Devotional 8-17-18

...but Jesus said to them, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. --Matthew 19:14

I recently read Kristin Hannah's latest book, The Great Alone.  The central character is a girl whose dysfunctional father and co-dependent mother move to Alaska to "live off the grid" in the 70's. They are totally unprepared for such an adventure and the girl is the "adult" in the family. I knew this was a work of fiction, yet could hardly sleep while reading it, worrying about this poor child. I'm aware enough to know that there are similar children, right under my nose, leading lives of quiet desperation. 

I asked a friend who works with the WV Children's Home Society what is one thing people can do to help children in our communities. She replied," The one thing that keeps coming to my mind is mentor.  We need mentors for these kids, and that can take many different forms, but so many of these kids and their families just need to know there are people out there who care."  Our church has a backpack program which sends weekend food home with needy children at a local elementary school. I believe most every church in town has a similar program. That's a start.

I know both of our local high schools have food pantries, and I believe the middle schools do as well. Perhaps you can help stock the shelves in those pantries. Food, clothing, school supplies, so much need. But the children also need LOVE. That often comes from a teacher, a volunteer, someone willing to reach out.

My friend emphasized reaching out not only to the children, but to their families. This dedicated social worker mentioned helping with exterminations costs (bed bugs on the rise), power bills, etc. 

As this school year is starting, please pray for the teachers, aides, counselors, bus drivers, cooks, janitors, and coaches, who interact with and may be the only positive role models in the lives of our children, and give them a pat on the back and offer them your support.

Anita Gardner Farrell

Dear God,
Grant our teachers an abundance of Your wisdom. Prepare their hearts to welcome and love our loved ones, and may we make sure to show them love and respect in return. Give them grace as they help students who aren’t thriving, courage to say what needs to be said, tools and knowledge on how and when to speak love, and strength when they feel weak. When they feel unseen, remind them that no moment goes unnoticed. They are shaping the future in one million small - yet incredibly important - ways every day. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of learning they share with our children. Bless them, Lord, and may they see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will forever impact generations to come.  Amen. --DaySpring.com Kaitlyn Bouchillon

http://www.childhswv.org/

https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-great-alone/

Devotional 8-10-18

“Ask for the Best” 

Lectionary Readings:  1Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5: 15-20; & John 6: 51-58

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”  Solomon answered:.…So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”  1 Kings 3: 5, 9.

Wow! What a mighty God! What a fantastic dream!  Despite the information that Solomon’s request took place in a dream, we are told a few verses later that God granted Solomon’s request.  In addition to a wise and discerning heart, God also granted Solomon many riches, honor, and a long life.  The only stipulation required was for Solomon to walk in God’s ways and obey his statutes and commands just as David had done before him.  God wanted the very best for Solomon and he wants the best for us as well.  However, we don’t always ask for God’s best gifts. Are we missing something in our daily prayers and conversations with God???

I realize that Solomon had recently become king and was probably feeling the responsibilities of leadership that I will (thankfully) never experience.  But I think it was an extremely smart move on Solomon’s part to request wisdom/discernment.  He asked for the character trait that would give him what he needed most to become a great leader.  Do we ask God to mold our character so that we might do his bidding more effectively? Have I asked for all that God is willing to bestow?

Solomon was not a perfect man or leader, but he accomplished a great deal during his reign including building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.  Also according to Bible scholars, Solomon is credited with many of the wise sayings of the Book of Proverbs.  He lived a long life and was recognized as a wise and compassionate ruler—perhaps wiser than all the other kings of the earth (1 Kings 10: 23).  He accomplished all that he did because he continued to obey God and to worship Him as he had been commanded.

I find myself feeling a little jealous of Solomon. What does he have that I don’t?  I know, I know…you don’t have to list the ways our situations are different.  But what might God grant me if I asked for wisdom or some other character trait that would allow me to be of greater service to others? Have I asked for God’s “Best Gift” for me??   First of all, I know I could at least spend more time in conversation with God.  I need to listen more to the messages God is sending me.  I need to be more intentional and regular about daily prayer time.  And most of all, I need to surrender to God’s will and guidance.  Perhaps God has a new plan for each of us if we would only ask for his “Best Gift” for each of us and for God’s will to be done in our lives.

