Devotional 10-4-20

 An American Idol

 Exodus 20:1-4 CEB

20 Then God spoke all these words:

2 I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You must have no other gods before me. 4 Do not make an idol for yourself – no form whatsoever - of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.

When you get up in the morning, what is your routine? For those of you still working, you may slowly rise, shower, have a cup of coffee, listen to the news, and then check your phone for messages or emails. For others, you may eventually roll out of bed, turn on the tv, have a bowl of cereal, and get ready for either in-person or virtual school. For those of us who are retired, the day may not begin until 9:00 when we stretch to get the blood pumping, pour a glass of prune juice, fetch the newspaper and our reading glasses, and settle down to watch a recorded morning news show. At my house it’s CBS This Morning with Gayle King, Anthony Mason, and Tony Dokoupil.

Wait a minute. Did you catch it? Did I leave something out? Oh, yeah! What about Facebook? Snapchat?  Twitter? According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans use one of these platforms every day. They are a part of our routine!

What does that say about many of us? I know what it says about me! It says that I’m probably being rude to Jon when he comes into the room wanting to share some news, but I’m flipping through post after post. It also says that I’m setting a terrible example for my adolescent grandchildren who are already way too controlled by their phones. It says that I am constantly thinking of something “clever” that I can post, or I am worried that I missed a birthday greeting to someone who barely remembers me from high school! Worst of all, it proves that I’m wasting so much time on looking rather than doing, and at my age I just don’t have that kind of time to waste. These forms of social media in conjunction with texting (I threw that in for my granddaughter) have become our American Idols. No, not the TV singing show, but something that replaces God and the good works that we do in God’s name.

This past week I have had some wonderful “good works” moments. The church I’ve attended for 67 years, Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, celebrated it’s 150^th anniversary and all of the good works and wonderful people that have come from it. Then on Monday members of our Sunday school class did some gardening and clean up around the church grounds! What a good time we had! Today Jon Parlier and I packed bags of food for the Pack for the Future Children’s Ministry. And now I get to share my thoughts in a devotional that will be distributed digitally as a part of the Worship Ministry!

I tell you this, not to call attention to the few things I do to make me feel good, but to remind us all to put the phone down! Step away from the computer! Go back out into the world (wearing a mask, of course), and do something to help others survive and you to thrive! Don’t worship at the altar of this American Idol.

Heavenly Father, help me to fight this addiction I have to my phone and the social media that attracts me. Guide me and lead me into a life of doing for others instead of envying what others have. And if all else fails, drain the energy from my battery. In your name I pray.

Amen|
Becky Warren

Devotional 9-25-20

Philippians 2: 1-13
The Student Bible; New International Version 

BE LIKE JESUS 

Much of Paul’s ministry during his time was done through letters he wrote to the members of the newly established churches. It was the easiest way to communicate. His letters were to the point, and if he had heard a particular church was having problems and needed attention, he handled it with a letter. From THE STUDENT BIBLE we learn that Paul’s usual sense of urgency has all but disappeared in his letters to the Philippians. Instead, he begins writing about Christian behavior and how church members can offer help when reaching out to other people. His letters to the Philippians are more like a conversation with them. Perhaps for the first time, he asks the big question: What is God’s overall purpose for this world? The answer is as important today as it was then. 

 Verses 1 through 4 of Philippians says it best: “¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.”

The Philippians have already learned from Paul that Christ lives in every Christian, and now he asks them to think about what it means to be a representative of Christ in the world. Isn’t Jesus the “perfect example” to follow? He tells them that, as Christians and as believers, they need to be just like Christ if they are to be his representatives in our world.

The scripture continues, and Paul says: “   ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of the servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸AnId being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.  ⁹Therefore God exulted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 Read the scripture once more as if Paul is speaking directly to us today. Are we living our lives as Christ lived His? Jesus lived a simple life. He was a humble man. He never hesitated to help others when He saw a need. He loved and accepted everyone without question.  As a man here on earth, he indeed was the perfect example for us to emulate.

In the hectic, fast-paced, self-serving world in which we live today, we often allow our emotions to get the best of us. We lose our temper. We get angry. We’re tired. We skipped breakfast AND lunch. We put in 12 hours at work today. And we’re supposed to be like Jesus? When? How? It’s just too hard.

Stop. We’ve lost control, and it’s time to turn to prayer. God always listens. Today we’ll take the time to listen to Him. We are Christians, and we want to be like Jesus, so just stop. Then refocus. There are others in this world who have greater needs than ours. What would Jesus do? Where should we start? What’s the best way to help? Refocus. Refocus. Be like Jesus. Get started. God and the Holy Spirit are here.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, I want to be like Jesus. I want to be his disciple, to do what He asks of me, even though sometimes I think it’s too hard. Help me to respond to others needing the help I’m able to give. And thanks for reminding me that I will always have your help and the help of the Holy Spirit.  Now Lord, please. I know I can do this. Help me be like Jesus. Amen

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 9-18-20

 Read Matthew 20:1- 16. This is the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

 
There are several parables that Jesus shares that are illuminating but this is one of my favorites. We all know the story, a landowner hires workers in the morning/then more midmorning/and even more late afternoon. When the day is done- each worker gets paid a denarius whether they worked a full shift or a few hours! Scripture tells us they expected to receive more & were furious when they did not.
 
