Thou Art God, We Will be Raised

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou has made heaven and earth. 2 Kings 19:15

Jesus said: 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 into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall rise…and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. Matthew 5:28-29

He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life John 5:24

God hears you when you pray. He is not a mere personification that does not hear you. Hezekiah and many others in the Bible prayed and the prayers were answered.

Henry M Morris says in his Days of Praise devotion (Thou Art God) the following:

Hezekiah knew the true God who had made heaven and Earth, and he could pray in reliance on His word. God could dispatch and empower just one of His mighty angels in answer to Hezekiah’s believing prayer and thus destroy the great Assyrian host in a single night! “And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: So Sennacherib king of Assyria, departed” 2 Kings 19:35-36. This God-maker of heaven and Earth—is still on His throne and can still hear and answer the prayers of those who call on His name. HMM

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you so much for your creation of us and the world. Thank you so much for the verses in your Bible that tell of our everlasting life, and that you hear and can answer our prayers now. Help us to believe your almighty angels are around us today. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

A Poor Widow?

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Acts 9:36

The month of May marked the beginning of summer break for the EPW circles. We finished the last lesson in our study book. It was about Dorcas. Her Hebrew name was Tabitha but she has become better known as Dorcas through the years. In fact, as recently as the 1800’s women of the Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches were forming Dorcas societies for the purpose of providing clothing for the poor and needy. 

I’ve been a circle member for most of my 50+ years of membership here at Eastridge, and the circle studies have been a real source of learning about the Bible for me as an adult.  Through all these years, I have made it a practice to do a bit of extra reading about the study topics especially when we were doing biographical-type studies of both little and well-known women.  Dorcas was not a very well-known name to me so reading about her was a blessing. 

As stated in the book of (Acts 9:36 above) she was a resident of Joppa which on today’s map has been swallowed up by Tel Aviv.  She is thought to have had a seamstress business through which she supported herself.  However, there is no proof that she was ever married and widowed except that in the Eastern Orthodox Church she is celebrated as St. Dorcas the widow who sews clothes for the poor and poor widows. 

As Tabitha she is known to have sewn clothing for Hebrew widows, but when she became aware that the Greek society pretty much ignored their poor widows, she began sewing tirelessly for them as well.  These ladies called her Dorcas. 

As Dorcas, she showed us the difference in being a Christian and being a disciple. She brought many nonbelievers to our Christian faith.  Many of those nonbelievers who saw how hard and how tirelessly Dorcas worked for her charities believed that she had “the fountain of living water” Jesus spoke of within her. 

Wouldn’t we all love to have that as our epitaph?

Prayer: Father, we praise You for finding a way for us to learn about the amazing disciples of Your Son, Jesus.  As Christians, we strive to do as well as these special people knowing we often fall short. We ask that You grant us Your grace knowing that we are doing the best that we can with the gifts that You have given us to use for Your purposes. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen. 

Judy Welch

Courage

We exhort you, brethren, admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. Thessalonians 5:14

Christian courage is a quality that is quite different from what the world often acclaims as courage. It has nothing to do with physical size or strength, but is a quality of the spirit, rather than a thing of the flesh. It is a quality of the soul that any Christian may achieve, no matter their size or physical condition or place in life. This kind of courage may only be found through prayer, and trust in the Lord.  To obtain this we must take time for quiet communion with God. 

With a quiet faith, relying on God, we can face disappointment, pain, or tragic loss.  We can find purpose and meaning in life knowing that God is with us and we can turn to Jesus our Savior for all our needs.

Christian courage makes a mother a tower of strength when her child has a serious illness: or a father steady and sure in times of adversity.

We are apt to think of courage today to be associated with physical strength; with drums rolling and flags flying—yet even in wartime, the greatest courage may be shown in the quiet way a person bears pain or affliction, rather than on the battlefield.

Prayer: God, touch our hearts with your peace, and give us the calm trust that only you can give. Teach us through prayer and communion with you to gain the strength and courage that will be with us through our hard times. Amen

Joyce Miller (reprinted from the Eastridge Devotional Book, 2008)

Words

If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless you shall be as my mouth. Jeremiah 15:19

How much time do we waste saying things that are “worthless” or saying things that are disrespectful or painful to others? The old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is just not true. Words can hurt.

Sometimes those words are spoken maliciously, but probably more often they are unintentional and a result of just not thinking before we speak. Words can also be uplifting, healing and comforting.

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive us when we say words that are “worthless” or hurtful to others and help us to speak words that are “precious” to your ears. Amen

Kathy Kuehn (reprinted from the Eastridge Daily Devotion book, 2008)

Prayer

Keep on Praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Recently in preparing the lessons on prayer for the children on Wednesday nights during Manna, I have personally learned more about prayer and renewed its importance in my life. Through prayer we can discover God’s will for our life, give thanks and adoration to God, confess our sins and bring our burdens and wishes to God. One of the exercises with the children asked—Have you ever thought about when people can pray? 

