matter, White lives matter, All lives matter, foul language in politics…….Enough!   Enough!  I hurt!  Stop it! And it continues….I cannot accept it, I will not accept it!  And it continues….I hurt!  I hurt!  What can I do?  What can I do?  I expressed this in my Sunday school last week. Every day and every night when turning on the news, there it is again! Some say turn off the news. That did not help.

I have a sister who is younger than me. If you have one of them, you know sisters. Sometimes when talking with your sister, one is thinking ahead of what to say next and not really concentrating on listening. So I was expressing my pain with the world and how I was hurting, when all of a sudden, I found myself really listening. She said, “Take yourself out of the picture, quit letting it be about you.” Think of the victims and their pain.  Pray to God to help them deal with their pain and sorrow.  Prayer can be a most powerful resource for them and the world.  Ask God to help THEM and not YOU. My little sister had definitely judged me and hit the nail on the head. I do not take sister criticism well but I finally saw what I was doing to myself.  So now I pledge to what a good Christian should do----Pray for God’s healing power for the victims of all the chaos that is happening in this country and world.

Today’s sermon by Rev. Deane was about Mary and Martha.  Martha was so concerned about food preparation and was upset with Mary’s not helping her that she complained to Jesus about it. Jesus told her that Mary had chosen best to listen to Him.  I think my sister told me that to quit complaining and Let God handle it. Sisterly advice that struck home.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, Help us to keep in mind that prayer can be most powerful, especially when we consider others more than ourselves.     Amen  

Carolee Brown

Devotional 7/29/16

One of my favorite devotional books, given to me by a dear friend, is JESUS CALLING: ENJOYING PEACE IN HIS PRESENCE. It’s a beautiful little book of daily devotions written by missionary Sarah Young. Her devotional writing, written as if Jesus himself is speaking, is especially meaningful—a  wonderful way to begin your morning. More often than not, He speaks about just what seems to be happening in my life on any given day. It’s amazing how that happens sometimes! I bet it’s happened to you, too!

In the following devotion taken from the book, Jesus speaks about what He calls the golden cord of hope.

ROMANS 12: 12  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

“HOPE is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you. I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me. Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road. You are reminded that the road we’re traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant. I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continued Presence and the hope of heaven.”

Sarah Young has a degree in philosophy from Wellesley and holds graduate degrees in psychology/ counseling from Tufts, Georgia State, and Covenant Seminary. She and her husband travel widely in their missionary work.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to strengthen your relationship with Christ, you will find it in this special book of daily devotions.

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 7-22-16

How often we take everyday things for granted. At least, I find that I do. Things like streets not lined with mud, a creek that stays within its banks, a house without water in the basement. Yes, you know of which I speak! In other words, the recent tremendous rainfall which caused creeks to overflow, houses to be flooded and even the loss of life.

 

Nevertheless most of us were blessed by God's goodness and did not experience these dire consequences following Nature's fury. As I think of things I take for granted, how happy I was following the epic rainstorm to find a Captain from the Huntington Fire Department knocking  on my door to see if I wanted to move to a drier and safer location. And also to know that not only the Huntington Fire Department but also the Huntington Police Department  was patrolling the area of the flood to help wherever needed and to prevent criminal  activities. Our local emergency services are without equal.  Whenever you have the opportunity, let them know how much your appreciate them. 

 

Not least of all I am thankful for neighbors who offer assistance. I'm reminded of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). What a lesson for each one of us. May God help us to see where we can be a good neighbor. 

 

Jean Dean

Devotional 7-15-16

Read Psalm 82

In this psalm, the writer calls out to “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

As people of faith, we are called to action!  But- how can we respond?

Today’s culture touts material gain, personal achievement and upward mobility as the standard to be measured.  Society tends to block our vision when it comes to the weak and the poor!  There are programs out there to help “these” people.

As the psalmist suggests, even thousands of years ago, wicked people used and abused those who are disadvantaged.  He was reminding the people of Israel of their moral and spiritual obligation to protect the oppressed.

This scripture reminds us today that our faith comes with work to do.  God uses us to do his will here on Earth. So- when politicians cut funding for the poor/needy/hungry we must stand up and let our voice be heard! At work, in our neighborhoods and our social circles we need to be alert to actions that come at the cost of others. 

Jesus Christ ministry was based on this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.  As we await that house not built with hands but eternal to the heavens- may we strive to protect those in need.

  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, forgive us for our materialism and continue to remind us that as your servant we need to protect and defend those who can not protect themselves.  Thank you for all that you have given us and may we respond with love to others as Jesus did.  In your name we pray.  Amen.

Marv Jones

Devotional 7-10-16

Living Vicariously vs. Skin in the Game

"I wish I could do that.” "I wish I could go there." If I had a nickel for each and every time I've said that I would look like Scrooge McDuck pushing a wheelbarrow full of coins > there would be MANY. We are offered a lot of opportunity in these modern times to live vicariously through other people's adventures: FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter and the like. We read their journals and thumb through their pictures and say, "I wish I could do that." 

Beginning July 2nd we have been deep in the throes of the Tour de France. The Tour is the absolute ultimate biker's event. This year the Grand Depart was hosted in the La Manche region in northwest France. Before Stage 1 was complete, the riders would pass by the stunningly beautiful abbey, Mont Saint Michel.  Helicopters carrying commentators flew above and around the bikes and flashed scenes of incredible architecture, history and topography. I am a casual cyclist. As one who occasionally turns the pedals, I sit in my easy chair, watching the race and saying, "I wish I could do that." I live vicariously through the riders who are actually there. Well, heck. That's no good. I will NEVER ride in the Tour de France. Does that mean I should ONLY watch and wish? It does not. I climb on my bike and (hopefully) with some friends, take off along the roads of our wonderful Tri-State area. Along with the great country bi-ways, the smell of newly cut grass and the fresh air - I get to experience flat tires, pot holes and dogs dead set on chewing the pedals off my bike. But I've got skin in the game.

50 miles not 100+. 20mph not 45. Fitness and pleasure of the ride; not the yellow, green or polka dot jersey. Skin in the game!

Parts of our state were recently ravaged by flooding. Before and after photos placed side by side leave us in a condition of un-belief. That can't possibly be the same place. I have, as many have, been moved by all of pictures on TV of people who have poured into the area to help. We watch the stories and say, "I wish I could do that." Well, here's your chance. These folks need prayer - no doubt. But we need not sit in front of the television and live vicariously though those helpers we watch. Pope Francis is quoted as saying, "You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That's how prayer works." Can we substitute (for a brief moment anyway) 'hungry' for 'those affected by flooding'? Maybe you can't go to Clay or Clendenin or Rainelle and muck out a house or remove debris. But you can...shop for cleaning supplies, pack a flood bucket, send a meal, take out your check book. Put some skin in the game.

I have been moved by the stories of those that have been the hands and feet of Christ. Groups from my home church have gone to work. I have seen contributions arrive from all over the country. Physical supplies from neighboring states. Monetary gifts from as far as the west coast. Many with notes; praying for WV. First you pray for the flooded. Then you help them.  That's how prayer works. 

Jesus moved from  town to town with his friends. He prayed and taught and healed. A pretty good gig - right? Luke, chapter 9 tells us of the moment when Jesus 'turned his face towards Jerusalem'.  He knew that a journey into that town was not going to be all knuckle bumps and high fives. Self sacrifice would be the order of the day. God's plan required skin in the game.

Take a glance around your house. Look at all of the things that represent your life and have deep meaning...now imagine that they are underwater. Say a pray and put some skin in the game.

Steve Matthews