A Prayer for Today

A recent prayer shared by a member of the Wednesday Bible Study group. 

God Wanted to Give us Faith

In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God’s grace, which he has given to us so fully and freely. God, with full wisdom and understanding, let us know his secret purpose. This was what God wanted, and he planned to do it through Christ. Ephesians 1:7-9

I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it. Ephesians 2:8-9

Henry Morris says in Days of Praise, “Faith preserves and protects us. Jesus insisted, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24) This is an absolute change and eliminates the possibility of hell (John 10:28-29).”

I lost my best friend this spring. She lived a few doors from me. I could talk to her late in the evening and bring all my questions about life to her. She understood our Lord Jesus so well.

She was the strongest Christian I have ever known. I know Jesus welcomed her into his heaven.

Now, I have a friend that heard yesterday her grandson’s father passed away. The family is in the middle of lots of struggles. The grandson had left home as a junior in high school because of struggles between him and his mom. The father had a part of 30 acres of land on a plantation in the southern U.S. with some other relatives and they don’t know what will happen with that land. He was found dead on the land, and they do not know why he passed away. He had been divorced from the grandson’s mother for the majority of the son’s 17 years. 

However, they knew the last few months or maybe longer that he had been reading the Bible. He may have found Jesus and is in heaven! How wonderful!

Do you know if you are baptized? Parents today often baptize their infants before they talk.

Philip says to an officer in Acts 8:37, "If you believe with all your heart, you can be baptized". The officer said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” If you can say these words, you will receive the saving grace of Jesus, and we will see each other in heaven. Jesus said in John 6:63: "The words I told you are spirit, and they give life." You can say these words today!

We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit. We must not be proud or make trouble with each other or be jealous of each other. Galatians 5:25-26 

Sandra Hilsabeck

Psalm 22

My God, my God why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me.

O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,

By night, and am not silent. Psalm 22:1-2

Some nights when sleep escapes me, I hear myself say, “Where are you God?" But then a gentle reminder comes to me - not all is good - not all is bad. Think of what you have – children, grandchildren, friends, a comfortable home and no hunger.  I may not sleep but I am more content. 

But not long ago, a terrible windstorm arrived in Lincoln and the world we know was very ugly.  A dead limb still hangs in the ash tree near my property spewing seeds and dead leaves each day. Great gashes remain in the tree down the street and where many stately trees stood, now only gaps remain. So is everything God does good?

My mind does wonder that often as I think of the many loved ones I have lost and babies crying from hunger. People running for their lives and others living on the streets. 

On page 15 of “Prayer In The Night” by Tish Harrison Warren, we read the author saying, “Where are you oh God? Is anyone watching out for us? Does anyone see? And tell us why? Why this evil, this heartbreak, this suffering?”  

I agreed with the author but then as I drove through the neighborhood just the other day, I saw the world back together again. Trees have been trimmed, yards are greeting fall with color and green trees are suddenly sporting bright yellow leaves and a sugar maple suddenly answers all my questions. Beautifully attired on one branch, it has turned into fall colors of red, yellow and orange. 

God is here, he loves us.  Amen

Carolyn Olsen

Words from Galatians

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 

Thankful for Volunteers

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace". 1 Peter 4:10

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another". Galatians 5:13

A few years ago in an Upper Room devotional, a church volunteer in Mississippi shared how it was his responsibility to prepare his church's altar for worship, and how doing this weekly added "another layer of meaning to the worship experience". I'm certain many of us here at Eastridge are equally blessed by the volunteer work we do in the many ministries here.

In my role as office staff, I can see many of you at work in the church:

• I see you making coffee on Sunday mornings
• I see you stocking shelves in our Food Pantry
• I see you ushering on Sunday mornings
• I see you cleaning the church on spring clean-up day
• I see you assisting with funeral luncheons
• I see you providing a meal for the youth
• I see you setting up for events and providing food
• I see you singing in the church choir
• I see you helping serve communion
• I see you sending cards to church members
• I see you visiting our homebound and hospitalized church members
• I see you going above and beyond in so many ways...too many to list here!

God sees your care and concern for others and the church. You ARE the church!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for volunteers. Thank you for opportunities to serve you and others.

