To the God Who Sees Me

The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered. Then the angel of the LORD told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.”… “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16: 7-9…13

Have you ever felt invisible? Like you’re being pushed around in a crowd of people all demanding to be heard, and you have little chance of making your voice heard in the chaos? Maybe you’re in a crowded airport waiting to be re-booked onto a flight and the obnoxious person next to you is playing the part of the squeaky wheel. Or maybe you’re the youngest or meekest in the family or work team and your ideas never rise to the top. Or maybe you’re an immigrant female without a husband or family who has just been subjected to advances and intimidation you never asked for but from which you are powerless to protect yourself.  The degree of invisibility and helplessness can vary widely of course, but the problem is the same. Why would anyone pay attention to a single quiet voice when there are louder, larger, more prominent voices calling out. 

As we read in Genesis, this was the problem of Hagar. Hagar is the little-known mother of Ishmael, the OTHER son of Abraham, the one who is NOT Isaac. She was NOT one of God’s chosen people. She was NOT the wife of Abraham. God did NOT promise Hagar and Abraham that their descendants would become the leaders of His great people, Israel. Yet on two occasions, when Hagar ran into the wilderness and cried out to God in despair over the treatment she and her child were receiving from Sarai/Sarah, the angel of the Lord was quick to find her and meet her needs. “You are the God who sees me”, she says. She hears the messages of care and concern clearly and follows the instructions God gives her.

In these crazy modern times when so many are calling out with needs, when the haves and the have-nots are easily identified, when it may seem hard to find justice in our human world, the God of Hagar still hears each of us when we call out, and He cares about our needs. He loves us so much that He even sent his own son to die for us. All we need to do is to turn to reach out to this God and share our needs and concerns; even to share our need to be seen and loved.

Prayer: To the God who sees me, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for hearing me and for never measuring my needs against anyone else’s. Thank you for wanting abundance for me and for always having the time for me. Thank you for loving me so generously that you even came into my world to walk, to live, and to die. As your hands and feet in the world, help me to also see with your eyes and to “see” those who are easily overlooked, but who need your love. Amen

Lori Snyder-Sloan

Distribute

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”

They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”

When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. Mark 6:30-44

I’ve started using an app called Ritual. One feature of the app is daily Lectio Divina prompts. For approximately 10 minutes (one is posted per day), Kathleen Cahalan, Professor of Practical Theology at St. John’s in Collegeville, Minnesota leads the listener in reading a scripture passage three times, listening for words or phrases that stand out.

On a recent Saturday, the scripture from Mark (shown above) had me focusing on the word “distribute”. I think of how we, as a church, reach out to those in our community who need food. How the word “distribute” can mean more than its surface meaning in this context (definition: “give shares of something, deal out”.) In this scripture it might mean sharing, in Christian love, what we have with others.

By distributing food to those in need, we are following in Jesus’ steps. We are following His direction in Matthew 25, verses 34-40: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Thank you to all who donate food to the Eastridge Food Pantry and/or volunteer packing boxes and distributing food.

Donna Gustafson

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

 

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Why Go to Church?

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25  

“If going to church makes you a Christian, does going to the garage make you a car?” I recently saw this question on a vehicle’s bumper sticker and found it intriguing to consider what kind of person was asking this nonsensical question. Is he a “nonbeliever” with animosity toward Christians for some reason? Could he be a “believer” who attends worship services regularly but questions the sincerity of the others who occupy the pews around him? Could he be a “believer” who thinks his personal relationship with Christ is adequate and attending church is unnecessary? 

No, going to church does not make me a Christian. It is my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that makes me a Christian. But attending worship services at church on Sundays makes me a better Christian….and I don’t mean better than other Christians. I mean that it makes me a better follower of Christ than I would be without the encouragement and support of others in my congregation.

Prayer: Father God, You have provided an awesome plan for the spiritual nourishment of Your people through the church. Thank You for the privilege of coming near to You through church attendance and fellowship with others who believe in You and Your Son.

Judith Keller (reprinted from July 2011)

Blaspheme the Name of the Lord?