In legal circles there is a saying: "There is the law and there is what is right. What is the law may not be right & what is right is not always the law”. Most of us have a sense of fair play and this parable can speak to our sense of what is right.  However, thankfully, God is not like us.  Just like the parable, his grace is offered to us early and often. Many of us are “mature” Christians who have grown up in the church and know the mercy and gentle support faith brings to each of our lives. But there are others who may be early in their spiritual walk and what comfort it is to know whether early or late to the faith ... the gift of grace is for all of us as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens! May it always be so.
 
Prayer: Father thank you for the your gift of grace and forgiveness. Help us to nurture those who may be new to the faith as we are unworthy yet you continue to forgive. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
 
Marv Jones

Devotional 9-13-20

Exodus 14:19-31,   Psalms 114,   Romans 14:1-12     Matthew 18:21-35

And then there's St. Francis, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace".  In these days of disagreement & division, it's important we make ourselves available to the breath of God to breathe the music of peace.  We walk around empty - maybe we're flutes, ready to let the creative whisperings of God make music for peace in us to share with our neighbors.  Close the street & have a dance!

Today let's be aware of the song in our heart. If we hear no melody, seek til we have one!  We're too easily distracted & the day can escape us to no good end. Today let's be aware. Be present to the still small voice singing to us.  Let's open ourselves as an instrument to be played, making a melody for healing, comfort & community.  We all need one another and ALL that makes our world.  We're each God's favorite child. That's a fact to celebrate.  Feel the breath of God flowing through you, talking to your spirit, inviting you into the world to share love, making the world a better place.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand,   to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Jill Henton

Devotional 9-6-20

Romans 13: 8 - Pay all of your debts except the debt of love for others - never finish paying that! For if you love them, you will be obeying all of God's laws, fulfilling all of his requirements. 

Please read Romans 13: 8-14.

The heading for this chapter is Obey the Government. When I was reading the selections for this week I at first thought this one would be a poor choice right now.

I can hardly watch the news and I hide more than I read on Facebook because people believe that their way of thinking is the only way and that does not lead to peaceful sleep.

As I read further I realized why God had put this in our reading for this week, and yes, I do think that with all God has to do he took the time to put these readings in our paths right now.

He knows what is going on in our lives, he knew last year where we were going to be. If you doubt this just look at The Upper Room or Guidepost readings for his week or this month.

They are about what is going on in our lives right now.

Verse eight and the following verses point out again what God tries to tell us every day. Love is the answer! He keeps driving this message and for one reason or another, we ignore it.

He has given us the rules and he has told us the most important one.

LOVE

Please reread that because he doesn't say you have to like everyone or you have to agree with everyone. He tells us to love them.

Our sweet grand-daughter Maddie was here this summer and we were talking about all that's going on in our world. She asked me " why can't people just be nice". Seems simple when you think about it and it should be simple.  

We are all children of one huge blended family. Let's all try to just love the crazy aunts, uncles and especially the crazy grandmothers.

Our Father is watching and he just wants us to love.

Dear heavenly Father,

Please forgive your unruly, disrespectful and misbehaving family. Help us to put love and thanksgiving in our hearts each and every day as we face new and uncomfortable situations.
If we talk with you when our hearts are heavy and we feel our self control slipping we know you will calm our spirits and show us the way.
I ask these things in your name Father.
Amen.

Devotional 8-21-20

 Please read Exodus 1:8—2:10   THE STORY OF MOSES

Preparing for my devotion, I found myself reading Bible passages I don’t recall having ever read before. I am not surprised. I don’t read the Bible just to be reading it, as one of my good friends does. There must be a reason before I open the Bible (like preparing for this devotion)!

Sometimes when I see one of our church members holding a Bible, I like to check it out. When the Bible is well worn around the edges, and there are places marked inside with little post-its on some pages, I know that person is a frequent reader of the Bible.  Sometimes the little pieces of paper are different colors, and I want to ask what all the different colors mean. And when I can catch them with their Bible opened, I see some highlighted passages, maybe with a note written in the margin. I want to become a reader like that! This opportunity, the story of Moses, seems to be a great place to start. My favorite version of the Bible is the New International Version Student Bible because it has insights and explanations scattered in every chapter that are helpful as you read.

An insight into the beginning of our scripture tells me that the Israelites had endured nearly four centuries of oppression before their exodus. They no doubt believed God had forgotten them. Their large and growing population had the Pharaoh sure of an uprising, that he commanded every boy born to a Hebrew mother would be killed.

The mother of Moses hid her son for three months, and after that time, in order that he would be safe, she placed him in a water-tight basket, and told her daughter to place the baby in the Nile River among the reeds along the bank. The daughter watched to see what might happen; when he cried, the Pharaoh’s daughter found him and claimed him as her own. She named him Moses, which meant “out of water.” As Moses grew to become a young man, he was among the elite of the Pharaoh’s court.

