Faces of Our Faith: Queen Vashti

 

FACES OF OUR FAITH: QUEEN VASHTI (following the July 30 sermon)

read ESTHER 1-2:17

from the artist | HANNAH GARRITY

Having the bravery and confidence to stand up to an inappropriate request from a superior is both paramount to the moral foundation of society, and extremely difficult. We each know deep down when we are doing right or wrong.

In this text, Vashti’s modesty and fearlessness resonated with me. I imagined her recognizing that her husband’s demand for her to show her beauty to his drunken friends overstepped his bounds.

Her simple reply, “no,” is feared by the male “sages who knew the laws” (Esther 1:13). They advise the king to cast Queen Vashti out and to replace her with a new queen.

Here I have represented Vashti dancing alone. I see her living into her refusal with grace and beauty, exhibiting independence and strength in her solitary righteousness.

reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art

Pursuit

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Carrying One Another's Burdens

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

From a very young age, those of us who attend Sunday School (or now Tuesday School) receive bible lessons and parables about what God expects from us and how we can live a life to be more Christ-like. For some children we might have a relative who works hard to instill those kinds of lessons in us, or maybe a teacher. For some people it seems to come natively. Have you ever known someone who genuinely wants to help others? Who offers their assistance readily, who is always waiting in the wings to swoop in and render aid? 

For the last few weeks I have been thinking about this verse and wondering whose burdens I am carrying…what I’m willing to help with…. And perhaps, most terrifying, who is helping to carry my burdens, and am I aware that they are in the background helping me? This could be as simple as praying for someone. Or actively doing work to assist them (shoveling or snow blowing for a neighbor). Or offering to listen and sharing the pain of a sorrow or concern.  There are limitless ways that we can help each other.

A lot of people don’t feel like they have time to help. How many times have you been about to leave for the day when someone looks like they have a question or needs help and you duck out? How often do you ignore calls, texts, or e-mails that are specifically asking you to volunteer or donate? How often do we see opportunities to be involved in our church or community and ignore them because we feel like we have more important things to do? How often do we leave behind the rules to serve others instilled in us from a young age to serve our own goals and desires?

Prayer: Great teacher God, help us to remember the service of Your son and the lessons of our youth. Help us to look for ways that we can serve joyfully and help those around us in our family, church, community and world. Help us to reflect your bountiful and never-ending love.    

Christi Moock (reprinted from 2020)

Glorified

Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. Isaiah 60:21 KJV

A Still Small Voice

Click on photo to view larger.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (a note from the artist)

read DANIEL 3

from the artist | HANNAH GARRITY

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplified courage as they walked with the presence of God among the flames. Their trust in God overcame the human tendency to fear. This painting portrays the grandeur of God intersecting with the fearfulness of humanity. "Be not afraid" is a notable refrain in the bible. It speaks to the utmost importance of courage and the weighty influence of fear on our actions. In this image I tackle a meeting between God and fear. Each face presents a determined expression in the face of adversity. God's impervious and emboldening courage is represented by a landscape in the background. Panels of translucency hide God's fearlessness from us intermittently. The panels and open spaces represent the struggle with fear and fearlessness that we face as human beings. The faces of determination, faces strengthened by God's courage, emerge in the space where our view of God's strength is blocked. Here, our human struggle with fear is personified in the positive. Even when we cannot clearly see, God's courage is within us.

reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art

*posted following sermon on Sunday, July 23

Prayers Never Answered

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 

Awhile back I was driving with my six year old grand-nephew riding in the car with me. He is quite the conversationalist; out of nowhere he says "Auntie didn't you ever want kids?"  Giving him the quick answer I said yes. Then he proceeds to ask me then why don't you have kids? Realizing this is a topic he wants to dig deeper into.

This is a painful subject for me as I had always prayed I would have lots of kids, it had been in my life plan. I was to get married and be a stay at home Mom. I had babysat throughout my school years and knew what I wanted. But life didn't work out that way, none of my relationships blossomed into that perfect life. For years I battled endometriosis and after many procedures and surgeries my chances of being able to conceive diminished. I think that's why I concentrated on my career in management, making my career my life plan. But with a few exceptions, my nephew was born during all this struggle and I had been blessed with a sister who allowed me to become "Auntie". She let me take my nephew on vacations, be involved in his school activities, be involved his upbringing. I am as close to my nephew as if he were my own son. He is now married and has two children.

I turn to my grand-nephew and say sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we plan, I don't have children of my own, but I have you and your sister to love. He said are you sad?  I said I was but I have you and you make me happy. He said I love you Auntie, but I think I am going to have lots of kids, maybe 200. I laughed and said I hope you do have kids but maybe not quite that many.

