A Servant's Heart

Would any of you say to your servant, who had just come in from the field after plowing or tending sheep, “Come!  Sit down for dinner?” Wouldn’t you say instead, “Fix my dinner. Put on the clothes of a table servant and wait on me while I eat and drink. After that, you can eat and drink”? You won’t thank the servant because the servant did what you asked, will you? In the same way, when you have done everything required of you, you should say, “We servants deserve no special praise. We have only done our duty.” Luke 17:7-10

It is easy to be focused in our daily activities on relishing the sense of a great job well done. We also, perhaps, have come to expect to be rewarded, recognized or, at least, thanked in some way for performing so admirably amongst our peers. In our culture—one that emphasizes individual achievement, supply and demand, expectations for fair compensation—Jesus’s message here may at first seem counterintuitive, if not downright disrespectful. Yet, Jesus invites us into an opportunity for grace—serving without clinging to expectations about what we should receive in return. His servants’ rewards do not depend upon recognition or praise, but in the act of serving itself. As slaves or servants do not expect accolades for fulfilling their responsibilities, Jesus’s followers, likewise, should expect no special praise for obeying His teachings, even if they are hard or humbling. 

Prayer: Heavenly Creator, thank you for your teachings and for opportunities to serve you and those around us. Help us to focus on acting as faithful followers without expecting accolades or personal benefits. We ask for your forgiveness when we become distracted by our own desires for tributes and flattery. Amen 

Barry and Alinda Stelk (reprinted from 2017)

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 (reprinted from fall 2024)

Words from Psalm 59

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16

Words from Psalm 34

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 

Feeling God's Presence

When my mother died, I had several people ask if they could bring food or a meal. Being who I am, I said “no, you don’t need to do that….” I was not one to accept help even when it was offered.  

I have a friend, Nancy, who called and said “I’ve made a batch of sloppy joes, have bought the buns and have made a potato casserole. You can put it in the freezer or use it when it works for you. When can I bring it over?” It was already prepared. She didn’t give me an opportunity to exercise my “I can handle it all” attitude. I felt God’s presence in that moment. It was indeed such a blessing.   

It has caused me to call others and offer 2 or 3 things that I could do (to give them a choice) and insist I want to do it so they just need to pick one. It taught me a lesson...through Nancy, from God. 

Barb Anderson

Words from Psalm 119

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. Psalm 119:7 

Deepening Prayer and Relationship

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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

The details are long forgotten, but the words of John 3:16 have been memorized in my head and heart since middle school. In Marion, Ohio I visited the church of my best friend since elementary school, Kathy, and all of the youth that day learned this verse. 

The second verse, one of my favorites, I see every day on the mirror in our bathroom. I am trying to talk to God more each day, trying to see his wonders all around me, if only I would stop and take time for Him. My daily living would be so much more fulfilling and less stressful if I would be in communion with God continually. I want to learn how to discern God’s will and really listen for his voice; to be still instead of continuing my own words in prayer; and most importantly to deepen my daily personal relationship with Him.   

Prayer: Dear Father, forgive me for neglecting spending time with you. I use my busyness as an excuse. But as the patient and loving Father you are, you wait for me and I am truly thankful. The precious gift of your Son allows me this personal relationship with you and I so want our relationship to deepen and grow ever since my own baptism and memorizing John 3:16 many years ago. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. [Psalm 51:10] Amen.

Cathy Schapmann (from Lenten Devotional 2017)

Who is Our Neighbor?

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’  “What is written in the Law?”  he replied.  “How do you read it?”  He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied.  “Do this and you will live.”  Luke 10:25-28

Watching the news every night, it’s hard to understand why “we all just can’t get along.”  With wars in the Middle East, the Ukraine, Sudan…violence, sacrifice, and death are pictured in graphic horror.  Until scenes of modern cities being leveled and people wearing western clothing similar to ours began to show up, it was easy to think, “the people who can’t co-exist are religiously, ethnically, socially different than I am.”  Now the scenes of violence look like our home country. 

We don’t have to look far to realize there are violent rifts among citizens of the United States. We haven’t devolved into the same level of aggression seen in other countries, but hatefulness and repulsive verbal attacks have become common and are accepted with complacency. 

