Commitment or Resolution?

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

As a child I remember New Year’s Eve as a very special family time. My parents would first let us stay up until midnight; it was a true time of celebration. It always felt like it was the beginning of a wondrous time- that continued from the Christmas celebration. I don’t remember all the activities that we did but it was definitely family time! We used the same noise makers for several years. One was a dancing pineapple that spun around in circles and played music (long before all the moving/animated toys of today); a banana riding a tricycle moving toy and my Chinese twirling drum with tiny bells that would hit the drums. My father would make us each a special drink to cheer in the New Year, 7-up with a little cherry flavoring, or coke with a little chocolate. They were served in Mom’s special event glasses and a straw was always included to top it off as an official cheer beverage. 

Now as the New Year’s Eve’s passing much more rapidly than in my childhood, I can’t say I have enjoyed them as much as I did in my childhood. In the last few years I have wondered how to bring the excitement and hope back into the event. I had found over the years that making new year resolutions was not much of an accomplishment because so many years I didn’t complete them. Did I not complete them because I didn’t really find it as important as I had, or was it because I chose the many common ones that others choose each year such as going on a diet, exercise more just to make a resolution?  I decided not to make resolutions for a few years. 

I now find that at the end of each year and beginning of the New Year I don’t make resolutions as I did, but I recommit myself to follow the path the Lord has set before me. I remind myself to be more thankful for the many blessings each day. This may include just the fact that He made a beautiful sky like a painting for me to see. The time I get to spend with family and friends. I opened my life to include new adventures for me such as writing these devotions which is something I had never done before. I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the church and other places to build new friendships. I find I am more committed to follow through not just through the New Year but throughout my lifetime. Each day I find myself with more blessings in recommitting myself to listen for His path or maybe His resolutions.

Prayer: Dear Lord, open my eyes that I may see, open my ears that I may hear, open my senses that I may feel your glory. Open my heart that I may find the many blessings that you have prepared for me that I may miss. Thank you for each second, minute, hour and year that I am blessed to enjoy those around me and the life around me that you have provided. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Lori Hood (reprinted from 2018)

All I Want for Christmas

And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:10-11  

I have heard many times how overwhelming the advent and Christmas seasons are for pastors. I can imagine them saying they could not fit one more thing into their church and family responsibilities as December 25th nears. However, when my family traveled to Iowa to share Christmas with my grandson and his family, I was amazed to learn that his wife, a Methodist pastor, was celebrating Christ's birth on Christmas Eve at two churches, one of which was not of her denomination. With just a week to go before Christmas, she learned that a friend of hers, a Lutheran minister, had suffered a heart attack and could not preach for Christmas. There was no one available for their church so she volunteered to preach and lead communion on Christmas Eve. This service was lovely with carols, familiar scripture, the lighting of the advent wreath, and the hope to the world of a savior. The congregation joyfully shook her hands as they left the service, thankful that they could worship together.

As we headed on to the next service at her church (which started in an hour), I kept thinking about the gift of giving of yourself at Christmas. My grandson's wife truly did this. Her church also sang carols, read familiar scriptures, lit the advent wreath, took joy in hearing the children play tiny bells, and the choir singing beautiful music. It was a lovely service.

In the busy times around Christmas, please remember to thank our pastors for their service to our congregations. Just as the holidays can be overwhelming to us, it can be especially hard on them. Thank God for their service as well.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the blessing of your son to the world. Thank you for your servants in our church, especially our pastors. Help us remember all the joy of a savior born and Christmas and the hope that He brings to our world today. Amen

Nancy Hall

Words from Romans

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 

Jesus Christ is Born

The introduction of my “The Message” Bible by Eugene H. Peterson says “The arrival of Jesus signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe-seemingly too good to be true.”

What a wonderful time this Christmas season is for all of us. My parents believed in celebrating the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ to us from our Lord. As a child with two brothers and a sister, we traveled to one grandparent’s house to celebrate Christmas Eve and then the other one to celebrate Christmas Day. One of homes was ¼ mile from our house while the other was 150 miles from ours. Yesterday, December 14, twenty-five our family celebrated together.

It has continued to be a tradition in my lifetime to see family at Christmas because I believe, as my parents did, that Christmas is when God gave us the best gift humanity has ever received. Our family is so important to me and because Jesus was born, we are saved from our sins. 