Donna Gustafson

Love Your Neighbor

When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34

Immigration laws are a hot political topic. Should citizens of other countries who enter the United States illegally be entitled to public benefits such as health care and food stamps? Should there be a path to citizenship for undocumented workers? Should certain immigrant students be allowed to have driver’s licenses, and should they be charged in-state college tuition rates? What should be done about the thousands of unaccompanied children arriving from Central American countries? 

As Christians, in struggling to answer these complicated questions, we must certainly consider God’s law as it was imparted to the Jewish people through Moses long ago.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of living in a safe and secure environment with access to food and shelter and health care. We know that we have brothers and sisters for whom these basic needs are not easily met. We ask that You guide us in making fair and just decisions that will improve the quality of their lives and bring Your Kingdom nearer for all of us.  Amen.

Judith Keller (reprinted from September 2014)

Words from Psalm 95

Come, let's sing for joy to the Lord, let's shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1 

Friendship

 A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. (Anais Nin)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17  

One of the benefits of investing in long-term relationships is the ability to know someone more deeply and fully. Humans can complement one another in so many wonderful ways, and experiencing these interactions is also a gateway to experiencing more closeness with God. I love how the years of life I have been granted have blessed me with the crossed paths of so many different strangers who have become friends for eternity. It is a wonderful richness to treasure.

I began to realize as a young adult that the face of God was present in the faces of so many in my earthly community. The generous spirit shines very brightly when someone tries to reach into your life and share his or her strengths. It feels so good to have something to offer to someone else, too, and to have so many gifts to share. 

A young woman I know recently told me how she looks to me for guidance on how to face life. She said she had a difficult childhood but survived and thrived by choosing to discard bad influences and cling to the examples of those who inspired her. Every time she sees me she gives me a hug and thanks me for being there. She helps me to be my best self.

My decades-old friendships have given me the chance to have many sisters and brothers, and people who could be nieces and nephews - and in my heart, a lot of aunties and uncles. Families are wonderful, but families and friends can blend into a lovely mess. I am delighted to see the lines blur between blood relations and heart relations. 

Recently, I have had the gift of time with a friend I met in junior high. She was one of the people who eased me out of my academic rigor into a person who could relax and have fun with others, and she really pulled me out of a narrowness that was not healthy. She encouraged my spirit of adventure and helped me to relax in the face of stressful situations. She and I have had the chance to explore and laugh and talk about great ideas and just take time to look at the world at our feet. She has just come out of a challenging set of experiences, and for the time being I am able to give her a little of what she needs to remember about herself that restores her to living fully. We open a new gift every time we see one another. 

Prayer: Lord of all friendships and all colors of love, thank you for the people whose hands you have placed in ours, who are your hands in our lives.  Let us always treasure them as you treasure us, and to be your gentle hands reminding them of the power of love that is you. Amen

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2017)

He's a Wonderful Lord

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:11-12

The laying of hands upon one's head during the ordination service of January 18, 1959, was a beginning for me as a layman when I said, "yes, I will serve as an Elder of Christ's Church", not really realizing the great commission set forth the duties of this particular position. When one is selected for this duty, he's blameless in life, sound of faith, should be a person of wisdom, and in everyday living, should be an example to the flock. The weight of all the hands upon my head said much to me at that moment, and the questions passed by quickly: how can I do it; why me, of all persons? Why should this take place early in life?

The answers to some of these questions and many others started to come to me from a young man studying at the time for the ministry. He said, "to begin with, it must be commitment, a personal certainty on the following things: pray, learn to worship, study the Bible, and seek friendship with persons who know God." He said it was like going swimming and not knowing really how, but jumping in anyway, for you are bound to make it. Well, every day since I have tried to live up to what it takes to be a Christian in my life. It has been through the strength of many who have been close to me that I have been blessed in many struggles. But there is not one to match our wonderful Lord, who is always near, if only you will ask. Because you see, those of us who go to Him in suffering know how real is His help.

If you ever have a challenge or are asked to serve as Elder, jump in, it is a real wonderful experience that will last forever. God gives to the church persons varying in ability so that all parts of the work of the ministry may be done. Whatever our Lord calls each of us to do, it is our responsibility to help one another fulfill our mission. 

Glen G. Engle, from the 1972 Eastridge "He's a Wonderful Lord" devotional. Editor's note: a timely devotion following Sunday's sermon (September 28)! Also, I found Glen Engle in a 1974 Eastridge directory (photo shown).