Luke brings us a message that is straight from Jesus’ words, “Love your neighbor.” When the expert in the law asks, “Who is my neighbor?” He may be hoping Jesus will exclude the people whose skin is a different color, who came into the county illegally, who speak out against the political leaders, who insult and denounce the poor, but no! Jesus says everyone is our neighbor. No exceptions, no prerequisites, every person who exists deserves our love.

Jesus is asking us to do something that is very difficult and sometimes socially unappreciated. If I show mercy to someone hated by many, am I weak? Am I a sucker? Shouldn’t they get a job, sober up, or go back to their home country; what do I owe them? Jesus says you need to use all your strength and all your resources to help them simply because they are your neighbor.

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind,

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

                                  - C. R. Gibson 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, help me to see my neighbor’s needs and respond to them with love and mercy. Let me use my resources, my heart, my soul, my strength, and my mind to minister to my neighbors and help them see the hope God brings to all of us.  Amen. 

Carol McClain (reprinted from April 2024)

Autumn

Every path painted by autumn reminds us: God is always doing a new thing. 

Gratitude idea: take a cell phone photo of five different things that inspire you.

Happy Labor Day!

 

Words from Luke

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 NIV 

Why Go to Church?

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25

“If going to church makes you a Christian, does going to the garage make you a car?”  I recently saw this question on a vehicle’s bumper sticker and found it intriguing to consider what kind of person was asking this nonsensical question.  Is he a “nonbeliever” with animosity toward Christians for some reason?  Could he be a “believer” who attends worship services regularly but questions the sincerity of the others who occupy the pews around him?  Could he be a “believer” who thinks his personal relationship with Christ is adequate and attending church is unnecessary? 

No, going to church does not make me a Christian. It is my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that makes me a Christian. But attending worship services at church on Sundays makes me a better Christian…and I don’t mean better than other Christians. I mean that it makes me a better follower of Christ than I would be without the encouragement and support of others in my congregation.

Prayer: Father God, you have provided an awesome plan for the spiritual nourishment of Your people through the church. Thank You for the privilege of coming near to You through church attendance and fellowship with others who believe in You and Your Son.

Judith Keller (reprinted from July 2011)

Pondering Faith

Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them. ~ Elisabeth Elliot 

Today is the Day

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

There’s a song called “Today Is the Day” by Lincoln Brewster that includes the following lyrics:  "I’m casting my cares aside, I’m leaving my past behind, I’m setting my heart and mind on You Jesus.  I’m reaching my hand to Yours, Believing there’s so much more, Knowing that all You have in store for me is good. Today is the day You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it; And I won’t worry about tomorrow, I’m trusting in what You say. Today is the day."

The song has struck a chord (no pun intended) with me in the past. But I reread it in light of the current crisis.  Especially the phrase, "I won't worry about tomorrow." I have to admit that I’ve spent a lot of time in the past worrying.  Usually it's about things that I have no control over anyway, so the worrying is not a good use of my time. Like the weather. Or it may be something I have at least some control over; like how I should use my money. And sometimes it's something that really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things; like what to wear to a special event. 

I’ve found myself spending a lot of time worrying lately, as many of us have.  I think it’s natural to vacillate between being anxious about the future and feeling that everything is going to be okay. I need to work on trusting in what God has to say and in setting my mind and heart on Jesus. God has made the day and everything in it, and He watches over me at all times. All He has in store for me is good.  As the scripture states, tomorrow will worry about itself.  

Prayer: Dear Lord, It's a scary time for everyone. We don’t know what the future holds. But it doesn't help to worry. The Lord has made each day, and we need to rejoice and be glad in it. God is in control and will handle our worries if we simply turn them over to him. Please forgive us for thinking we can handle everything ourselves and for wasting time worrying about the future. Help us to cast our cares aside and reach our hands to yours. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2020, during the height of COVID)

Listening

“Listening” is an essay from The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad. Suleika’s book collects essays on creativity and then generates writing prompts.

In her piece, Esther Perel says, {listening attentively} “is a delicate balance of receiving and reciprocating – taking in information and giving attention and care.” She suggests that the “way we listen shapes the way the other person will speak.” She continues: “actively showing that we are listening to the other person validates their experience and their vulnerability.”

