March 31 Devotion

In addition to three chapters in Psalms, the lectionary readings for today are:
Jeremiah 31: 27-34
Romans 11: 25-36
John 11: 28-44 or 12:37-50

After reading the lamentations in Psalms, I felt no real inspiration for my devotion. I had not found the “meat” for Lent. But, as I read Jeremiah, Romans and John, I began to develop my thoughts.

In Jeremiah, we learn that God as decided to form a new contract with His people. It would not be like the one He made with the fathers when He took them out of Egypt . They broke the contract and the children paid for their fathers’ sins. Now each person would be responsible for his own sin. He would inscribe His laws on their hearts so they will honor him. He will forgive and forget their sins. This is the God that I know. His decision is a major decision! He will send His Son to die for our sins. We have His love, His promise, and His forgiveness. Isn’t that wonderful??

Romans 11: 25-36 mentions salvation for the gentiles. But the Jews are also included because of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul says that God has not rejected His people. He mentions Elijah’s conversation with God. God says that even though some Jews killed the prophets an demolished the alters, many had not. He uses the term “chosen by Grace” rather than deed. Elijah is concerned and says that if it is by grace and no longer the basis of works, grace will no longer be grace. God says that “Out of Zion will come a Deliverer, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob and this is my covenant with them when I will take away their sins.” God tells Elijah that he (Elijah) was once disobedient and he was forgiven. Therefore, the same should be for the Jews. God will have mercy on all alike.

In reading John 11 and 12, we learn about Lazarus’ death and the awakening by Jesus. We also learn about the plotting of Jesus’ arrest and we learn about the prophesy from Jesus. Lazarus of Bethany was ill. Mary, Lazarus’ sister, sent a message to Jesus but Jesus stayed two days longer before returning. When he decided to return, the disciples feared returning since the Jews had tried to stone him. But Jesus said they would travel by daylight because he needed to awake Lazarus. The disciples thought that he meant sleep but Jesus knew that it was death. He tells that He is glad that they were not there when he died so that they can believe. When they arrived,, they met Martha. Jesus said that He would awaken Lazarus. Mary received word that Jesus had arrived so she left her house to meet Him. The Jews who had been visiting her followed her to the tomb. Jesus asked for the tomb to be opened but Martha told him that the stench was bad from the decaying body but Jesus insisted. He then said for Lazarus to come out of the tomb and so he did.

The Jews who had been visiting Mary and Martha saw what Jesus had done. Some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what had happened. They felt that if Jesus continued to do as He did, the Romans would come to destroy their holy places and their nation. They decided that it would be better to have one man die for the people than to have a whole nation destroyed. Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation. So from that day on they planned to put Him to death.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus returned to Bethany , the home of Lazarus. Mary bought expensive perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. Some were critical of the expense but Jesus said for them to leave her alone. He said that she would have it for His burial. Jesus said, “You will always have the poor, but you will not always have Me.”

There are several points to remember form these lectionary readings:

1. God made a new contract for His people. Each person would be responsible for his sins.
2. Salvation is for everyone—gentiles and Jews. Salvation is by Grace and not by deeds.
3. When Jesus awakened Lazarus from death, He knew that it was the beginning of the prophesy of His death. He was to die for our sins so that we may have Salvation.

Let us Pray—

Dear God, you have made it possible for us to have salvation by Your Grace and Your Son’s death on the Cross. Your Gift was the greatest of gifts. For this, let us forever be thankful.

Amen

Carol L. Brown

March 30 Devotion

My mother, Kate Christine Lockhart Blaine was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1891.

One of the pleasures of her life was teaching Sunday School and Bible study at Beale Chapel at Apple Grove for many years.

Baseball was my mother’s favorite sport. She liked the Cincinnati Reds and especially young Pete Rose. She had a picture of Pete taken from the front cover of a magazine and would tell her family and friends that he would be baseball’s best some day. I’m sure she would have been disappointed if she had known the problems Pete has had.

One Sunday in the early 70's, my son Larry and I took my mother to Cincinnati to see Pete Rose play with the Reds. On the way there, she asked us to stop at a church so she could attend morning service. She said she didn’t want to go to a ball game on Sunday without first going to church. We stopped along the way at a small church in Ohio at Russellville where she could attend the Sunday morning service.

On Wednesday evening prior to her sudden death on the following Friday morning, she taught a Bible class at Beale Chapel. Her lesson was on the following scripture:

Timothy 4:7-8. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

And she also read the following poem by Helen Steiner Rice that evening:

Death Opens The Door To Life Evermore

We live a short while on earth below,
Reluctant to die for we do not know
Just what “dark death” is all about
And so we view it with fear and doubt,
Not certain of what is around the bend
We look on death as the final end
To all that make us a mortal being
And yet there lies just beyond our seeing
A beautiful life so full and complete
That we should leave with hurrying feet
To walk with God by sacred streams
Amid beauty and peace beyond our dreams –
For all who believe in the RISEN LORD
Have been assured of this reward,
And death for them is just “graduation”
To a higher realm of wide elevation –
For life on earth is a transient affair,
Just a few brief years in which to prepareFor a life that is free from pain and tears
Where time is not counted by hours and years -
For death is only the method God chose
To colonize heaven with souls of those
Who by their apprenticeship on earth
Proved worthy to dwell in the land of new birth -
So death is not sad . . . it’s time for elation,
A joyous transition . . . the soul’s emigration
Into a place where the soul’s SAFE and FREE
To live with God through ETERNITY!

My mother died on June 29, 1973 at age 81.