And the Israelitish woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses.  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. Leviticus 24:14 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. Leviticus 24:11, 14-15 

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7

The Henry Morris Study Bible tells us this about Leviticus 24:11:

“Blasphemed the name of the LORD, in our modern age of rebellion against our Creator, this sin would hardly be noticed, it’s so common. Nevertheless, it is enormously evil for anyone to curse the God who has given to all ‘life, and breath, and all things.’ Its guilt would surely be greatest of all for those who had seen God do so many mighty miracles, and had received God’s commandments directly on tables of stone. Such a person had cut himself off from his very reason for existence, and it would be best to terminate that existence before such gross sin could become contagious. Capital punishment would be entirely appropriate for so defiling a people called to be fully dedicated to God and who had voluntarily accepted the call.”

It is sad that most of us have heard family, friends or others curse with the Lord’s name in our lifetime. It is even said by Christians and can be so common.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to spread the word that the Bible is clear that we should not curse in the LORD’s name. Keep our mouths from spouting these profanities when we are angry. They don’t help our anger and are against one of the great 10 commandments given to us by our Lord. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

The Widow's Offering

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor Widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them,” Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of heir abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all that she had to live on”. Mark 12: 41-44  

Lent is a time for repentance, prayer, preparation and deprivation. These traits are highlighted in Mark's Gospel. This story also appears in the Gospel of Luke. When we were children one of the big questions we asked or were asked was “What are you giving up for Lent?” 

How often do we give from our abundance?  Someone once said give until it feels good. That is good advice. Whether we are giving money, time, talent, service to others or giving kindness. 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, thank you for all the gifts you have given to us. Help us to realize that all things belong to you and we are required to share what we have with others. In Jesus' name.  Amen. 

Kathy Kuehn (reprinted from the 2017 Lenten devotional)

Beginning or End of an Era

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Luke 1: 5-7

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. (John) Luke 1:57

All who heard them pondered them and said,” What then will this child become?” Luke 1:66

I have recently learned that John the Baptist was the last Jewish prophet—the last of that era. What a surprise to Zechariah and Elizabeth to have a baby in their old age. What a great change occurred to them caring for a small child who grew to be a prophet to prepare the way for the Messiah. The new era had arrived when John urged repentance, Baptism, cleansing, and forgiveness of sin. God’s son came into the world preaching, healing, teaching, forgiving, and dying on the cross for us. A new era had arrived and the world would never be the same.

All of us have old and new eras in our lives. We graduate from high school and college, we move away from home, we find a mate, we purchase a home, we have a new job and a new occupation. We have children, perhaps we divorce. We get our first set of wheels, we suffer through illness, we lose loved ones and friends. We go through empty nest syndrome and the look toward retirement. We lose a spouse, we downsize to a new residence, everything changes. But the constant for both the Jews and Christians is God. He is always with us despite the life changing times in our lives. He is our creator, our maker and our redeemer, the alpha and the omega, the all-powerful God. He cares for us and loves us. He is there both in times of trouble and times of peace and joy. We put our trust in Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us remember that you are always with us—to guide and protect us—and to love us. Amen

Nancy Hall

Grace Alone

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

We have watched every one of the 18 days of Olympics. We have cheered for so many feats of physical and emotional strength. The perseverance of these young athletes on their journey to Olympic gold is amazing and inspiring. Unlike the games of the past, family and friends couldn’t travel to the competitions with the athletes and there were frequent flashes to the crowds back at home cheering them on. Most of us can’t imagine such a journey. 

You and I are on our own journeys; journeys that also require physical and emotional strength and perseverance. How is today going? Are you feeling strong enough to climb a mountain? Or are you struggling and looking for hope of a better day? As humans, it’s likely that at some moment now or in the very near future, we will feel both. Paul reminds us that our goal is not to be strong all the time. Fortunately, we also don’t need to feel a sense of failure when we struggle or feel weak. It’s exactly in those moments that we can embrace our weakness and turn to Christ’s power to give us the boost we need to go for gold. The Lord who loves us so much, gives us all the grace we need to do all that He asks of us. 

In their anthem today, our choir provided a lovely offering of a beautiful melody with powerful lyrics of praise. We were all reminded that in everything – every hope, every action, every emotion, every accomplishment and every weakness – we find our strength in the grace of our Lord. 

