How to Find God in a Horror Movie

This may seem counterintuitive but bear with me as I explain.

Horror movies may seem like the bane of good Christian values, but like an onion it has layers. Peel back the surface, you will find that there are inherent values and a lesson to be learned by those who seek it. When you see a horror movie you come face to face with the worst mankind can come up with. In the movies, the devil is on earth, the dead come back to life, and society as we know it crumbles. Cynical viewing aside, a horror movie can be a morale about the injustice in this world. A simple truth that bad things happen to good people. Horror movies bring that to the forefront of our minds. Like Job, we are forced to reconcile that our power is limited when compared to the all-mighty. We don’t know everything. In the story of Job, we are shown that bad things happen to good people. We are humbled because our power doesn’t match God’s power. No one is perfect like God. We can struggle to comprehend the concept that bad things happen to good people. A good horror movie brings that struggle to the forefront. He knows all and we know little compared to him. We find God in horror movies by accepting our limited understanding when compared to the Almighty.

 Then Job replied to the Lord:

 “I know that you can do all things;
    no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
    Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me to know.

 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
    I will question you,
    and you shall answer me.’
 My ears had heard of you
    but now my eyes have seen you.
 Therefore I despise myself
    and repent in dust and ashes.”

Prayer: Dear God, please bless us with your wisdom. Help guide us as we confront injustice in this world. Help us to put our faith in you lord. Help us to understand our shortcomings. Help us to grow. Help us to love. Guide us when life is cruel when we stumble and fall. Lift us up with your loving hands. In your name we pray, Amen.

Charles Kendeigh (reprinted from 2021)

Words from Psalm 25

Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Psalm 25:4 

Words from Hebrews

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 

Making The Most of Every Opportunity

“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (New Living Translation) “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (English Standard Version) Ephesians 5:16

A few days ago, while I was talking to a friend, I mentioned a Bible verse discussed during a weekly Bible study. She said, “Tell me about the Bible. I’ve never gone to church.” I was taken aback; how could I begin to share all the stories and lessons in scripture? Here is an amazing opportunity to spread the Good News to someone who is interested in learning, but I wasn’t prepared to reply to my friend’s request.

Paul encouraged the Ephesians to proselytize at every opportunity, to teach non-believers about the sacrifice that was made for them. He emphasized the urgency of this effort by declaring the present time “evil days.” I have committed to making it a priority to read and pray for guidance to allow me to make the most of the next opportunity God sends my way.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to have the clarity of thought and confidence to find the words to share your stories with others who have not heard the Good News. Amen

Carol McClain

A Prayer for Today

It is a pleasure to gather in worship, loving Lord. Remind us to encourage one another as we journey through challenges. Amen.
 

God Helps the Weak

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15-16

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, (even to the point of death on the cross) so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalms 73:23-24

It is difficult to read the paper and watch news on television. We are very concerned for our country. We feel weak and weary. Our jobs and school can be difficult at times. Our culture seems to be changing, and we realize we need to listen to God’s word when He tells us He is with us and will give us the strength we need for tomorrow.   

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for promising to always be with us in this world and to take us with you into glory at the end of our journey here on earth. Your words in Hebrews and Psalms give me peace. Please be with our family and friends and give them peace. Thank you for your many assurances to us. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words from Romans

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 

Words from Proverbs

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3:19-20 

How Firm the Foundation

“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” Luke 6:48

My windows look out on a large construction site. It’s fascinating to watch the progress (or apparent lack of progress) each day. Sometimes earth movers push the soil from one side of the lot to the other—over and over and over. They raise a lot of dust, but it doesn’t look like they are making progress. I commented about this to a neighbor who informed me that the heavy equipment was compacting the soil, compressing it into a solid foundation. “If you don’t do that, you’ll have cracks in the walls in no time, especially when you get heavy rains.”