After we pass away, Thessalonians 4:14-18 says, since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So, reassure one another with these words. 

Sandra Hilsabeck

Christmas Day

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 

Christmas Eve

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20

Joy: Words from Romans

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Romans 15:13 

Hope: Words from Psalm 130

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 

Light: Words from Psalm 36

In thy Light shall we see Light. Psalm 36:9 

Blue Christmas

"Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your Lord.” Isaiah 40:1

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens; and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 

Our expectations for Advent and Christmas are a joyful and wonderful time of year. But it can be a stressful time for many people. Everything around us is merry and bright but there is an ache in our heart that won’t go away. Whether that ache is from the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship or there is something else causing pain, we seek a time of reflection, acceptance and healing.

Some churches offer a Blue Christmas service where persons can share in a time of sadness and seeking hope. Heather Hill created a Blue Christmas service that she gives permission for anyone to use. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and Lincoln Berean Church in Lincoln offered Blue Christmas services this year.

Most Blue Christmas services begin in silence with a time of reflection, followed by scripture, and a liturgy of remembrance with candlelight. It is a time to remember persons who participants have loved and lost. Persons remember their name, their voice, their face, and the memory that binds them to us in this season. Persons can hold them before God, giving thanks for their lives.           

Prayer: Dear God, help us remember that Christmas may not be a time of joy for some persons. Help us to reach out to those with sad and aching hearts during this season. Amen.  

Lois Poppe (reprinted from 2018)

Peace: Words from John 14

Peace I leave with you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
 

Joy

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.  Matthew 2:10                        

When Advent- the waiting days before Christmas- is approaching, I think of the little word, joy. It is the joy of Jesus’ birth in the stable and the joy of what Jesus brought to each of us. 

God sent Jesus to be born in the manger to save each of us. We can have joy every day when we remember that God gave us a loving Savior who takes our sins away. We have to make room for that joy in our hearts. Advent is a time to remember and renew in us, the joy of Jesus. 

Joy came to the barn when Jesus was born

Joy came when they saw the star

Joy came to Bethlehem

Joy came to the world

Joy is here for each of us

Prayer: Dear God, during this Advent time, help us find the joy that Jesus brought to each of us. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus so we can have joy. Amen

Susan Taylor, reprinted from our Advent Devotional of 2011

Advent: Words from Isaiah

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14  

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

When I am overcome with so much to do and so little time left to get it done, I need to regroup, pause, take a deep breath and have some silence to refocus.  How many of us are caught in the treadmill of constant motion during the holiday time that we fail to recall why all this stuff happens?

Advent is a time for such refocus and silent reflection. It is sitting back and just letting the simple scene of a nativity overcome one’s thoughts and spirit. Activity like looking at the animals just grazing from a trough, or watching Mary and Joseph adore their newborn child, or the awe of a shepherd beholding the baby, or even the Magi bringing their gifts to a young Magi of the manger. Take time and look at the star above the crèche.

As one is watching what seems to be lifeless carvings or clay figures, realize how the breathing begins to ease and become slow and rested. Notice how the sheer silence of the moment is absent of distraction.  It is a brief moment indeed, but enough to pause and hear God assure one and all to “be still and know that I am God.”

Prayer:  Gracious God, still my anxious stress with the peace of Your presence and in the simplicity of awe.  Help me see the nativity of Your Son so that tired eyes, weary mind, and fast-beating heart can be quieted for just a moment. Then, I can imagine the calm of Your Word grace me with “Be still and know that I am God.”  In the name of Him for whom we await.  Amen.

John Duling (reprinted from 2016)

Advent Activity - Subtract 1

 

 

 

Subtract one thing from your day today – and use the extra quiet time to pray for better relationships between races in our country, our city, and our neighborhoods.

(reprinted from 2016)

Words for Advent

 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:10-20

This year, I have a nativity set in my church office that I received as a gift, which fits perfectly in the window near my phone. As I’m answering calls for the Food Pantry, or any phone call, I can see each character in the scene and consider his/her role. This seems to fit well with our word theme this Advent. The Advent study that my group did this season (Pauses for Advent by Trevor Hudson) explores a word a day as well.

Here’s what I mean:

Word for the day: Mary. In our Wednesday morning Advent study, the day that focuses on Mary looks at her willingness to bear God’s son. “Let it be with me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38). The study encourages us to find a quiet moment in our day and present ourselves to God and willingly offer our will as Mary did.

