Words from Deuteronomy

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 8:10 KJV 

Let the Coastlands be Glad

The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad. Psalm 97:1 

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands afar off: say, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.' Jeremiah 31:10

He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. Isaiah 42:4                     

My deliverance draws near speedily, my salvation has gone forth, and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Isaiah 51:5

I recently read several devotions that referred to the coastlands. I thought these were not words that I readily remembered from scripture, so of course I had to do some research. I found 10 scriptures that referred to the coastlands, most of which occurred in the books of the prophets. The word coastlands referred to distant regions along the sea and symbolized the farthest reaches of the earth and God's sovereignty over all nations. It represents diverse peoples and cultures that acknowledge God's authority beyond Israel. It represents hope for those who are marginalized or in despair and those waiting for redemption and renewal. It showed anticipation of a new age where all nations are called to glorify God, where boundaries are expanded and barriers are broken down. The coastlands are a symbol of a hope divine for inclusion in the Kingdom of God and God's relentless pursuit of humanity across time and space. The coastlands are a call for evangelism. Matthew 28:19-20 states "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope you bring to the coastlands. Thank you for the acceptance of all of us to be part of the Kingdom of God. Thank you for your promises of justice to the world. And finally, thank you for your love of us like a shepherd to his sheep. Amen

Nancy Hall

Falling Leaves and Trusting in God

Falling leaves remind us that there is beauty in letting go and trusting God with what comes next. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7

Christianity and Pumpkins

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "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

Fall is here and Thanksgiving is not far away. With it comes a time to remember all the blessings we have received through the last year, and a chance to join with friends and family for eating, watching football, and shopping.

At this time of year, this story pops up in social media. A coworker asked another, "What is it like to be a Christian?" The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

I like this analogy between Christians and pumpkins. God has chosen us, forgiven us, and taken away our sins. If we believe in him, we can be filled with his love, which puts a smile on our face and a light inside us.      

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you God for everything you have blessed us with, and especially for sending your son to be the light of our world. We are grateful that by knowing you, our insides can be scooped out and filled with your love. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2019)

Candy Corn and the Trinity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judy Welch (reprinted from 2023)

Autumn

 

Henry David Thoreau wrote “Summer passes into Autumn in some unimaginable point of time like the turning of a leaf.” 

A sugar maple tree wearing shades of red and yellow caught my eye on a hot day. I looked again – it can’t be fall. Fall follows summer and I have been cooped up in the house with temperatures over 90. It is supposed to cool, it can’t be fall. 

But fall is upon us. As a child, I hated to see the end of summer. School (which I liked by the way) would begin. But it was not school I hated to see coming, it was the end of freedom that I hated to see end. Summer meant barefoot running, frequent visitors to the farm where I lived. Some chores, but lots of time for talking to sisters, mom and dad and also time for exploring the woods and the fields surrounding our home. Just wandering in the countryside looking at God’s world. 

This year, it feels different. I am ready to put the flowers to bed. To add bulbs in new places. As the hymn says, “In every bulb, there is a flower!” I am ready to let this year slide from fall into winter. For, I know, there will be a birth in a manger to celebrate and then the promise of spring. Spring will come and when it does, those same bulbs will bring cheer and hope for more tomorrows. 

So I am tucking my bulbs into the dirt, getting rid of junk, preparing for this season and whatever will follow. After winter, spring will come and renewed life in our world. Jesus gave us that hope with his death on the cross. I watch the last of the butterflies drink again and again at the butterfly bush. They have traveled many miles and need this drink and I am happy to provide it.  

I am not returning to school but I will be wearing shoes and watching the world put on its beautiful autumn show. The season will cool and winter will come, but I know in my heart that life in the bulbs and belief in our savior will bring us back to spring. God is putting his world to bed and there is promise for a new tomorrow. 

This time, when I saw another beautiful tree I just gloried in its beauty instead of moaning the loss of summer. Instead of being the end, I will take it as a beginning looking forward. 