Prayer: Thank you Father for my nieces and nephews. Thank you for those heartwarming moments they come running from across the room yelling "Auntie" with arms wide open and a big smile on their faces. Thank you for answering my prayers in a way I could never have dreamed. I pray for all those hurting with prayers unanswered, that they find their blessings in your plan. Guide us to the life you have planned and give the understanding and vision to see it. In Jesus name we pray. Amen 

 

Lori Hood (reprinted from 2017)

Are Rules Good?

The Ten Commandments were given to the people by Moses and had been written on a slate by God's hand. You can read them in Exodus 20. These were not made by man.

Some people think all these rules take the fun out of life. They do not like to be told "Thou Shalt Not".

The New Testament also as in Ephesians 5:18, "Be not drunk with wine." Or Ephesians 4:26, "in your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."

Think about it, would you be happier and make the people around you happier if you follow these "Thou Shalt Nots" or not follow them?

Sandra Hilsabeck (photo shared by Sandra)

A Foundation

"Everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built a house on bedrock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It didn’t fall because it was firmly set on bedrock. But everybody who hears these words of mine and doesn’t put them into practice will be like a fool who built a house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came and the wind blew and beat against that house.  It fell and was completely destroyed” Matthew 7:24-28. (Common English Bible) 

When hearing of catastrophic natural disasters, it can prompt thoughts of these verses. News reports provide an all-to-clear picture of rains, floods, and winds beating against the homes of rich and poor, young and old, stranger and friend. As we have endured difficulties of our own, these verses have provided a spiritual path toward a stronger and closer relationship with Christ. As we act on that relationship, how do we respond to feelings of helplessness in the face of recent events? As Christians, the bedrock foundation of faith guides our response to both the spiritual and physical storms we encounter. It is inspiring to know how differences and judgments that often so painfully divide us from our neighbors can be quickly set aside to reach out in love and concern. Even if we are not part of a team of literal first responders, we can be attentive to opportunities to help. 

 

Prayer: Heavenly creator and sustainer, we pray for those persons affected by recent natural disasters and perhaps other storms in life. We give thanks for individuals who step in to assist those in need and ask for their safety and strength. Help us to listen and respond to Your message. We ask for guidance and discernment in seeing ways to help those who are buffeted by the storms of life. Amen

 

Barry & Alinda Stelk (reprinted from 2017)

Journey with Integrity

“As for you, if you walk in integrity of heart and uprightness as David your father did and do all I command and observe my decrees and Laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever….” 1 Kings 9:4-5 

“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 

“The integrity of the upright guides them…” Proverbs 11:3 

“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?  There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.  And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason” Job 2:3 

Sometimes I need to reread these Scriptures to remind myself that if I want to follow and honor God daily in my life I must act with integrity in every aspect of my life.   

In my relationships, I must do the right thing, take the high road, sometimes even if it means walking away for a time to heal so I can show respect for both myself and others. For me it has also meant loving from afar, praying daily for those that I cannot connect with otherwise, at least for the time being. 

Having integrity in personal relationships can mean agreeing to disagree but still showing love and kindness, and respect.   

Displaying daily integrity means not saying unkind things about others or gossiping. My mother had strict rules about talking about others and I have always been thankful to her.  

Having integrity means doing my best in any work I take on, striving to set and meet goals and to continue to grow and learn.  

Acting with integrity means keeping your promises!   

It means being honest and open about who you are. Honesty is a key value if I want to live with integrity. I have to look at my own actions and take responsibility for them. In second Corinthians chapter four verse 2, Paul says, “…we do not use deception or distort the word of God.”   

Prayer: Father God, thank you for teaching us how to journey through life with integrity. Continue to guide us in striving for honesty, and integrity in our daily lives.

Connie Barry

Perspective

It has been two years since my cousin, Marti, died, and a couple of photos popped up in my Facebook memories this week. Right after she died in 2021, her sister and I tried to find photos from our few childhood vacations together, whether in their hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota or mine in Delmont, South Dakota (the above photos both feature Marti).

I was reminded when seeing these two photos together how one’s perspective changes when we can see someone else’s point of view.

The example illustrated here: I always wanted sisters. Times that my two cousins came to visit were anticipated with great excitement. We were close in age, and I had no sisters. It wasn’t until later that I realized they enjoyed time spent with our family in part because they had no brothers (and I had two!). All wanting a bit of the lifestyle offered when an opposite-gendered sibling enters the picture. One adapts, of course, but the feeling of longing may remain.