Esther asks us to consider the old saying, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" The question has been intended as a philosophical question that she suggests involves "object permanence and the human impulse to center our own experiences. If I don't perceive it, does it cease to exist?" Esther ponders the ridiculousness of this, and goes on to further wonder why it {the question/saying} has persisted for so long. She thinks that it's more about the question itself, not the answer, and the "poignant commentary about relationships and reciprocity required to be in one". Which is reflected in the three questions about listening I pose to you below, and the scripture I found to complement!

Do we listen as God speaks to us?

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20

“And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…” – Deuteronomy 30:20

“If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways…” – Psalm 81:13

“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'” – Luke 11:28

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21

Is God listening to us?

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us". 1 John 5:14

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." Jeremiah 29:12

"I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy". Psalm 116:1

Do we listen to others, offering a supportive ear?

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be an active listener to you, to others, and help me to trust that you hear my plea and my thankful appreciation in prayer. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Give Thanks

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Gratitude Journal ideas:

• Name five things that make you happy.  
• Write about something great that happened to you recently that made you feel fortunate.
• List some of the qualities of people you admire.  
• Write down four nature-inspired things you're thankful for.
• Name three good deeds you can do for others in the next few days (and do them!)

Paraphrased from HappierHuman.com

Words from Second Chronicles

Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth forever. 2 Chronicles 20:21 

do with love

What's a small act that helped you feel God's presence in your everyday life?

This fall, we are asking for stories about small acts that helped you feel God's presence in your everyday life. Some of these stories may be shared in newsletters, sermons, in worship, or on our podcast, The Sunrise Road. We’re calling it our #do with love moments, and it will relate directly to our fall series, “Holy Moments: Finding God in the Midst of the Everyday.”

To share your story, please email them to the office at office@eastridge.org, or send a video recording to Pastor Melodie's cell phone (inquire in the office about her contact info).

Feet

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation. Isaiah 52:7

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  John 13:14

Lately I have been trying to find comfortable shoes to support my flat feet and reduce pressure on my knees and back. My feet have always been complicated, and I have resented always having to sacrifice beauty in favor of support for them. Now I try to respect their needs, as they are a vital means of support for my body; but I can never seem to find complete comfort and stability for staying upright very long. It is a constant reminder that my feet have big jobs to do.

I like the idea that our mission is to be God's hands and feet in this world. Being God's hands is an appealing metaphor. Hands can hold other hands, make things, give things to others, work, give soothing touch, lift things up,  protect someone or something, wave in greeting, raise in joy, dig, reach, extend in welcome, create art, communicate, and perform sacred tasks.  

For most of us, feet are a means of getting from place to place. For some of us, feet dance. People sometimes experience dance or yoga with bare feet, to feel grounded and rooted. My mother and several of her friends used to walk a couple of miles together every morning, and they all thought of it as the best way to start their days. Her doctor considered it her best medicine.

But it is challenging to think how our feet can do God's work. It is intriguing to think back to times when it was customary to wash the dirt from the road off of one's feet when entering a house, particularly before eating. We are careful to wash our hands, and we often give no thought to our feet. The tradition of foot-washing before communion is a good reminder that how we prepare even the most remote parts of our body makes a difference.  

It was a revelation to Jesus' friends when he approached them to wash their feet, and it was confusing to them when someone considered unworthy washed Jesus' feet. We don't focus on feet very much in worship other than remembering and celebrating these traditions. But I think it is worthwhile to consider whether we need to think of cleaning the dust of mundane activities off of our feet when we want to change our direction to a more sacred path. 

To "walk a mile in someone's shoes" is supposed to be a good way to learn about other's lives. To follow in someone's footsteps is to exemplify the behavior of a great role model. When we want to make big changes, we are encouraged to take baby steps. To put one's "best foot forward" is to make a strong start on a worthy endeavor. When we endorse something along with many others, we are "voting" with our feet.  

Being God's feet in this world means respecting the journeys of others, and sometimes going that extra mile for others or for a good cause. We have a history in America of people marching together in solidarity. People refer to dedicated efforts in a journey demanding stamina as "running a marathon". Feet are symbols for action and direction, as well as grounding and dancing. Whatever we do, our feet take us there. They lead us toward God's work, or they lead us away; they might be covered in the dust of our day, or they might be washed by the tears of someone unexpected.