Grace Alone (Song by Jeff Nelson and Scott Wesley Brown)

Every promise we can make

Every prayer and step of faith

Every difference we can make

Is only by His grace

Every mountain we will climb

Every ray of hope we shine

Every blessing left behind

Is only by His grace

Every soul we long to reach

Every heart we hope to teach

Everywhere we share His peace

Is only by His grace

Every loving word we say

Every tear we wipe away

Every sorrow turned to praise

Is only by His grace

Grace alone

Which God supplies

Strength unknown

He will provide

Christ in us

Our cornerstone

We will go forth in grace alone

Prayer: Dear God of Grace, what peace it gives me that in anything I encounter today, your grace will be sufficient. It’s sufficient for my good moments and for those that feel like failures. Thank you for the scriptural reminder that weakness is not something to avoid, but only a time to embrace your hope and grace and give you glory. Thank you for loving me in all my moments. Amen

Lori Snyder-Sloan

Psalm 1 - Sawdust or Topsoil?

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

 Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:1-6

I am reminded of an experiment that I had in Boy Scouts while working on the Conservation Merit Badge. I was to plant green bean seeds in two kinds of soil – sawdust and top soil. Once the experiment was concluded, I would send in my observations. 

The experiment was quite revealing. The sawdust beans grew first and quickly and even show signs of the bean itself. Meanwhile the top soil beans grew, but more slowly and eventually producing their beans. However, once the sawdust was out, it began to wither and die immediately while the top soil beans thrived and produced.

In terms of conservation, one could see some momentary benefits of the soil used – or at least expand one’s options of creatively thinking of alternative soils to use. 

However, there was another insight that came to me – what type of soil are we growing in as human beings? How well are we nourished in the soil in which we grow? Will we be producing fruit that is of benefit or will we wither by having too much too early? 

I preached on Psalm 1 – back 39 years ago – the weekend before our first son was born. I even copied the sermon for an elder to read should Cathy have to go to the hospital to give birth – our son was due that weekend! As it worked out, I could preach, but then the day after – was Valentine’s Day. We exchanged Valentines, but then Cathy had her first labor. We immediately went to the hospital and we became parents 4 hours later! 

We would enjoy watching Matthew grow up and eventually add his brother, Peter to the family. Those 39 years gave us a chance to see our oldest and eventually our youngest son grow and mature. We pray that the soil in which they were raised and nourished would yield fruitful lives of service and witness from the guidance and love that we shared with each of our sons.

But another perspective within the last 6 years has caused us to wonder the kind of soil in which our son and daughter-in-law would provide for our three grandsons. We are encouraged to see the nurture and love that is expressed and continues to mature in our grandsons and in the patience that our son and daughter-in-law have.

Is everything that we have done been a top soil life or a sawdust life? It’s rather complex – for there will be moments of top soil nurture and growth, but some sawdust may be another soil of preference when facing tempting promises of one soil over the other. One prays that if the lesser soil is preferred, that one will see the reality and need a soil transplant.

Psalm 1 brings that idea of what soil and transplant may be useful – that we seek the soil in which a tree is nurtured and grown among a network of life-giving nutrients of faith such as the Word of God and the Word made flesh. The contrast is quite clear of what would not be nutritious. May we in this Lenten Season consider our soil of faith and be nourished by His Word and the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Most Gracious God, may Your Spirit be implanted in our hearts to be nourished to bear the fruit of Your love in Jesus Christ. Help us to keep perspective and rely on that which ultimately brings us the quality of life You can provide through Christ Jesus in Whose name we pray. Amen.

Dr. John J. Duling, Honorably Retired 

Reconciled!

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life. Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5: 8-11 

God created man in His image.  He walked and talked with him in the Garden. 

Only when, listening to the serpent Satan’s lies and choosing to disobey God, did Eve, Adam, and I create separation from Him. 

Each time I choose to listen to my human side, to indulge in things that harm me, to judge others, to try to please other people over pleasing God, I slip away from being at peace with Him. 

Even so, He still loved us so much He sent His only son Christ to teach us the way back to Him, indeed, to be our way back to Him through His death and resurrection! 