Word for the day: Angel. The study suggests we look for angels in our daily lives, remembering that as we offer hospitality, we may be “entertaining angels unaware” (Hebrews 13:2).

Word for the day: Joseph. The study points out that even though we hear no spoken words from Joseph’s mouth in gospel passage, his actions speak loudly. He follows God’s guidance and steps out in faith.

Word for the day: The Magi. The Magi “encourage us to be serious about our seeking”. “When we strive to seek and to surrender, the miracle of Christmas can happen every day.”

Word for the day: The Shepherds. We’re encouraged to take a closer look at those who are considered “outsiders”. Maybe YOU feel like an outsider. We all have those who may be considered outsiders in our midst. Ask God to help you notice them, and reach out to them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be more aware this Advent season, and always. Help me remember that I am representing You to the world and help me be obedient to act accordingly. Thank you for sending Your son, Jesus. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (reprinted from 2017. Note: the nativity is in my window again this year!)

Community Christmas

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

On one of our many trips back to Colorado where Jane’s family lived, we visited the one room schoolhouse where Jane and her brothers attended grade school back in the ‘40s. The door wasn’t locked, so we went inside. Except for the dust, it looked pretty much like the students had just left for summer vacation. The coal/wood stove still sat at the front of the room. On the walls were pictures of Washington and Lincoln along with several maps which could be rolled up like window blinds. Chalk remained in the trough under the blackboard. While we took in the sight, Jane told us how the community celebrated Christmas. “When the community gathered for Christmas, it was standing room only. Each student had a part, with the oldest student reading the Christmas story from the Bible. Following this everyone joined in singing Christmas songs until no more were requested. Then Santa arrived and gave each person a sack of candy. The adults settled into quiet conversation while most of the kids went outside to have a snowball fight in the dark. No one worried about separation of church and state. We were drawn together by our need for community and our shared belief in a God who sent His Son to show us all how to live in “peace”.

Prayer: Remind us of the importance of community and through our common faith, empower us to be the body of Christ here on Earth. Amen.

Noel and Jane DeKalb (reprinted from 2016)

Joy

Sing Praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great is your midst in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 12:5-6 

I have a friend who does ornamental blacksmithing. Some time ago I asked him to make me an iron advent wreath that I could put the advent candles in. He did and it is wonderful. I have it on my dining room table during advent and the Christmas Season. I light the appropriate candle or candles each evening before supper. A Christ candle sits in the center of the wreath.

The candles represent hope, peace, joy and love. The joy candle is the rose colored one. The other three are purple.

If you haven't had an advent wreath give it a try. It can be as ornate or as simple as you choose. It's the symbolism that counts.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your gifts of hope, peace, joy and love to us through your Son Jesus the Christ. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Kathy Kuehn (reprinted from 2016)

In the Pause Comes Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and your minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7  (NLT)

Trying to keep my focus on the One who's the “reason for the season” is difficult -He often gets shoved aside by the demands of a daunting to-do list. How can I possibly pause to reflect on the birth of Jesus, when there's SO much to do...and so little time to do it?! Besides, I can just wait until the Advent services, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to do all my reflecting...right? Wrong. This is the very reason the Christmas season has always been so stressful for me. To find the peace I so badly need, reflecting on--and conversing with - Jesus needs to happen daily!

In her devotion, “The Treasure of Thrown-Away Food”, Lysa TerKeurst says we can find “a powerful peace centered in the awareness of God's presence.” She suggests we start by “noticing something for which to be thankful - no matter the circumstance.”  If we remember to keep our eyes open, we can always find something. Also, she says we must “pause to acknowledge this something as a reminder of God's presence”. (Yes, pause!  The to-do list can wait.) In this pause, we then “choose to focus on God's presence until his powerful peace is unleashed.” Notice that the outcome of proclaiming thanksgiving is peace - just as the scripture from Philippians (above) reminds us. 

I believe when we “choose to focus on God's presence”, we willingly give Him our complete attention, patiently keep our eyes and ears open, and trust him with all our hearts. If we are “those whose minds are steadfast” (Isaiah 26:3), it's then that, in the midst of all the chaos and to-do lists, we can find His “perfect peace”.  A powerful peace that “exceeds anything we can understand”. A peace that will “guard our hearts and minds” this Christmas season.