Our faith needs a firm foundation, too. Learning stories about God’s love as children is a beginning, but without continuing to expand our understanding and praying for enlightenment, it can be easy to lose confidence in the sincerity of God’s caring for us. When we’re flooded with unkind thoughts, encouraged to ridicule the faithful, and exaggerate small differences, the foundation of our trust in God and godliness is eroded. Sometimes it seems like we are covering the same ground over and over, but there is a purpose—to keep the foundation of our faith solid and sound.

Prayer: Lord God, when it seems like we are constantly repeating ourselves without making any progress toward deeper faithfulness, remind us that the foundation of our belief is solid and meant to support the challenges that come next. Amen

Carol McClain

Words from Mark

And Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15 

Jesus Loves You

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:5b-7

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. 1 John 4:9-10

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:15

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:22-26

With God living in you, you possess real power. Luci Swindoll, a biblical writer says, “Real Power. Have you ever been so mad at a person that you wanted to walk out and never talk to him or her again, but decided instead to hang in there, communicate, and make it right? Have you invested love and concern into a person who was basically unlovable and witnessed a transformation in their behavior-primarily because of your sensitivity and acceptance? That’s the kind of power I’m talking about.”

Jesus expressed his love when he pardoned the criminal that was crucified beside him. Jesus is alive and well and wanting us to accept him so He can express his love for you each day.

Prayer: Oh Lord Almighty, creator of the world, help us to show the love Jesus has given us in all circumstances. Thank you that He knows us well enough to know how many hairs we have even if we are unable to count them. Thank you that you have not forgotten us. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words from Jeremiah

"This is what the Lord says...'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'" Jeremiah 33:2-3

 

A Heart of Thanksgiving

May my prayers to you, O God, begin from a place of thanksgiving, recognizing your countless gifts. 

God's Creation

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. Genesis 1:9-11

In early September of this year, Steve and I spent a couple of days at our family cabin in the mountains outside of Denver. The cabin has been in the family for 62 years and is at 9,000 ft. I have wonderful memories of all those years.

As I was sitting on a large rock watching Steve on a ladder staining a section of the cabin, I started looking at the ground around me and all the trees (aspen, pine, etc.) I picked up small white quartz rocks from the ground and put them in a small bag. I then found and put in my bag small pinecones. The squirrels had not eaten all the seeds out of the cones. I then found an aspen tree with a few yellow leaves. This showed that fall was coming. Those leaves went into the bag. I brought my bag home with my treasures and have shared with others. I will keep these special objects to remind me of the cabin and part of God's creation.

This experience showed me to look always and see God's creation. God's creation is all around us and everywhere I go. Open our eyes and see it all the time. Thank God for the skies, waters, mountains, trees, flowers, rocks, and people.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creation and remind us to see and be thankful. Amen.

Susan Taylor (reprinted from 2019)

Words from Proverbs 4

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26

God Will Be With Us

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 

Usually, the beginning of a new venture is accompanied by some trepidation and fear — “Do I know enough to pull this off? Am I the best person to lead? What if I fail?” The reality is that your skills and experience aren’t the most important factor in completing a major task; the key to success is that God is always present with you. You can lead confidently because God will not abandon you. Of course, God is going to guide you toward the goal that will best serve His purposes; failure may be due to misjudgment on your part or a goal that is at cross purposes with God’s plan. Ironically, your failure may be a step toward fulfilling God’s master plan. In spite of the disappointment and discouragement you experience, you may be clearing the way for God’s plan to be realized. 

Prayer: Lord God, we are called to be strong and courageous followers. The spirit You give us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Success and failure can both be part of your plan for us. Remind us that You are with us wherever we go. Amen

Carol McClain

Candy Corn and the Trinity

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Did you know that the word “trinity” is not in the Bible? However, there are many verses in both the OT and the NT confirming the trinity.  The verse above from the book of Matthew is only one example that makes it clear that there are 3 persons that make up one godhead. This concept of the Holy Trinity is a difficult one not only for children to understand but for some of us adults as well. 