Prayer: Father, thank you for wanting a sinner like me back, for reconciling me, bringing me in harmony with You, through the blood of my Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to always stay in harmony with you and to share that message of reconciliation with all I meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Carolyn Fetterley (reprinted from the 2017 Lent devotional)

Goodbye Stale Prayers

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  (New Oxford Bible)

While driving to an appointment, I was listening to the Bott (Christian) radio network. The pastor was teaching on the topic of prayer. He caught my attention when he asked the following two questions: 1) “Are your prayers becoming stale”? 2) “Do you find yourself praying for the same things and using the same words over and over”? 

If the answer was yes, he suggested we try praying the scriptures. I wasn’t sure I wanted to listen anymore as that idea had been introduced to me several years ago and after trying it for a week or so I went back to praying in my own words. Somehow praying scripture made me feel I had lost the intimacy I feel when talking to God in my own words.

However, the next morning, I decided to give it a try. I did as the pastor suggested and prayed from the book of Psalms because as he said the whole book of Psalms is a book of praise. I started with Psalm 23 because the words are familiar and I am comfortable saying them.

After I prayed the first line: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” I stopped. Then in my own words I praised Jesus for shepherding me through a difficult time. I moved on to the next sentence: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters; he restores my soul.” Then I thanked Him for the necessities of life especially a home in which to find solace.

With each line of the 23rd Psalm, I found that I could stop and add my own words of praise, thanks or petition. This was definitely a new way for me to pray. It allowed me to maintain that closeness that I had missed in my previous attempts to pray the scriptures.

My long-range plan is to choose each morning one of the many names there are for Jesus and the scripture describing that name, i.e., Shepherd, Light of the World, Savior, etc. Now I’ve said good-bye to stale, repetitive prayers.

If you find that your prayers have become stale and repetitive, perhaps praying the scriptures would be of help to you, too.

Prayer: Father, we praise you for the beautiful words in the Holy Bible, and we thank you for hearing our prayers in whatever words we say them when they come from our hearts. In your Son Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from the 2017 Eastridge Lenten Devotional)

Renewal

 ...We do not lose heart...though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16   

I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you by the laying on of  my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6   

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5   

You lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted...and....be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24  

This is the time of year when nature stirs up yearnings for new life while surrounding us with things that have lived through their seasons. The recent warm weather has encouraged green hope to sprout up from the grey ground, pushing through tawny leaves that are returning to the soil. There is a reminder of the promise of renewal for everything and everybody, through the miracles of God's energy in and around us.

My work as a musician gives me fallow periods, more often when the school year is dormant, but most of the time I find myself in the middle of myriad projects.  This can be taxing, as the work hours of each day can begin very early and, especially for musical theatre work, end quite late. I usually sense too late that I have upset the balance of activity I need in order to have fresh energy for everything in my life. My habit of overcommitting seems a noble one, since I can help a greater number of people; but the fact that I am starting to yearn for a day off makes me frame this activity more truthfully as being at odds with my spiritual needs and beliefs.

In rest there is a returning to the spiritual life inside of me, a stirring up of everything that is at my core. As in dreams, rest can give me the separation to help shed the spiritual weight of accumulated burdens. My weakness and weariness are derived from a lack of centering and grounding in the self that God has formed in me, and too much focus on what I perceive to be duty. But there is always a chance at refreshment for the spirit, a cleansing of the clutter of activity, and the absorption of divine energy. We were created to be vessels and communicators of God's love and power.

There is a plant in my living room which is hard for me to reach for watering, and it has been knocked down many times by my bulls-in-a-china-shop teenage kittens. It has been lying on its side, roots drying out, for weeks, while I have been limping along with minimal household maintenance. I was amazed to see the other day that the tendrils facing the window have crept onto the windowsill and sent small flowers up toward the light. Without even having the proper nourishment, this plant has not only survived but thrived. Somehow, that plant has found what it has needed to flourish and live its live fully.

I might feel like I am not in an optimal place to be my true self and do what I was meant to do, but God finds ways to provide what I need. God is patient with my learning, and if I simply open to receive renewal and guidance, God is already there in my roots.

Prayer: Hear me, Holy Spirit, and help me to receive you as I release the barriers that my habits have built up. Help me to open up to you and to let myself be regenerated by your energy. Reveal to me how the water of my baptism continually blesses and cleanses me in the unreachable places. Forgive the well-meaning blunders of my days, and hone me in your fire so that I can be more like you in this world that needs our spirits to shine. Help me to be aware of your presence, and grateful for the renewing mystery of that presence. Amen.