Virginia B. Hensley

March 29 Devotion

I can't believe it,
And it is there for me?
And they say it is free?

Well, almost,
You do have to take it,
You have to agree,
To live like Him and then
Give it away.

It's no good if you hide it,
It won't help a bit,
For others must receive
This wonderful gift.

What are they talking about?
What do they say?

LISTEN!
It's the proof of God's love
That became ours
When they rolled the stone away.

Betty Long

March 28 Devotion

Enjoy Reading Psalm 96

“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3

Lent—a time to reflect on the greatest tragedy since the beginning of time.
Lent—a time to reflect on the greatest blessing since the beginning of time.

Those two thoughts remind me of the opening line of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, only in reverse. “It was the worst of times, it was the best of times.”

The worst of times—the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who could have allowed such madness to happen?
The best of times—the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! How could His tomb be empty? Dead men don’t walk!

Don’t these two extremes exemplify the very nature of the Almighty God? He is the God who can take something horrible and turn it into something beautiful.

Such was the nature of the recent experience I had on a mission trip with the United Methodist Volunteers in Missions from December 26, 2006 through January 2, 2007 to Gulfport, Mississippi. Eighty-three people from West Virginia used their Christmas vacation to work on Katrina-damaged homes. For me, the giving of my time became the greatest gift I could possibly ever hope to receive—the gift of experiencing God at work.

As I prepared to leave on the mission trip, my prayer was that I experience God in as many ways as possible during that week. That prayer was answered far beyond my wildest expectations!

First, the bonding that occurred on that team of eighty-three people, ranging between the ages of 12 and 76, was amazing. The youth working side-by-side with the seniors was a beautiful site to behold. Only through Jesus Christ could such cooperation occur. The patience exhibited by crew leaders as they patiently taught younger, inexperienced members of the team how to shingle a roof was an awesome display of the fruit of the Spirit.

Second, have you ever thought of the tragedy of Katrina as actually being a blessing for some people? That was what I was told by a resident of the area. I was on a crew that worked for Sandra. Sandra’s sister, Nora, stopped at the work site the first day we were there. Sandra must have called her to tell her the long-awaited work team had finally arrived. Nora repeatedly thanked us, saying what a blessing we were to her sister because Sandra had no insurance.

Nora said that Katrina seemed like an awful thing to people like us in the north who gleaned our information from the television, newspapers, and Internet. However, to many who had homes badly in need of repair before the storm ever delivered its devastating blow, the nightmare would also become an opportunity for a better tomorrow.

The inside of Sandra’s home had extensive mold infestation as a result of all the water that had leaked in from the roof. Over time, with the work of many teams such as ours, the inside would be completely gutted and redone.

How like the God we worship to bring new life to that which was nearly destroyed! He can take the old and make it new again.

There are many more examples of experiencing God at work that week, but the final one must be shared. On Saturday evening while eating my second piece of cake, following an afternoon of painting inside a home that was nearing completion, I noticed a kaleidoscope of brown squiggly lines in my left eye. The thought of a retina tear or retina detachment went through my mind, having a family history of both conditions. Being very nearsighted made me a likely candidate for the retina problems, too.

The chain of events that transpired the next eighteen hours left no doubt in my mind that God was personally in charge of taking care of me. It began with talking with the retina consultant on call in Charleston, West Virginia who instructed me to find an ophthalmologist in the Gulfport area to examine my eye. The doctor we called had taken his family to New Orleans for the weekend, however he instructed me to call a retina consultant group in Mobile, Alabama. The ophthalmologist for this group asked me to come at his office on Sunday at noon.

Having the team of eighty-three pray and anoint me that Sunday morning before leaving for Mobile was a moment in time I will never forget. Talk about experiencing God!

The ophthalmologist in Mobile informed me as he prepared to examine my eye that he had just left his church service and had prayed my case was not too severe. He dilated my left eye, examined it and informed me I had a torn retina. I thanked God it was not a detached retina. He proceeded to tell me the retina consultant would be there in ten minutes. Sure enough, ten minutes later he walked in carrying his eight-month old baby boy. I sensed the presence of God in that room saying, “You are in good hands. Trust Me.”

I asked the name of the baby and the doctor said, “Luke.” I can remember thinking, “Ok, God, I get it now.” God was taking care of me. There was no doubt about it. The retina consultant performed a laser procedure on my eye and then proceeded to make calls on his cell phone to find a restaurant where we could eat lunch. Southern hospitality at its finest!

At the conclusion of that mission trip, it became very clear to me why I had prayed to experience God in as many ways as possible. When we experience God at work, when we experience those events that can only be attributed to the hand of the Almighty, we should be compelled to do what the Psalmist writes:

“Declare His glory among nations, His marvelous deeds among all people.” Psalm 96:3

Prayer Focus:

Call on God today to open your senses to experience Him working in you life. Thank Him for the ways you see Him caring for you. Now, whom will you tell when you know you have experienced God in your life?

Cathy Woodruff
Mineral Wells, West Virginia (sister of Paul Riggs)

March 27 Devotion

Read Romans 10:1-13 and John 9:18-41

We are all sinners. Christ came to open our eyes to his glory and grace. We all can be saved from our sins by turning our eyes upon Jesus.

Some of these words are from the refrain in the hymn “Turn Your Eyes to Jesus”

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace

All of our sins, all of our worries, all of our cares, can be removed from our lives. All we need to do is “turn our eyes upon Jesus” this Lenten season and throughout our life.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your son the Christ. Help me to see the grace, love and forgiveness that is waiting for me by just turning my eyes upon your son, Jesus.