Carolyn Olsen (reprinted from 2023)

Good Listeners

When I visited my dad recently, he had a couple of church member friends and a former neighbor visit him while I was there. These folks were talkers! What became clear to me was: my dad is a great listener, and others enjoy spending time with him as a result. What I’ve also realized is: when talking with him on the phone, it’s harder to appreciate his good listening skills! Sometimes his lack of what I expect as a response is frustrating.

I was thinking how this is for us, when we turn to God in prayer. We may know in our hearts that God is a “good listener” but don’t always get the response we’d like. 

Scripture tells us:

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. John 5:14-15 ESV

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to turn to you in prayer, knowing that your “answer” may not be exactly what we’d like, but allow us to focus on the connection and our relationship with you.

Donna Gustafson

October: Clergy Appreciation Month

  

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

This scripture is the verse of the day on BibleGateway.com, which I often use to look up Bible verses. The first part is familiar to us as it's similar to the words spoken by our pastors in the prayer before the sermon in worship services.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and we're asked to take action to let our pastors know how important they are to us. It doesn't have to be much-just telling them we appreciate them can be enough. Any of us who are employed probably wish we were thanked more often for our work. We have the chance to let our pastors know we're grateful for them.

I found a poem by Judy Crowe for pastor appreciation month, and the first and last verses state (with a little editing):

Have you ever walked in our pastors' shoes,

And gone where their feet have trod?

Have you ever thought of what they mean to us,

And on your knees, given thanks to God?

Eastridge is blessed with two pastors who have different gifts to share with us. Let us remember throughout the year to give thanks to God for their service with us.  

(And even though there is no staff appreciation month, let us remember and give thanks for the staff members who support the pastors.)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for sending Melodie and Thomas to serve our church at this place and time. Help us to remember each day that they are here to guide us on our journey. And help us to let them know we are thankful for them. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2018)

The Lord Will Guide You

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. Isaiah 58:11 

Trust

When the way forward feels uncertain, trust the one who already knows the path. 

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

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Words from Isaiah

Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? Isaiah 40:26 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Plans I have for you – not for evil but to give you a future and a hope. In the last year and one/half I have clung to this promise. A future and a hope. My family and friends have joined in helping me to see that this could be possible.

But then as I read the news, I falter. I talk to my blind friend who is always upbeat but whom I know is slowly running out of funds. I pray for an ill friend and try to ignore the chair that stands by me but remains empty. I wonder, what is the future? What is our hope? Together we must join our hearts in helping to make this happen. 

Leaving church one morning, I looked down to see a small child clutching a blanket square grinning at me. My heart lifted. Later that same day, I was trying my best to make the heavy garbage can roll into the correct position. Suddenly the teenage girl across the street appeared at my side and easily moved the garbage can. At the library, a small boy held the door for me; I said "thank you, sir". He grinned widely and said, “Mama, she called me sir”. 

Where is our God in all of this? It is hard to search for goodness without thinking of God. But there are books in our Bible where all are slain or captured or destroyed.  Can this be what waits for us? What can we do? Open our eyes to see others. Recognize their problems, hold out a hand, band together, try to make life easier for someone. Listen to one another and actually hear one another. Pray together in place. Know in our hearts that God is here. Believe in the plans he has for us. As Pastor Thomas said one Sunday, “See one another with our hearts.” 

Carolyn Olsen

Second Chances, New Beginnings

"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:10-12

Unlike the way we deal with other people, God does not keep an account of the impolite comments, sins, and transgressions we make. The little lies we pass on, the judgmental opinions we share, and the intentional slights we commit affect our personal relationships, but they are forgiven by God. We are guilty of mentally recording the faults and failings of friends and acquaintances only to revive them later. 