Prayer: God reaching into the world through me, help me to keep my feet clean from the dust that clouds their light. Let my feet be washed by those whose actions or words cleanse me. Help me to walk when it hurts or I am tired, and help me to walk with those who need me. Teach my feet to dance in joy, and to draw others into your dance. Let the steps my feet take teach me and others about you. Help me to connect with your earth through the soles of my feet. Amen. 

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2018)

Singing Through the Day

Each Sunday, our church hour begins with beautiful organ music, then we sing hymns. Some are old, some new. Some bring joy and others bring memories and tears of days gone by. 

On Saturday evenings, I often watch Public TV. One Saturday, I happened upon a Lawrence Welk Precious Memory Program. The music was beautifully done with many hymns that I could sing along. One musician mentioned a saying that he had seen in a church he had visited. That saying was, “He Who Sings Prays Twice”. 

I went to bed that evening thinking about and humming hymns. Waking in the morning, I decided to try an entire day of deliberate singing. In the shower, I sang “Morning Has Broken”.

Fixing my usual unorthodox breakfast, I sang “Just as I Am”. Going out of doors to tend to weeds in one of my flower beds, I broke into “In The Garden”. Moving on to another bed, I sang, “This Is My Father’s World”. Picking up the litter I had caused,  I put it in my extra garbage can and pulled it into my garage. During that job, I hummed a hymn from my teenage years, “Are You Able”. 

That song made me travel back in time to my home in the Missouri woods, and a small church near my home. So, I sang, “Little Brown Church”. 

The day ended with a full heart, a few tears, and a feeling of having prayed all day.  On that TV program, they concluded with these words which I echo. May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful.  

Carolyn Olsen

Heaven is a Wonderful Place

Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:25-26  

But our commonwealth is in heaven and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20  

I recently had the privilege of spending some time with my 90+ year old aunt as she was nearing death in the hospital. As she was sleeping, I heard her clearly say, "It's wonderful ". Shortly thereafter she told me, " It's good on the other side”, and, "It's better on the other side." Then she told me, "Jesus is there." Later she looked to her left (away from the hospital door) and said "Don't close the door, leave it open". I shared these statements with her children who had taken a break to get a meal. The next day her children said my aunt seemed to be talking to her mother and asked her to hold her hand. 

I fully believe my aunt had a glimpse of heaven. All her statements were in the present and not the future tense. Despite being in a lot of pain, this seemed to calm her and she was smiling as she shared the above with me. I have read about hospice patients seeing deceased loved ones and having visions before death. These are not hallucinations, but real experiences.  

The scriptures give us the promise of heaven for eternity with God. Like my aunt, it is my hope that I will get a glimpse of heaven before I die and that I will receive the peace and the reassurance of God's love forever. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us at all times. Thank you for the hope of heaven and the experience of reuniting with our loved ones who have passed. Thank you for your son, Jesus, and the love and forgiveness he has brought to the world. Amen 

Nancy Hall

Words from Ephesians

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10 

Words from Proverbs

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 

Words from Romans

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6 

The Only Hands God Has

Whatever task lies to your hand, do it with all your might. . .  Ecclesiastes 9:10

For the past several weeks I have been going to therapy. The clinic I go to is less than a 10-minute drive away from my home, but I listen to my car radio anyway.  It’s tuned to the Bott radio network which is a Christian station that broadcasts sermons preached by pastors representing different denominations. I am always attracted to the speakers with accents. 

Last week during one of my 10-minute drives, I caught just the tail end of a sermon preached by a pastor with a rather thick Scottish brogue. He was telling a story about the restoration of a beautiful statue of Jesus that had been severely damaged by a storm. At the end of his story, he said the workmen doing the repair work had explained that Jesus’ hands were too badly damaged to reattach them. So, they left the hands off but changed the inscription at the feet of the statue to read: “Your hands are the only hands God has.”

That story, short as it was, has kind of haunted me since then. It keeps coming back at strange times making me feel I need to get busy. As an octogenarian, I can no longer take on big projects, but I try to do “the little things” Sister Theresa wrote about. She always preached that doing the little things really matters. 