Amen

GOD Bless

Fred Herr

March 26 Devotion

That's not fair! I do believe that those might have been the first words I ever uttered. With two older brothers in the mix, how can you blame me? Nevertheless, I'll bet my family, friends, and acquaintances have grown tired of my complaining year after year.

1963 -- I hate my naturally curly hair! That's not fair!
1965 -- I deserved to make cheerleader! That's not fair!
1968 -- Why did I have to get mononucleosis? That's not fair!
1969 -- Why did my dad have a stroke? That's not fair!
1975 -- Why did I have to drive to Fort Gay to teach? That's not fair!
1976 -- Why was my husband poisoned by treated lumber? That's not fair!
1982 -- Why was my daughter born two months early? That's not fair!
1997 -- Why did my mom die of cancer? That's not fair!

Of course, I could fill in many more examples from the ridiculous to the tragic, but you get the idea. As recently as yesterday, I was bemoaning the fact that I am getting $1400 raise and the legislators are getting a $5,000 raise. I am positive that that's unfair! So what is my point? Life isn't fair.

Today's scripture might shed some light on this situation:

Who are you to criticize God? Should the thing made say to the one who made it, "Why have you made me like this?" When a man makes a jar out of clay, doesn't he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar beautiful, to be used for holding flowers, and another to throw garbage into?"

So am I holding flowers or garbage? I guess it depends on the day and my attitude. When I look back at the "unfair" situations now, I realize that each one was designed to help me progress from one life stage to another:

Maybe I had naturally curly hair, in a decade of stick-straight hair, so that I could empathize with my middle school students who feel ugly and different.

Maybe my dad's stroke was supposed to show me that "in sickness and in health" isn't a phrase, but a way of life.

Maybe my mom's death was to teach me to help others with loss and to show me how to die with dignity.

Maybe we don't' know the difference between flowers and garbage. Maybe we should spend less time saying, "That's not fair," and more time learning God's main lesson. Jesus died on a cross for our sins. We didn't earn it; we didn't deserve it; it wasn't fair.

Amen

Becky Warren

March 25 Devotion

For those of you who received devotionals last Christmas, perhaps you remember a poem I wrote, entitled, ‘My Journey.’ I apologize for its long length, but I wanted to chronicle the journey I took as a Christian, during my father’s cancer treatment and death. I grew so much, learned so much, and felt the presence of God so strong throughout that painful time. Although it was the most difficult period of my life, I can now say, without hesitation, that my father (both heavenly and earthly) gave me the biggest blessing of my life. That journey opened my eyes to our Lord and his mercy, his strength, his compassion, and yes, even his painful teachings. I needed to go through that experience, so I could see beyond today, and look toward our promise of eternal life. Although I was raised in church, and in a Christian home, I had wrapped myself up in only today: completing college, beginning a career, enjoying friendships, etc. I was no longer seeing today, as a journey toward our ultimate destination...Heaven!

I have never been one to believe that our merciful father deliberately causes us pain, and I still don’t believe that. I don’t believe that God gave my father terminal stomach cancer, that appeared out of nowhere, to teach me a lesson. But, I do believe that God walked me through that time, as I needed to understand why it was all happening. More importantly, I needed to understand that I was not alone. God was walking with our family, holding us up, when we didn’t have the strength to do it ourselves. Friends, both old and new, came into our daily lives. Doctors, both old and new, administered not only to my father’s body, but also to our faith. Family, both near and far, supported us with emails, prayers, phone calls, visits, etc. Never had I experienced such an outpouring of love. Thank you, God!

For those of you going through similar challenges, I hope you gain strength in knowing that the most painful experience of my life is now my greatest blessing. I am a better person. I am a better Christian. All because God helped me look beyond the pain of that day, to see a glimpse at tomorrow. God is walking with us. I am now thoroughly convinced. I saw him. I felt him. He is real. As odd as it may sound, I thank God for that journey, even though it resulted in the loss of my father. That loss, that closed door, has opened a window to my life that will ultimately lead me to a greater tomorrow. And, God has blessed me with so much since that time: a wonderful boyfriend, after 44 years of searching as a single woman, greater patience and understanding with family and friends, after always ‘sweating the small stuff,’ perspective regarding work and personal life, a deeper love for all people, and a renewed faith as a Christian.

So, as I read today’s scripture, Psalms 118, I remember that this is the day the Lord hath made... but, it is only a day leading me to my ultimate destination. I must walk with faith and strength through the trials of each hour...each minute...each second, knowing that God is with me. So, I try to begin each day remembering these words....a poem I wrote, inspired by this Psalm.


This is the day, which the Lord hath made,
from the rise of the sun, til the sunset fades.
I will look to the Lord, as I walk through my day,
Fear will not lead me, I will trust in his way.
And give thanks to the Lord, for all I am given,
Remembering always, my Lord who has risen.

And, when there is strife, temptation, and pain,
I will look to my God, my faith will not wane.
The Lord is my strength, from daybreak to end,
I will walk through this day, with my Savior and friend.

Kelley A. Allison

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

There are times when we think we walk in darkness. We plod along, our eyes on the path in front of us, and we miss seeing your light. We miss the comfort of your presence. We ignore the power and warmth of your love. Forgive us, Father. Deciding to walk with you is sometimes frightening. If we look up, if we don't pay attention to our steps, we fear we might fall. Help us to see you, and to know that your light will illumine our paths and that by following you, we are freed from darkness.