At first I thought this devotion was about being satisfied with what we have, but it’s also about empathy: trying to see the world through someone else’s eyes. An example of wishing for a certain sibling is not facing extreme hardship, but the point is: looking at life through someone else’s eyes may help us to appreciate our own life more (or simply appreciate someone else's point of view!).

The scriptures below reflect this:

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 ESV

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12 ESV

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to keep in mind that there are many ways of looking at life. Show me how to see the world through others’ eyes, and to be content with the life you have given me. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Words from Romans

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3 NIV

What Do You See?

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Jesus) said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And (Jesus) said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But (the lawyer), desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29 (RSV)

I recently received this poster from the United Nations Refugee Agency… 

What do you see? A boatload of refugees. Terrorists and rapists? Or the world’s tired and poor—the wretched refuse longing to breathe free? Look closer… 

Who do you see? White faces and black faces. Men, women, children. (What courage, as well as desperation, it must take to board this boat with your baby!) Who do you see? Future Terrorists and gangsters? Or future cooks and housekeepers, construction workers and farm workers, restaurant owners and taxpayers?

This photo was taken by documentary photographer Massimo Sestini about 5 km north of the Libyan coast, just before the occupants were rescued by the Italian coastguard, on 7 June 2014. Look again… 

What are they doing? Smiling at the helicopter hovering above them…because they know that they will not perish in the sea.

According to the United Nations 65M individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes by conflict, violence, or persecution. 21M of these are refugees, and about half of those are children. Over half of the 21M are from just three countries: Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

This picture of a crowded blue vessel surrounded by the black void reminded me of another photograph I had seen years before:

 

the earth as photographed by the Apollo 8 astronauts in 1969

All humanity on that blue sphere gliding through the heavens…all of us seeking a future free of persecution and violence and war. That boatload of refugees on the poster is a microcosm of our earth.

I see our brothers and sisters.

Prayer: Oh God of Heaven and Earth, you loved this earth so much to send us your son. We read in Deuteronomy that you love the sojourner, and we are commanded to  love the sojourner for we were sojourners in the land of Egypt. We pray that you will give us the vision to recognize our brothers and sisters wherever they are. Amen 

Bill Wehrbein (reprinted from 2017)

Human Contentment

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:10-12

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Shirley Pope Waite in the Women’s Devotional Bible says, “What a lesson Paul teaches me in Philippians, He refused to dwell on past ugly mistakes or unfair criticism. He put those things behind him, and kept his eye on what was ahead, saying ‘But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.’” Philippians 3:13-14

We have so many people, adults and youth who are struggling with life today, even to the point of taking their own lives. Many need psychiatrists and doctors to try to guide them into believing life is worth living. Let’s follow the advice of Paul who wrote Philippians during his imprisonment. Can we learn to be content whatever the circumstances? Can we believe God will meet all our needs as Paul states in Philippians? Paul believed, even when he was in prison, that Christ Jesus came to earth and will call us heavenward. We can believe the Bible which tells us Christ has that power.

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. This was said by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please give us belief that you are with us all the time. Help us to get through hard times and lift up others like Paul did. Remind us daily that Jesus is with us in this world and has prepared a place in heaven for us. Thank you for the answer to discontentment in our Bible. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Like a Child

He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18: 2-4

After watching the video of my grandson, Callen, taking his first steps, I thought, there's a faith message here for us all! It really is amazing the process a baby goes through to be able to walk. They must first hold their head up, then roll over. They strengthen those tummy and back muscles to sit up. I remember how he'd just tip over until his balance was better. Next, developing the mechanics of coordinating getting up on his hands, arms straight, bottom in the air, knees under him to crawl after something in front of him. Now standing up, holding onto the couch or our hands, pushing his toy for balance and legs, back, and tummy supporting him upright...until he takes his first step without assistance!

Our lives are much like a baby! Whatever transition we find ourselves in: a new job, grief, adult children leaving, waiting for a relationship, in a new relationship, moving, aging, being alone, work stress, faith journey...we need to remember the baby. He is not impatient. He just allows the walking process to happen naturally, one step at a time. He doesn't worry or look too far in advance thinking about running. He falls down...a lot. He doesn't think of himself as a failure or let fear get the best of him. He gets back up and keeps trying. He trusts his parents and loved ones to be there, not judging him that he's not walking soon enough, but to catch him when he falls or give him a steady hand. When he falls, he doesn't see it as a mistake but learns and develops from it. He falls into our arms when he becomes weary. The parents don't chastise the child but give encouragement, love, and gentle guidance. They celebrate with him in the trying.