As I stepped inside Eastridge Church this morning, it made me so happy to be a member here. Many hands were already at work helping to prepare our worship service. Soon many more hands would be passing out boxes of food from the church pantry to those in need and this is just the start of the week where many more hands will become “His hands” as the days of this month of August progress. 

How can your hands become God’s hands?

Prayer: Father, we praise and thank you for the spiritual leaders who remind us that You expect us to use the talents You gave us and to put our hands to work. Help us to find those tasks that need our hands. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen 

Judy Welch

Lord Over Creation

Who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. Colossians 1:15-16

Charles Morris in Days of Praise states:

Darwin’s theory of evolution challenged the biblical account that our Lord Jesus Christ created all things, speaking everything into existence (Hebrews 11:1-3). Many Christians responded by trying to fit evolution into the Bible. This is done despite the fact that theistic selectionionism—which believes God used natural selection as the driving force behind creatures’ amazing complexity—isn’t found anywhere in Scripture or science, for that matter. As Christians, we shouldn’t compromise or be silent about the doctrine of creation. We can stand with certainty on the authority and authenticity of God’s Word and duly honor Jesus as the Creator and Lord of all.

Some churches today justify not teaching Jesus’ creation because it is controversial. Taking away the creation story from Jesus weakens our faith. When I look at the clouds, see the weather consistently change throughout the seasons, and see plants and flowers grow out of little seeds, the variety of animals, birds and insects, see the variety in human beings and watch babies grow, I know God is our creator. He created each human with a purpose and answers my prayers.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, please give us understanding of your words in Colossians. Thank you for answering my prayers, creating us, and protecting all my family and friends. Amen

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words from Psalm 96

Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad...let the field be joyful, and all that is therein. Psalm 96: 11-12 KJV 

The Journey of a Prayer Shawl

If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 

Ashley Hooker, a renowned devotion writer, says that in churches prayer shawls are given as a gift to a person who is facing difficult circumstances. It reminds the person to use the shawl as they read scripture and spend time in prayer and meditation. The use of the prayer shawl can be comforting, help the person feel closer to God and have a more personal relationship with the Father. This is why my daughter and I make quilted prayer shawls.  

Recently I talked with my cousin who received one of our prayer shawls after the loss of her spouse. She is a nurse and took her prayer shawl to show her friends at the facility where she works. One nurse took the shawl from her and teased, "this is mine" and threatened to keep it. My cousin laughed and got the shawl back. Not long after, the other nurse suffered a stroke. My cousin visited her in the hospital and gave her the prayer shawl to help with her healing. The other nurse died recently, and my cousin attended her funeral. After the service, her family told my cousin how much the prayer shawl had meant to her. She always carried it with her, especially as the time grew closer to her death. She loved it so much, the family put it in her coffin to be buried with her. When we made this particular prayer shawl, we had no idea how God and the Holy Spirit would use it to provide comfort and support to someone we had never met.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the ministry of prayer shawls and the comfort they bring to others. Thank you for getting the shawls where they are needed and blessing their recipients with an increased relationship with you. Thank you for those who use the gift of their talents to prepare the shawls and the churches who sponsor this ministry. Amen

Nancy Hall

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him;   for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7

I went to my collection of “Children’s Moments” books for an inspiration for a devotion and found one to adapt for today.  Visualize two books in a bookstore, one book has a colorful cover and is blank inside.  The other book has a plain cover and is colorful inside. If you saw these two books, which one would you choose to bring home and read? People are just like the two books. Our outside appearance does not always show what is inside. Sometimes people that are beautiful on the outside are not so nice on the inside and sometimes people who are not so beautiful on the outside might be very nice. You cannot judge a book by the cover and you can’t tell what someone is like on the inside by looking at their outside. God cares about the way we are on the inside—character, if we are mirthful and full of love. God does not care what kind of clothes we wear or how we fix our hair. What matters is how beautiful we are on the inside. We should not be worried about how people look, but getting to know how they really are on the inside.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to not judge others by appearance, but look at their heart and character. Amen.

Susan Taylor (reprinted from the Eastridge Daily Devotional Book, 2008)

God's Plan

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

I wish I would have applied the wisdom of today's verse when I was younger. It would have saved me from making some incredibly poor choices and when faced with adversity, handled it with more grace. Unfortunately, we often tend to give in to our own wants which leads us down the wrong path. As humans our desires dominate our thoughts, so we often do not trust that God already has our path mapped out for us. I've often even tried to make deals with God, when I should have been kneeling in prayer and asking for God's wisdom and my obedience. Give everything over to God and then you will prosper.

