Futility

Futility has been a word on my mind as of late. Futility is pointlessness and a direct challenge to fruitfulness. Futility wrestles in my mind on the question “why?”. Why act if nothing will change? Why should we be kind when the world is not? Why do anything at all? 

“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.  Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.  As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” 1 Samuel 12:11 

Following the Lord is never futile. By acting with kindness in our hearts we bring comfort to those around us. We don’t need a greater purpose than to do what we can. Take value in what you can do. Simple gestures of care go a long way. It may seem futile when faced with larger injustices, but a simple act of kindness makes the world a better place. When faced with futility, I encourage you to act with kindness. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for guiding us through life. We may falter or stumble, yet you are still there. Please continue to guide us as life presents us with new challenges. Help us to spread your kindness and care. In your name we pray, Amen.

Charles Kendeigh

Hope in the Lord

 

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

I will praise the Lord all my life;

    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes,

    in human beings, who cannot save.

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;

    on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

 

  He is the Maker of heaven and earth,

    the sea, and everything in them—

    he remains faithful forever.

  He upholds the cause of the oppressed

    and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free,

     the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

    the Lord loves the righteous.

  The Lord watches over the foreigner

    and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

    but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

 

  The Lord reigns forever,

    your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord. Psalm 146

Love and Nature

I associate God with two main things. The first is Love. To put it simply, without God there is no feeling, no desire to care about and love our fellow man.

The second is nature. Within the past few years, I have come to realize what a beautiful earth He has given us. It is absolutely pathetic that man is ruining God’s gift with pollution.

For example, I experienced this fantastic feeling of my love for nature and God this past January when I went on a ski trip in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

As I ascended the ski lift, I inhaled the fresh clear air and feasted my eyes on the breathtaking view of the scenery around me. The majestic, snow-coated mountains darted through the white puffy clouds which dotted the silken blue sky. The sun shone down brightly and watched over God’s great creation. This was, to me, Life, Beauty, Grace, and Power. This was God. 

                        

Kathy Haskins (reprinted from the 1972 Eastridge Devotional Book)

The Shadow of Jesus

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:5-6

I like this poem (shown below) by Edna St. Vincent Millay, written sometime between 1920-1950. In particular, where she speaks of Jesus’ influence (and that of his disciples) like a long shadow. The definition of the word shadow is this:

NOUN: 1) a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface 2) used in reference to proximity, ominous oppressiveness, or sadness and gloom 3) an inseparable attendant or companion

VERB: 1) envelop in shadow; cast a shadow over 2) follow and observe (someone) closely and secretly 

For the purposes of the poem, and thinking of Jesus, I would choose “an inseparable attendant or companion”. Additionally, the word "influence" when referring to a shadow is apt. I was reading an article about the 20^th anniversary of 9/11, and it referred to the “long shadow” of the attacks...their influence is still being felt today. Like Jesus...his influence on the world is and was profound. I also like to think of the feel of shadows on hot days when the sun is relentless. The shadow is cool, refreshing, welcome.

Let us consider the long shadow of Jesus and that of his disciples, and their work while on earth. We can follow in their footsteps, in the shadow of their influence, as Christ-followers. I like this quote from the author of our Wednesday study: "Learning to live our lives as Jesus would if he were living in our place is not simply the most important thing in our lives; it is the only thing. May we journey single-mindedly toward this goal."

Jesus to His Disciples

I have instructed you to follow me

What way I go;

The road is hard, and stony,- as I know;

Uphill it climbs, and from the crushing heat

No shelter will be found

Save in my shadow: wherefore follow me; the footprints of my

feet

Will be distinct and clear;

However trodden on, they will not disappear.

 

And see ye not at last

How tall I am? Even at noon I cast

A shadow like a forest far behind me on the ground.

~ Edna St. Vincent Millary

Donna Gustafson 

  

Restored

 

 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

    we were like those who dreamed.

 Our mouths were filled with laughter,

    our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

 The Lord has done great things for us,

    and we are filled with joy.

 

Restore our fortunes, Lord,

    like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow with tears

    will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

    carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126

Potential

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:30-37

Teachers have a wonderful profession that can envision the future potential of their students. My father was a music teacher and able to see musical talent immediately among some of his students – many who went on into music teaching or professional performance. He would encourage them to dream and set their sights on whatever their potential would open up to them. Sometimes, it would be a total surprise that only God could see realized and it would come to pass!

The scripture that is offered is about Jesus’ disciples competing with each other of who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. He would ask the disciples, who would be ashamed to admit what they were discussing – about greatness. It seemed rather ludicrous to be engaged in such a topic. As Mark tells the story, the disciples and Jesus are on their way to Jerusalem and the ultimate destination of the Cross.