God Can Use You

Have you ever thought God can use you? You are just a young person in the United States of the world, but he can still use you! He has the hairs of your head numbered (Matthew 10:30). He knows all about you, and He loves you!

Look at the last four commandments of the ten Commandments in the Bible:

Thou shalt not kill.                                                                                           

Thou shalt not commit adultery.                                                                     

Thou shalt not steal.                                                                               

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.    

When you honor these or any of the other commandments, God is using you. Others are watching what you do, especially if you have told God you believe in him. No kidding, non-believers are watching what you do and are ready to criticize you. Or, if they are thinking about becoming a believer, they want to know how believers act on a daily basis.

Some events in my life where God has used others are as described here:

                I asked God after I had dated a few men when I was single (dating didn’t turn out to be much fun), to send a gentleman to me if there was someone who would want to have me in their life.

                God used my son to golf with Melissa who needed a room for 2 months and put him in my back yard when she said that. He pointed to my house.

                 God used Melissa after she stayed with me for 2 months. She got married and invited me.

                God used Art and Sue Blackman who lived next door to Bryce Hastings in St. Louis. They invited Bryce to their son’s wedding at the Lincoln Country Club.

                God used Lincoln Blackman because he married Melissa.

                I asked God to help me invite my guests to my 80th birthday party. 

You never know when you are going to be used by God. Everyone who came to the party had such an enjoyable time and saw so many friends they hadn’t seen in a long time. God added several people to my mind to invite. That is just what I wanted when I prayed to Him for help making the guest list. I wanted it to be fun for everyone.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for listening to my requests and responding in ways that were much better than I imagined when I asked. Bryce has been a wonderful blessing for me the last 30 years of my life and we celebrated 24 years of marriage. Thank you Lord for bringing him from St. Louis to Lincoln. Help all my children and grandchildren be used by you in some way. Let them know when their prayers are being answered. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Sing to the Lord

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises to our God on the lyre. Psalm 147:7

Give Thanks to the Lord

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy is everlasting. Psalm 107:1 

God's Creation

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

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

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

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

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

Susan Taylor (reprinted from 2019)

Praise in Music

 Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13

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

Music brings us together to share our joy and sorrow, to comfort us, to rouse our spirits, to celebrate, and to stir up memories. When we get together with friends of the same “era,” reminiscing about favorite tunes and lyrics tightens the bonds among us. I know a family of musicians who take their guitars and keyboards whenever they gather. Every family reunion is ended with a bittersweet singing of Edelweiss - “May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep us forever.”

Although solos can be beautiful, the community created when a group of musicians perform is a unique experience. Just like athletes who feel a surge of energy when their team successfully defeats an opponent, choir and orchestra members feel their spirits soar when the climax of the finale is perfect. Individuals who previously had no connection come together to achieve a mutual goal.

Sacred music holds a special place in worship. Everyone has a specific hymn that is meaningful to them. When the initial notes rise from the piano or organ, the warmth of the familiar words and melody comfort us; we join in heartily and create a community of believers sending the message to God. Cantatas and oratorios pull us into the story they are telling. The opening chorus of Beethoven’s “Messiah” can send your heart beating in anticipation of the soaring solos and choruses to come. Whether it’s a traditional hymn written by John Wesley, a stirring gospel or spiritual, or a praise song sung with guitar accompaniment, the shared experience of joining with a congregation to sing affirms our membership in a community with shared beliefs.

A study reported in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, found that adults who participated in religious music activities had a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life as well as reduced evidence of anxiety and depression than others who were not involved in spiritual music. Along with the spiritual benefits of music, it can improve our learning, concentration, memory, mental fitness, and reduce pain. The benefits of music affect people of all ages.  Involving and encouraging young children and teens to join a community of music lovers exposes them to the same benefits.

Prayer: Dear God, make us aware of opportunities to sing praise to you. As we join with the community of your believers, let us sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to you. Amen 

Carol McClain (reprinted from 2024)

Responding to a Call from God

 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

    before you were born I set you apart;

    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:4-10 

The call of God comes in mysterious ways! I think of a movie, “Field of Dreams,” in which Ray is called upon to build a baseball field in the middle of an Iowa cornfield at the peak of the farm crisis. The risk is that Ray will lose his house and farm. The word comes to Ray by way of a simple whisper to “Build it and they will come.” Or another to “Ease his pain.” Ray had to build the field! 

