Words from Isaiah

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31 

God's love for us

 

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we’re at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah! Romans 5:1-11, The Message

Words from Jeremiah

 

"Surrender to Love"

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study is currently doing a study on "Seeking God: Finding Another Kind of Life with St. Ignatius and Dallas Willard" by Trevor Hudson. The above is from the study guide. 

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A Prayer

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study is currently doing a study on "Seeking God: Finding Another Kind of Life with St. Ignatius and Dallas Willard" by Trevor Hudson. The above is from the book. 

(click on photo to view larger)

Memories from Sunday School

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you (in thy sight), O Lord, my rock (strength) and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14                    

After reading Psalm 19 the other day, I felt all warm and happy reading verse 14. Rarely can I relate when I first heard a Bible verse, but verse 14 brought back great memories. I was in fourth grade Sunday School and our teacher during the first class of the fall had us memorize verse 14. Then each Sunday at the end of the class, we would recite it together like a prayer for the following week. I think this bonded us together in some way as we journeyed together later through Communicants class and the church's youth groups. This reinforced my belief in the early ministries of the church and their importance to our children.  

Prayer: Thank you, God, for all that are part of the ministries in the church for our children. Thank you for the resources available to us in this ministry. Thank you for people early in our own lives who invested in the future of our faith. Thank you for your word through the Bible that directs us to love and praise you, follow your guidelines for living, and teaches us about your son and your grace and how to love one another. Amen 

Nancy Hall

Words from Psalm 30

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 

Words from John 3

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:1-21

Apricity & Earth Day

  

Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas, and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:9-10

It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. I stretched out the heavens with My hands and I ordained all their host. Isaiah 45:12

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice. Psalm 96:12

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. Luke 12:27

Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:11-12

Apricity: a word that means the warmth of the sun in winter. Apricity is an old word that is not used much anymore. Hearing about it reminded me of reading that native tribes of Canada (Yupik and Inuit) have many words for snow. Using specific language to convey feelings is a beautiful way to communicate and share ideas.

My love of nature has prompted me to write a devotion for Earth Day each year (sharing today, even though Earth Day is in April, just because it's winter!). Our natural world has so much beauty and diversity and possibility! It’s fun to find a special word to convey something that we may have a hard time communicating, but sometimes a piece of art or a photograph can show others exactly what we mean…or invite a variety of reactions!

A Lincoln neighbor is the National Geographic photographer behind the Photo Ark: highlighting species in danger of extinction so that we care about them. When Joel Sartore needed to remain at home in Lincoln when his wife was hospitalized, he paid a visit to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. This prompted his idea to showcase animals so that the world could get to know them better, with the implication that if we care about something, we will work harder to protect it. On his website: "Joel is the founder of the Photo Ark, a groundbreaking effort to document species before they disappear—and to get people to care while there’s still time."

Showing an appreciation and getting to know this world we live in can go a long way toward realizing God’s words in Genesis (scripture shown above).

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this wonderful world we call home. Help us to appreciate it so that we can protect it and care for it. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (reprinted with edits from 2023 Earth Day)

(photos shared by Donna Gustafson, all taken in January and February 2023 in Lincoln, NE. Click on each photo to view larger)

It’s the Little Things

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 (New Oxford Bible) 

My mom was one of the kindest people I have ever known. When I was growing up in the 1940’s (the WWII years), I watched as she interacted with the people who came to our home. She never let anyone leave our house until they had either enjoyed a cup of coffee or were leaving with a small gift from her kitchen. 

After the war ended, life gradually normalized, and before long, the stores had a better supply of products to sell and things like coffee and sugar were no longer rationed. At last, one could buy sugar without a government coupon. 

My mother loved to make candy. My brother and I would help with the taffy pulling. She also made Hershey’s cocoa fudge and puffy white clouds of divinity, but she was known for her sweet and salty peanut butter fudge. It had the smoothest texture and just a hint of saltiness in every bite. (Her secret ingredient was finely crushed saltine crackers).

After all these years, I still try to keep the “little kitchen gifts” a reality, but I’m not a candy maker. I do love to bake cookies though. NO, nothing fancy, just old-fashioned oatmeal raisin cookies, Toll House cookies and chocolate dipped Skippy peanut butter cookies. I try to give everyone who helps me with chores a little gift of homemade cookies.

Last week it was cold and snowy but I cleaned the lid on my garbage container with Clorox Clean-up then I double bagged some cookies and taped the cookies along with a note that said “Thank You. Enjoy the cookies” to the top of the garbage container. I do this every few weeks to thank the man who does such necessary but unpleasant work. But last week the thank you note was still taped to the lid when I went out to put the garbage container away.

I noticed the garbage man had scribbled a note at the bottom of my note which read, “You’re the good Cookie!” I smiled off and on the rest of that whole day after reading those 4 words.

It’s the little things!

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the little kindnesses that people do for one another that make all our lives so much better. Amen

Judith Welch

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

 

A New Year

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

I’m a grocery store cashier and my customers have been asking me if I’m ready for a new year. When I thought about it, I had to say no. But then in my devotional reading of “Jesus Always,” author Sarah Young urged readers to look back over the past year and remember the times when God had been with them in a very real way. So, I thought about it and I could remember a number of times when I had felt God’s presence. Her point was that He would again be with me in 2025. This helped me face a new year that looks difficult.