God does not reward or punish us based on the severity or number of sins we have committed. He accepts us where we are and reveals His plan for our lives offering the knowledge that we have a second chance to measure up to His expectations.  For those who fear God’s judgment and recognize His authority, should never worry that God will demand suffering equal to the severity of their failings. The possibility of God’s eye-for-an-eye punishment is so unlikely that David, the author of this passage, compared it to the distance between the earth and the farthest planet and the east to the west.

A “logical” person might ask, “Why doesn’t God deal with us in accordance to the severity of our inequities?” The answer is that He already “wounded” Jesus “for our transgressions” and “crushed” him for our sins (Isaiah 53:5).

Prayer: Lord God, give us the confidence to fear you and appreciate the gift of forgiveness you offer each of us. Help us hold ourselves to the plans you have for our lives. We thank you for the chance to experience a new beginning. With God’s assurance that our sins are not collected into ever-increasing bundles of inequities, help us to dive into God’s plan for our lives. Amen.

Carol McClain (reprinted from 2025) 

Words from Psalm 25

Show me thy ways O Lord, teach me thy paths. Psalm 25:4 

Pulling Together

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are laborers together with God; ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV

A friend told me recently that she had visited Nashua, Iowa, USA. "Why?" I asked her, "What is so special about Nashua?" She replied, "That is where the 'Little Brown Church' is located. It is also where in 1857 William Pitt was inspired to write the hymn, 'Church in the Wildwood'." At that time, however, no church existed on this site in Nashua. The "Little Brown Church" wasn't built until 1864. Most frontier churches were painted white, but due to the high cost of white paint during the American Civil War years, the little church in Nashua became the "Little Brown Church".

To me, the most interesting part of my friend's story was not the circumstances surrounding the building of the church or the inspiration for Mr. Pitt's song. My friend wanted to see the "Little Brown Church" because her parents had been married there. She wanted to look in the record books to see her parents' signatures. She also wanted to see the bell in the bell tower. There is a wedding tradition which has carried on for four generations in the "Little Brown Church" that after a couple repeats their marriage vows, they are asked to ring the bell. Each couple is told that ringing the bell is a reminder that from now on they have to "pull together".

As I was walking from the parking lot to my church the next Sunday morning, I started thinking that it would be wonderful if every church had a bell in a bell tower like the one in the "Little Brown Church" to act as a visible reminder that as Christians we all need to "pull together" in doing God's work.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for making us laborers together with You. We pray that You will guide us and help us to "pull together" as we spread the good news that Your Son, Jesus the Christ, was born and died on the cross for our salvation. In His holy name we pray. Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from the PresbyCan devotion page, 2007)

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)

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

Come and Worship – Come and Worship – Worship Christ the Newborn King

How do you worship? Is it always in the same place or do you find prayers coming at different times? The church is a house of worship and within its walls, we find beautiful music, learned persons speaking and wonderful friends. But this is in a building built for worship, built for music with all kinds of instruments and friends, some of whom we have known for years.

But in the garden watching a bumble bee sipping from a flower or a butterfly landing on a bush, it is also time to give thanks to our God. No instruments playing but you can hear the music of the branches on the trees and the birds calling and the buzzing of the bees. God made music. Earthly music calls you to worship. If you listen carefully, you can hear God calling.

In our land, we are allowed to worship freely. No one tells us where or how to worship. That has been curtailed some lately but we must pray to God that it will not vanish. Whether you worship only within the confines of your home or church or whether you include the world around you we all have God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Ghost in common. We can pray together that our world will always include music and words made by man and God. Amen

Carolyn Olsen

(photo shared by Donna Gustafson)

Some thoughts on Psalm 139

You have searched me, Lord,

    and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

    you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

    you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before,

    and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

    and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

    the night will shine like the day,

    for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

    when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

They speak of you with evil intent;

    your adversaries misuse your name.

Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,

    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

I have nothing but hatred for them;

    I count them my enemies.

Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139

When reading this psalm from the Message Bible, a verse that really struck me was Psalm 139:6 which is a summary and overwhelming awareness of what the first 5 verses already discuss of God’s providential and incarnational presence.  Look at the first 5 verses and then read v. 6:

This is too much, too wonderful – I can’t take it all in!

But more is coming! Like, where can one flee or try to hide in God’s all-encompassing presence? If one goes to Hades, or to darkness, or to anywhere, it is still in the purview of God’s grace and presence. Light and dark are all open to God! One could not count the ways in which we are near God. For the sands of all the beaches, deserts, and oceans cannot contain such presence. Again, it is too much and too wonderful to take it all in.

So, yes, such intimate knowledge of God’s gracious presence is there from growth in the womb to birth. 

Now, feeling overwhelmed has a whole different perspective of how we deal with stress. Even in the face of evil and encounters that confront us with evil and threats, yet the overpowering presence of God out maneuvers and hedges around us to see us through such moments and stress. Again, it is too much and too wonderful to take it all in.

Yes, in 51 plus years of ministry and life, I have felt much stress and some quite overpowering, even when I felt powerless to continue. Thanks to friends of faith and an Incarnate Providence of God in Christ I could reach when there was nothing else to grasp.

I had a poster that hung on my study door with a kitten hanging by a rope with its paw in the rope! The saying on the poster was: “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on! “ 

Imagine the relief and letting go expressed in Psalm 139:22 – it is the release of stress that God does guide us through, even if it is too much and too wonderful to take all in.

“See for Yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life.”

Prayer: O Gracious God, when things get overwhelming, I pray that the encouragement and presence of your grace will hedge around me that I may fully be in awe of your care, even if it is too much and too wonderful to take it all in, through Christ I pray. Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling, Honorably Retired

What Do We Have in Common?

Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image according to our likeness."  Genesis 1:26

For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 

Donna Gustafson recently told me of our fall worship theme, "What we hold in common." Consulting with my family, my daughter suggested we all have bodies. My grandson's wife, a minister, immediately smiled and started quoting scriptures that referred to our bodies and the church. Some bodies are small, some are large. Some are short and some are tall. Bodies and hair and eyes come in different colors. Our bodies start as infants, grow into children and teenagers, and then into adults. Finally, our bodies show the signs of aging with arthritic hands, graying hair, and changes in our abilities. Some of our bodies are healthy while others have chronic illnesses. There is so much to say about our bodies. 

Paul teaches us that we are not just arms, or legs, or other body parts, but we need all our parts (members) to function and to live. So it is with Christians and the church. All of us have differences in our physical bodies, but we are one body in Christ. We have many different gifts and talents and roles in the church, but we make up one body of believers, children of God in his own image, the living breath of the Holy Spirit in all of us. We have all these things in common. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for creating us in your image. Thank you for loving us despite all our differences. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to us in the form of a human body so we could better understand you and the kingdom of heaven. Help us love one another for all the things we have in common. Amen 

Nancy Hall

The Message of the Spider Web

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Hebrews 6:10-15

Earlier this summer, as I went out to water the flowers on our deck, I noticed four thin, silvery threads connecting the deck railing to several leaves on one of the plants…the beginnings of a spider web. As the week progressed, the spider web grew a few threads each day until I noticed the spider finally taking its rest in the middle of the web. I sat one morning, looking at the web, and reflected on the patience and time the spider had painstakingly taken to complete its masterpiece. It seemed in no hurry to finish its task and when it had finally accomplished what it set out to do, it rested and, I imagined, enjoyed the fruits of its labor.

As I reflected on the spider’s patience, a smile formed on my face as I remembered a song I used to sing to our sons when they were much, much younger and would show their impatience and frustration to me at various times.

“Have patience, have patience. Don’t be in such a hurry. 

When you are impatient, you only start to worry. 

Remember, remember, that God is patient, too.

And think about the times when others had to wait on you.”

