A Promise from Leviticus

As we walk - even through dark valleys - we're never alone. God promises, "I will walk among you and be your God." Leviticus 26:12 NIV 

Mountaintops

“Here is what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace…The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Matthew 6:6,21 – The Message Bible)

My husband’s favorite place is on a mountain top, whether hiking in Colorado or skiing in the U.S. or Europe. I copied the verse Pastor John Duling used in his devotion on March 12, 2019 above. Not having skied before I met Bryce at 50 years old, I tried it with his encouragement. I had climbed a small mountain or two by Estes Park, but had never been on a tall mountain, especially in winter with everything white all around. Wintertime on a mountain is spectacular beauty almost beyond human comprehension.

John is right, the silence on the top is momentous and transformative. I learned to love the tops all over Colorado, Canada, Spain, France and Switzerland. I would think of God each time I arrived on top by lift or gondola. And I thanked Bryce for the new experiences.

The book of Ezekiel keeps mentioning the high places where Judah and others worshipped. Many worshipped idols there. Pastor Thomas Dummermuth mentioned that in Bible times, before airplanes, many thought the earth met heaven on the mountaintops.

The ark came to rest on the mountain in Genesis. Psalm 36:6 says righteousness is like the mighty mountain and Psalm 98.8 says let the mountains sing together for joy. (I felt joy each time on top). Isaiah 55:12 says the mountains and hills will burst into song. Jesus was transfigured there, probably leading to more belief heaven met the top of the mountain. Much of Jesus’ ministry was on the mountainside.

My granddaughter was sleeping when we entered between the mountains at Estes Park one time. She was eight years old and had not seen the mountains. She awoke, looked out the window, and said, “What is that, where are we?” You can imagine her thoughts. She was blown away.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the mountaintops and for all the places where we can focus on you, feel your power and sense your grace, and be in the place where your treasure is. Help us to find our quiet places daily where we are remembering the mountain tops. Amen

Sandra Hilsabeck (reprinted from 2019. Stock photo below shared by editor.)

A Prayer

Abba, Father, where we are in bondage to sin, set us free. Restore us as your children and joint heirs with Christ, you are our hope, lead us in the way everlasting. Amen. 

(Click on photo to view larger)

Love

"To love another person is to help them love God," ~ Soren Kierkegaard 

Psalm 118

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    his love endures forever. 

Let Israel say:

    “His love endures forever.”

Let the house of Aaron say:

    “His love endures forever.”

Let those who fear the Lord say:

    “His love endures forever.”

 

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

    he brought me into a spacious place.

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

    What can mere mortals do to me?

The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

    I look in triumph on my enemies.

 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in humans.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in princes.

All the nations surrounded me,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

They surrounded me on every side,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

They swarmed around me like bees,

    but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;

    in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

I was pushed back and about to fall,

    but the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and my defense;

    he has become my salvation.

 

Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:

“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!

     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;

    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”

I will not die but live,

    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

The Lord has chastened me severely,

    but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of the righteous;

    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord

    through which the righteous may enter.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;

    you have become my salvation.

 

The stone the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone;

the Lord has done this,

    and it is marvelous in our eyes.

The Lord has done it this very day;

    let us rejoice today and be glad.

 

Lord, save us!

    Lord, grant us success!

 

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

    From the house of the Lord we bless you.

The Lord is God,

    and he has made his light shine on us.

With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession

    up to the horns of the altar.

 

You are my God, and I will praise you;

    you are my God, and I will exalt you.

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    his love endures forever. Psalm 118

Words from Corinthians

Love is patient and kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4 

Seeing the Sparkle

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phillippians 4:4

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

I lost a tennis bracelet two years ago, on a trip to South Dakota in the middle of winter. I retraced my steps following that trip, contacted businesses that I had visited, and even checked out a location after the snow melted in the spring, all in hopes that I would find my bracelet.

I never found my bracelet.

However, I think of grackles and other birds that like sparkly things, and I imagine one of them adorning her nest with that bracelet. A bit tarnished and no doubt dirty, it perhaps still sparkles & shines.

I think of unexpected losses as well as expected losses, unexpected outcomes, disappointing outcomes, and how we can seek God in these things. That may be a prayer for his comforting presence, or the encouraging support from another human being. Maybe our loss is another’s gain. Maybe we can’t see the “sparkle”, but someone else can. Maybe we can’t see the “sparkle” now, but we will in time.

Prayer: Lord, help us to seek You in times of joy, times of despair, times of loss, times of doubt. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

(photos of common grackles below by Donna. Click on photos to view larger.)