Here are some ideas: 

Before you eat

When you wake up

When you’re afraid

When you’re lonesome

When you are thankful

When you want something

When you see something beautiful

When you’ve done something wrong

When you want to be forgiven

Before a test or after

Before a sport event

In Church

In Sunday School

While driving a car 

When do you pray?  Stretch yourself and expand yourself. 

Another question that you can ask yourself is how often do you pray and can you pray more frequently. 

Every day

Once and awhile

When someone else leads me 

Prayer: God, thank you for listening continually so that I can pray anytime and anywhere. Amen

Susan Taylor (reprinted from the Eastridge 2008 devotional)

Amazing Engineering

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Psalm 139:13-14

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.  Revelation 4:11

Building a Human Body from Greg Brewer, Ph.D. printed in Acts & Facts January/February edition 2023:

·         Design basics of life, namely DNA to mRNA to protein, lipid membrane compartments, and basic components: 5 kinds of nucleic acids, 20 kinds of amino acids, a variety of 5 and 6 carbon carbohydrates and oxidation/reduction; chemical energy sources, just for starters.

·         Design their arrangement for structural support, catalytic activity, information, modulation, motor functions, and signaling.

·         Assemble materials in working order –

·         Provide precisely applied energy to assemble these intricate biochemical materials into functional systems.

·         Create an environment for readily available materials.

·         Design repair systems.

·         Design systems in every cell for replacement of damaged parts.

·         Design sensory systems that detect toxic environments to avoid.

·         Design sensory systems in the tongue and nose to seek energy sources and continued supply of nutrients for growth.

·         Design and implement systems for environmental tracking of nutrients, hormones, sunshine, dangers, and interpersonal interactions with other people.

Several of these ten items have more detailed information in Dr. Brewer’s article.

Also see these words from “40 Days for Life” Brochure recently published.

“Clearly, all along the way, this gracious, loving God is with us. No human life is random or alone. No human life was created without purpose. Not one human life is without destiny. All human lives, acknowledged or not, are related to God—from beginning, to end, throughout eternity. Therefore, in this world, all human lives are to be respected and protected, for their lives are signs of God’s sovereignty.”

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, how carefully you made us, so we would produce and remain as humans on earth through many, many generations. We worship you with respect, admiration and amazement at the human life you created.  Amen

Sandra Hilsabeck

Sharing Bread

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 (New Oxford Bible)

After I was widowed in 1999, I started sharing my homemade bread with friends. As a Christian, sharing bread has always been a sacred thing for me. At first, I started taking half a loaf of bread to my older friends. They told me they enjoyed the bread, but I think it was actually my visit that was the most important.        

Over these past 25 years, my list of “Bread Friends” has changed. Some of these friends have moved away and some, sadly, have gone home to be with Our Lord, but I continue to add people to my list. 

I have had some very interesting experiences sharing bread. For example, one lady told me she only ate the bread as toast. When I asked her why she didn’t eat it any other way she said, “Well, it just makes such good toast I don’t want to waste it on anything else!”

My most embarrassing experience sharing bread happened when I shared half a loaf with a 90+ year old gentleman in my water aerobics class. He had asked if he could be on my list. It was December so I told him yes, but it might be a while. It was Christmas week when I delivered the bread to him so I stuck a few Christmas cookies in the sack as well. He thanked me for the bread and then he reluctantly said he would eat the cookies as well but that he was actually Jewish. I was so embarrassed that I offered to take the cookies back home with me. Following that “dicey” moment, he said he didn’t want me to be embarrassed. Then he asked me if I would consider making a loaf of Jewish rye bread for him. I said I would try and then I learned dill pickle flavoring was needed to make his recipe for Jewish rye bread. I’d never heard of dill pickle flavoring! It was definitely a day I’ll never forget! 

More recently, I added a long time Eastridge friend’s name to my list and brought half a loaf of bread to her on a Sunday morning. What she did with the bread really surprised me and it touched my heart so that it brought tears to my eyes. I asked her to write a synopsis of what she did and send it to me because I wanted to share her story with the Eastridge Devotional page readers. The following are some of her words:  

“This past week you asked if you could bring a gift to me from your kitchen to church and you said that I would understand more after we chatted. Of course I accepted! 

On Sunday morning you shared your love of baking and told me that you have been sharing bread with folks for years but that you had not yet shared bread with me. 

So, you gifted a half loaf of light wheat – half white, half wheat bread. There were also 4 cookies in this bag (I ate every one!). 

It got me to thinking about what you said about sharing bread with people. I’m facilitating 2 study groups this summer and thought what a great idea to share this story and the bread with the ladies in my groups. So, I did! I told them your story, and I cut up pieces of bread. We shared it together in communion form, all partaking together. It was beautiful and meaningful for all of us.

I couldn’t wait to share this with you, Judy, on Sunday, which I did today. 

Thank you for the gift of bread, Judy!

Many blessings, Shirlette."

Prayer: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, you shower us with so many blessings and give each of us a talent that we might share our love of Your Son with others. When we obey and do what You ask of us, we have no idea what will happen, but it is always a blessing. Thank You for watching over us and guiding us in the way we should go. It’s in Your Son, Jesus’ name, that we pray.  Amen. 