As a former Sunday school teacher, I learned that teaching difficult concepts was much more fun if candy was involved. Some very creative person who remains anonymous wrote a wonderful children’s sermon using a kernel of candy corn to explain how 3 things can be one. Here is my edited version:

When you look at the candy corn, it is shaped like a triangle. The symbol of the trinity is 3 arcs intertwined forming a triangle. The tip on the kernel points upward reminding us to pray. The candy is made up of 3 colors and 3 different flavors. The white tip is a symbol of purity and stands for God the Father who is perfect, holy and righteous. The color orange reminds us of the flames of the Holy Spirit who appeared on Pentecost and enabled the disciples to speak God’s word in many languages. The yellow represents the light of Jesus Christ, the Word in flesh.  He calls us to be witnesses and when we spread His word, we spread His light and the message of salvation to the world.

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest (Luke 10:2).

When we see candy corn in the fall, it reminds us that it is harvest time. Three colors, 3 flavors, ONE piece of delicious candy. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 3 persons, ONE perfect and holy God. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you and we love you but we confess we often struggle to understand you. In this harvest season, help us to be laborers in your fields.  In Your Son, Jesus’ name, we ask it.  Amen.

Judy Welch 

Five Powerful Verses

Make a joyful noise until the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.   Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100

Psalm 100 is one of the suggested lectionary readings for today (editor's note: originally published in the month of November). Yes, this familiar selection of scripture is short. However, the five verses give us much instruction.  Verses 1-4 each begin with a verb. Verse 1 directs all lands to joyfully praise the Lord. We are called to serve the Lord with gladness and a positive attitude in Verse 2. Verse 3 informs us that the Lord is God. We are reminded that we are not the “center of the universe.” God is our creator; we are his people. Verse 4 instructs us to enter into God’s presence and to worship him with thanksgiving and praise in response to all he has given us. Verse 5 makes three declarations:  the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth is enduring. As Christians are we demonstrating and sharing the teachings of these words of scripture and giving thanks and praising the Lord for his wonderful gifts to us? 

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to follow your teachings and to share them with others as we journey through life. Amen.

Gail Keown (reprinted from Eastridge Devotion book, 2008)

Psalm 119

Open my eyes that I may see…Psalm 119:18 

Have you watched the world?

Have you listened to it speak? 

The birds flit in and out of the cherry tree and then settle in the redbud. The blue jay settles down in the cherry tree – his tree, by the way! Flying into the yard, all of them walk in the green stopping to listen for a worm or catching a bug. A cat meows outside the door. He isn’t really home but just hopes and thinks he might be. Small boys laugh and play and sometimes cry.

Watching and hearing all of this brings my world to life.

Observing the world, I have found that even birds seem to have a timetable. The cardinals come and call around 4:30 each afternoon. It has cooled a little and both feed and take a bath. A squirrel runs pell-mell on the wood fence in the morning either being chased or looking for just one more acorn. The world belongs to God and so do God’s creatures. We have faith that it will survive. But water is scarce and smoke has filled our air from far away fires.    

What can we do to help our world? Animals and birds are not much different from people. We need water, food and so do our animals and birds. We need peaceful mornings and understanding. But we also need to be listened to and responded to. 

From the summer edition of Living Well Magazine, Tom Osborne writes and I quote “I think you have to set a certain course in life and what I have tried to do is honor God in what I have done. If you try to do that and that’s your general objective, it may take you in a lot of different paths. But hopefully it doesn’t take you too far afield from what you are called to do. Just do the best you can one day at a time.” 

So, we can care for God’s world and hold it carefully in our hearts and hands. One day at a time while listening and watching carefully.

Carolyn Olsen

Being Part of the Group

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-21 

This year I was encouraged to join a new group. I did so knowing that I would need to make a time commitment, I would have to meet new people, try new things, and go new places. I would have to feel comfortable in the group as well as support its beliefs and norms. I would have to trust the leader and follow his directions. I would have to take risks. After my first meeting with the group, I questioned if I really wanted to do this, but decided it was worth a try. Ultimately, I have liked the group, enjoyed the members, made new friends, and have challenged myself to participate and belong.  