This evening, Lord, we thank you with humble hearts for your presence in our lives. It is with praise and gratitude that we recognize that we never walk alone. You are always with us, comforting us in our distress. You never look away, you never walk away. You will never abandon us. It is with amazement that we realize that you chase us and will not let us escape.

We pray because we have a savior who prayed, and who instructed us to do the same. In his name we give you our grateful hearts. Amen.

Kim Matthews

March 24 Devotion

Questions Along the Way

“Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves him? – Luke 22:27

You told a parable about this once, didn’t you Lord Jesus Christ? That when the master comes home, he expects his servants to get busy and serve him. He doesn’t roll up his sleeves and say to them, “Oh sit down here and take it easy. Let me serve you.” Of course not. Masters are greater than servants, and servants are supposed to serve.

But then I approach the Communion altar…and discover that once again you have rolled up your sleeves and taken the role of servant. The reality almost goes beyond the picture here, doesn’t it? For what you have to offer is your very body and blood. The price you paid to serve this meal is cosmic, astronomical!

Who is the greatest? In a way, I guess I am… for you, Lord Jesus Christ, have chosen to serve me! But still, You are the greatest… including the greatest Servant.

Service anyone??

Amy Inghram

March 23 Devotion

Read Psalm 107:1-32

The words to a song “Hide” by Joy Williams:

To anyone who hides behind a smile
To anyone who holds their pain inside
You don’t have to face this on your own
You don’t have to hide anymore.

And if you feel like no one understands
Come to the One with scars on His hands
‘Cause He knows where you are, where you’ve been
His scars will heal you if you let Him.

Come out, Come out where ever you are
You don’t have to hide anymore.

The song’s lyrics penetrate the weary hearts of our modern society and gives hope of a better day.

This song, I feel, speaks to a lot of people; the words are down to earth and can bring you home. If you have felt that you are at the end of your rope, and you just can’t make it another day, always remember no matter how far away you think you are, you are not alone. Jesus is always there for you. All you have to do is call on Him. He will not leave you. Remember, Jesus is the Way, the bread from heaven, the living water and the giver of rest.

You don’t have to hide anymore!
Come to Jesus
His scars will heal you if you let Him

Dear Lord,

Be with those who don’t want to hide any more, that want to come out and come to you with their concerns. Let them know what you will be there for them and for everyone no matter where they are in their walk with Jesus. Help them come to you during the Lenten season and prepare for what Easter is truly about.

Amen.

Melanie Herr

March 22 Devotion

John 3:14 – 18 He Died For Me
“He died for me.” What do those words mean to you? When you think about them, what do they bring to mind?

• He died as my substitute…in my place…where I should have died…the way I should die…
• He died because of me… if it were not for my sins, his death would not have been necessary…
• He died for my benefit…to provide me with forgiveness, life, and salvation.

These are just three ways of reading that simple sentence. Another way might be to think about it one word at a time: “He” - who? Why him?... “died” – how? where? why????... “for” – in place of? in behalf of? for the benefit of? because of?... “me” – why me? who am I? what am I?

Today let your focus or nail (see February 26 devotion) remind you of this simple but profound four word sentence:

He Died For ME!

Amy Inghram

March 21 Devotion

IT'S ALL ABOUT

On a recent popular TV talk show I hear again the phrase, "It’s all about Me." What does God think when he hears his children make this statement? Is this the way he would want to us to live our lives? Does he look with favor on us and our self centered and sometimes pushy acclaim at taking care of self first? A former President in a recent book states that a person should have as their goal "complete agape, self sacrificial love"

Is God crying when he sees us do things that say to him we are all wrapped up in self? What he asks of us with his help is to take our ordinary life and place it before God as an offering. By fixing our attention on God we become changed from the inside out, and we become his servants. We can say-

"The life you see me living is not mine, but it is lived by faith in the son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me" Galatians 2:20

How do we live our life and do it to please God? In the popular book "90 Minutes in Heaven" Piper states that the reason we have for fully living is to give everything we have to God-even the heartbreak and pain-God is our reason to live.

So during this lenten season help us to live more fully the life God would have us to live, that we may move beyond the idea that its all about me to declare with joy that we are living to please God

Marilyn Holleron

March 20 Devotion

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and instead of dozing off again you begin to think worrisome thoughts? Perhaps some anxiety over a project at work or concern over a family matter.

Or perhaps you are delayed in a traffic jam, stressed because time is wasting and you are already late. Will that red light never change color?

Watching the national news is certainly a cause for anxiety and just opening the newspaper each morning brings new concerns.

Let me get to my point. As followers of Jesus we should not be overwhelmed by these daily anxieties, whether they are large or small. Problems at work, health or financial issues, family worries; at one time or another most of us have experienced them. In today's world where poverty, crime and terrorism abound, what is a Christian to do?

I get really stressed before taking a trip out of town that is going to last longer than overnight. I always worry that I will leave behind something essential and with the new restrictions as to what can be placed in carry-on luggage my worries grow. I remind myself that unless we travel to the Amazon jungle most anything left behind can be replaced.

So it was that before a recent trip I was experiencing my middle-of-the-night stress. I woke up with a melody going through my mind. At first I couldn't recognise it nor remember the words. Then I realised it was from an anthem the Sanctuary Choir had sung a week or two earlier. The words of the refrain told me to stop the stressful thoughts and commit every anxiety and fear to the One who can handle them all for us if we will only let Him.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

Can there by any greater answer to our anxieties and fears?