Being patient takes a great deal of self-control and is mentioned over and over again in God’s Word. As we find ourselves in situations that try our patience, may we remember the message of the spider and take our time to allow the “masterpieces” of our lives to unfold, allowing us to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Prayer: Master Planner of our lives, we thank you for your Word and the various messages you have shared with us about the importance of patience. We pray you will guide us in our quest for more patience and self-control as we allow the scripts of our personal lives, and the life of our congregation, to unfold as you have set forth.  Amen

Patty Niemann (reprinted from May 2013)

Words from Psalm 73

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 

Words from Psalm 27

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

Words from Psalm 18

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. Psalm 18:2 

Words from Psalm 37

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

Happy Labor Day!

 

Lead and Guide Me

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3

OK, what am I supposed to be like, how can I be good and how will you lead me? I read a good plan for me in the Institute for Creation Research “Days of Praise” booklet I get from their Dallas, Texas location. I have visited the ICR in Dallas numerous times and brought many family members to see their creation display. I encourage you all to go there if you are in Dallas.

Good people expect God’s blessing (Proverbs 12:2.) God has been so good to me. Several times he has provided just what I needed by people who helped me. We built this house at 9223 Pioneer Court in 1993. I did not know at that time Bryce and I would need the large bathroom, the roomy bedroom and so many other parts of this house that make it easy for us to be here in our old ages. Who knew? I have learned to expect blessings.

Good people secure their children (Proverbs 13:22). Acts & Facts magazine from ICR in 2026 states “Here’s one thing you’ll likely never see: a parent sitting their child down and saying, ‘Now this is how you tell a lie.’ We all come by lying naturally, Adam and Eve did it too.” We all try to get our children to tell the truth.

Good people are satisfied with life (Proverbs 14:14) I am so thankful Bryce and I can be here, enjoy and share Firethorn pool, resort and golf with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. How could I not be satisfied when God has given us 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren? Life is awesome. 

Good people love wisdom (Matthew 12:35). I was so lucky I had gone with several friends to Doane to finish my degree in teaching. Because of that, the athletic director felt I had the wisdom to take on the men’s tennis team at Wesleyan University after assisting with the women’s team with my friend, Tom Tipton. I don’t know that I was wiser, but the 10 years I coached both teams at Wesleyan were some of my most fruitful and fun years. The students were wonderful and our trips to the national tournaments were so fun. How did I ever take 10 or 20 college kids around the country? The kids I taught have shown up teaching my children and heading up tennis programs like at Firethorn.

Good people are just people (Luke 23:50) and good people are full of faith (Acts 11:24).

I see our children giving the guidance of these verses to their children and grandchildren all the time. God is leading and guiding our family in all generations.  

Sandra Hilsabeck

Overcoming Negative Values

Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers. Proverbs 4:14 

Train children in the right way and when old they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6

We all are living in a populated society where a variety of personal values are practiced and interchanged. It seems that daily news items inform us of a newly revealed "scam" that has occurred. Or, that some innocent person has been taken advantage of or harmed in some way. There appears to be too many who want to harm or destroy others. How can we overcome this type of destructive character that some others have?

As I was growing and maturing, I remember being advised by adults to be aware of the action of others my age and recognize that I would develop and be known by the standards similar to those with whom I associated and accompanied. Our value system can be influenced through our relationships, in addition to the teachings we receive. Therefore, parents, educational institutions, and Christianity have a huge task to prevent and overcome negative values and attitudes, and to develop positive action and beliefs instead.

The programs of our Eastridge Church are so important in our local task to do this. Our worship and Christian Education programs will promote and teach the positive values and Christian attitudes needed in our society today. 

Jesus said, "Let your life so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." The people around us need to see that the results of a Christian's life do make a difference between how the Christian lives and how others live! May our lives at Eastridge Church reflect the Lord we love and about whom we have been taught.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  We pray for Your guidance and direction so that our culture may reflect the standards of Your creation.  Help us to establish and share these Christian values that follow the teachings of Your Son that He brought to this earth.  Amen

Lauren Holcombe (reprinted from 2016)

Words from the book of Luke

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37 

His Eye Is on the Sparrow and He Watches Me

Next door, my neighbor feeds birds.  She does not intend to but she also feeds squirrels. They hang upside down every morning eating from her “squirrel proof” feeder. She rants and raves but nothing seems to help her problem.