           “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 Great God of Wisdom and Might, assist us to pursue a renewed commitment to follow your guidance and direction.  Grant us insight into the ways in which we can serve you more effectively and lovingly.  We thank you for the example of Solomon and all of the teachings and gifts you have provided.  Forgive us when we fail to be obedient and faithful to your will. AMEN.
Chyrl Budd

Devotional 8-3-18

“Got no Rhythm” 

I cannot dance, I cannot sing, and I “Got no rhythm!” At Johnson Memorial, I love when we as a congregation sing the song “Shine, Jesus, Shine” because we clap in unison as we say these words.  It is very inspirational to me but very difficult.  No matter how hard I try, my hand clapping is never in unison.  In other words, my hands are out of tune! I have no rhythm. Therefore, I NEVER actually let my hands touch. I call it the “silent” clap.  I enjoy the music, it makes me happy but I cannot join in the clapping at the appropriate moment in the song.

I said one morning to my daughter, “I am embarrassed because I have no rhythm.”  She acknowledged this by saying, “But you have many other gifts.” She was kind in her comment because the whole family knew that I had no rhythm. That got me to thinking. Many times we feel that we cannot do something because we feel inadequate and do not try.  Surely there is something related to it that we can do. In Romans 12: 3-8 we learn about GIFTS.  We all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. “If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

I have lived a long life and never really thought about talents or gifts.  But, we all have gifts that can be secular or spiritual.  Many of us do not take time to see the relationship, especially me.  I have been a teacher and counselor as a profession because I liked and enjoyed what I did. But over the years I have learned that the desire to help can be spiritual.  Being a friend to someone who seems lost can be a gift from God. I have a dear friend of many years who is dying from Leukemia.  I am called the “fixer” but this I cannot do.  I call her often and we talk about her plight, meeting with Hospice, and similar conversations.  She says it means so much to hear from me and that it helps. She has been able to talk with a minister.  She has one daughter as I do. Maybe this is my gift from God.  Being a Christian has always been a process for me.  I see the gift of teaching in my daughter as she grows in her faith to teach. Her spiritual growth is an inspiration to me.

We all have talents or gifts that we can use and use well.  God gave them to us but we must learn to recognize them.   We may choose poorly at first, but sweet spiritual success can make the difference. It does not matter if we “Have no rhythm,” we have other gifts!

Lord, hear our prayer,
Give us the desire to keep seeking to learn our spiritual gifts from you so that we can share the sweet spiritual success in working with others.
Amen                           
Carol L. Brown

Devotional 7-28-18

“DO  NOT BE AFRAID TO PROFESS FORGIVENESS”

This month I read another book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith, Precious and Grace.  The setting is in Botswana, Africa.  Mma Ramotswe, our chief lady detective, is attending church.  She looks up at the ceiling high above her in the new cathedral where the electric fans stir the air so ineffectively.  Her attention is drawn down immediately when she hears the bishop say the word “forgiveness”.

The bishop speaks:  (abbreviated) “Somebody asked me the other day when we should start teaching our children about forgiveness.  I was surprised by the question because I think that forgiveness is one on the first things.  Forgiveness is at the heart of the way we live our lives—or should be.  So when we teach our children about the things they need to know about the world--about how not to touch fire, about how to wash their hands or put on their shoes, about where Africa is or Botswana---all these things, we should also remember to teach them about forgiveness.  When another person wrongs us, be ready to forgive. If we do not forgive them, we run the risk of being eaten up alive with hatred inside, hatred is like acid……..

The bishop continues.  “Yet who talks about forgiveness these days other than the people who come to this place, or to places like this? What politician, what public person, do we hear standing up and saying that we must forgive?  The message is more likely to be one of blame, holding this person or that person to account.  It is a message of retribution, sometimes dressed up in concern about victims and public  safety.  But if you do not forgive, what are you achieving?  When we punish somebody, we are often just punishing ourselves.  Locking people away is simply increasing the amount of suffering in the world. Sometimes you have to do it to protect people from harm, but you should remember there are other ways of changing a man’s ways.

“My brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to profess forgiveness.   Do not be embarrassed to say that you believe in love, and that you believe that water can wash away the sins of the world, and that you are prepared to put this message right at the heart of your world. Love and forgiveness are more powerful than those cynical, mocking words and will always be so.  Always.”

Thinking about forgiveness has reminded me of Jesus’ last words on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  This statement is given as the first of the seven reported last words on the cross.  I pray that we may all love more and therefore forgive.

John Greenleaf Whittier wrote, “Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways, reclothe us in our rightful minds, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise.“

Amen

Martha Casey

Devotional 7-20-18

Fishing on the Fourth of July

 Matthew 4:19 NIV
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

This past July 4, Jon Parlier and I visited an old friend who lived in North Myrtle Beach. We found ourselves in the company of thousands of others who had flocked to the sun, fun, and fireworks.