But, Jesus picked up on the debate and used it as a teaching moment for the disciples. He saw a young child nearby and brought that child into the circle where he and the disciples were sitting. Jesus embraced the child and his/her potential in one sense – saying that whoever would receive such a child, would receive Jesus – and even more – they would receive the One Who sent Jesus.

Regardless of age, we are to be child-like in our relationship with God. As anyone who claims a relationship with Christ, they are a treasure of potential for the Kingdom of God and for this life as well. As we claim our child/sister/brother potential with Jesus, so then such unlocks in us an insight of faith and a desire to serve Christ to envision the potential in others with whom we witness.

I had my mentors/teachers/professors who would be the same inspiration and guide for me through high school, college and seminary and ministry in general.  I thank God for their guidance which helped me through the trials and joys of my early ministry. 

It’s rather humbling to realize on this side of retirement, I have had the joy and satisfaction of serving as a pastor and see youth who have gone on to continue their education, meet their future partner/spouse and begin their family. Even those whom I remember in Sunday School, or as campers/counselors at camp, or former members of youth groups have gone on to be teachers, doctors, professional people or to wherever God was calling them. They would discover their God given potential and I would gladly fan the flame of their passion and calling.

My encouragement to all of us is to be open to the potential in any child of God, including ourselves. Claim that gift and receive that as a disciple/student of Christ as we all continue to grow in God’s grace.

Prayer: Eternal God, You see us for who we are. Sometimes it’s a mess, but amidst that mess is a bud of life blossoming in us that You nurture through Your Spirit. Be with us this day that is filled with great potential of opportunities to serve You, and possibly touch the life of someone whose potential we may see and encourage. Guide us to the joy that comes in the potential of this moment, through Christ. Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling

It is Well

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.”

 

“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.”

 

“And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

A song in the night, oh my soul!” -Horatio Spafford

 

Reflection on It Is Well with My Soul as performed by the Mormon Tabernacle 

click here to view video

Music brings us comfort in times of grief and in times of loss. The ebbs and flows of life are reflected through tension and relief as the song crescendos into the finale. We have been through so much this year. It is important to reflect on what has happened and to know that we are not alone. We have God with us. A presence not seen but felt through our shared community. 

Remember the joys and the triumphs. What we have overcome. Gain assurance in your faith through your remembrance.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the many blessings given to us. The moments to come together in a time of uncertainty. Whatever our lot in life is, be there with us. Guide us forth as we wake to sunlight breaking through the darkness. Praise be to thee, Amen.

Charles Kendeigh

Psalm 142

 

I cry aloud to the Lord;

    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

 I pour out before him my complaint;

    before him I tell my trouble.

 

 When my spirit grows faint within me,

    it is you who watch over my way.

In the path where I walk

    people have hidden a snare for me.

Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;

    no one is concerned for me.

I have no refuge;

    no one cares for my life.

 

I cry to you, Lord;

    I say, “You are my refuge,

    my portion in the land of the living.”

 

Listen to my cry,

    for I am in desperate need;

rescue me from those who pursue me,

    for they are too strong for me.

Set me free from my prison,

    that I may praise your name.

Then the righteous will gather about me

    because of your goodness to me. Psalm 142

He's a Wonderful Lord

The doctor had just told me I had rheumatic fever and that I would be in the hospital for at least ten days for tests and observation. Recently I had phoned the superintendent of schools in Fremont, Nebraska, to inform him I would be unable to take my first teaching position. As I lay in my bed at Bryan Memorial Hospital that fall day it seemed the world had caved in on my young world of dreams and ambitions. I reached for my Bible on the bed stand. It had been my practice to take it with me when I was away from home. The verse I turned to I cannot recall, but as I prayed and read my Bible a strange and wonderful feeling came within my whole being. I felt an uplifting of my spirits that I cannot really explain. It was a happy feeling and I knew I was ready to make the best of my situation and God would be helping me.

This time in my life proved to be a most rewarding one. I learned much about patience, love, understanding, and appreciation of family and friends. I had more time for reading, thinking and handcraft work than I had ever had before. In the long winter months of bed rest and recovery I continued to receive strength and inspiration from reading my Bible.

Betty Thomson, reprinted from the Eastridge Lent devotional, 1973.

Psalm 90

   Lord, you have been our dwelling place

    throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

    or you brought forth the whole world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

 

You turn people back to dust,

    saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

A thousand years in your sight

    are like a day that has just gone by,

    or like a watch in the night.

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—

    they are like the new grass of the morning:

In the morning it springs up new,

    but by evening it is dry and withered.

 

We are consumed by your anger

    and terrified by your indignation.

You have set our iniquities before you,

    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

All our days pass away under your wrath;

    we finish our years with a moan.

Our days may come to seventy years,

    or eighty, if our strength endures;

yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,

    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

If only we knew the power of your anger!

    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

Teach us to number our days,

    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

 

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

    Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,

    for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May your deeds be shown to your servants,

    your splendor to their children.