She does try many kinds of homemade solutions. She greases the pole but the squirrel still just finds another way. Sometimes jumping from a nearby limb instead of climbing the pole. It reminds me of humans trying different ways of climbing mountain tops or even advancing in their workplace.

Another solution is to raise the pole higher but this only makes the squirrel’s drop from a nearby limb easier. The squirrels race along the fence to enter my yard and dig deep holes in the mulch or sod to bury their acorns. Again, I think of people burying their heads in the sand instead of looking out for others. Or amassing fortunes to be used later. 

The squirrels also can take the easy way out and just eat the cherries in my tree or the strawberries before I can pick them.  Again, man comes to mind.  Just take the easy way out and not plan for tomorrow.

As fall approaches, I see the squirrels scurrying around carrying acorns from under my tree to nearby holes in other trees. They are planning for the winter just as humans plan for tomorrow.

I laugh as I see the squirrel hanging upside down from her bird feeder. But I know that God’s eye is on the sparrow and he is probably watching those squirrels. Which means his eye is also on me and you and just as I enjoy and laugh at the squirrels, he is probably watching you and me and I can only hope he is laughing not crying at what you and I are doing today and tomorrow. We all have this in common, God is watching us.

Carolyn Olsen

(photo shared by Donna Gustafson)

Words from the book of Joshua

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 

The Tests in Our Lives

Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5

Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in time of testing they fall away. Luke 8:13

For many years I worked beside a colleague who, after frustrating conversations or interactions, would observe ruefully, “That ______... he/she is a test.”  Then we would chuckle, knowing that each of us had been at some point (or many points) a similarly disconcerting test to our students and coworkers. In fact, even after retiring, I’ve continued to be a test to others. A high-spirited 7th grader, with whom I worked this spring as a volunteer tutor, didn’t always appreciate my encouragement to attend to conventions for pronouncing consonants. Sighing, he announced, “Mrs. Stelk, you are running my battery down.” After a momentary pause, we both shared a laugh before getting back to the text. 

Tests have been part of the human experience since recorded history began.  I’m sure that, like the Israelites, 40 years of wandering in the desert eating manna and quail every day would have run any of our batteries down a bit. Likewise, many current events feel as though they present a test of faith. I must admit, I don’t always (or even often) consider such tests pure joy. Guess I still have some maturing to do….

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for providing strength to persevere when we face tests and trials. Help us to comprehend the joy that comes through cultivating true and deep roots of lasting faith in you. We ask for your forgiveness when we fall away in times of distress. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Barry and Alinda Stelk (reprinted from 2018)

Thy love has broken every barrier down

 "....and the one who comes to Me, I will by no means cast out..."-John 6:37

Just As I Am, Thy love unknown

has broken every barrier down... 

One of my favorite sermons Pastor Melodie preached was during my first few weeks my family and I came to Eastridge. She preached earnestly about falling in love with Jesus again and caring most about "the least of these" meaning the children in our church family and community. 

I was reminded of this last night when we joyously had a choir rehearsal that Brian put together. Each person who came in the room, new or old choir friends, children of choir members, people who had sung in choir many years or those who it was their first time, each person was greeted by Brian and by other choir friends. The smiles on their faces as we sang hymns filled my heart with such joy.  When we got to the verse of Just As I Am about love breaking down every barrier and then sang Jesus Loves Me, I couldn't but help feel tears in my eyes. After the choir rehearsal, my kids ran down the hall and were greeted so enthusiastically by choir members. I was reminded once again of the amazing way a church choir lives out the gospel of Jesus Christ! Breaking down those barriers in love, from a hug, or a smile, or helping someone learn their notes. A church choir is such an amazing thing! People from the congregation gathering to prepare for worship!