Prayer: Prince of Peace, forgive us for being too busy and distracted to keep our focus on you.  Help us to remember each and every day to pause and approach you with thankful hearts and steadfast minds.  And thank you so much for the “powerful peace you unleash” in our hearts when we do.  Amen.

Sharon Irvin (reprinted from 2016)

Words from Psalm 100

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 

Words from Psalm 55

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22 

Peace Came

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. Micah 5:4-5

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Every birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God. But nearly 20 centuries ago, there was the miracle of miracles. A baby was born, but he was the Son of God. The Gospels tell of this birth but Dr. Luke provides most of the details surrounding this awesome occasion. With divine Father and human mother, Jesus entered history - God in the flesh. The angel appeared to Mary. And Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. And angels of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid." I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14 

Peace - and we can have and accept this peace. It can be ours, and it is our choice. What a blessing for us. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the peace you brought to us. Let us accept it and live in your peace. Amen

Marilyn (Jones) Albin (reprinted from 2016)

Words of Praise

 

Words from Psalm 100

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Fear Not!

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! 

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart....Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." - Psalm 19:8 and 11. 

Almost every time an angel appears to someone in the Bible, they always begin with the words "Fear Not!" This morning, I was reminded of our upcoming advent theme this year of not being afraid when reading words by the reformer Martin Luther from his biographer Roland Bainton. According to Bainton Luther adapted these words from Psalm 96 during a year of hiding from his enemies in what must have been a time of deep sadness and depression at fleeing governmental and ecclesiastical rulers who had the power to exile him or even put him to death for his standing on the Word of God. 

(Here I Stand by Roland Bainton published by Abingdon-Cokesbury in 1950). 

And though this world, with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God has willed

His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim,

We tremble not for him-

His rage we can endure,

For lo! His doom is sure:

One little word shall fell him.

-Eine Feste Burg by Martin Luther, translated by Frederic Henry Hedge in 1852. 

How often those that we think of having the greatest faith suffered depression and sadness. From David to Jeremiah to Esther to Ruth St. Paul to Martin Luther to modern saints like George Muller of Bristol or Mother Theresa, even those with what seems like the strongest faith had difficult days and had to be reminded to lean on God. May we remember the "peace that passeth all understanding" even on those days it is most difficult! May God restore to us joy when we need it most!

Prayer:

Create in me a clean heart O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation 

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

-Psalm 51:10 and 12

Brent Shaw

Words from Colossians

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 

Thankful for All Our Blessings

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

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

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

While reading Brene Brown’s new book, Atlas of the Heart, I found myself agreeing and feeling convicted while recognizing myself in her descriptions.

In the section on Gratitude, she mentions how many of the emotions that are good for us – joy, contentment, and gratitude have appreciation in common. She goes on to say that gratitude is good for our physical and mental health. In researching the section on gratitude, Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at UC Davis, figured prominently. He says, “gratitude makes us appreciate the value of something, and when we appreciate the value of something, we extract more benefits from it; we’re less likely to take it for granted.” He continues: “with gratitude we become greater participants in our lives as opposed to spectators.”

Whether you make lists, say daily prayers of thanks, or share your thoughts of gratitude with others, let us remember that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…” (James 1:17)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings in my life. Help me to focus on gratitude instead of bitterness, even when it's hard. Guide me in becoming an active participant in a life of gratitude. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (reprinted from 2022, edited)

A Difficult Year

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2

On January 14, 2025, I wrote this for an online devotional,” My brother has cancer. This verse is helping me face a new year that looks difficult…whatever you are facing in the new year, God promises to walk alongside you.”

Little did I know that on April 9, 2025, my brother Kurt would die. My brother was my baby brother, eleven years younger than I. I felt such shock, grief, anger at God, denial, and sadness. Why didn’t God save him? We needed him. He was only 55 years old. He left three children, a wife, and two sisters bereft.

I take comfort in King David’s honesty in talking to God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? … I cry by day but you do not answer.” Psalm 22.