Scripture: Ps. 27:1-7 KJV
(It is interesting to compare the KJV with the same Psalm 27 in "The Message")

Jean Dean

March 19 Devotion

As those among us who often work with children can testify, no matter how well prepared you are to teach the Bible lesson, children will often take over, control and add their own spin to theology. The story of the “feeding of the 5,000” was read to the kids in Children’s Church on a recent Sunday. Their illuminating comments follow.

God needs faith, and all the other people, like us, to do miracles.

You can learn a lesson from this because Jesus can help you with your schoolwork. When you are nervous and your stomach feels queasy, you can pray and God will help you.

He knew that those disciples couldn’t buy any food. It would have cost a million dollars, and where was the store? He just wanted them to think. No regular guy could solve this problem by himself.

Jesus wasn’t showing off or trying to be powerful. He cared about the people who had walk so far.

Jesus sat the people down in groups so that they could talk and get to know each other better.

The little boy didn’t have very much to give, but he gave all he had. Just like the two-cent widow and the Little Drummer Boy.

The little boy was thankful that his mom had given him fish and bread. He was probably nervous and happy that he got to help people AND meet Jesus. I bet that the disciples gave him extra because the Lord really liked him providing it.

If you do good things for God, He will do good things for you.

The people ate until the tummies were full and they even had leftovers. Jesus sure has a lot of stuff for you.

JESUS DOESN’T LIKE PEOPLE TO BE HUNGRY.

Amen.

The children in Children’s Church
As led by Patrice Daniel

March 18 Devotion

Seedling recruitment after fire arises from a previously dormant seed bank in the soil and first seems to play a cruial role in germination. This is from a scientific article outlining the process by which forest firest play an integral role in the continuation of a species. Without the first and the heat produced during such a blaze, the seed simply stays buried in the ground, never living up to its role in the world.

• "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)
• John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:16)

Too often we lay dormant. Buried under work, pleasure, guilt… Perfect specimens, made by God. Created to love Him above all else and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But we stay hidden from view, our potential unrealized and our willingness to branch out to others unstirred. We fail to germinate.

This Lenten season, may we be so close to Christ that the flames of his glory scorch our souls and the heat from His presence in our lives allows us to grow in a way that will lead to a life of love, a life of service, and life everlasting.

Steve Matthews

Evening Prayer:

Dear God,
By the power of the fire of your Holy Spirit, ignite our souls with a desire to live up to your will, that as we mature in faithful service to you, we will branch out and produce fruit, sowing seeds in your Kingdom.
Amen.

Jeff Taylor

March 17 Devotion

Please read John 17

Have you ever read a passage of scripture and seen something for the first time? Recently, I re-read John 17 and what really jumped out at me was Jesus’ selflessness at a time when I would expect him to focus on himself. Jesus recognized that his time on earth was coming to an end. What do you think he did? He prayed. Not a selfish prayer, “God, help me!” He prayed for his followers. In class Wednesday night, I asked, “What do you think of that?”

“Awesome!” was the reply. I agree. It is awesome that Jesus would pray for us, even for me. It is awesome love for us, even for me; it is awesome trust in us, even in me.

And for my part, it is awesome responsibility. I read the words as if Jesus were praying for me. Try it: read verse 20 and insert your name for “them” and “they.”

I’m praying not only for Jeff but also for those who will believe in me because of Jeff and Jeff’s witness about me.

Does anyone believe in Jesus because of me? Am I living up to my responsibility? Sometimes I have missed opportunities to be a witness to Christ’s love; other times I have failed, thinking instead of myself. But I will do better; I have confidence knowing that Jesus is praying for me!

And He’s praying for all of us.

Dear God: May the ones who come behind us find us faithful; may the fire of our devotion light the Way. Amen.

Jeff Taylor

March 16 Devotion

John 8:33-47

In this passage from the Book of John, Jesus is in the Temple teaching the people after He has freed the young woman caught in adultery by the Scribes and Pharisees. The Jewish people respond to Jesus’ pronouncement found in verse 32 that when they know “the truth, the truth will make them free.”

However, they take offense at the suggestion that they are not free now and proclaim that as descendants of Abraham they were never in bondage. (Not only do they misunderstand the meaning of Jesus’ words, but the statement itself is untrue since the Jews had been in servitude to many different nations and were currently subservient to the Romans). What Jesus meant was that if they were not free from sin, they would become its servant.

In verse thirty-six (36), Jesus makes a promise to the people that if the Son (Jesus) makes them free from sin, they will no longer be a servant of sin. This is one of 1,522 “ifs” in the Bible that express a condition and a conclusion if the condition is satisfied.

Interesting, the bondage analogy follows Greek and Roman custom which permitted a son and heir to free all slaves that were born in the house during the father’s lifetime. Therefore, the Son could free all of the servants of sin and make them free forever if they would accept the Son and become His disciples. The passage speaks to us today as well, in that we can become free from the slavery of sin and become disciples of Him if we will only accept His truth.

The first verse of the Hymn “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” perhaps best describes this invitation of Jesus to walk with Him and be freed from sin.

“O Master, let me walk with thee,
In lowly paths of service free
Tell me thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care”

Lee Oxley

An Extra Devotion

From time to time, during devotion season, I sent out "extras." Below are two poems -- both are "re-statements" of Psalms -- one a psalm of praise, and the other a psalm which calls for repentance. Both are Psalms of David. Isn't there a blessing in knowing that we worship a God who hears our praise and also takes away our sin? May you find the abundance of God's grace today.