My brother has cancer. He’s my baby brother, eleven years younger than me. At the beginning of January, he had extensive surgery to remove the cancer. He came through the surgery very well and was able to go home two days early. My family is grateful for these answers to prayer. But he still faces painful radiation and chemotherapy. Isaiah 43 promises that God will be with us in the new year.

Whatever you are facing in the new year, God promises to walk alongside you.

Prayer: Dear God, we are grateful for this new year of life. Thank you for the many blessings of 2024. Guide us in 2025 to follow you. Thank you that you are always with us in good times and bad times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy Brumbaugh

The Loners

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 

This winter I have enjoyed the Juncos at my bird feeder. Juncos are traditionally called the snowbirds. They are beautiful little bird with steel gray backs and stark white fronts. They live in the Northwoods during the summer and come spend the winter with us. Generally they seem to be loners - visiting the feeder when other birds are absent, or standing on the sidelines of the deck while other large groups are feeding. Quite often, they are on the floor of the deck, eating the left-over seeds others have thrown away. The exception this winter was those two weeks we had extremely cold weather. Those days the juncos joined the other birds in the feeder. When I normally only see one Junco at a time, there were 8 in the feeder amongst the sparrows and finches. It made me realize that in a crisis, they came together to survive.  

When I think about loners in our community, my first vision is of the homeless who chose sleeping in the street or under bridges or some out of the way place, rather than coming to the mission. I have heard these loners say they feel more comfortable outdoors. They don't like the other people at the mission. They don't trust others who might steal from them or attack them so they go off alone. During those 2 weeks of extreme cold, Pastor Tom was on television inviting and encouraging these loners to come and stay warm and be supported at the mission. I wondered how many accepted this invitation despite their prior behaviors. In a crisis, things change. 

I keep my feeders full for the birds, especially in bad weather. Inspired by a recent Bible study which focused on loving everybody, I have put together bags of things for the homeless which they may need. My daughter has dropped these off in areas that she sees the homeless and they have quickly disappeared. My hope is that the loners will feel loved and not alone.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be aware of others who are alone yet need to know that someone cares about them. Help us to support those who cannot support themselves. Help us be a welcoming community who steps up during crisis times. And finally, don't forget the timid little juncos - keep the feeders full so the loners can eat. Amen 

Nancy Hall (reprinted from April 2024)

Unexpected Insights

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6   

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24   

Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3  

Recently my car situation has been in limbo. This has changed everything about my ability to run errands, get to work, and feel independent. Facing this has made me reconsider how much I can "make do" with what I have. This reminds me how creative my brain can be, and I rejoice at its wonders. 

At the end of the summer, one of my cars became disabled, and I was trying to donate it; but I could not find the title in all my moving boxes. It was amazing to me to see how much I had accumulated, and how difficult it was to organize. I saw how debilitating this can become. I also found a lot of forgotten treasures which are so much more valuable than a certified document. 

The search process had been lengthy and fruitless, and eventually I had to procure a duplicate title. Cleaning out the car was a burdensome chore, because there were still vestiges of a trip to Rochester, Minnesota last year when my daughter and I stayed for two months (during which she received her fourth liver transplant). But I realized as I was lugging bags of pillows and umbrellas and scrapers and a shovel and all sorts of human necessities that I need to challenge myself in order to be more resilient. I patted myself on the back as I rested after that chore, and looked forward to the next bit of discomfort that would help me grow. 

On the appointed day for pick up the tow truck did not show. So I still had to plan for uncertainties. And that can be rather freeing. How much does it really matter? Why should I invest too much dependence on things going as planned?

The back-up car needed work in order to be driveable after the first one tanked. The AAA tow truck driver delivered it to a repair place that was different from the one where I had made an appointment. At the end of the day, I called the repair shop only to be told that my car wasn't there. So AAA and I had to call and search a number of nearby places to see if my car had ended up there, since the tow truck driver couldn't be reached. These things can happen, and it makes for more work but it also makes for a good story. Also, the place where my car ended up did a good job of fixing it, and I had it back in no time. I was glad to find a reliable repair place that was within my budget.

 

In the ensuing month, the back-up car developed more issues. One of them involved taillights staying on, and the battery drained. AAA gave me a battery boost and told me to drive directly to the repair place; I managed to find a place open on Sunday, so I felt pretty lucky. But they couldn't actually work on the car until Monday. I hadn't really accomplished what I felt I had needed to do. But the right things happened, only a day later than I had hoped.

 

During this time I was relying on my daughter for trips to and from work. It was nice to have time to talk with her, and I enjoyed looking out the window at the sights I often miss while focusing on driving.  I was able to sip coffee and nibble on snacks.

 

Then more issues arose with the car, and because there was a risk of the engine overheating I was told I shouldn't drive it. At this point, I realized that my '92 Geo Prizm might not be worth the $600 it would probably cost to fix it. I have had to restructure my thinking about continuing to maintain something that doesn't really serve its purpose. The car has no airbags, and doesn't travel well over 45 mph. It doesn't really need my allegiance, even though it reminds me of my mother, from whom I inherited it. 

