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 2-12-10

Read Psalm 99

The Lord is Great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awesome name, Holy is he! (verses 2-3)

There are many times when I become so involved in my problems, that I don’t take time to ask God for help. There have been times when I feel overwhelmed. You most likely have felt this way as well. Work is very busy, there are plenty of chores to do at home, and there are many family events than need planning and attention. It seems that all of our time is spent moving from one “job” to the next. I find myself thinking, when will there be time for “my plans”?

As I was preparing for this devotional, I read Psalm 99. The end of verse six reads, “They cried to the Lord and he answered them, He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud”. Then I realized that I had again fallen in to the human trap of self. I realized that even though life is very busy, and we are pulled in several directions to complete our jobs, and care for family, we are always supported by God. “My plans” are being fulfilled by serving God through caring, teaching, and loving those around me every day.

I have heard a phrase from time to time. “God only burdens us with what we can each bear.” Then, yesterday I heard the phrase differently. “God sometimes gives us more than we can bear to remind us that we need to depend on him”! I thought of Psalm 99 when I heard this, and realized that if we remember to ask God for guidance and continue to praise him, he will be there for us.

Lord God, thank you for listening to our prayers and carrying our burdens. Help us to remember that we are here to serve you, and through our work and service we bring praise to your name. In Christ we pray, Amen.

Hulse Budd

Devotional 9-7-07

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel , just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel . Jeremiah 18: 1-6 (NRSV)

In this section of the lectionary from Jeremiah, it reminds us that we are all shaped by the Lord’s hand. By allowing God to mold us like clay, we as individuals and as a nation are better suited for the work the Lord has intended. Even when our first attempts seem like failures, God can use the effort for good by helping us to re-shape it.

As people of God, we need to remember that even though we have made different choices, or see the world from different angles, we are all still molded by the same hand. This hand guides us all toward the same goal even though at times it may appear that life is moving us in different directions. Through faith we can be assured we are moving in the direction that has been set for each of us to do the work of the Lord.

This weekend, is also Grandparents’ Day. This day has three main purposes. To honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

It is amazing how God guides us along life's journey by placing choices in our path. Many times choosing the right path is very difficult. These choices can be made easier through the wisdom and love of our grandparents.

As grandchildren, we listen to the stories of their lives. Then, as we begin to make decisions on our own, there is a basis of values and memories that help us to make the correct choices toward the path God desires for each of us.

Dear God, we thank you for our grandparents. Bless them and keep them in your loving care. Allow them the ability to share their wisdom with others, and give all grandchildren the ability to accept that wisdom. Lord, May we all continue to be molded by Your masterful hands so that we may do Your work, Amen.

Hulse Budd

Special Note: One of the long time recipients of the email devotionals from Johnson Memorial UMC lost her battle with cancer this week and passed away. Please keep Sharon Ryan-Coil, her family and friends in your prayers. Sharon lived in Arizona; she continues to live in heaven.