Kim

Be My Voice
Psalm 29

I depend on you, God’s many angels.
I count on you, His heavenly creations,
To praise his name,
When my lips fall silent,
When I stand here, a creature of dust,
Made silent in amazement at his glory.
Fill the heavens with His praises,
Glorify his name with your sweet songs,
For there are times when my throat closes,
And my tongue falls silent.
There are times when his majesty is too great
For my feeble songs and my useless words.

His voice is never silent.
It echoes across the waters
Lifting waves in its wake.
His voice is powerful,
Thunderous,
Mighty and glorious.
His voice is majesty.

The bass of his voice makes mighty trees tremble.
Even the most towering,
Even the ones which seem to reach all the way to heaven.
The tenor strains lift me to my feet,
And give me wings to skip like a child.

His voice has the heat and flash of fire,
It shakes the wilderness,
It thunders across empty land,
Land not seen by anyone.
His voice even reaches to the wilderness of my heart,
His breath warms my coldness.

His mighty voice,
His powerful exhalation,
Stirs the leaves of the trees
Whips them around as if a mighty storm were passing.
His exhaled breath,
Strips away the leaves,
Strips away my pretenses.
Leaves us all bare,
Until all that we have left
Is to glorify his name.

Our mighty God sits high in heaven,
Enthroned as a king
A reassurance for all of eternity.
He gives me strength.
He gives us strength.
He creates in us a mighty and powerful ability
To do His work in the world.
He rules from heaven,
And he gives us the wonderful blessing of peace.

Praise His name and His mighty works,
Be my voice, all you angels,
For when I stand here speechless.


A Call to Confession
Psalm 32

My sin weighs on my thoughts
Like bricks holding down a kite
Which yearns to fly.

Blessed am I when my sin is forgiven
hen my mistakes are wiped clean.

My Lord and my Father
Will hold nothing against me.
Will relieve me of my guilt.
All I must do is surrender.
I must be honest with him,
For in that honestyI will find that I have been lying to myself.

In the silence of my guilt
I became smaller and smaller
God faded away.
And I groaned for him,
Calling for him to return.
He was so far away
That I didn’t even feel the touch of his hand
Even though it never left me.
My strength dried up
And blew away, like dust.

Finally, I told him of my mistakes.
As if he hadn’t known.
I gave up hiding them from him.
“Please God, take this from me.
Forgive me, for I ache under this burden.”

He lifted them away,
Left me clean,
Pulled me close, for he had never left.

I pray that everyone may know and understand.
I pray that all may find the love that he offers.
In their distress, may they find shelter and protection,
As the heavy waters of pain rush upon them.
May they find serenity in his embrace
As I have,
May he keep them from harm
And surround them with his assurances of home.

All who have problems, troubles, sin,
Listen.
Learn from this voice of experience.
Surrender your pride, your stubborn nature.
Give it all to God.
Draw near to him and find peace.

The weight of sin is enormous,
And we carry it so often,
That we ignore the wounds it leaves,
The holes it tears in our skin.
We are so accustomed to the burden,
That we think blisters are our lot in life.
Come to God for healing,
To find release.
Remember that tears are not to be our nature.
And that shouts of joy await us.


Kim Matthews

March 15 Devotion

John 8:21-32: Again he said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’

“The Truth Will Make You Free”
Truth or Consequences was a television show that aired many years ago. Off-the-wall questions were asked of the contestants and if their answer was wrong (or if they couldn’t answer before “Beulah the Buzzer” sounded) they had to suffer the consequences, usually some sort of stunt designed to embarrass the contestant.

John tells us that Jesus was giving the Jews at the temple the answer they needed to keep from suffering the consequences when he told them, “…you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.” All they could say was, “Who are you?” Cue Beulah!

Just exactly what is “the truth”? Is the truth a set of laws? Is it the Bible? Is it the Old or New Testament? (There goes Beulah again!) And what will “the truth” set us free from? Continue reading John (8:34-36) for a heads-up. Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.’ No law or code of conduct can free you from your sin. Only belief in Jesus - that He is who He says He is - can do that. Actually that belief frees us from both sin and law!

Who wants to suffer the consequences for not knowing “the truth”? Remember that Jesus said the consequence is to “…die in your sins.” Do you know someone who needs you to tell them the answer? Lent is the perfect time to tell them. Tell them that the truth that frees us from sin is the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ. And that when we are in Christ, we are in the way, THE TRUTH, and the life and that Satan can’t snatch us out of His hand!

Mace Sturm

March 14 Devotion

Genesis 1:3-4
Psalm 84:5*
Psalm 119:105**
John 8:12***
Romans 5:1-2****

We Have Never Been the Same

God said, “Let there be light.”
And there was light.
It was Good.
God separated the light from the darkness.
The day from the night.
And planted his children in the garden.

A snake slithered onto the scene,
Evil incarnate.
Hissing its darkness and manipulation.
In the brightness of day
The darkness of sin arrived,
We have never been the same.

They have neither knowledge nor understanding.
They walk around in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.*

We could be walking around in darkness.
Living in a cave in which there is no light,
No hope.
No joy.
And yet God did not leave us alone.
Even in our darkness
Even in this hopelessness
We are not alone.

With Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah and Jeremiah,
With each of them
God struck a match,
Brought a tiny flame of light into the world.
A sputtering, vulnerable light.
And in its glowing
In the warmth of its heat
We have never been the same.

Your word is lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.**

So often we ignored it.
So many times we refused to see the light God sent
We closed our eyes
Backed away from its heat
And pretended that darkness was our home.
And yet God did not leave us alone,
Not even then.