 

So now I am looking into buying a reliable car. My recently retired friend has been chauffeuring me, and we have had jolly drives reconnecting. When we were in high school, she used to come pick me up and drive me to school. I am reminded of how much I enjoy starting the day with her. She is such a light in my life, and I love being cared for by someone so generous and fun. We always have lots of chances to laugh on the drive, and it is an uplifting way to start and end my day. 

 

Even something as mundane as our transport away from home and back again can reveal something as great as God's presence. I look forward to more road trips with surprises. 

Prayer: Thank you for creating my hands and continuing to hold them. Thank you for giving me eyes, and fresh sights to amaze them. Thank you for interrupting my steps to show me something new about your world and the life you have given me.  Learning new things keeps me alive and present, and newly aware of your grace. Let my inconveniences move me closer to you. Amen.

 

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2017)

In the Deep Dark Winter's Night

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

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

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

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

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

Carol McClain (reprinted from January 2024)

If we had no winter...

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." ~ Anne Bradstreet 

Words from Proverbs

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10  

Words from Nehemiah

 

Jesus, Only Sinless One

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Ecclesiastes 7:20

There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:12

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 5:12

Now, I just wrote a devotion that mentioned all the ways you can be good according to God’s word, “delight in God’s holiness, stay away from devious schemers, secure your children, be satisfied with life, love wisdom, be just and follow Jesus.” He does tell us how to be a righteous person. But he also tells us in the verses below from Ecclesiastes and Romans that no one is totally sinless except Jesus Christ who is his son and came as a baby on that first Christmas.

Henry Morris in “Days of Praise” states the words in the parentheses of this John verse:

When the self-righteous men in the crowd surrounding the woman caught in the act of adultery were about to stone the woman (apparently indifferent to the man with whom she had been caught!) the Lord Jesus turned them all away with His suggestion that the privilege of casting the first stone should go to one who was without sin of his own. John 8:7

Stoning could end in death. Why were they picking on one of the sinners? Were they righteous?

Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?” John 8:9-10

“No one, Master.”

“Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” John 8:11

It is hard to know we can’t be sinless, only Jesus has accomplished that on this earth. The good thing is that Jesus forgives us. We all have sins we don’t even realize we do and sins we have forgotten about.

Prayer: Oh Lord, help us try to follow Jesus and sin no more. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words from Psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 

Words from the Psalms

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

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Bye, Bye, Now...

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

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

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3 ESV  

A couple of months ago a co-worker and I were discussing language (part-time anthropologists that we are) and the way we greet and say goodbye to others. The conversation was prompted by one of our church members, Anna Meier, often ending her phone calls with “bye, bye, now…”. I’ve only heard one other person use this form of farewell and we were speculating on the deeper meaning. Is it cultural? Passed down through families? Brian, my co-worker, suggested maybe “bye, bye, now” can mean “goodbye, for now, but I look forward to seeing you again”. We both agreed that it lent an air of warmth to the interaction.

Now that Anna is gone, I’ve been thinking about her form of farewell this week. I think of her service to Eastridge and its members, her service in the Lincoln community, and her devotion to her family. The affection and kindness conveyed in her “bye, bye, now” parting sentiment are fitting. And as Christians, our belief in the hope of the resurrection means that death isn’t the end. So, not “goodbye” but “bye, bye, now…”: until we meet again.

Prayer: Dear Lord, be with us in our grief. Help us to remember your promise of eternal life. Comfort those who are mourning the loss of loved ones today. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (reprinted from January 2020, shared again today in honor of Anna)

Words from Scripture: Good People

The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. Anyone who talks like that is warped and evil and cannot really be a good person at all. Psalm 14:1 The Living Bible

You are capable of doing good and loving others.

So, what is it that a Christian is supposed to do? There are multiple Bible verses which explain what we need to do:

Good people delight in God’s holiness. Psalm 37:23

This is especially true when we see the Christ child in the manger at the wonderful time of Christmas. He came down as a babe in a manger to save us. Thank you, Lord.

Good people bask in the delight of GOD and want nothing to do with devious schemers. You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm. Proverbs 12:2-3 The Message (The Bible in contemporary language.)

Good people secure their children. Proverbs 13:22

They take care of their families and guide them to love others and Christ Jesus.

Good people are satisfied with life. Proverbs 14:14 and the backslider gets bored with himself; but the godly man’s life is exciting. Proverbs 14:14 The Living Bible

People who follow our Lord and his commandments enjoy happiness.

Good people love wisdom. Matthew 12:35

Learn as much as you can. God wants you to grow in wisdom and be there for others.

Good people are just people. Luke 23:50

They are just like you, follow the law and are fair to others.

 Good people are full of faith. Acts 11:24

Good men who are full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, will admire and rejoice in the grace of God bestowed on them. He has angels watching you and acting to care for you.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for these instructions and your grace and care for us. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Happy New Year

Start the New Year with prayer.

Some scripture on prayer: 

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

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

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

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

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

reprinted from January 2024