I don’t think I will ever understand why my brother died. I think God understands my anger and He is still there in spite of it. Sometimes I can’t sense God’s presence, but I believe He is still there. And there are times when I do sense His presence. Through it all, I remember, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

Prayer: Dear God, life hurts. We are grateful you promise to be there in the dark times and the good times too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy Brumbaugh

Words from Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2 

Words from Psalm 50

Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 

Community and Reciprocity: Lessons from The Serviceberry

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4-5

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

I recently read The Serviceberry: Abundance and reciprocity in the natural world by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Our theme for the stewardship season follows this popular slim book (you can read it in a day). “In The Serviceberry, Kimmerer wonders how this “model of Serviceberries and ancient gift economies could help us imagine our way out of the mutually assured destruction of cutthroat capitalism.” In a “serviceberry economy” we eat what’s in season, share what’s readily available, and measure the value of common spaces and birdsong alongside our GDPs.” (Quoted portion from the Presbyterian Outlook)

"If our first response to the receipt of gifts is gratitude, then our second is reciprocity: to give a gift in return.”  - Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Serviceberry. 

Some takeaways for me:

“Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you can take care of them.

Never take the first one. Never take the last.

Take only what you need.

Take only that which is given.”

The cover art attracted me first, because cedar waxwings eating berries is a sight I see at a local park when I head out to take photos. I can’t say I see this sight often, because cedar waxwings are somewhat elusive, but these beautiful birds do live in the Lincoln area year-round. In the winter, I can find them hanging out with the robins, all travelling in a flock to better find food and water sources. To me, this tells us a bit about collaboration and community, hence the scripture shared above. It’s about working together, seeing the good in others and mutual generosity.

Prayer: Lord, we know we need each other. Help us to cultivate community and reciprocity where we live, be it church, school, neighborhoods. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (photos taken a Pioneers Park, winter 2021. These robins and cedar waxwings were within the same flock, enjoying the juniper berries.)  

The Importance of Generosity

On this day as we celebrate stewardship and giving, I have been asked to say a few words about the importance of generosity. A topic that initially seems so simple and yet for a variety of reasons can become quite complicated.

Just by definition, Webster’s dictionary gives no less than 2 specific meanings to the word generosity.

1) Any person showing a readiness to give to others, more of something, like money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.

2) Plentiful, being more than enough without being excessive.

Naturally, we tend to think of the importance of financial generosity as our congregation prepares for another year of keeping things moving in a forward direction. As important as this type of generosity is, I would like to focus on some other ways to be generous beyond monetary giving. 

First of all, I believe that every one of us has a special gift(s) that when shared freely with others can make a tremendous difference. I personally have experienced this type of generosity more times than I can count. 

One such occasion comes to mind when my wife Ivy and I were still dating. We were both from small towns, each about 40 minutes from where we met at Kearney State College. During the summer I would usually drive from Lexington on a Friday afternoon to Holdrege where she lived. I would stay over until late Saturday afternoon when I would have to leave and go back to Kearney to work my swing shift at a local grocery store. One of these weekends showed me how generous a person, who was not really familiar but was not a complete stranger could be. 

John Teter was always working on something. If not one of his own cars, he would be busy repairing clocks for other people, fixing old radios or finding new potential projects at garage sales. He was always busy and I think he truly enjoyed being able to give back to others in this way. He rarely asked for more in payment than the cost of parts on work he did for other people in his community.

This one Saturday, he happened to notice that my car was leaking antifreeze so he asked me to pop the hood. Upon further inspection he diagnosed the problem as being a bad water pump that would need to be replaced. At the time, he probably didn’t see the feeling of pure panic that shot through me upon hearing this news.  I was thinking new water pump . . . this is Saturday, where would I be able to get it fixed. . .I had to be at work by 5 . . .in another town. Strike that, how was I going to pay for it? I had maybe $10 on me, no check book and I didn’t have a credit card. Maybe he did see a worried expression cross my face. 

“I think we can fix it here in the garage if you want to.”  

“I’ve seen sicker horses than this get better,” which was one of John’s favorite sayings. He was already heading to his old pick-up truck to go down to the parts house. I followed and hopped in the passenger seat, feeling nervous and a little apprehensive.

While the man at the counter was retrieving the new water pump, I noticed that John already had his credit card out.

“John, I may be a little short for this. I will gladly repay you.”

“Don’t you worry about it, we can settle up later.”