He sent his son.
Instead of sending light,
He sent The Light.
The darkness cannot overcome it.
Hope is made real.
We have never been the same.

He said, “I am the light of the world
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness
But will have the light of life.”***

Love is no longer abstract.
But was nailed to a cross.
For three days it seemed that darkness would have
The Final Word.
Light was extinguished.
Darkness crept along the ground
Like gray smoke.

But God is God.
It was never his plan to leave us alone.
He has never given up.
He would never leave us in the darkness of death.
His son arose.
And light, brighter than ever before,
Burst upon our eyes.
We have never been the same.

We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Through whom we have obtained access to this grace
In which we stand.
And we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.****

He searches us.
He shines light in every corner of our souls,
Finds the darkness,
And it is banished in the light of grace.
And we have never been the same.

Kim Matthews

March 13 Devotion

Mark 10:14

There are times when I get so involved in trying to understand something that I can't. I make it too complicated. At times like these, I'm glad God doesn't take me so seriously. He gives me wonderful reminders that he made the message easy enough for all of us to understand. Two of those reminders were with me last week. I was shopping with Max and Riley when they asked for some "sparkling grape juice" for dinner that evening. I explained that the grape juice was for special occasions. Max said "you mean like Communion". I agreed with him and that brought on more questions about communion. I told them we'd talk about it in the car.

When we got to the car I was trying to think of how to explain this all to them. I explained that the bread and the wine that we used in Communion represented Jesus body and his blood that he has shed for us. Max said he remembered a story about Jesus turning water into wine (Pastor Joe's sermon the week before). They wanted to know why he did that and I was explaining (thank you Joe and Kim and Jeff from Wednesday) when the question changed to how. Max said Jesus had to be very powerful to do that, how did he get all that power. While I was thinking about my answer, Riley pipes up with "Max, he's our King. Not one of those slave kings who is mean and makes people do things. He's a good King who loves us."

Now just how much more do we need to understand.

Thank you God for wonderful reminders of your word.
Amen

Debbie McGinnis

March 12 Devotion

Read Jeremiah 7: 1- 15

God sent Jeremiah to the temple gates to warn the people of Jerusalem to change their lives or they would be exiled and the temple destroyed. The people were leading sinful lives – stealing, murdering, following other gods – and then coming to the temple to worship. The footnotes in my NIV Life Application Bible describe this ritual worship while leading a sinful lifestyle as “religion without a personal commitment to God.” Are we sometimes guilty of this today? Do we sing, teach Sunday school and attend church for “the ritual” or for God? While all of these activities are good, if they are not done for God, they are empty.

Part of our self-examination during the Lenten season may include reflecting on these questions:

• Do I attend church to truly worship God? Or, is it out of habit or to see my friends?
• Do I sing the hymns to praise God? Or, am I afraid my neighbor will hear me singing off key?
• Am I working for God or the church with my committee service?
• What do I need to do to renew my personal commitment to God?

Prayer –

O gracious Lord, thank you for the opportunity to have a personal relationship with you. Help me see how I can renew and revive my personal commitment to you. I pray that this new commitment will be evident in my service to you. Amen

Shelly Shideler

March 11 Devotional image

This image was submitted by Charlie and Margaret Ann Lewis to accompany their devotion.

March 11 Devotion

Mark 17:3 – And eternal life is this: To know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 11:25; 14:1, 2, 27 -- “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”

“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

The following lines were given to us by a friend who gleaned them from the internet. We found them very touching and meaningful, and would like to share them with you.

Death – What a wonderful way to explain it

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came of sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

“I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I know one thing…I know my Master is there and that is enough.”

Prayer by Ken Gire – Moments with the Savior

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you that here and there you have shown me glimpses of heaven, however briefly. That now and then you have sent me echoes of it, however faintly. And that once in a while, you have allowed it to touch me, however gently. Those glimpses, those echoes, those touches have awakened my longing for home, and for each one of those awakenings, I thank you.

Thank you that I have a room in your Father’s house. A place just for me. Thank you for all you have done to ready it for my arrival. For all the longings that lead me there and for all the reminders that let me know that this is not my home, I thank you, O Lord. Remind me often for often I forget that the very best of homes here on earth is just a shadow of the home waiting for me in heaven.

Charlie and Margaret Ann Lewis

March 10 Devotion

John 7:1-13

Several winters ago a colleague of mine and I attended a cardiology conference in Snowshoe, WV. The educational conference was structured so that there was plenty of time to enjoy skiing and other winter activities.

During one of these blocks of time, we were cajoled into believing we could learn how to become our own versions of Jean-Claude Killy. We took a lesson from the ski patrol instructors and got the basics honed to a very dull edge on the “bunny slope”.

After an hour or so of mastering this terrain along with the other 5-12 year olds, a nervous mother convinced us that we were just terrific and the slope adjoining ours was much wider and would provide a higher degree of pleasure and that we just had to try it. After all we could stop, turn, get on and off the lift, so what could happen?

It was not something either of us was prepared for and my friend has recovered most of the feeling in his left arm and the left side of his face.

A little before half way through the Book of John, Jesus’ disciples are trying to persuade him to go into Jerusalem for the Feast of the Tabernacles. Their motives were not so that they could be with him and enjoy his company at this festival, but rather so that Jesus could manifest himself to the people. He very kindly tells them that his time has not yet come for him to show himself and says he will stay behind. Later he goes in a “non public” way. While he was there the Jews did take note of his attendance and discussions arose about his goodness or his deception.