Strangers in a New Land

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13: 1-2

Christmas Eve we worshipped at my grandson's church in Iowa. There was a young couple there with a cute energetic toddler. Everyone in their pew took turns entertaining him and blocking his path out of the pew. Even an elderly grandpa seated behind him joined in watching over this child, making faces and tickling him. Everyone was delighted in hearing his beautiful laugh and seeing his smiles. I assumed they were all one big family. Only later did I learn that the couple and child were the town's most recent immigrants from Ukraine. It became obvious how much love had been given this family through the churches and the community. What could have been a terrible story of people alone in a new land has turned into one of hope and caring.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for love shown to these strangers in a new place. Thank you for the effort of the total community to welcome others and be seen as their extended families. Thank you for guiding them to safety from war worn countries. As we see new immigrants in our own community, help us to show hospitality and welcoming - recognizing their need for safety and peace in their new land. Amen 

Nancy Hall

Words from Ephesians

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Tracks

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 

When growing up I was always amazed at my Dad’s knowledge of things most wouldn’t even think of checking. If we came home from being gone, my Dad would sometimes comment, “looks like someone has been at our place.” He explained when asked, “look at the tracks in driveway". He could tell this any season, wasn’t just in the winter. He could usually tell you right down to the type of vehicle they drove. He could spot something out of place instantly from a quick glance around the farm; and he wasn’t the type to have everything in its place, either. He could tell by the change in weeds, grass, tree branches usually what they had done if they did anything beyond drive in and out.  “Looks like they must of ran out gas”; and that’s before he checked tanks. I learned a lot from his skills. And then recently I drove into my driveway and thought to myself “hmm, looks like someone had been in my driveway “. 

In life we need to remember the tracks we are leaving in our path of life. The Father knows where you have gone, what you have done.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, watch over us as we go through our journey in this life. Help us to leave tracks of Peace, Hope and Love. Amen

Lori Hood (reprinted from 2019)

Spiritual Gifts

He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. Ephesians 4:10-13 (The Message)

At the congregational meeting on January 28, 2024, we will vote on proposed amendments to the congregational and corporation bylaws. This is a result of time spent in the last year reviewing our history and looking ahead to the future, taking into consideration the changes that have taken place in the last few years.  Following the meeting, we will ordain and install new officers, which is a special day in the life of the church. Church leaders will be reminded that they are not responsible for everything that needs to be done in the church, but every church member is encouraged to find a place where they can contribute.

It’s easy to forget that much work is carried out at the church between Sundays. There are many volunteers who take part in the activities, but we also expect our pastors and staff to do a great deal. As we start a new calendar year and make resolutions for change, take some time to examine your role in the church. There are many jobs that need to be done. Some simply require the ability to make telephone calls. Others require the time to attend meetings. Maybe you can help with a youth group activity. It does not matter whether you are able to make a commitment for a term as an officer or to make a commitment to help with one project or event. You are needed and appreciated.

Everyone is at a different stage in their spiritual life. If we all identify our spiritual gifts and work together, we will grow individually and as a church. And as the church grows, we can reach more people with the good news of God’s word. 

Prayer: Dearest Lord, thank you for the spiritual gifts you have provided to each of us.  Help us to take time to find out what our gifts are and to determine how to put them to use to become fully alive like Christ. 

Robin Hadfield

 

Snowbound

God’s Voice is marvelous in its working; He does great deeds that pass our knowledge.  For He says to the snow ‘Fall to the earth,’ and to the rainstorms, ‘Be fierce.’  And when His voice is heard...He shuts every man fast indoors. And all men whom He has made must stand idle. Job 36:5-6 NEB

For the past several years, we have had rather mild winters. Our daily routines have gone on as usual. I know there are people who love snow and the activities related to snowy days. However, I am one who gets cold easily especially since I’ve gotten older. I do not love winter.  

I can often be found wearing jeans and a sweatshirt in August, but I would be the first to exclaim the beauty of our recent snowstorm. My backyard was a beautiful picture, like the ones we see on Christmas greeting cards, with a pure white lawn and snow frosted evergreen trees. 

What I wondered is God saying to us through this storm. Perhaps he is showing those of us who have forgotten or are disbelieving, that He is still in control. 