Judy Welch

A Spirit for the Summer Vacation

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

I find that summer can be exhausting as well as joyful and fun.  It has the highs of parades, seeing grandkids and family, vacationing in parts of God’s creation that are beyond the expression of beauty and awe.  These are the wows!

But summer vacation has its tedium too.  I have not seen anyone’s pictures of the cone season or shared videos of waiting for a pilot car to guide the long line of traffic through one lane of traffic while the other lanes or bridges are under construction.  Or on the other hand, what about the incessant waiting in airports if a flight is cancelled or delayed; or a train that is hours late from its intended schedule?  Or a child (and even an adult) who is anxiously asking, “Are we there yet?”

It’s in moments like these that we can have a spirit to get through it.  The verse that I share is one of my favorites that brings a renewed sense of awe and the extra strength to persevere and find joy!   It is a call and prayer for hope in the Lord – to get through whatever.  It is a petition for strength and renewal.  Ultimately, it’s a divine request to soar and find that second breath, to enjoy the walk and not be faint – even while one is stuck in a traffic line waiting for a pilot car, or a delayed/rescheduled flight, or for a late train that will be coming.

 It is the satisfaction of having those pictures of the parades, the grandkids’ smiles and joy of playing, and the awe that all feel when they behold God’s creation.  Yes, summer vacation is a time of renewal and can be a time to soar!  ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

Prayer: O God, let this summer be a time of refreshment, renewal, and a reframed attitude to persevere through the tedium that can be frustrating.  As we feel that relief, so may we soar on the joy that summer vacations can be for our mutual health and faith in You through Christ Jesus. Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling 

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 19

July 19 –Inhale: “As I go,” Exhale: “I will share love.”

 *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 18

July 18 - What do I really believe about the resurrection?

 *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 17

July 17 – BRC - “I am grateful for the prophet, activist, and agitator, who speaks God's hopes, intentions, and truth into the world…Grateful for the revelatory death of Christ, the offender and threat.”

 *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 16

 

July 16 – What does communion mean to me?

 *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 15

July 15 – Matthew 26:36-39, 47-50

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there." When he took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me." Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.” 

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came. With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.  His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.” Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him.

But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

 *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 14

 July 14 - What do the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus mean to me?

  *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 13

July 13 - Inhale: “Jesus, for your life, death, and resurrection,” Exhale: “I am grateful.”

  *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 12

July 12 - Mark 11:7-11a;15-18

They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes upon it, and he sat on it. Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields. Those in front of him and those following were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After he looked around at everything, because it was already late in the evening, he returned to Bethany with the Twelve.

  *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 11

 July 11 - How is God sending me into the world?

  *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 10

July 10 – BRC - “As we are sent, as we are called, as we choose to go into the world, the body of Christ, dwelling amid the body politic, seeking the common good for all. We go with minds and hearts that are humble to share a faith strength and by always seeking God. We go with hands and feet that are just to take part in God's healing of a hurting world. We go with souls and spirits that are kind to tell God's story of dignity, empathy, and love. And we go led by the God who sends us, calls us back, and sends us again to be and become more than we could ever dream for ourselves.”

 *refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 9

 

July 9 - What does it mean for me to be led by God?

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 8

July 8 - Luke 22:24-27

An argument broke out among the disciples over which one of them should be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles rule over their subjects, and those in authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’  But that’s not the way it will be with you. Instead, the greatest among you must become like a person of lower status and the leader like a servant. So which one is greater, the one who is seated at the table or the one who serves at the table? Isn’t it the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 7

 July 7 - What is justice and why should we choose it?

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 6

July 6 - Inhale: “God, grant me the wisdom,” Exhale: “To be led by you.”

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 5

 

July 5 - Micah 6:6-8

With what should I approach the Lord

        and bow down before God on high?

Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings,

        with year-old calves?

 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

        with many torrents of oil?

Should I give my oldest child for my crime;

        the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit?

He has told you, human one, what is good and

        what the Lord requires from you:

            to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 4

 

July 4 - What are a few things I believe about Jesus?

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 3

July 3 – BRC - “I choose to believe in the grace made real through Jesus Christ. For the complete and complex humanity of Jesus and the mysterious and boundless divinity of the Christ, I am grateful. Grateful for the unpretentious life of Christ, the teacher and friend. Grateful for the revelatory death of Christ, the offender and threat. And grateful for the promised resurrection of Christ, the seeker and solace. In all of this, we find mystery, meaning, and motivation.”

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet - July 2

 

July 2 - Why is the humanity of Jesus so important?

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts

Summer Devotional Booklet: July 1

July 1 - Colossians 2:6-10

So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught. See to it that nobody enslaves you with philosophy and foolish deception, which conform to human traditions and the way the world thinks and acts rather than Christ. All the fullness of deity lives in Christ’s body. And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

*refer to June 3 for more information on the summer devotional posts