Devotional 10-14-16

Please read Jeremiah 29: 1-7

In this reading, Jeremiah is writing to the Jewish elders, priests, prophets and to all the people who have been deported to Babylon.

Jeremiah is writing from Jerusalem to all of these people who have been sent from their lands and family and friends. He tells them that this is a letter from the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel.

The letter tells these people that they are to build homes, plant vineyards and plan to stay. They are to marry and raise families and multiply.

 They are to pray for peace and the prosperity of Babylon for if Babylon has peace and prosperity, they will also.

 When I read this I had to think about our upcoming Presidential election. It's hard not to when everywhere you look it seems to be the topic. I'm not saying it shouldn't be, it's very important. I guess that what I'm trying to say is that no matter who wins, lots and lots of people are going to be unhappy. There will be many reasons for that and so many of those reasons will be viable but, there is one thing that we can all do. 

Before, during and after this election, especially after, pray for peace in our country and around the world. Pray for prosperity in this city, this state and this country. Pray for our leaders, especially if you don't like them. Sitting back and saying  "I knew this would be bad for us" only insures it will be bad for us. Praying to our Heavenly Father for wisdom and understanding may not make things change in the blink of an eye but it may change how we look at things or at other people and that can change things, even if it takes a few years, like four maybe.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, As your children we always need your guidance and right now we could use lots of that. Please help us as we try to make the best decisions that we can in this coming election but even more important, help us to remember that we are all your children and we need to pray that whom ever wins this election will need your help and our prayers to do the best job that they can. That will benefit all of us. In your name we pray. Amen

Debbie McGinnis

Devotional 10-8-16

Lost Faith

Lectionary Readings:  Lamentations 1:1-6; Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17: 5-10

The apostles came up and said to the Master, “Give us more faith.”  But the Master said, “You don’t need MORE faith.  If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Go jump in a lake,’ and it would do it.  Luke 17: 5-6. (The Message)

During the spring of 2007, the children of JM were learning a song, “The Kingdom of God is like a Mustard Seed”.  The lyrics for this version were based on the Matthew, chapter 13 version of the mustard seed story.  They were happily learning the song, but didn’t really understand what they were singing about.  Most of them had some experience with planting seeds and watching them grow, but were not making the connection to their own faith.  I had taken pictures of several large mustard plants and I had a spice jar of mustard seeds, but they were not impressed. One of the kids then suggested that we plant some seeds and the adults agreed that it would be a great idea.  I searched the seed packet racks for mustard seeds, but had no luck, so as a last resort we planted 2-3 of the spice jar mustard seeds in small cups of dirt. The kids marveled during the planting that the seeds were so tiny and would be easy to get lost, especially if they were outside and planting in the ground. The kids watered the cups and placed them on the south facing window sills.  I watered them on the following Wednesday, but there was no change—it still looked like a cup of dirt.  I really thought that we had planted “processed” mustard seeds and they were not going to grow anything.  My faith in the whole process was sadly lacking.  I didn’t even have the faith of a tiny mustard seed.

Then, a week after the big planting, the kids showed up for practice and “WOW!!”, the little cups showed some definite green shoots emerging from the dirt.  We continued to water the plants twice a week for about a month.  The mustard plants grew to look exactly like the pictures I had googled on the internet and were outgrowing their cups.  The children talked easily about the tiny seeds they had seen go into the cups and the plants that were now growing.  They joyfully sang “The Mustard Seed” anthem in morning worship and talked about sharing the story of these seeds with their family and friends.  They “got” it….

I, however, still found it difficult to believe.  I didn’t tell any of the kids or the other adults, but I had serious doubts that the seeds would sprout.  During the planting process, I had such a negative expectation that I was planning what I could do to assist the kids with their disappointment when the seeds did not grow.  I fully expected the whole project to be a “bust”.  I had not expected a good outcome, let alone a great outcome.  Thankfully, I was so wrong!!!

In the Luke version, the disciples start the conversation by asking for more faith.  I can definitely understand the desire for an increase in my faith.  In this situation, I felt like I did not have any faith at all.  And yet, God continued to be at work in the situation. God was in charge of the universe and my job was to learn and let go of my doubts. There was no doubt that a plant was growing from a tiny seed. Every seed of faith, no matter how small, is still powerful enough to be used to share God’s love with others.

 Jesus used the description of this common and seemingly well-known seed as a way to explain what was needed to help the kingdom of God grow.  Without a doubt, God has already supplied all that we need to navigate this life.  From small steps, little ideas, initial attempts, etc., great things can develop when we allow God to guide our path.  Remember-- “This little light of mine”-- where a small amount of light can make large changes in the environment.    And then there is “It only takes a spark to get a fire going”…  We all have something to add to the picture.  We need to fully rely on God for direction and not be afraid of the outcome.  God will use every situation, discussion and attempt to advance the cause of LOVE.