What is our attitude and how do we respond to God’s reminders?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to see the beauty in Your fierce but beautiful snowstorms, and keep us mindful of Christ’s sacrifice to make us pure and white as snow. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

Judy Welch 

Love and Action

In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s, birthday on January 16, selected excerpts from his sermon, “Beyond Vietnam -- A Time to Break Silence,” (April 4, 1967) based on John 4:7-8, are being shared today.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God. And everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."  (John 4:7-8)

“When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am not speaking of that force which is just emotional bosh. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality. This Hindu-Muslim-Christian-Jewish-Buddhist belief about ultimate -- ultimate reality is beautifully summed up in the first epistle of Saint John: "If we love one another, God dwelleth in us and his love is perfected in us."4 Let us hope that this spirit will become the order of the day.

“Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter, but beautiful, struggle for a new world. This is the calling of the sons of God, and our brothers wait eagerly for our response. Shall we say the odds are too great? Shall we tell them the struggle is too hard? Will our message be that the forces of American life militate against their arrival as full men, and we send our deepest regrets? Or will there be another message -- of longing, of hope, of solidarity with their yearnings, of commitment to their cause, whatever the cost? The choice is ours, and though we might prefer it otherwise, we must choose in this crucial moment of human history.“

As that noble bard of yesterday, James Russell Lowell, eloquently stated:

Once to every man and nation comes a moment to decide,
In the strife of truth and Falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, God’s new Messiah offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever ‘twixt that darkness and that light.
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet ‘tis truth alone is strong
Though her portions be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.

“And if we will only make the right choice, we will be able to transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of peace. If we will make the right choice, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our world into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. If we will but make the right choice, we will be able to speed up the day, all over America and all over the world, when "’justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.’"

Carol McClain

 

Considering Blessings

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:1-2

We’ve just celebrated Christmas, which probably included the exchange of gifts with family and friends. Many of us received thoughtful presents, but we may also have gotten items that we weren’t pleased with. It may have been a piece of clothing that just isn’t our style. Or maybe it was a small appliance that we asked for, but it just wasn’t the exact type we wanted. Why is it we’re so hard to please?  Shouldn’t we be happy to have been remembered with a gift? Any present is a blessing because it means another person thought enough of us to take their time to select the gift. 

As we begin a new year and ponder resolutions to make changes, it’s a good time to consider our blessings. It’s easy to count those blessings: a home, a car (or two), other material goods, family, friends. 

But how often do we consider the more intangible blessings we have been given:  the opportunity to have a relationship with our God and his son, Jesus Christ, and to always be guided by the Holy Spirit? The scripture tells us that we will be blessed if we obey the Lord our God. I don’t imagine that God is pleased with us when we complain about our Christmas gifts or wish we had received something different. 

When we actually consider all the blessings we’ve been given, it can be overwhelming. We may not feel we deserve them. But if we obey our God, we will receive them.  

Prayer: Dearest Lord, our words seem inadequate to thank you for the blessings you have given us. Forgive us for complaining about all we have and for wanting more. Help us to focus on obeying you and appreciating all we have throughout the new year. 

Robin Hadfield

In the Deep Dark Winter’s Night

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." John 8:12

In 2024, when we find ourselves in darkness, we flip a switch and instantly the darkness is gone. But in Jesus’ day when it got dark, it was dark. So, when Jesus calls himself the light it’s a significant claim. Even more important is that Jesus said it at the Feast of Tabernacles when the Israelites lit a huge candelabra as a reminder of God guiding their ancestors through the wilderness. Jesus is showing them that he is their light dispelling the darkness of ignorance and death. Jesus was claiming that whoever believes in Him will enjoy the light that comes from God’s presence and produces life. 

During these winter days when the night’s darkness lasts into our morning routines and reappears before we have dinner, it’s easy to feel like winter will never end.  The darkness brings hours without sunlight when we ruminate about the things we should have done or said when days were brighter.  We cheer ourselves by bringing candles into our homes; light fireplaces to feel their warmth and wrap ourselves in fuzzy blankets to fend off the cold.

As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to suffer through the darkness. Just as we seek the comfort of candles and blankets, Jesus, the light of life is offering warmth and security to us; we simply need to follow him.

Prayer: Let us willingly acknowledge the light Jesus can bring into our lives if we only welcome him.  As we seek light in our physical world, remind us that Jesus is the light of the world and will love and comfort us if we only believe in him. Amen

Carol McClain

Words from Corinthians

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Psalm 136

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.

who by his understanding made the heavens,

His love endures forever.

who spread out the earth upon the waters,

His love endures forever.

who made the great lights—

His love endures forever.

the sun to govern the day,

His love endures forever.

the moon and stars to govern the night;

His love endures forever.

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt

His love endures forever.

and brought Israel out from among them

His love endures forever.

with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

His love endures forever. 

to him who divided the Red Sea asunder

His love endures forever.

and brought Israel through the midst of it,

His love endures forever.