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2017 Lenten devotional) 

Looking for the Light

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

He shall judge between the nations and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2: 4-5

I recently heard a speaker talk about the difference between the darkness and the light. He said that in the full light it is hard to see the darkness. It is hard to see the light of a candle in the full light. However, he noted that in the darkness, even the light of one candle is easy to see. In this time of darkness with Russia invading the Ukraine, it is hard to see the light—but listening to the news, the light is shining bright with countries like Poland welcoming over a million refugees with food and shelter and safety. We are reminded to pray not just for our allies, but also for our enemies. Please pray for the people of Ukraine during this dark time, but also pray that the hearts of those in Russia who dwell in the darkness will be softened and that they will embrace peace rather than war.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Son, Jesus, is known as the prince of peace. Remind us to pray during this time of darkness to return to the light of peace. Give those in danger the knowledge that you will not abandon them. Bless those walking in the light of the Lord, caring for the stranger, and giving love and safety to those in their care. Amen 

Nancy Hall

God's Guiding Voice

Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

I recently read “The Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch” by Haywood Smith. The main character has recently returned to her hometown after a messy divorce. While surprised that things haven’t changed much, she is overjoyed to resume relationships from her youth and to regain her independence and sense of self. 

As the story progresses the main character, Linwood, explains some of the “southisms” she learned from her family, including the idea that, when you suddenly think “someone should take care of that” it is God’s voice guiding you to be the one to do just that. I have continued to think about this idea. How often in our lives do we think about things that “someone” should do, and then we move on to the next task in front of us? How often do we hear God guiding us and we selfishly turn to our own desire instead?

In the book, Linwood steps in to help multiple times. She sees social justice issues that require intervention, she steps up to help a friend (and an enemy) after a medical emergency, she begins helping to provide care for an aging relative. In each of the moments where she thinks “someone should do something”, she evaluates what actions she can take that would make a difference. Maybe people think this is just good manners, or being a good Christian, or having a good heart, but I really like the idea that God is whispering to us, even when we feel so busy with the other responsibilities in our lives.  

Prayer: God who taught us to love, help us to listen when you guide us to serve.  Help us to be the “someone” who can help our neighbor and to do good always.  Amen. 

Christi Moock

Spring to me is March Madness and a Good Shamrock Shake

Every year they mark a break of the harsh slicing cold air for the crisp refreshing air that brings dew to the grass. The ground softens as we prepare our brackets and ready ourselves with green clothes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I take joy in these simple pleasures. March Madness and Shamrock Shakes have become a tradition for me. They mark a return to simplicity. Win and watch your team advance as you sip on your green peppermint shake. 

Reflect on March Madness with me. It is a reset for many times who got in the tournament at large or through their own league play. Miracles happen during March Madness, a tipped in shot or a rolled in three-pointer can make the difference between winning and losing. Spring is the time for miracles as Jesus proves on Easter. A comparison of Jesus’s miracles and basketball miracles might seem like a stretch. I assert that a miracle is a miracle no matter how big or small. 

Believe in miracles. Jesus showed us miracles are possible. He gave sight to the blind, turned water into wine, and fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. When you see a miracle happen in a game think of Jesus and his blessed miracles. Remind yourself of God and the power of the Almighty. There is nothing that is impossible in this world for God. It is that simple. A miracle can happen before your eyes as you drink a Shamrock Shake watching a ball roll into the rim for the win.

Charles Kendeigh

 

The Vine and the Branches

 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15: 1-17

Pride Goes Before Destruction

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

“This is the middle verse of the entire book of Proverbs, and, in view of the obviously structured original verse divisions throughout the book, it may well have been divinely designed as such. In any case, the sin of pride is so deadly, it is appropriate that a solemn warning concerning it should be placed here right at the heart of God’s book of true wisdom.” This quote came from Days of Praise from the Institute of Creation Research.

The Proverbs verse may not have struck me so hard had I not watched the United Nations emergency gathering of a meeting to let members speak on the Ukranian possible invasion last night. Mexico spoke, Gana spoke, the U.S. and others including Ukraine. All were asking for Russia to not invade Ukraine. The Russian Federation member was the Chairman of the group. He protested it was not going to be an invasion. Then, it was time for the Ukrainian member to speak.

