Angels

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his son. Romans 8:29  

The angels announce this decree, the holy wqtchmen bring this sentence, so that everyone living will know that the High God rules human kingdoms. He arranges kingdom affairs however he wishes and makes leaders out of losers. Daniel 4:17 The Message

Do you believe in holy watchmen as The Message Bible says in Daniel 4:17? I do! I do!

I believe there are angels watching over me each and every day. Oooh, I better be careful how I behave! Yes, for sure, there are angels that “watch” over us. They save us at times. Have you ever been sure another car is going to crash into you at high speed, yet it does not? Have you looked back on your life and seen that someone special was brought into your life in a peculiar kind of way?

I lived alone for seven years while I was coaching tennis at Nebraska Wesleyan. I had become self-sufficient but was lonely. I had dated a couple of guys, but they did not seem to live as I lived. I said, “Dear Lord, if there is a man who would like to have me as a wife, please send him to me.” I might have prayed for this more than once!

Strangely enough, I went to a wedding and met my husband, Bryce. There were several spectacular events that led to his coming from St. Louis, Missouri to this wedding. Bryce was running his four branches of Hastings & Chivetta Architecture in four cities from Minnesota to Colorado including the main firm in St. Louis. I only went to that wedding because a lady golfing with my son needed a place to stay for two months. My son directed her to my house on the 14^th green of Firethorn. I had a bedroom free and let her stay with me.

God answered my prayer and sent angels to see that Melissa played golf with Spencer, and later she married the son of Bryce’s St. Louis neighbor in Lincoln. No human could set that up so perfectly. God knew we would have twenty-three great years together.

Look at your past, can you see events that changed your life, or other's lives? Look at your answered prayers. I can see multiple events in my life and in the world around me. I had a lot to do with planning and building my townhouse; but did not realize I would be alone in it after just 11 months. God knew I would be happy here and let us finish the townhouse, which I have been blessed to live in for 30 years. God knew Bryce wanted to be here when he retired and sold his firms.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, help me to love you, and direct your watchmen to care for me, our children, and grandchildren. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words of Thanks

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

God's Creation

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. Genesis 1:9-11

In early September of this year, Steve and I spent a couple of days at our family cabin in the mountains outside of Denver. The cabin has been in the family for 62 years and is at 9,000 ft. I have wonderful memories of all those years.

As I was sitting on a large rock watching Steve on a ladder staining a section of the cabin, I started looking at the ground around me and all the trees (aspen, pine, etc.) I picked up small white quartz rocks from the ground and put them in a small bag. I then found and put in my bag small pinecones. The squirrels had not eaten all the seeds out of the cones. I then found an aspen tree with a few yellow leaves. This showed that fall was coming. Those leaves went into the bag. I brought my bag home with my treasures and have shared with others. I will keep these special objects to remind me of the cabin and part of God's creation.

This experience showed me to look always and see God's creation. God's creation is all around us and everywhere I go. Open our eyes and see it all the time. Thank God for the skies, waters, mountains, trees, flowers, rocks, and people.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creation and remind us to see and be thankful. Amen.

Susan Taylor (reprinted from 2019)

Forgiveness is Tricky

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 31-32    

Without forgiveness, we wouldn't have the promise of Heaven. Christ died on the cross for our sins, offering us the ultimate gift of grace. If God forgives us daily, why do we find it so difficult to forgive those who wrong us? As humans, forgiveness doesn’t always come easily. Sometimes, we may say we've forgiven someone, but deep down, the hurt still lingers, revealing that our forgiveness isn't complete.

I've spent over 10 years praying to forgive someone who hurt me deeply. Some days, I truly mean those prayers, while other days, I simply go through the motions, struggling to fully let go. Forgiveness can be immediate, but more often, it’s an ongoing process. I desire to grow, to be more like Christ, and I know that daily prayer and a personal relationship with Jesus are the only ways to truly cultivate a heart of forgiveness.

Becky Rankin

Grandma’s Petunias

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24   

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

In my memories, my Grandma Hieb’s flower gardens were beautiful. A profusion of petunias in a triangular bed between the garage and the front door; I remember it as an explosion of white and shades of pink.

Recently, however, in seeing photos of the flower bed from that time in the 70s, the bed looks overgrown, scraggly. The petunias are leggy (not a good thing, with petunias, as all of you gardeners can attest!) In other words, the flower garden of my memories was preferable to (evidently) what really existed.

I wonder if we can use this analogy when we consider our fellow humanity.

I’m reminded of something a friend shared during one of our Mental Health Cafes (sponsored by our Faith Partners group), and I’m paraphrasing here: “my mental health is significantly improved when I think the best of someone”. In other words, if we give others the benefit of the doubt, if we believe that others are doing the best they can, if we believe that others mean well, OUR well-being and mindset are improved.

Like the pretty petunia bed in my memories, the ugliness is replaced by something better.