Dear God, our guide and teacher,

       We thank you for all the lessons and teachings of your Holy Word.  We are sorry that we do not always have faith in your teachings.  You have said that all we need is the faith of a mustard seed, and yet, sometimes we feel that we do not even that much.  Help us to continue to study and learn from the example of your son, Jesus.  Lead us to the path that brings us closer to you. You are all that we need.  In His Holy Name, AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 9-30-16

This weekend, a magazine will hit the stands with the headline "King of Kings." But it's not about the person you're thinking of. The magazine is Sports Illustrated, and the cover story is about Arnold Palmer, who died last Sunday. Now, I'm not going to compare a golfer to Jesus Christ, but, as the old saying goes, preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. I think we can find some inspiration from the life of Arnold Palmer. 

"Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character."
My Dad was an avid golfer. Many Saturday and Sunday afternoons of my youth were spent with the family gathered around the black and white TV watching golf tournaments. And there was Arnie's Army. The fans sure loved that man! Sort of reminds one of Jesus' followers. 

“When people ask what’s driven me all these years, I always give the same answer. It’s you.”
Arnold Palmer and TV were a match made in (yes, I'm going to say it) heaven. He popularized the game and became one of the first sports figures to be a corporate spokesman, which led to a successful business career.

"I'm not much for sitting around and thinking about the past or talking about the past. What does that accomplish? If I can give young people something to think about, like the future, that's a better use of my time."
"Making a positive change in the life of a child is one of the most significant things you can do."
Arnold Palmer was a dedicated philanthropist. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Children are in Orlando, and there are cancer centers that bear his name in Pennsylvania and California. 

"Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character."
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012, when Senator Harry Reid said, "Golf made you famous, but your tireless efforts to save lives, not your short game, will make you immortal."

Arnold Palmer was known for giving autographs freely and his signature was always legible. He told younger players that if someone takes the time to ask for an autograph, they should take the time to write their names, not scribble their initials. A classmate of mine wrote a lovely remembrance this week and gave me permission to share it:

The year was 1960. An eleven-year old boy, his mom and his best friend headed off for an exciting day of golf spectating. It was the West Virginia Open at Spring Valley Country Club in Huntington, WV. with a first prize of $1,200, and he and his mother and friend were manning one of the volunteer tents supporting the event.

Sam Snead, Art Wall and the charismatic Arnold Palmer were the tournament headliners, and this young boy hoped to at least get a chance to watch them hit a tee shot or two and maybe even get their autographs.

When Snead was approaching the first tee this young golfer attempted to get his autograph and was brushed aside by "Slammin' Sammy" with a comment that has been lost to memory..

Art Wall graciously accepted this young golfer’s request and signed the program that he presented for his autograph.

And then Palmer approached the tee. Although he would end up finishing third in the event, "Arnies Army" was in full attendance as usual admiring and supporting his aggressive, and sometimes erratic, brand of golf.

It needs to be mentioned here that Palmer's most prolific years were 1960–1963, when he won 29 PGA Tour events, including five major tournament victories, in four seasons. In 1960, he won the Hickok Belt as the top professional athlete of the year and Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsman of the Year" award.

Yet, when asked for his autograph by this timid 11 year old with his friend by his side, this Master's Champion turned and said "sure kid" and signed his and his buddy’s programs.  And then, in true "people’s champion" style, he put his arms around these two idolizing youngsters and posed for a picture with them as if they were his own.
That timid 11 year old was me.

This is the legacy of Arnold Palmer. An incredible golfer, businessman, humanitarian, and most of all a champion who took time to make a couple of young boys’ day! --Fred Nickles

"The more I practice the luckier I get." 
Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 9-23-16

Each week there are several scripture options to help devotional writers. And as I prepare to write my devotion, I always check to see what the week’s scriptures have to say. Well, this week I was startled by the consistency of their themes—so similar I felt moved to use them as a basis for my devotion. But be prepared. They deal with conflict, persecution, suffering, torture, grief…and death. But isn’t it true that we find ourselves in a world just like this? So it’s an appropriate topic related to the scriptures for this week, right? Take a look (they’re all brief but very thought provoking and revealing). Scriptures:

1. Psalm 79: 1-9
2. Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
3. Psalm 4 
4. 1 Timothy 2:1-7 

Wow. The impact still has me struggling. And yet, it is timely and significant, something I’m sure we all think about daily. We are shocked at the cruelty and inhumane actions of Isis. We are confused about the supposed combined efforts of the United States and Russia to end the war in Syria (how many times now?) knowing the political implications are always there, at the expense of innocent civilians—many who are children, murdered and dying, imprisoned in a place from which they cannot escape.

There is the hatred by some in our own country who have their own terroristic agenda, be it racial, religious or political—yes, political! So much chaos has invaded our lives we don’t know how to handle it, where to turn, or what to do. I have become so discouraged, and fearful of what the future holds for our children and their children. What is happening and why? Can we do anything about it? Here is what I think God would like us to consider:

PRAYER. Well, we will pray—sincerely turn to Him in prayer to share our hopes, our fears, and our concerns for ourselves and for others here and far away who continually suffer.

LISTENING. God has such good advice for us if we just listen. He will guide us with answers, let us know what we should do not only for ourselves, but for others who are far worse off.

TRUSTING. We will trust in God to help us accomplish His will.