Additionally, Ray had to go find a writer who had written an article about one of the ball players. That journey was wrought with all kinds of adventure as well.  But Ray faithfully heeded the call and did what had to be done. On this journey, they pick up a young ball player who was meant to be part of this game as well.

Upon their return, they find the ball field completed and legendary players out in the field or at bat! Eventually, everyone is on board with the whole intent of the field, even those who were the “naysayers.” The climax is when Ray sees his own dad in the field and plays catch with him.

Cathy and I were at the Field of Dreams and found it to be a very meaningful experience to see the sight of dreams. A family was playing ball and I even went to bat, two strikes and a base hit!

This experience is of the profound impact and ultimate authority that the call of God can have on us. Ray had to build that ball field! Jeremiah had to respond to the call of God to be a prophet to Israel. The good news is that we have this unshakable call given to us – without excuse!  God will help us and give what we need to do that call in Jesus’ name!

Prayer: O God, let us listen and dare to trust that You have called us for something to do. What will it be? How will we know it’s Your call? Help us to listen, sense the direction of Your Spirit, and dare to say yes, without excuse, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling

Our Daily Bread

Give us this day our daily bread Matthew 6:11    

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." Matthew 26:26 

This week I set out to bake several loaves of bread in my bread machines. This is something I really enjoy from choosing the recipe from my multiple bread machine cookbooks, to putting the ingredients together, to smelling the wonderful aroma of fresh baking bread. Even better is giving them away to family and friends and people I barely know who need a bread hug.

In this process I realized the miracle of bread. How can so many variations of ingredients come out as wonderful bread? How do they all come together in the right consistency? What does yeast do? Why do they need salt and sugar?  I contemplated the thousands of years people of all different cultures have made versions of bread readily accepting the miracle that an edible result would happen. I remembered how the Jews fled Egypt and their bondage so quickly that their bread did not have time to rise and how they continue to recall and include this in their Passover celebrations after all these years. Even Satan tempted a fasting Jesus in the wilderness saying, "You can make these stones turn into bread".

I am sure a scientist could explain to me the chemical and biological reactions that take place during the making of bread, but I still find wonder in the miracle that makes it come out as bread. God has truly blessed us with the miracle of bread in our everyday lives. From our toast in the morning, the sandwich at lunch, and the rolls at special holidays together, this is a miracle we take for granted. Even at the last supper, Christ compared the breaking of bread to the breaking of his body and we celebrate after all these years his words along with bread during communion. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you for your loving us so much that you give us the miracle of bread to nourish our bodies as well as our souls. As we pray "Give us this day our daily bread", help us remember your daily miracles around us and be grateful for all you have provided. Amen.

Nancy Hall

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. John 14:1

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is over, so I expected things to calm down and mellow out in my life. Well, it’s late January when I am writing this and that hasn’t happened yet! Do you ever toss and turn at night like I do with too many things running through your head?  There’s family and work commitments, as well as all of those “extra-curricular” things going on like church, scouts, friends, various committees, volunteer work, and so much more.  It’s too much for any of us! Everywhere you turn there is helpful advice on how to manage all of this…just look at most magazines, many books, and lots of talk-show topics. But the Bible is very clear on this issue: We can only have true peace through Jesus. He needs to be number one on our “to-do list” each and every day.  

I think we can all agree that we need to down-size and stop over-extending ourselves. But even in the face of too many responsibilities we can have peace in our lives. The solution to our anxieties is so clear, but in our humanness, we continue to forget the important truth. Jesus died for us. He was blameless, but He took every single one of our sins upon Himself and washed them away with His blood on the cross. Whenever we think about that awesome truth it can help us to keep everything else, especially our earthly responsibilities, in perspective.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the most awesome and amazing gift of dying on the cross for me. I know that I don’t deserve Your grace and forgiveness, but You give it to me anyway. Help me to keep my life in perspective by keeping you at the center. I know that true peace is only possible through You. Thank you. Amen

Chris Boden (reprinted from the 2008 Eastridge Daily Devotion book, originally shared as a February devotion!)