Within the second Chapter of Exodus appears another interesting insight: “After compressing three-and-a-half centuries into a few verses, Exodus devotes chapters 3-40 to the events of a single year. In contrast to Genesis’s large cast of characters, Exodus focuses on one main character, Moses.”

One afternoon, Moses witnessed the terrible beating of a Hebrew slave by an Egyptian centurion. He became angry, and killed the centurion, then knew he must flee from Egypt, and he ended up in Midean. He was welcomed by the town’s priest and his seven daughters and settled in to live with them. He married Zipporah, one of the daughters, and from her he learned of the mountain of God, called Horeb.

It is here that Moses discovered the burning bush. The Lord called out to him by name, and thus began the close and personal relationship between Moses and God. He said to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”  God then told Moses he must return to Egypt and lead the Hebrews out of that land, saving them from further misery. Moses resisted the request, believing he was unworthy, with no authority to do such a thing. But when they arrived in Egypt, God said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country….When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it  before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.”  Knowing God would be with them, Moses and Aaron did just as God had asked.

I continued reading this fascinating story because I had no knowledge of what would take place. And when I finally got to the plagues, I had a vague recollection of something happening, but what. I have now read to Chapter Seven, well beyond the assigned scripture! Just how far will this story take me? I eagerly dug in, and there were the plagues!

Do you remember them all? Can you name them in order?

1. Water turned to blood 
2. Frogs 
3. Gnats 
4. Flies 
5. Diseased livestock 
6. Boils 
7. Thunder and hail 
8. Locusts 
9. Darkness 
10. Death of the first born

The plagues, found in Exodus Chapters seven through twelve, were horrifying. But it took something so ugly, so devastating to successfully confront the Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave. Reading about them drove home to me the fact that God is there—always.  He knows how we think, where we stand, and what we can do. It’s amazing!  

With God’s help, as well as Arron’s, Moses had the authority and the power to end the suffering of the Israelites. They knew he was chosen to take them to the promised land.

Another insight: “The Bible does not is concern itself with the question of how these natural phenomena occurred; it merely affirms that something supernatural took place. The miracles were an unprecedented display of God’s holy power…. A nation was about to be born, and the Israelites’ uprooting from Egypt called for such power. They had, after all, lived for centuries in Egypt. It would take a strong incentive indeed to motivate massive, abrupt departure.”

Then I eventually came to Chapter Fifteen: “The Song of Moses” and read on. The song is long, they and I’m caught up in it, hearing every word and seeing in my mind the thousands of Israelites, singing and dancing for joy! It’s delightful all the way to the end!

“Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exulted!

The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea!

Then I closed my Bible, finished for now. But I know the meaning of this experience. And it is good.

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 8-14-20

Scriptures: Gen 45:1–15; Ps 133; Rom 11:1–2a, 29–32; Mt 15: (10–20) 21–2  I chose to focus on the Genesis story for this devotion, but I encourage you to read all of the scriptures. 

The Hebrew Bible reading for this week is the story of Joseph's emotional reunion in Egypt with the brothers who sold him into slavery years earlier.  Although this had been a traumatic experience for Joseph, over time he had risen high in the Pharaoh's favor, and was now a wealthy and respected man. Meanwhile, a famine had come to his homeland, and the brothers had journeyed to Egypt in the hope of finding food. Now, in this week's scripture, they stand before him.  When Joseph reveals his true identity to the brothers, they are understandably afraid. But Joseph, from the perspective of his ability to save his family in the present, claims that their mean-spirited actions in the past were in fact a God thing. What he is professing is faith's ability to find meaning and purpose even in painful events. 

I understand this perspective, and have comforted myself at times that my childhood surgeries and therapies were terrible, but enduring them made me a more compassionate person.  I hear similar stories from other Christians, who have faced great tragedy and eventually been transformed in ways they could not have anticipated. People of faith are often given confidence and peace during challenging times, but others may endure a "dark night of the soul" and only gain perspective later. Like Joseph, we might begin to see our disappointments, pains, and struggles as "God things" too. God works for good in all things, and we can praise God for that, while at the same time recognizing that our choices and those of others make a difference. Joseph's positive experience with his brothers was partly because he chose compassion and forgiveness over anger and revenge; it was God at work in him, and Joseph saying a holy "yes" to that. 

We have the opportunity during these challenging days to also say "yes" to God's leadings.  We can choose to love and protect others by following the best medical advice during this pandemic,  we can share our resources with those in need, we can learn new skills and technologies so we can connect with people near and far, we can consider this time of distancing a holy pause in the midst of our lives--- in short, faith's perspective can create new possibilities as we work together with each other and with God. Let's not grow weary of doing good, loving others, and trusting that God is at work in our lives. 

Prayer for the Day:  Loving and gracious God, walk with us through times of trouble, and let us find your peace and compassion.  Give us strength for the day, and hope for tomorrow.  Amen

Rev. Terry Deane