Recently I have thought about the disciples and their group following Jesus. They were all invited to join. They had to be willing to trust their leader, Jesus. They had to think about new things, new beliefs, new norms. They had to get along with each other and share the work of the group. This was not a short-term commitment, but a long-term change, a challenge to their beliefs and lifestyles. They left their homes, families, work, and their comfort zones.  

Like other groups, I believe Christ's church presents us with many of these same things. We must be willing to make a time commitment, welcome others into the group, try new things and go new places. The group needs to be supportive to its members. We not only have to trust Christ to guide us, but also our pastors and leaders of the group to help us find the way. We have to get along, share the load, and be prepared to change. We need to be willing to challenge ourselves in different ways. We need to make a long-term commitment in our beliefs and our lifestyles.  

Prayer: Jesus, help us to trust you fully in your invitation to follow you. Help us to disregard our fear of change. Help us to treasure being part of your group of believers. Help us to make the lifetime commitment of not only being a believer but practicing our faith through our daily lives in your church as well in the world. Thank you for all the blessings you have given us. Amen. 

Nancy Hall

If You Can’t Say Something Nice, Don’t Say Anything at All

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

"Have you heard what the City Council wants to build with our taxes?” “Somebody told me that the manager makes inappropriate comments to the female employees.” Spreading rumors is the favorite pastime of many, including public figures and influencers who have a broad audience. Gossip can be the “Did you hear about…” moment when you reveal the “truth.” 

But what is the purpose of gossip? To make us feel superior; to feel like we are an insider; or to demean a person we don’t like? We are all acutely aware of the consequences of spreading rumors.  Reputations have been ruined; families have broken apart; and lives have ended. In Ephesians, Paul didn’t differentiate between a tiny tale and an enormous exaggeration. Once an accusation has been spread, it’s almost impossible to prove that something DID NOT happen—the damage has been done. Before we talk about other people, we need to ask if what we’re about to say will benefit those who listen.   

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to think before we speak. Help us to ask how our words will benefit those who listen as well as the ones we are talking about. Remind us to speak so as to build others up.  Amen

Carol McClain

Clear Thinking and Common Sense

Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip. You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound. Proverbs 3:21-26 (The Message)  

This has been a difficult period in our country as we have become more divided than ever over political issues. The media sometimes adds to the concerns we have when they discuss the issues. I’ve heard commentators use the words “fear” and “panic” when they discuss the public’s reactions to the news of the day.

This passage from Proverbs advises us to keep our sound judgment and use common sense, for they will help us on our travels. Especially appropriate is the section suggesting that we don’t need to panic over predictions about doomsday—because God is with us and will keep us safe and sound.

How appropriate it is to reconsider these words from thousands of years ago.  It’s easy to be overwhelmed when it seems all the news is bad and there doesn’t seem to be any hope. We worry about the political scene, climate change, the economy, health care, and education, to name a few. But worry doesn’t really get us anywhere. It merely diverts our attention from honoring God for our blessings.

            

Eastridge will soon be conducting its stewardship campaign, and it might be tempting to fall prey to all the negative news around us and think our church pledge is an item that can be moved to a lower priority. However, the next verses of the Proverbs chapter advise us not to take such action:

         Never walk away from someone who deserves help;

               your hand is God's hand for that person.

            Don't tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time"

               or "Try me tomorrow" when the money's right there in your pocket.

The church budget includes money to operate the church building and programs, but it also includes funding for local, national, and international mission projects. Prayerfully consider your situation when completing your pledge form. Remember that God is always there and will provide and try not to succumb to the fear and panic that seems all around us. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us common sense and good judgment. We need your assistance to remember our blessings amidst the “fear” and “panic” that seems to be everywhere today.  We know you are always there and will keep us safe.  Help us to always understand that we can reach out to others, for our hands can be your hands.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2018)