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;

His love endures forever.

to him who led his people through the wilderness;

His love endures forever.

to him who struck down great kings,

His love endures forever.

and killed mighty kings—

His love endures forever.

Sihon king of the Amorites

His love endures forever.

and Og king of Bashan—

His love endures forever.

and gave their land as an inheritance,

His love endures forever.

an inheritance to his servant Israel.

His love endures forever.

He remembered us in our low estate

His love endures forever.

and freed us from our enemies.

His love endures forever.

He gives food to every creature.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.

His love endures forever. ~ Psalm 136

Words of Wisdom

"I'm a young man,

   and you are all old and experienced.

That's why I kept quiet

   and held back from joining the discussion.

I kept thinking, 'Experience will tell.

   The longer you live, the wiser you become.'

But I see I was wrong—it's God's Spirit in a person,

the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible.

The experts have no corner on wisdom;

   getting old doesn't guarantee good sense.” Job 32:7-10 (The Message) 

The words above were said by Elihu to Job. It’s probably true that becoming older does not guarantee becoming wiser. But if God’s spirit is in a person, wisdom follows.           

Whenever I’m asked to think of someone who is an example of a spiritual person, there are a couple of former members of Eastridge who come to mind. One is Myra Dickerson, who lived past the age of 100. To me, Myra was the epitome of a spiritual woman who exudes God’s love for everyone.           

And she demonstrates her wisdom. In one of her last Christmas letters, Myra said she had been encouraged to share some of her “wisdom,” and I’d like to share her thoughts.           

• Each person has the responsibility to relate to God, but don’t forget to talk to God all the time.        
• He is your personal friend and will understand.
• Love and forgive. Life is too short to waste it away by hating.
• See all the good things in people before you criticize them. The world is full of beautiful people.
• Let there be peace and love on earth, and let it begin with me. 

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending people like Myra to demonstrate your love. Everyone who knew her is a better person for having known her. Help us all to follow her words of wisdom and strive to become like her. Amen. 

Robin Hadfield

Your Forever Body

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body; according to the working whereby he is able to even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:21

Our resurrection bodies will be like His someday, according to the Bible, “That power is like the working of his mighty power, which he exerted in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come to condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24

Henry Morris writes, “Hearing this message with believing minds and hearts means all the difference between heaven and hell.” This message is repeated multiple times as shown here in Philippians, Ephesians, and John in the Bible.

Jesus also said, my sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

If, by chance, as many people today believe, Jesus should come back during our lifetime, the following 1 John verse explains what will happen.

We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

It pleases me to know that each of my family and friends, by commenting they know Christ Jesus is our Savior, will be in heaven with me! I believe! Will you believe with me? Then no one can snatch us out of the hand of Jesus.

Prayer: Thank you, our great Lord, for dying for my sins, and giving me eternal life with you. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Start 2024 with prayer

Start the New Year with prayer.

Some scripture on prayer: 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12

New Year, New Beginnings in 2024

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Look Around You

 

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23

Out my bedroom window in the morning I see a heart made with the limbs of a tree in the first picture. It seems to me that the Lord is greeting me with “I Love You” every morning. What tree grows in the shape of a heart?

Next there is the branch in the tree next to it that must have been broken off by a storm. I remember storms in my life. I remember when I thought I could not go on. Look at all the branches coming out of the stump where the branch broke off. God started me in various other directions just like the limbs. I could pick and choose from all those new starting branches. He was with me each day in the green pastures, he led me and restored my soul. Each of you can continue to grow, fear no evil, and be comforted by Jesus who is with you as your rod and your staff.

We are so fortunate to have Jesus’s love following us all the days of our lives. Look outside and see the sun God raises every day. Look for signs He loves you. Read what the Lord puts in front of you. Follow the new paths He gives you. I accepted the coaching tennis job at Nebraska Wesleyan which became a wonderful time of my life. I hesitated because I had never taught college kids and never coached male students, but taking that challenge, changed my life.

Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for being with me, for guiding me in paths of righteousness. Because you are with me I will fear no evil, be comforted by you, and join you in heaven someday. Amen.                                            

Postscript: The surprise of my life happened when I looked out my window the morning after I crafted this devotion. God put a big checkmark in my window, meaning He is glad I finally finished this devotion. I understood it immediately and called Bryce to come see it.

Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.

Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash?

Do you know how the clouds hang poised,

those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? Job 37:14-16

Sandra Hilsabeck

Happy New Year!

New Year, New Day and New Life in Christ. 

(click on photo to view larger)