The Christian Life

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, and from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3: 14-21

A city workman once discovered water flooding through a culvert where water did not ordinarily run. He was curious as to its source and started an investigation.  To his surprise, he found that a large water main had burst, shutting off water from hundreds of homes in one section of the city. He hurried to a telephone and tried to call the water company repeatedly, but all the lines were busy. All the lines were being taken up by exasperated homeowners berating the water company.  Meanwhile, the only person who knew the source of the trouble was barred from using the telephone.

Do we keep the lines between God and us so busy with complaints and requests that we cannot hear His voice? Our lives need to be purposeful through constant contact with His will for us. Let’s not let our busyness, preoccupation with our own lives or our selfishness keep us from constant contact with God or keep us from listening to Him when he speaks to us.

Prayer: Our Father, we do not pray for easy lives, but that we may be strong to “bear the strain of toil and fret of care.”  We do not pray for tasks equal to our powers, but for power equal to the tasks that are ours. Thus, each day shall new power and richness of life come to us, and we shall “more perfectly love Thee and magnify Thy holy name.” Amen

Gerry Draney (reprinted from the 2008 Eastridge Daily Devotion book)

Shaped By the Potter’s Hand

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot shaping it as seemed best to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

“Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’ Jeremiah 18:1-11     

I love the hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” written by Adelaide Pollard. Here is the story of that hymn.

Adelaide was discouraged. Living in Chicago she taught at several girls' schools. She was also recognized in the city for her admirable ability as an itinerant Bible teacher. Yet, she knew her real calling was to go to Africa as a missionary. A seemingly impossible task for she was unable to raise the money to fund the expedition.

One night, while walking the streets in contemplation, she stopped in on a prayer meeting. She listened to the very simple prayer of an elderly woman, whose words expressed the discontent in Pollard's own heart. The lady prayed, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord - just have your own way with our lives."

Returning home, Pollard kept thinking about the lady's simple prayer. This led her to study the story parable of the potter in the book of Jeremiah. She began reading, "Then I went down to the potter's house…" Before retiring for the evening, Pollard wrote the popular hymn, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Pollard did not make it to Africa in that year of 1902, but God continued to mold her into an outstanding teacher and evangelist for a ministry in Chicago.

This story of the hymn is personal from my ministry. A member’s daughter (Margi) was married to a pastor (Marvin) serving the Fort Madison Presbyterian Church, Fort Madison, Iowa. They were visiting First Presbyterian Church, Prairie City, Illinois, where I was pastor. We were going to sing this very hymn and Margi asks to speak about this hymn. By Margi’s account, Fort Madison was the hometown where Adelaide lived before she was in Chicago. Margi told the same story that I have shared. Now a strange twist in this is the last name of the Pastor - Rev. Marvin and his Wife, Margi Potter!

Just take a look at the 1^st verse: 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay:

Mould me and make me After Thy will,

While I am waiting, Yielded and still.

It concludes that what the Potter’s hand would form in us and mold in us is expressed by the concluding words that people would see “Christ only living in me.” 

Prayer: Lord God, Master Potter, may Your Hand graciously mold us and make us to Your will that we may be yielded and still. It is a life’s work that seemingly never ends. But may the result be that people will see “Christ only living in me.”  Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling

Following Instructions

When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore, God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel: 6 -7

After David had constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. Then David said, “no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever.” 1 Chronicles 15: 1-2

Recently I read Charles Swindoll’s book “David, A Man of Passion & Destiny.” When David moved the ark the first time, he didn’t think about what he was doing and just moved the ark. This resulted in the death of Uzzah. David learned from his previous mistake. When David moved the ark the next time, he followed God’s instructions.  

This made me reflect on a cabinet I bought to put together several years ago. I am sometimes not very good at spending the time reading the instructions contained in a box. This was one of those times. When I was all done with the cabinet, I had discovered that one of the shelves was upside down. It was a very noticeable mistake, but it was still a usable cabinet. If I had taken the time to follow all the instructions, the cabinet would have had all the shelves going in the same direction.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being my guide. Help me to follow as you direct my path. In your name I pray. Amen

Dee Ann Dilley (reprinted from the 2008 Daily Devotional book)

Psalm 23

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk

    through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

    for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff,

    they comfort me.

 

You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever. Psalm 23

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