We found a spot on the shoreline where we planted our chairs. Presently we heard – and then saw - an airplane towing an advertising banner for a nearby restaurant. A few minutes later Jon asked me what I thought of the televangelist who wanted people to send him money for a private jet. I can only guess that the banner–towing airplane brought about the question. I said I didn’t think much of it. He agreed and said that 5.4 million could be put to better use.

Pleased that we had settled the matter, we enjoyed the sun, the waves lapping our feet, and the sounds of seagulls overhead.  But then we detected three shadows blocking our sun. The shadows were actually three high school girls armed with beautiful but nervous smiles.

They giggled as they explained that they were from Minnesota and on a retreat with high school students from all over the United States. They wanted to know if they could talk to us about our spiritual lives.

I have to laugh when I think back on that moment. They thought it would be difficult to get us to talk, but once we started, they could hardly get a word in. Jon told of his nomadic childhood which made it difficult to put down roots in any church. He then told them that I had been at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington, WV, my entire life and that was the church we both now attended.

Haley and Chloe talked to Jon about the retreat, but Emily and I went a bit deeper into our upbringing. To be honest, I didn’t give her a chance to say much because I wanted her to know how Jesus had come into my life at an early age and how God’s love had sustained me in times of trouble. As it turned out, I answered the very questions that she had been sent out to ask.

Did God send them to us - or us to them?   And how awesome was it that it took place by the seashore? All I know is that Jon and I were there to be “caught” by these young fishermen. I hope that as time passes, they will remember the old couple by the sea who were eager to talk about God’s love. Maybe they will be “caught” by some young fishermen, too.

Heavenly Father, thank You for all of those, young and old, who follow Your teachings and become fishers of people. Help us to overcome our inhibitions and follow their lead. In Your name we pray.

Amen
Becky Warren

Devotional 7-13-18

It’s A Miracle!

The amazing story of the Thai soccer team’s rescue came to a climax today as we learned of their amazing rescue being successfully completed. I’m sure our sense of relief was nothing compared to that of the parents of the twelve boys and their coach who were lost, then found, then rescued.  There’s no doubt in my mind that this was a miracle—the inclusion of God’s hands at work in an unbelievable event.

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines miracle as “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs; the healing miracles described in the Gospels.” We are all familiar with the stories of the miracles performed by Jesus. All those witnessing them were amazed to see Jesus heal the infirmed. When the family of Lazarus witnessed Jesus raising him from the dead, there’s no doubt they could hardly believe their eyes! But then, seeing is believing.

So, what is it that makes us believe in miracles? And why is it some people don’t believe in miracles? A good friend of mine would respond, “It’s a God thing.” And, indeed, I believe it is our faith in God that we can call certain events such as this rescue, a miracle—a miracle that this group of young boys and their coach survived for so long before they were found; a miracle that the world pulled together for them, providing experienced seal rescuers, first responders and caregivers to help; and a miracle that they seemed to have fared well through their very traumatic experience.

When God enters the picture, things change. And we call it a miracle. So why does it seem so hard to believe that things can change when we let God enter the picture in our own lives? The power of prayer is an amazing thing, when we open our hearts to commune with God, allow silence in prayer so that we may hear God, and determine what it is He wishes us to do for Him. In many ways, this, too, can be called a miracle, can’t it?

It’s all part of having a deep faith in God that we understand and “see” in our hearts the miracles God brings to this earthly world every day.

May we rejoice—every day—in the power, the glory and the everlasting love of God, our Father!
Diane Feaganes

Devotional 7-7-18

He held the offering in his hand.

Wheat, first fruits from his field.

Looking at it, he remembered

the seed.

The promise of it.

The fear in it.

The possibility of famine or feast

that had rested in it.

He remembered throwing it into the field.

Praying for rain.

Praying for not too much rain.

Praying for sunshine.

Praying for not too much baking sun.

He remembered watching the tiny plants sprout,

hoping for growth.

He thought of plucking the wheat from the field,

the first to become fruit.

So far, it was the only to become usable wheat.

He had pulled it,

made a sheaf,

and brought it to the Lord.

He offered it to God,

hoping that his first fruit

would not be his last.

Praying that there would be enough.

Enough to feed his family

Enough for seed for the next year.

His offering of first fruit

was an act of faith.

An act of obedience.

It was worship that beat back fear.

It was ritual that spoke of his faith in God.