I was speechless, but grateful. I was also grateful for his mechanical expertise. I had never changed a water pump and had really no idea what was involved. We worked together, tearing things down just to get to the defective water pump. By now it was getting close to the time for me to be leaving for work. I was going to call and let them know that I wouldn’t make it, but he handed me the keys to his Buick without even batting an eye. 

“Here, take my car, I will keep working on this.” I was just feeling so amazed and pretty guilty this man that I barely knew was fixing my car, with parts that he paid for, and then lending me one of his own cars to get to my job. Why would he go to all of this trouble for me?

At that time, his daughter and I weren’t even engaged yet, but he was treating me like I had been family for years. Maybe he thought that it was either fix my car or he would soon be claiming me as a dependant. Either way, he showed me what true generosity looks like and I learned how to accept it from another graciously. 

By the way, Ivy and I were engaged within about 3 months and I don’t believe John ever did allow me to pay him back.

I have been able to find numerous verses in the Bible that speak about being generous with our individual gifts. Remember, each and every one of us have some special gift or talent to share.

Ephesians 4:7 “He has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ”

Romans 12:8  “If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.  If it is giving, give generously.  If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.  And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.  And God will generously provide all you need.”

Tim Hanson, shared in worship on 10-26-25.

Trust God Through the Tough Times

Yes, though I walk through the deep, sunless valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me…Psalm 23:4 

When walking through such sunless valleys, which we all do at times during our life spans, it is human for us to experience fear, dread, despair, hopelessness, worry, pain. Psychologically speaking, it is probably somewhat healthy to acknowledge and accept those feelings without letting us be consumed by them.   

It is by our faith in God that we can trust during those difficult periods of our life, that He will ALWAYS be with us during such times. God will not always rescue us from rough patches, but He will always be with us. We must trust this, read His word, and listen for direction and guidance from Him.   

Because He is with us, we can go through trials and hardships with stability, and positive attitudes. We can trust Him completely.  

One of my favorite quotes has for years been: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.” If we put our trust in God, we can find moments of goodness and joy in the scariest of times, knowing that there is hope.   

Prayer: Father God, author of love and hope, help us to turn to you in faith during the toughest of times and in doing so, have positive expectations. Let us praise you and be thankful for your love and guidance in the toughest of times. Amen

Connie Barry (reprinted from 2023)

Sorrow in America

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelations 21:4

How many times in the last few months have you asked yourself "will this violence and pain for America ever stop?" When is the next tragedy and will it be in my hometown or to someone I love? Unfortunately emotional and spiritual pain is very prevalent in our society. During these times we see no hope in sight for our country and ourselves. But we are promised that our suffering will end, that all tears will be wiped away and there will be no more death. 

During these times of tragedy we can only rely on God and his word for strength. One thing that has always helped me is that I have Bible verses memorized and I will chant them over and over in my head when I am in desperate need of inner strength. His message is embedded within my heart when I have no other words. God is our hope, continue to pray! 

Have a courageous day!

Becky Rankin (reprinted from 2017) 

Waiting

Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

This time of year could be called the waiting time. Summer comes to an end and slowly the trees turn beautiful colors of yellow, bronze and red. We wait and frost comes and leaves fall to the ground covering the lawns. Naked branches reach for the sky and next will come even colder winds. Then when the harvests are all done comes a time we call Thanksgiving. Families and friends will sit down to give thanks together. Even the poor will enjoy meals prepared by institutions able to do so. Maybe a dusting of snow will fall as we continue to wait.  

Even colder winds will come and still we wait. We plan and hope for the coming season. Finally, we reach Advent. Our waiting is nearly done. It is time for us to think of a very young mother waiting for her babe to be born. How anxious she must have been as she made the long journey to Bethlehem. Did she know how close she was to the end of her waiting time? 

We know we have reached the end of ours. Tired of waiting, joy will free us all. In the stable a child will be born. Our Lord, Christ the Lord. All we have to do is remember to celebrate the quiet time, to love one another and hold joy in our hearts while we wait. 

Carolyn Olsen

America the Beautiful: A devotion for November 11

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 1:31

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

In The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon, we’re shown glimpses into the lives of little-known Americans who likely were not found in your school history book.

Katherine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful as a poem, inspired by a trip to Colorado in 1893. Those of us who have visited Colorado ourselves are probably not surprised! The views are stunning.