You see what I'm saying, don't you! Jesus says to have faith as a child. The love, grace, and mercy God offers is like that of a loving parent, grandparent, uncle, or friend! The baby has had little experience yet in things that cause fear, doubt, impatience, and pain; but God, the Father, has. He knows our struggles and desires a personal relationship with us where our hearts are humble, meek, and sincere; where we open ourselves to receive his grace and love and trust in Him alone. What a miracle that God would use a small child to express his love for us!

Prayer: Father, adulting is hard sometimes! Thank you for forgiving us in our wanderings. Help us to remember the lesson of becoming like a child. As we humble ourselves and surrender our “mature” struggles and doubt to you, may we feel secure, comforted, accepted, and encouraged; trusting you are there to walk with, guide, and love us every day. Amen

Diane Worrell Eaton (reprinted from 2020)

A Follow-up to yesterday's sermon on Deborah

Deborah’s song is one of the earliest samples

of Hebrew poetry, perhaps dating back to the

12th century BCE. What is the significance of her

leadership and authority?

 

Judges 5 (Common English Bible)

 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:

2 “When the princes in Israel take the lead,

    when the people willingly offer themselves—

    praise the Lord!

3 “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers!

    I, even I, will sing to the Lord;

    I will praise the Lord, the God of Israel, in song.

4 “When you, Lord, went out from Seir,

    when you marched from the land of Edom,

the earth shook, the heavens poured,

    the clouds poured down water.

5 The mountains quaked before the Lord, the One of Sinai,

    before the Lord, the God of Israel.

6 “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,

    in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned;

    travelers took to winding paths.

7 Villagers in Israel would not fight;

    they held back until I, Deborah, arose,

    until I arose, a mother in Israel.

8 God chose new leaders

    when war came to the city gates,

but not a shield or spear was seen

    among forty thousand in Israel.

9 My heart is with Israel’s princes,

    with the willing volunteers among the people.

    Praise the Lord!

10 “You who ride on white donkeys,

    sitting on your saddle blankets,

    and you who walk along the road,

consider 11 the voice of the singers at the watering places.

    They recite the victories of the Lord,

    the victories of his villagers in Israel.

“Then the people of the Lord

    went down to the city gates.

12 ‘Wake up, wake up, Deborah!

    Wake up, wake up, break out in song!

Arise, Barak!

    Take captive your captives, son of Abinoam.’

13 “The remnant of the nobles came down;

    the people of the Lord came down to me against the mighty.

14 Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek;

    Benjamin was with the people who followed you.

From Makir captains came down,

    from Zebulun those who bear a commander’s staff.

15 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah;

    yes, Issachar was with Barak,

    sent under his command into the valley.

In the districts of Reuben

    there was much searching of heart.

16 Why did you stay among the sheep pens

    to hear the whistling for the flocks?

In the districts of Reuben

    there was much searching of heart.

17 Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan.

    And Dan, why did he linger by the ships?

Asher remained on the coast

    and stayed in his coves.

18 The people of Zebulun risked their very lives;

    so did Naphtali on the terraced fields.

19 “Kings came, they fought,

    the kings of Canaan fought.

At Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo,

    they took no plunder of silver.

20 From the heavens the stars fought,

    from their courses they fought against Sisera.

21 The river Kishon swept them away,

    the age-old river, the river Kishon.

    March on, my soul; be strong!

22 Then thundered the horses’ hooves—

    galloping, galloping go his mighty steeds.

23 ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord.

    ‘Curse its people bitterly,

because they did not come to help the Lord,

    to help the Lord against the mighty.’

24 “Most blessed of women be Jael,

    the wife of Heber the Kenite,

    most blessed of tent-dwelling women.

25 He asked for water, and she gave him milk;

    in a bowl fit for nobles she brought him curdled milk.

26 Her hand reached for the tent peg,

    her right hand for the workman’s hammer.

She struck Sisera, she crushed his head,

    she shattered and pierced his temple.

27 At her feet he sank,

    he fell; there he lay.

At her feet he sank, he fell;

    where he sank, there he fell—dead.

28 “Through the window peered Sisera’s mother;

    behind the lattice she cried out,

‘Why is his chariot so long in coming?

    Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?’

29 The wisest of her ladies answer her;

    indeed, she keeps saying to herself,

30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoils:

    a woman or two for each man,

colorful garments as plunder for Sisera,

    colorful garments embroidered,

highly embroidered garments for my neck—

    all this as plunder?’

31 “So may all your enemies perish, Lord!

    But may all who love you be like the sun

    when it rises in its strength.”

Then the land had peace forty years.

Rev. Dr. Melodie Jones Pointon

Words from Psalm 56

In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11 

A Harvest of Fruit

The fields are growing ripe for harvest. Spirit, continue to cultivate your fruits in my life, too.

Rejoice Always

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Happy Fourth of July!

 

A Prayer for today