The Ukrainian speaker was strong as he asked the Russian Federation Chairman to depart from his chairmanship immediately as he had word from Ukraine that his country had been invaded at military areas and the capitol during this meeting, just 48 minutes before he was able to speak. The Russian leader asked the last person to speak who agreed with all the other countries that Russia should not invade. At this point the Russian leader pounded his gavel and ended the meeting.

Then I saw Zachariah 9-14 in “What the Bible is all About”: These chapters are full of promises of the coming Messiah and a worldwide kingdom. The prophet no longer pictures a city rebuilt on its old foundations, but a glorious city whose wall is the Lord. It is not armed for war, but is a city filled with peace, for the Prince of Peace reigns. He shall come the first time as the lowly One, riding upon a colt, the foal of a donkey. But we see this lowly One becoming a mighty Sovereign. The Messiah in all His glory and might shall put all the enemies under His feet and He shall establish His kingdom in Jerusalem and sit upon the throne of David. “His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Zechariah 9:10 As my friend told me this morning, God is in charge.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, you see these struggles. Please be with the Ukranian people. Thank you for promising to always being with us. Help us to pray. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

 

I Will Not Be Shaken!

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 

I've talked to Christians that have felt so defeated by the negative thoughts that take hold in their minds. I've been frustrated by them sometimes, too. Those mental strongholds are tough to defeat, but we most certainly have the power to do so within our grasp. We must depend on God's strength, using the mighty weapons he's given us—like prayer, faith, hope, love, His Word and the Holy Spirit. When we “put on the full armor of God” we can “take our stand against the devil's schemes.” And scheme he does...he “prowls” around, watching and waiting for a vulnerable moment to attack.

I'm most vulnerable when I'm tired and/or have a lot on my plate. In those moments, I let my guard down and take my eyes off of God. Before I know it, I've let the Enemy fill my head with his lies—those all too familiar, negative, self-defeating thoughts. Soon, my doubts, fears and anxiety begin to take over. When I finally discern what's happening, I immediately speak the name of Jesus and ask for His help to redirect my thoughts. I also ask for forgiveness and command the Enemy to “get lost!” 

During a recent attack, I defiantly quoted, “I will NOT be shaken!” He left me alone for a bit. But I knew he'd be back, so I looked up the rest of Psalm 16:8 and announced loudly: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken!” I had to speak it several times, because sure enough, like the relentless bully he is, he came back to try and pull me away from God again and again. Eventually, I spoke it enough times, and so confidently, that the Enemy fled (see James 4:7). 

I continue to speak Psalm 16:8 each morning, along with a few other verses I like to call my “power verses”. I've found they get my day off to a good start. I figure filling my head with His Truth leaves little room for the Enemy's lies. I have much work to do in filling my head with God's Word—and making sure that it's properly understood and applied. However, my progress has given me a confidence I can't explain. I encourage you also, when you're under attack, to “take a stand” and  confidently exclaim, “I will not be shaken!”

Prayer: Almighty God, forgive us for taking our eyes off of you and believing the lies the Enemy fills our head with. Please give us the discernment to recognize his lies and the courage to “take a stand”. And thank you for the mighty weapons you give us to fight this constant battle. Amen.

Sharon Irvin

Psalm 63

 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. 

  I have seen you in the sanctuary

    and beheld your power and your glory.

  Because your love is better than life,

    my lips will glorify you.

 I will praise you as long as I live,

    and in your name I will lift up my hands.

  I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;

    with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:1-5

Faith Communities and Geese

So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:5

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

In a devotion in The Upper Room, the author compared the flight of Canada geese to a faith community. She noted the fact that geese take turns “taking the lead” so that when one tires, another flies forward to lead the group (this pattern of flight decreases wind drag). She asks us to ponder a community of faith: how we may support one another in easing one another’s burdens and sharing joys. A few things to note here: knowing when to step in to help someone, knowing when to ask for help, and that we can be grateful for our own faith communities.

Often in our Wednesday Bible study discussion, we are saddened by the fact that some have no faith community or church to call home. Being a part of a small group within the larger body of the church is important to us, and we see the ways in which our members support one another, both in the group and in our larger church family.