Prayer: Dear Lord, let me see the good in those I meet, let me believe that others are trying their best to be better human beings. Lead me to see You in my fellow humanity. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (photo above of me and my little brother near the petunia beds!)

Age

After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and his children's children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days. Job 42:16-17 (NRSV)

I helped serve the luncheon after Joanne Smith's memorial service.  I am generally saddened when someone dies.  I was particularly touched because she was younger that I am.  Her mother is still living and attended.  I've heard that there is no more sadness than to bury your child, no matter the age of the child.

It is unlikely that any of us will live 140 years like Job, but I hope we can live a good, long life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the strength to live well until the end of our days, and help us to remember all those who have gone before.  In Jesus name, we pray.  Amen

Kathy Kuehn (reprinted from 2016)

Editor's note: Kathy, who died in 2021, lives on in her memorial gift to Eastridge Presbyterian Church. We are thankful for her generous donation to the ministries at Eastridge!

Candy Corn and the Trinity

 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Did you know that the word “trinity” is not in the Bible? However, there are many verses in both the OT and the NT confirming the trinity.  The verse above from the book of Matthew is only one example that makes it clear that there are 3 persons that make up one godhead. This concept of the Holy Trinity is a difficult one not only for children to understand but for some of us adults as well. 

As a former Sunday school teacher, I learned that teaching difficult concepts was much more fun if candy was involved. Some very creative person who remains anonymous wrote a wonderful children’s sermon using a kernel of candy corn to explain how 3 things can be one. Here is my edited version:

When you look at the candy corn, it is shaped like a triangle. The symbol of the trinity is 3 arcs intertwined forming a triangle. The tip on the kernel points upward reminding us to pray. The candy is made up of 3 colors and 3 different flavors. The white tip is a symbol of purity and stands for God the Father who is perfect, holy and righteous. The color orange reminds us of the flames of the Holy Spirit who appeared on Pentecost and enabled the disciples to speak God’s word in many languages. The yellow represents the light of Jesus Christ, the Word in flesh.  He calls us to be witnesses and when we spread His word, we spread His light and the message of salvation to the world.

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest (Luke 10:2).

When we see candy corn in the fall, it reminds us that it is harvest time. Three colors, 3 flavors, ONE piece of delicious candy. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 3 persons, ONE perfect and holy God. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you and we love you but we confess we often struggle to understand you. In this harvest season, help us to be laborers in your fields.  In Your Son, Jesus’ name, we ask it.  Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from Oct 2023)

Your Circle Matters

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:4-5 

When a friend asks you to pray for them, do you truly follow through? In the Bible, we see Jesus healing a paralyzed man because of the faith and persistence of his friends. They went to great lengths, carrying him through a crowd, digging through a roof, and lowering him down just to get him in front of Jesus. This is a profound example of friendship!

In today's world, we might not physically carry someone down the street for healing, but we can offer the same dedication through fervent prayer for our friends. Prayer is the ultimate expression of love.

To ensure I don’t forget to pray for others, I keep a prayer journal where I write down the names of those who need prayer. Since I rely on my calendar daily, I also add reminders for specific needs like upcoming surgeries, job interviews, or travel plans. This way, I can lift them up to the Lord right when they need it most.

Becky Rankin

Words from Psalm 6

The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. Psalm 6:9 

Words from Corinthians

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

Naughty Words

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Ephesians 4:29 "The Message"

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 "English Standard"

I enjoy exploring different Bible translations on Bible Gateway, as they offer unique perspectives on familiar verses. One verse stands out to me because I often catch myself using the phrase "for Sh$t's sake." Sometimes I say it in humor, other times out of frustration or anger. While it may not be the most offensive word, it's still foul and displeasing to God.

When my children were small, I would never have dreamed of using such language around them, yet now I find those words slipping out occasionally, even in their presence. My dad used to say that relying on curse words shows a lack of intelligence, as there are always better ways to express oneself.

The phrases "Each word is a gift" and "give grace to those that hear" are powerful reminders to not only speak kindly to others but to also ensure that the words we choose are pleasing and uplifting.

Becky Rankin

A Prayer to Start the Day

They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Matthew 24: 44-45

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

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

In a recent AARP Bulletin interview, Amy Grant shares a prayer her first mother-in-law taught her: “Lord, lead me today to those I need and those that need me”. Amy goes on to share how she embraced that way to start one’s day.

I agree...it's a great practice to embrace! I think of how that prayer leads us to truly see those human beings surrounding us and with whom we interact.

The other part of the prayer offers comfort when we know that we can reach out to others if we are hurting or in need of help ourselves. Both require us to pay attention!

Prayer: Dear Lord, lead me today to those I need and those that need me. Help me to see others and serve them in ways that you would serve them and see them as your beloved children. Likewise, help me to not be afraid to ask for help when I need it. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Words from Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1 

Words from Colossians

Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 

On Matthew 25: 31-46

A story but first I want to remind you of Genesis 1:24: And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind."