 

Have a blessed day!

 

Becky Rankin (reprinted from 2018)

On Being Grateful

The wisdom of the learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure; and he that hath little business shall become wise. Ecclesiastes 38:24

As a friend of mine wrote: “Isn’t it terrible how you can be fine one minute and brought low the next!” In my case, the being “fine” was going about a morning’s work at home, twirling from one task to another, and the “brought low” was catching my rubber-soled shoes in the carpet and falling like a tree—hard and straight—across the footboard of the bed. One trip to the emergency room for X-rays, two strong medicines, and reaction to those medicines later, I was 911’d to the hospital where I stayed for three days. That provided time to meditate on the unexpectedness of human life. It was also time to count one’s blessings.

Listening to the coughing and labored breathing, with the help of a swooshing and engulfing apparatus, of my roommate in the throes of emphysema, I was grateful for clear air passages. Hearing about the woman down the hall in a several weeks’ coma after surgery to remove a brain tumor, I was grateful for a clear head. As my vital signs returned to normal and as my wrenched back improved a bit each day, I was grateful for a “hopefully” temporary rather than permanent disarrangement of my system. Although there are easier ways to gain such wisdom than a trip to the hospital, it will suffice.

Prayer: Perhaps we all need some of Pollyanna in our attitudes; being glad for what’s there rather than pining for what’s not. Thank you for your many gifts to us—of life, of friends, of health sufficient for the day, which we often accept as a matter of course. May we be aware and grateful. Amen 

Ruth Ann Lyness (reprinted from Eastridge Devotion book, 2008, shared today in memory of Ruth Ann)

Learning

 

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.  His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.  After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.  And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so?  Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2: 41-49 (RSV)

This devotion was inspired by the windows in the sanctuary at Eastridge. The second window from the southeast corner illustrates the story of Jesus in the temple at age twelve. The youngster stands in the center of the window; three bearded rabbis hover to one side. His parents, who dominated the Nativity window and remained in the foreground in the Nunc Dimittis window, have now shrunk to tiny figures in the corner. Beneath Jesus’ feet is a lamp signifying scholarship.

What conclusions can we draw from this familiar story? The danger of making assumptions? Evidence of a strained relationship between parents and adolescent? Jesus as a child prodigy? As a teacher I’m pleased to read that Jesus is described as listening and asking questions. All of us, including Jesus must learn what it means to be human. And for this we look to our history and literature, and the thoughts and writings of the wisest among us today, as well as those who have gone on before.  They provide us with the materials for our task.

Prayer: Oh God of Wisdom, give us the joy of learning and the gift of discernment to see how you are working out Your purpose in the world today, and how we are called to participate. Amen. 

Bill Wehrbein (reprinted from Eastridge Devotion book, 2008)

In Pursuit of Humility, Or a Lesson from Audubon

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

The children’s book The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies and Melissa Sweet highlights the fact that many years ago, people didn’t know why birds disappeared in the winter. Some theories: They hibernated under the ice, similar to what turtles do; they hibernated in tree trunks and logs; they went to the moon (!). While these theories may seem silly today, until Audubon helped to prove that birds flew south and then returned to their breeding/nesting grounds north in the spring, people simply did not know.

We don’t always have the answers. This may be true when we experience doubt, or when we are boastful. God is in control. When we learn that what we thought was true is not or has changed, we are humbled.

Prayer: Dear Lord, it’s sometimes hard to admit when we don’t have the answers, or to admit we may be wrong about something. Help us to be open and show humility, especially when interacting with others. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

I’ve included a photo of a white-crowned sparrow, said to be Audubon’s favorite bird (I took this photo in Colorado in 2023). Click on photos to view larger.

Asking for Help

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

Have you tried assembling a piece of furniture that arrives on your porch in a box? It seems the instructions were designed for a non-reader who has extensive technical knowledge and the ability to recognize the difference between a screw and a nail drawn in 7-point font. The only tool provided is an angular piece of metal with eight ridges on one end.  