HAVING FAITH. We will have faith. A constant and unified effort by ALL Christians everywhere, working in numerous ways to restore world peace, can work—if we work. God will see and He will hear. He will know that, as Christ’s disciples, we are sincere in our desire to initiate the healing process.

SPREADING HOPE. We must not give up.

SPREADING LOVE. It begins with loving one another.

Ambitious? Yes. Time consuming? Yes. An unbelievable and complicated task? Absolutely!

Risky? Of course. Are we naïve? Perhaps, but Possible? With God’s help…all things are possible.

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 9-15-16

Read Luke 15: 1-7 The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Read Luke 15: 8-10 The Parable of the Lost Coin

How often have you ever rejoiced?  Not just feeling good or happy but actually rejoicing over someone or some event.  As I think on this I realize not very often! Oh sure- the birth of our daughter and grandchildren.....maybe... but in the everyday living it is rare for me.

Luke sets the scene in Chapter 15 by stating that Jesus was with the tax collectors & “sinners” and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were objecting to this.  Does Jesus confront the leaders? Does he call them out for their hypocrisy? Does he ignore them?  No- he uses this opportunity as a teachable moment!

Jesus tells all who are there these 2 parables.  In both of them Jesus reminds the people that like the lost sheep or coin there is great REJOICING in Heaven and in the presence of angels when even one sinner repents!

We may not think of living in God’s Kingdom here on Earth...... but we do!  Just like the teachers of the law in Israel’s day we have a tendency to judge.  Unfortunately, I suspect when we see or hear of someone coming to Christ we may not celebrate it like we should.  However, today’s scripture serves to remind all of us that even when one lost soul is found -just like the angels in Heaven- we should join with them and rejoice!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day.  We thank you for all the blessings we receive.  Help us to celebrate every time someone comes to know you as we await that house not built with hands- eternal to the Heavens.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 9-10-16

Anger Management

1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I knew I was in trouble when I cursed the bar of Ivory soap. For weeks I had watched it slowly slide across the shower stall shelf and fall to the floor. “I need to buy a soap holder,” I would think, but I hadn’t followed through. Of course, having to pick up the soap again was not really the problem. I was just seriously, destructively angry.

There are things going on in my life right now that are not pleasant. I am angry. But I want to make it clear that I’m not angry with with anyone in particular. I am not angry with or feel deserted by God. My anger comes from an inability to fix things, to put them back the way they were.

When the soap incident happened, I knew I needed help. In the past when anger of this magnitude reared its ugly heard - my father’s stroke, my mother’s cancer- I would work as hard as I could to fix it and then self-medicate. That didn’t work then; I knew it wouldn’t work now. I asked God for help and my answer came in the strangest form.

As I ate my Sunday morning breakfast ( Yes, I have breakfast before I eat second breakfast in my Sunday School class), I flipped channels until I landed on the show “In Touch” with Dr. Charles Stanley. I have always loved his Southern accent, and on this particular day, he looked up from his TV podium and into my eyes. “You have to deal with your anger,” he said. “It’s a destructive behavior!” For a moment I thought I was in the movie Pleasantville. My mouth dropped open, I retrieved pencil and paper, and for the next hour I listened and took notes.

He said that to be victorious over anger, one must do several things.

She must identify it,

confess it,

purposely deal with it,

take emotional time outs,

replace it with something meaningful,

benefit from it,

and prevent it from reoccurring.

His explanations and examples helped clarify each stage; I could see that this might help.

Kim Matthews recently wrote about her experience with a bottle of water and making a real connection with a lady in need. Her story reminded me that God puts us where we need to be to hear His message or share His message. That Sunday morning I heard God’s message for me. I hope that sharing it will help you.I imagine all of us could use a little anger management from God.

Dear Father, we have lived long enough to know that everyone must deal with anger. We also know that it can’t be quantified or qualified. What we sometimes forget is how physically and spiritually damaging it can be. Please give us the strength, support, and information to help us when anger takes over our lives. We need You and Your peace now and forever.

Amen

  

Becky Warren

Devotional 9-2-16

The other evening, Steve was out of town, and I had a meeting at church. I parked at church and walked downtown to grab some dinner. If I'm eating alone, I often read, as I was that evening. I read a chapter out of Brene Brown's book, Rising Strong. This is what I read:

When you look away from a homeless person, you diminish their humanity and your own. (Quote from Father Murray Powell)

In the chapter, Brown struggles with her reaction to people in need - how she looks away from them instead of connecting with them. I was feeling the guilt of looking away as I read it. As I walked to dinner, a man had asked me for a quarter, and I had told him no.

After dinner, I was walking back to church. I walked by the yogurt store, and stopped, thinking a bottle of water would be great during the meeting, so I turned around and bought one, and dropped it down into my bag.

As I approached church, I saw a woman was sitting on our church steps. I started to go in, and she asked me for - you guessed it - a bottle of water.  No one has ever asked me for a bottle of water.

Do you think God was involved? I do.  I got a second chance to see someone who needed help and to respond. I was able to give a cold, unopened bottle of water to a thirsty woman. I drink water, but I rarely walk around town with an unopened bottle in my bag. And yet, God knew this woman needed water, and God knew I needed to give it to her.  Two humans, needing God.
Kim Matthews