A mother and her daughter were out shopping, parking in a lot in one of the large shopping malls. One of the lots had a single tree planted on a little space of grass at the front of each lane. It was a sweltering hot summer day. The sun was so bright you could hardly see. You could feel the heat on your face. You could feel the heat from the soles of your shoes. The little girl, about four years old, looked down on the pavement and saw a monarch butterfly. It was slowly moving one wing. The little girl exclaimed that she thought it was hurt. Perhaps it had been hit by a car. She then gently scooped up the monarch in her small hands and walked over to the shade of the lone tree and placed the monarch in the shade. The monarch made a grand sweep of its wing and lay in peace in the cool grass. 

Upon leaving the store, the little girl noticed the monarch lay still. The little girl stated that she thought the monarch was in Heaven now. And the mommy agreed. 

It is a wonder how sensitive small children are to the world around them. And of their sensitive thoughts of Heaven. That she gave this monarch its last time on earth a kindness that most of us do not even think of.

For Jesus said "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my creatures, you did it to me."

~ devotion submitted by an Eastridge member

A Kind Word

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25, NIV

One of my regular customers came through my line recently. I’m a cashier at a grocery store. Doug’s (not his real name) usually smiling face was sober. “I just lost my mother,” he said. “She was 90.” I said I was very sorry and listened as I scanned his groceries. He told me about the dreaded phone call he had received two days before and about the high costs of final arrangements.

I will sometimes tell a customer who shares grief with me that I will pray for him or her. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to say this. I usually do so with fear because I don’t know how people will react. Doug was about to leave, and I hadn’t said it yet. Finally, I blurted out, “Doug, I will say a prayer for you.” Doug turned to me with a look of appreciation and said, “Thank you, Nancy.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, all around us are anxious and hurting people. Help us to be alert to the opportunities to say a kind word. Amen.

Nancy Brumbaugh

GBR (Go Big Red)....Fall is Approaching

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 

The last days of summer are upon us. School has started, and the weather swings between hot and rainy. In the Bible, God often speaks about the changing of seasons, a reminder that change is inevitable, though it can be challenging for many of us. We each have a favorite season, cherished for different reasons.

I used to love summer because it meant my kids were out of school, giving us endless days at the pool, long trips to Broken Bow, and late nights together. But now, summer is my busiest time of year for work, and I don’t get to enjoy those moments with my little ones as they are young adults now. Just as the seasons change, our feelings toward them can change too, and that’s okay.

I have a friend who dreads winter because it triggers her depression, while another friend struggles with the holidays because she is alone. The seasons of life shift, and with them, our experiences and emotions, but God is present in every season, guiding us through each change.

Becky Rankin

Love

Love is patient, love is kind...it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known...and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

It is wonderful to stop by the St. John's Bible on the way to my daughter's hospital room to see what words are illuminated at the moment. This was the chapter presented as I joined her after she got The Call three days ago for a liver transplant (just one week after she was listed).  It reminded me that we know only a fraction of the immensity of love. A family agreed to share the amazing gifts they had the power to give as they powerlessly lost a loved one. Because of that love, and a surgical team's miraculous skills, my daughter has been given restoration. We did indeed give ourselves over to trust, perseverance, and hope in this journey. Her liver had been damaged by a blood clot and infection, and her only hope was a (fourth) liver transplant. A chaplain asked her yesterday about what gives her hope. She described the personal relationship with her faith that guides her. It is a combination of many elements, but it is distinctly void of fear. In this period of her illness during the last few months, I have always been able to find support from others to replace my fear with love. Fear can deplete us. Love restores us and keeps us open to miracles. I cannot fathom the wonders I am witnessing, but I can give thanks and try to honor them.

Prayer: God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace: we thank you for the gift of life...for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. We thank you for the mystery of creation...for the unknown that we cannot behold, filling the universe with wonder; for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of ourselves. We thank you...for families...for friends...who share our burdens and daily tasks, for strangers who welcome us into their midst, for people from other lands who call us to grow in understanding....We thank you for this day; for one more experience of your presence, for your promise: to be with us, to be our God.... Amen. (Vienna Cobbs Anderson)

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2016)

Words from the book of John

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 

Supporting Other Believers

Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong. Galatians 6:1 

This verse reminds us to support fellow believers who are struggling with sin. If you look closely, it doesn’t say to chastise or belittle them; instead, it calls us to "gently and humbly help." As humans, it’s difficult for us to grasp that one sin isn’t greater than another. Our minds often categorize sins by degrees, but to God, sin is simply sin.

God asks us to show grace to everyone, regardless of the life circumstances they’re facing. He calls us to stand beside other Christians in their struggles, offering support rather than judgment. The same verse also serves as a reminder that we could find ourselves in a similar situation one day, needing the same grace and support.

Becky Rankin

Happy Labor Day!