Brian always lets us know about something happening on Sunday. What the sermon is about, or if there is a baptism, or helps us think about the text of a hymn or anthem. What a blessing it is to prepare our hearts for what God has laid on the hearts of Pastor Melodie or Pastor Thomas to share. What a blessing it is to enter that sanctuary on Sunday to hear the Word, to celebrate the sacraments, and to see a group of our congregation at the front helping, not only to lead us in worship, but remind us that ALL are welcome. To remind us that God, who is LOVE, has broken every barrier down! 

Thanks be to God.

Brent Shaw (reprinted from 2021)

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 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 

Words from the book of James

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19 

Listen

(At the home of Martha and Mary) She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:39

Did you hear me? Or are you listening to me?  Two questions every mother or father or teacher has asked thousands of times.

My mom would say Did you hear me? Followed by, if you did, tell me what I said! She forgot the afterthought one time and I found myself doing every chore I could think of. When I returned, she was laughing so hard, she could hardly stand.  She had asked me to close the henhouse door and I had brought in wood, cobs, shut the doors and checked the water containers.

But are we listening when God speaks?  One of my favorite hymns, This Is My Father’s World has a phrase, "in the rustling grass, I hear him pass, he speaks to me everywhere."

Did you hear the bird call? Did you see the hawks ride the air currents? Did you watch the storm gather and the rain that came to revive our earth?

Did you hear the still small whisper of “I love you” from yesterday's child?  Did you see the half smile of a child or see an old man cry? God speaks to us but are we listening?

Prayer: Please, God, speak to us that we may listen, obey, and be better neighbors and Christians in our lives.

Carolyn Olsen (reprinted from 2021)

Prayer Shawl Ministry

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139: 13-17 

In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, began a ministry as a result of their experience in this program. Their desire to extend compassion to others, and their love of knitting and crocheting, led them to combine the two into a prayerful ministry called the Shawl Ministry. The intent of this powerful outreach and spiritual practice was to reach out to those in need of comfort and solace along with those celebrating joy in their lives. The shawl maker begins each new mantle with prayers and blessings for the known or unknown recipient and these intentions are continued as the shawl takes form, is completed, and then is given away. (Source: The Prayer Shawl Ministry Homepage; http://www.shawlministry.com/)

 

Many years ago, a prayer shawl ministry was born at Eastridge Church with the hopes of continuing this special spiritual practice with our church family and beyond. This mission of compassion and love continues today with EPC members knitting, crocheting and quilting prayer shawls. Throughout the years, many shawls have been prayerfully completed and given away with the hope each recipient will feel the love and comfort of God, along with the prayers and blessings of a member of our church family, when they see their shawl or wrap it around their shoulders.  

Just as a butterfly develops slowly within its cocoon and emerges with its distinct characteristics or a baby develops slowly within the womb of her/his mother and is born a unique human being, so a shawl slowly develops too. With each tug of the yarn from the skein and the continual movement of the needle and fingers or the careful selection, cutting, placement and sewing of fabric occurring over time, each shawl takes on its own individual design with the blending of colors and stitches chosen carefully and loving by the maker. As I work on each shawl, I am constantly reminded of how God has chosen to create each of us with unique gifts and talents that allow us to be a reflection of God’s love and a blessing to others.

 

Prayer: Dear Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we thank you for the gift of our hands and the ways in which they can be a blessing to others. We ask you to bless those who have felt your calling to knit, crochet and sew prayer shawls along with those who have received them. May these mantles be a perpetual reminder of the unfailing love and care you, and our church family, have for them. Amen.

Patty Niemann (reprinted from 2017)

Editor's note: Photo below of an Eastridge prayer shawl recipient in the hospital at Bryan West two years ago! 

Words from Psalm 150

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 

Words from Psalm 118

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

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)