Through the years Katie received many letters of praise regarding her famous poem. However, according to McMahon, her favorite was this: On the day “the Germans surrendered in the Great War, soldiers serving in France heard about it at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”. After the chaos and sounds of war, “a bewildering silence fell. The soldiers stood speechless, staring at one another, or dropped to the ground. Then they saw on a hillside a battalion in formation and heard them singing ‘America the Beautiful’ and they all came to life again, and sang it with tears on their faces”.

Armistice Day, later known as Veterans Day in the United States, is commemorated every year on November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, at 5:45 am for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at 11:00 am—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918—although, shelling from both sides continued for the rest of the day, ending only at nightfall (from Wikipedia).

Although America the Beautiful lost out to The Star-Spangled Banner to be signed into law as the national anthem in 1931, its appeal lies in that it doesn’t speak of war, but of beauty.

O beautiful for spacious skies

For amber waves of grain

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

 

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassioned stress

A thoroughfare of freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America!

God mend thine every flaw

Confirm thy soul in self-control

Thy liberty in law!

 

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine!

 

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

 

O beautiful for halcyon skies

For amber waves of grain

For purple mountain majesties

Above the enameled plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till souls wax fair as earth and air

And music-hearted sea!

 

O beautiful for pilgrims feet

Whose stem impassioned stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till paths be wrought through

Wilds of thought

By pilgrim foot and knee!

 

O beautiful for glory-tale

Of liberating strife

When once and twice

For man's avail

Men lavished precious life!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till selfish gain no longer stain

The banner of the free!

 

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

Till nobler men keep once again

Thy whiter jubilee!

(Words by Katherine Lee Bates, composed into the song we know today by Samuel Ward)

Happy Veteran’s (Armistice) Day!

Donna Gustafson

The “This I Know People”

For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 RSV

For more than 15 years, I enjoyed coauthoring children’s sermons with my friend, Anne.  Anne lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she attended a small country church.  She was responsible for giving the children’s sermon once a month (sometimes more often if her pastor requested it).  

I was so delighted when one month in 2017, she chose the children’s song, “Jesus Loves Me,” as her topic.  “Jesus Loves Me” was the first hymn I ever learned and it has remained my favorite for 80+ years. 

So many interesting stories surround the history of “Jesus Loves Me.”  One such story is that the famous Swiss Reformed theologian, Karl Barth, was asked if he could explain Christianity in a few words.  He replied, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” 

However, the story behind this hymn is really a tale of two sisters.  Anna and Susan Warner lived in New York in the 1800’s and when their father lost most of his money in the depression of 1837, the family moved to what had been their summer home on Constitution Island in the Hudson River across from West Point, the US Military Academy.  It became their permanent residence.

At that time, Anna and Susan’s uncle, The Reverend Thomas Warner, was the chaplain at West Point.  Both the girls began teaching Sunday school classes to the cadets, and they continued teaching for 50 years.  Neither of the girls ever married. 

Anna and Susan used their writing skills to supplement the family income.  Anna wrote poetry and Susan wrote novels.  While Susan was writing a novel entitled, “Say and Seal,” she asked Anna to write a poem that the father in her story could read to his young son, who was terminally ill, to allay his fear of dying.  The poem Anna wrote contained three verses, just twelve lines.  She based her poem on John 3:16. 

During America’s Civil War, the poem, “Jesus Loves Me,” was prayed in homes, in churches, and on battlefields.  In 1861, William Bradbury, a music publisher and choir director, added music to the poem.  He also added a four-line chorus to be sung between the verses.  Since that time, many changes have been made to the original song but the original song can be found on Wikipedia. 

However, my favorite story about “Jesus Loves Me, “is the one about the missionaries in China in the 1940’s.  In 1949, they were being persecuted by the communists and they wanted to tell Christians outside China’s borders that they were OK.  They wrote a letter using the words, “The this I know people are well.”  The censors allowed it to go through because they thought the phrase meaningless and nonsensical. 

The next time you hear or sing this song, just think how many ways it has helped to teach the gospel of God’s love.  Do you consider yourself to be one of the “This I Know People”? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, We praise and thank You for the talents of poetry, writing and music You have given to people who spread in simple but beautiful ways the good news that indeed, Your Son, Jesus Christ, loves us.  Help each of us to use whatever talent that you have given us to spread Your love.  It’s in Jesus’ holy name we pray.  Amen. 

Judy Welch