 

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

    establish the work of our hands for us—

    yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”

 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10: 17-31

Casting Prayer Nets and What If?

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. John 21:4-7

This summer I undertook a very rewarding odyssey. I agreed to pray for a particular person or family each day for the three summer months. When I received the 90+ names it seemed a long journey, but it wasn’t. There on the list were those whom I knew and others I did not know, but it made no difference in my prayers. I kept remembering those beautiful lines from Tennyson’s Morte D’Arthur: “And thou, if thou shouls’t never see my face again, pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

Now you ask, “What does this have to do with the scripture?” Let me draw a picture of those disciples who were fishing as I see them. They were experienced fishermen. Their livelihood depended on knowing where and when to fish and they had labored all night in deep water, casting out their heavy nets again and again and yet they caught nothing. Weary and empty-handed they approached the shore. A disciple “whom Jesus loved” recognized His presence. When Jesus told them to cast their nets again, miracles happened.

Now let me come to the “what ifs”. What if every person in the world who professes the name of Christ would recognize his presence and pray for our world? What might happen? Maybe that “what if” is too big. What if every member of our church family would pray for our church to feel His presence and do God’s work. What might happen? Of course, I do not have the answer, but I do believe with Tennyson that more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Wouldn’t it be exciting to try and see what harvest we could bring up in our nets?

Prayer: Dear Father, help us have the vision that comes from knowing Christ is our center and to truly believe when we pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” In Christ’s name we humbly pray. Amen.

Dot French (reprinted from 2008)

Choose Your Hard

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

This year I have heard the phrase “choose your hard”. This can be taken in many different ways. There are people who use this phrase when working out and focus on how hard you will push yourself. There are also individuals who refuse help and choose a harder path. This can be reflected in so many things. It is interesting to think about “hard” as a choice. 

While hiking in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons at the end of August and early September I thought about this phrase when we picked our hikes. Deciding which days would be strenuous, which days would focus on sightseeing, which days we would finish early and relax in the hot tub. It was nice to choose my hard. 

There are other times that we don’t have a choice. We may have extra responsibilities or hours at work for a special project. We might be struggling with an interpersonal relationship. We might be having a hard time making ends meet and are unsure of what steps to take to make it better. As Christians it can be hard to remember in moments where we have picked our hard, and those that we haven’t, that God is always with us and supporting us.

Prayer: God who knows our hard and our heartache, thank you for being with us and helping us to be courageous. Amen.    

Christi Moock

Love: A Takeaway

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sometimes I’ll read a passage or lesson or be in a situation where I want to remember one main thing: a takeaway.

I think these can be helpful in directing our priorities, and memories. Also, I’m fooling myself if I think I can remember everything I read.

In our current Wednesday morning bible study, we’re reading an author who likes to outline his main points so that it’s easier, as a reader, to grab those “takeaways”. I also read a memoir/how-to by an author who shared at least once in each chapter the phrase “if you were my student, I’ll tell you…” and then he’d put into words exactly what you needed to remember. This kind of writing begs for a yellow highlighter so that we can know what to retain. The takeaway.

Paul provided a takeaway in 1 Corinthians 13 when he said: “But the greatest of these is love.”

The entire passage: If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to show love to others. This may look like: being kind, listening to someone, sharing with someone, helping someone, grieving with someone. There are many ways to show love; show us the many ways when we interact with others, those close to us and strangers we encounter. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Wonderfully Refreshing

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28 

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 

During the unbearably hot weather, keeping up with our energetic preschoolers at work was draining! With very little time to stop and rest, by the end of the day, my mouth was dry...and I became light-headed, tired and headachy. It's then I realized how parched I was...I needed a drink!    

A similar thing has happened with my time spent in God's Word. I often go about the hustle and bustle of life, giving His Word very little attention. Instead, I give my “worldly distractions” (i.e. Facebook, watching Netflix, etc.) more of my attention. Then, when I'm faced with challenges, my soul feels drained, parched and unable to cope...I need to drink in God's Word!  

Think about how refreshing that icy cold drink of water is when your body is parched. Aaaah! That's the way my soul feels when I fill it up with God's Word. What a feeling of peace, hope, assurance. The refreshment it brings is unexplainable. Sometimes it's as if it reaches in and washes away my doubts and fears.  Just like our bodies need constant hydration, so do our souls. I don't understand how, after knowing how wonderfully refreshing God's Word is, I could “forget” to drink it in each day. I want to do better! 

Prayer: Dearest God, forgive us for letting our souls become parched from neglecting Your Word. Help us remember to drink in your Word daily...for sometimes we “forget” how wonderfully refreshing...and absolutely essential...it is! Amen. 

Sharon Irvin

Giving Thanks

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

"From the fullness of his grace we have received one blessing after another.” John 1:16

What am I most thankful for today?       