After carefully unpacking the numerous pieces and staring at a drawing with no written directions, you take a break and try to think of a friend whose arm can be twisted to come over and help you. Finally your text messages elicit a response from one candidate; you negotiate the “barter,” i.e. pizza, beverages, babysitting, and your helper is on the way. They arrive with a very large tool bag, looks over the arrangement of pieces and hardware you created on the floor, and says, “No problem!” 

Within minutes, your handy friend has rearranged the pieces, and you begin to feel hopeful that the random shapes really will create your new furniture. Under your friend’s direction, you hold pieces together while the electric screwdriver buzzes for only a few seconds to create tight connections. You picture yourself spending 10 minutes inserting the same screws using the provided metal tool and congratulate yourself for calling your friend. Before long, the handyman steps back from the project, holds out their arms, and says, “Pretty good-looking, if I do say so myself.”  

Everyone is happy! The friend lugs their tool bag home knowing they helped you and have pizza or free babysitting to look forward to. You and your family are pleased to have your décor improved with the addition of the new piece of furniture. And the project has been completed—the cardboard box can be taken to the recycle bin. 

The Scripture encourages us to ask for help; without asking God for help, we won’t succeed in the world. When God puts you in difficult situation, He wants you to ask for help. We must depend on God’s guidance to accomplish the plan God has for us; we’re not intended to do it by ourselves. We all want to feel useful and helping others is a way to do that. When we accept help from others, we give them permission to ask for favors. It’s an amazing chain reaction: God has a plan for us; His plan is revealed to us; because we feel inadequate, we reach out for help from someone else. That person not only provides the support that we need to succeed, but it also furthers God’s purpose for them.

Prayer: Lord God, we know you have a plan and a purpose for each of us. It’s more complex than assembling a piece of furniture, and we can’t accomplish your plan without your aid and direction. Help us to realize when we need to ask for assistance; to not be too proud or stubborn to recognize who can help us. Your instructions have been handed down through the generations, but we still struggle to decipher their meaning for our own lives. We ask that you guide and support us in this endeavor. Amen  

Carol McClain (reprinted from 2024)

The Perfect Equation

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6 KJV

Thou shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood anymore. For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name. Isaiah 54:4b-5a KJV

For most of my adult life, I've had difficulty solving problems which fall under a category I jokingly call the "Three M's": mathematics, mechanics, and manual labor. Perhaps it is one of those problems psychologists refer to as right-brain versus left-brain dominance.

Luckily, my husband of nearly forty years excelled in "Three M" problems. So, for the better part of my life, our division of labor regarding household chores worked well, and things went along quite smoothly. Now, however, as a widow, I find myself needing to solve lots of "Three M" problems: dealing with finances, learning to operate lawn care equipment, and doing chores that require a certain amount of physical strength. Finding the right solution when things go wrong can be both difficult and frustrating.

Just at the peak of a very frustrating problem, I received a list of "Christian One-Liners" via e-mail. The "one-liner" that seemed to catch my attention was entitled, "The Perfect Equation": 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given. Reading that equation made finding solutions to all the "Three M" problems I've been struggling with pale in comparison.

A few days after turning my problem over to the Lord in prayer, I was having lunch with a friend, who gave me the name of someone to consult, and, shortly thereafter, the situation was resolved. What I discovered is that I was the main obstacle to solving the problem. When we need help, we can find it — just a prayer away.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for putting our lives into perspective, and for being there as we struggle. Most especially, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, the perfect solution in every equation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from 2003 PresbyCan Daily Devotional)

Words from Psalm 119

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 

Identities

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:9-13

As I was driving to work one day, I followed a vehicle with a personalized license plate reading “JENZ MOM.” Of course, little else in my life has given me more pleasure than to be known as “Gina’s mom,“ and “Matt’s mom,” and “Erin’s mom.”  But I began to think about my other identities: wife, daughter, sister, “in-law“…grandmother, aunt, cousin…friend, neighbor, colleague, citizen. 

As I pondered, I came to realize that my most important identity is that of Christian, a child of God. For ultimately, it is my understanding of God’s love and my relationship with Christ which form the thoughts, words, and actions that shape and define all my other relationships. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is an incomparable privilege to be a “Child of God.” We thank You for Your unfailing love and pray that we can be worthy members of Your family. Amen. 