How do we support one another? With meals, prayers, conversation, listening ears. As pastors, teachers, friends. Providing help in whatever form may be needed. Being there to lighten a burden in whatever way it can be lightened.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to seek comfort and support from my church community when I need it. Help me to notice others and reach out when they are in need. Thank you for our church family. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

(you didn’t think I would pass up an opportunity to share a nature photo, did you? Here are Canada geese over Pioneers Park in Lincoln. Click on photos to view larger.)

Prepare for Spring

Another 6 weeks of winter and another chance for snowfall, yet spring is coming. For those who have watched Game of Thrones, a familiar phrase is “winter is coming”. It means be prepared for the bitter cold winds and snowy roads. Be prepared for upcoming conflict and harsh realities. Yet, with winter already here, we should prepare for spring to come.

How do we prepare for spring? Preparing for spring is preparing for hope. A break in the cycle of cold winter days. When things look their worst spring comes to renew us and our spirits. Renew your hope because spring is coming. Plants start to sprout from the ground. Empty branches are replaced with leaves and singing birds. Death is overcome through Jesus who rose on the third day.

I encourage all to walk outside when we hit 60 degrees. Bathe in the light and warm air. Prepare for spring. Prepare for Lent. Prepare for the resurrection. Reflect, pray, and praise. Amen.

Charles Kendeigh

Complaints Not Allowed

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)     

Our society has become fractured and polarized, with individuals criticizing others about almost every topic possible. A number of years ago, I heard about a book called “A Complaint Free World.” The author, Will Bowen, is a minister and he suggested trying to break the habit of complaining by going 21 days in a row without complaining. He even suggested wearing a bracelet and moving it to the other wrist each time you complain. It doesn’t take a specific kind of bracelet, but a search for “complaint bracelet” on Amazon.com returned 166 items. 

I haven’t tried it, in part because I doubt whether I’d last more than one day.  There are days when I think I might spend most of my time moving the bracelet.   

We have a lot of synonyms for “complain”: beef, bellyache, carp, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, moan, mutter, squawk, wail, whine, and yammer. And then there are related words, like protest, quibble, fret, stew, worry, bemoan, bewail, deplore, and lament. There are at least 29 references to complain or complaints in the Bible. 

The thesaurus lists several “near antonyms,” including accept, bear, countenance, endure, tolerate, applaud, cheer, and commend. But there’s only one antonym listed: REJOICE. 

It’s easy to complain, bellyache, growl, mutter and whine. If it’s not the weather, it’s that driver who just cut you off, or the sales clerk who was a little short with you, or the price of gas, or the co-worker who just gets on your nerves. 

But how easy is it to rejoice? It shouldn’t be that difficult, should it? We can rejoice because we are able to worship together, to give thanks to God for our blessings, to know that our prayers are heard and answered. We can rejoice in the fact that Jesus died for our sins and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have eternal life. The next time you find yourself complaining about something, why not stop and, instead, rejoice in the risen Lord.

          

Prayer: Dear God, We ask for your help in changing our habit of complaining. We have much to rejoice about, yet we find it easier to grouse about the little things that irritate us. With your help, we can work to shine like stars in the universe and exult in the knowledge that you are our savior. 

 

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2018)

Blessings

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 2 Peter 1:3 ESV

I love reading the Peanuts cartoons. Recently I read one where Lucy was talking to Charlie Brown and she says, “I hate this year! Everyone said things would be better, but they’re not! I don’t think this is a New Year at all. I think we’ve been stuck with a Used Year!” 

Yes, at times it seems like it hasn’t gotten better, sometimes it feels worse. It feels like we are stuck in a turn around and we just keep going in circles. But maybe it’s us, not the year, that is stuck. Maybe we need to stop looking at what is wrong with the year and start looking at what is good about the year. 

I have written about it many times but we really do need to start counting our blessings, each and every one of them. First one we need to count is that we wake up each morning. Maybe it is cloudy or raining or even snowing but we WOKE up!  Then count the blessings of a warm house, food on the table, clothes and the family that surrounds us. Doesn’t have to be immediate family or even blood-related family. The family is those individuals who are there for you and care about you.  

Be thankful that God sent us only Son who lived, died and rose again for us; so that we may be saved from our sins and be granted a future with our Father in Heaven.  

Lori Hood