Knowing that God is with me today and always – no matter what?

Receiving God’s strength and grace when I have painful times?

God’s healing when illness challenges my body?

The support I receive from family, friends, and church members?

Hope for a better world even in times of hate and turmoil?

A world touched by caring, love and peace?

Enjoying bountiful food, a comfortable home, essential clothing and so much more?

Living in a world of wonder, beauty, and all of God’s creation?

I am grateful for so many blessings that I receive each day.

What are you most thankful for today?

Prayer: God, we often neglect to express our thanks for all our blessings that you give us daily. Remind us to freely share from all that you give us. Amen.

Lois Poppe (reprinted from 2019)

Psalm 100

 

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

     Worship the Lord with gladness;

    come before him with joyful songs.

 Know that the Lord is God.

    It is he who made us, and we are his;

    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving

    and his courts with praise;

    give thanks to him and praise his name.

  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

    his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100

Words from Isaiah 38

The living, the living—they praise you,

    as I am doing today;

parents tell their children

    about your faithfulness.

The Lord will save me,

    and we will sing with stringed instruments

all the days of our lives

    in the temple of the Lord. Isaiah 38:19-20

Happy Labor Day!

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Colossians 3:23

"No" is a Good Word

Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17

I asked God to take away my pride, God said, “No. It is not for Me to take away, but for you to give up.”

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, “No. God said her spirit was whole; her body was only temporary.”

I asked God to grant me patience. God said “No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn’t granted. It is earned.”

I asked God to give me happiness. God said “No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.”

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, “No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me.”

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, “No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.”

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, “No. I will give you life so that you might enjoy all things.”

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as God loves me. God said, “…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!”

This was written in a devotion I have from Lori Snyder-Sloan and it was something I wrote in a letter today to teenage grandchildren.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Listen

(At the home of Martha and Mary) She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:39

Did you hear me? Or are you listening to me?  Two questions every mother or father or teacher has asked thousands of times.

My mom would say Did you hear me? Followed by, if you did, tell me what I said! She forgot the afterthought one time and I found myself doing every chore I could think of. When I returned, she was laughing so hard, she could hardly stand.  She had asked me to close the henhouse door and I had brought in wood, cobs, shut the doors and checked the water containers.

But are we listening when God speaks?  One of my favorite hymns, This Is My Father’s World has a phrase, "in the rustling grass, I hear him pass, he speaks to me everywhere."

Did you hear the bird call? Did you see the hawks ride the air currents? Did you watch the storm gather and the rain that came to revive our earth?

Did you hear the still small whisper of “I love you” from yesterday's child?  Did you see the half smile of a child or see an old man cry? God speaks to us but are we listening?

Prayer: Please, God, speak to us that we may listen, obey, and be better neighbors and Christians in our lives.

Carolyn Olsen

Memory

In him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28

But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah John 20:31

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

In Trevor Hudson’s book Discovering Our Spiritual Identity, he describes memory and how it relates to our spiritual life. The chapter is titled “Developing a Christian Memory”, and lists three things we can do:

·      Remember Jesus in the Gospels: learning about who Jesus was from reading the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. “Gospel-writer John explains: 'But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah'" (John 20:31)

·      Remember our personal stories: recalling our upbringing in the church, other spiritual “memories”. Previously hidden significance becomes awareness as time passes. “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) I would also add that as I lost my mother this summer, I became even more conscious of the fact that my faith comes from her influence in my life.

·      Remember the present day: understanding that what happens each day forms our spiritual memories tomorrow. “In the people we meet, the tasks we do, the difficulties we face—and in our responses to them—God is continually trying to catch our attention and give us fresh glimpses of his loving presence.”

The author of the book says: “developing a Christian memory is a matter of the faith-soaked heart. We begin from a stance of faith. The Holy One has always been with us, even when we were unaware of his presence. Knowing this, we then recall significant experiences and reflect on them, pondering upon how God has been present within them.”

I think when we are told to “live in the moment” and “don’t live in the past”, we sometimes think of nostalgia in a negative way. I recall my children growing up, my dreams for them (how we adjust those dreams as their lives progress), and how we adjust our expectations and dreams as we look back at our own younger selves.

When those dreams need adjustment, we may feel regret or sadness. It comes down to this: “God with us”. God will be with us through the good and the bad, the easy times and the difficult times, the realized dreams and the discarded dreams. “God’s will is not a crisis” was a devotion that has always stuck with me. When we are worried about making the right decision, we sometimes over-think and deliberate endlessly over the “right” answer. If God is with us, guiding us, we can know that he will be with us whatever choice we make. Even in the aftermath of what we may consider to be poor decisions, God is with us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for being with me through all the seasons of my life. Thank you for the faith of those who have gone before me, both in the Bible and in my personal life. Thank you for their influence. Amen.   

Donna Gustafson