Judith Keller, reprinted from March 2009

Rooted in Christ, Growing in Grace

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him...Colossians 2:6-7 

Animals

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10

My daughter was enchanted by animals from a very early age, and was curious to get to know them and communicate with them. I tried to free myself of my inner fears of some animals and insects, and encourage her comfortable familiarity with the wild. She was the zoo visitor who would always gladly let a snake have its way with her, or let bugs crawl all over her. 

She loved being on Zoo Crew, especially when she was able to help with the Critter Encounter area. She brought her pet rats to 4H Pet Pals meetings and loved being at the animal exhibits at all the local fairs. She participated in domestic rat rescue programs, and helped find homes for rats used in the Nebraska Wesleyan University behavioral psychology courses. 

She did not enjoy ideal health growing up, so she earned a GED rather than complete high school classes; then she took veterinary technician courses online.  Our vet allowed her to observe and assist with procedures and surgeries, including those on her own animals. 

This spring, a year and a half after a life-giving 4th liver transplant, she helped her husband open up his own veterinary clinic (he is a vet) in South Korea. They serve both Koreans and English-speaking pet caretakers who need detailed communication. Because there is no specific training for veterinary nurses in Korea, she has ample qualifications as an assistant because of her experience and her general knowledge of human medical treatment (as an observant and informed patient). Her husband considers her to be his head nurse as well as assistant and office manager. Her blog and word-of-mouth have publicized their clinic as specializing in "exotic animals" such as hamsters and rats, so they have many tiny patients.

I get the news every few days of some interesting patient, including the dog that escaped and led them on a several-blocks-long chase through their downtown area.  She and her husband spend many long hours day and night at their clinic, making use of a pull-out bed there. Currently, they have three stray kittens they are treating, who will be offered to good homes eventually; one of them was separated too early from his mother and is having to be hand-fed and taught all the basics of elimination and hygiene. These are the things my daughter handles with ease.  

This is all born of a tremendous love for all the things animals teach us about living in God's world, about companionship, about loyalty and love, and about taking care of one another. Every day I am grateful for the people who helped my daughter to be well, or to feel better when she wasn't; but I am also grateful for the animals who shared their lives with her and cared for her. The cat she was especially close to used to sit with her in bed and have what we called "the laying-on of paws".  

There is a beautiful Benjamin Britten vocal piece with lyrics from a poem by Christopher Smart, and I hope you will be able to base your prayer on a few of those words:

For I will consider my cat Jeoffry.

For he is the servant of the Living God, duly and daily serving him...

For in his morning orisons he loves the sun and the sun loves him...

For every house is incomplete without him, and a blessing is lacking in the spirit...

For I perceived God's light about him both wax and fire...

For God has blessed him in the variety of his movements...

For he can tread to all the measures upon the music.

Amen.

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2018)

Words of Praise from Psalm 150

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 150:6 

Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.  “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:14-21 

Walking in the Light Together

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another...1 John 1:7 NIV 

I Will Go With You

So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

“I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring. Genesis 46:1-7

Seeing this photo (below) in an online church art site Eastridge uses, I was reminded of a recent conversation in our Wednesday bible study about Corrie Ten Boom.

The prompt was a discussion of Genesis 46:1-7, in our study book on Joseph, “Finding God Faithful”.

God promised to be with Jacob wherever he was, not just where he was living, but where he was asked to move (the land of Goshen) following Joseph’s request in this scripture. We saw similarities with Jacob’s situation in that he was heading to a new land, and Corrie’s arrest and removal from her home to head to a concentration camp. The similarity: trust that God is with us wherever we are, even in the “unlikely” places.

The Hiding Place was a book, made into a movie in the 1970s. From the Amazon blurb (the book is still in print!): Corrie ten Boom was the first licensed female watchmaker in the Netherlands who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable ministers of hope in the twentieth century.

In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis. In 1944 their lives were forever altered when they were betrayed, arrested, and thrown into the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived.

Corrie was released due to a “clerical error”, but she knew that God was with her in Ravensbrück and beyond.

Two of the many quotes attributed to Corrie that fit with the Genesis passage above:

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with us wherever we are, even if it seems far from the beauty of your creation and love. Help us to trust in you. Amen.

Donna Gustafson