I guess the message for me this Lenten season is that just as Jesus did, we need to prepare and wait for our time when Jesus may manifest himself to us. This time should be spent in preparation so that when Easter Sunday arrives we can enjoy the blessings and true joy of the Resurrection moment.

Mike Bowen

March 9 Devotion

<>Eye on the Prize <>
<>Psalm 73:1-2, 26, 28

I love TV and movies. I like romantic comedies and shoot-um-up action films. I understand the psychology behind both genres. In romantic comedies the discord in the story always works out in the end. Everyone is left smiling and the two people who are meant for one another are together ever after. Action films are a vicarious release of the tension, conflict, and hostility of life. I get to see somebody blow up somebody else and therefore I don’t have to find someone to blow up. In both circumstances I do not have to face the reality of my own mundane and human existence.

We live in an escapist society. We use the defense mechanisms of denial, minimization and rationalization to not see, hear, or feel the truth. We have confused fantasy with reality. We create a world of comfort for ourselves and then want every one else to live within that world so we do not have to face reality.

During Lent we are called to repentance. As I observe the religious community I wonder what do we have need of repenting? Aren’t we a Christian nation? Don’t we want the Ten Commandments in the courtrooms and prayer in the public schools? Aren’t we pro-life and send food baskets to the hungry and blankets to the cold? Is it not the godless among us that we need to convince that they are wrong? Do we need to bring back the Blue Laws and the Scarlet letters to assist us?

I love the Psalmist. The Psalmist does not let us get away with such nonsense. He calls us to the reality of our sin, our weakness as we stumble, our impure hearts and our desire to have what the short cuts in life promise but can not deliver. Our humanness continues to eat from the apple of the Garden of Eden believing that we can have it all and be it all. Our hearts are hardened, as we fear that we will lose our slice of the pie.

The Psalmist reminds us that our flesh and our hearts may fail but God does not. It is in repentance that we find a God who is our rock and our portion. It is in repentance that we find refuge in our Savior. It is in repentance that we are able to draw near to God.

Rev. David C. Johnson

March 8 Devotion

UP A TREE
Please read Luke 19: 1—10

Surely you know the story of Zacchaeus meeting Jesus! As a child you may have learned a song in church school kindergarten about this event. It describes Jesus’ spiritual insight and Zacchaeus’ conversion. Luke immortalized the happy occasion in the first 10 verses of Chapter 19 of his gospel.

It might have happened differently! Let’s examine one possible scenario—

Zacchaeus had heard the exciting rumors of a young rabbi drawing large crowds—even performing miracles! As this man, Jesus, would be passing nearby, Zacchaeus hoped to get a glimpse of Him. Because he was short, Zacchaeus found a sycamore tree and climbed up to a lower limb. He was safely ensconced when the entourage came in to view. As they drew near him, the imposing figure at the center of the group stopped, looked up in the tree, and spoke.

“Zacchaeus!”
“Who, me?”
“Yes, you.”
“You know my name?”
“I know everyone’s name.”
“Uh, oh!”
“Zacchaeus, come down. I’d like to speak to you.”
“But I only came to watch.”
“I know, but we could have dinner at your house this evening.”
“I work for the Romans!”
“I know.”
“I’m a tax collector!”
“I know.”
“I make my living from commissions.”
“I know.”
“I haven’t been honest!”
“I know.”
“**Sigh** I have enemies—I could be in danger if I come down.”
“Zacchaeus, you’ll be fine.”
“But I just don’t want to get involved…”

And so the discourse continued—finally Jesus turned to James and John, “Go get him down and bring him to me…just don’t hurt him.” Zacchaeus saw them coming and tried to dodge away. James was able to grab one foot and pull—John got the other. Zacchaeus wrapped his arms around that sycamore and dug his fingernails into the bark. Bark flew! Fingernails broke! Forearms were scraped! But it was no use.

At last, James and John escorted a disheveled and contrite Zacchaeus up to Jesus. The little man timidly looked up into Jesus’ face. Voila! He immediately morphed into the Zacchaeus Luke would later write about. Why? No one! No one can come face to face with Jesus and remain unchanged!

Could there be a bit of this Zacchaeus in each of us?! Do we sometimes prefer being ‘up a tree’ – ‘out on a limb’ rather than coming down to mingle with the crowd and walk with Jesus? Perhaps we need to check our fingernails for signs of sycamore bark.

Floyd Taylor

March 7 Devotion

In the morning, Psalms 72
In the evening, Psalms 119:73-96
Jeremiah 3:6-18
Romans 1:28-2:11
John 5:1-18

A Judgment Call…

I recently made my regular three month or three thousand mile service visit to Jiffy Lube. As my daughter Diana and I entered the waiting room, we were immediately overcome by loud and angry voices. A wall-mounted television towered above us broadcasting the latest Court TV episode. Fingers pointed. Accusations flew. Both participants were outspoken, uninhibited, and confident of their position. After a protracted and uncomely war of words, the indomitable judge pronounced a ruling. Justice was served. More importantly, the viewing audience was entertained.

What is so compelling about such drama? Why do the trials of celebrities like Michael Jackson or O.J. Simpson captivate and titillate our society? We say that we want justice for the victims. And sometimes that is true – particularly the closer the crime touches our life or the life of a loved one. But sadly, our motives for judgment are often self-serving. In John 5, Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda , who had been an invalid for 38 years. Rather than rejoicing in this life-renewing miracle, the Jewish leaders persecuted Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. They passed judgment out of fear and envy. Sometimes we pass judgment out of fear and guilt. We publicly criticize others for the very sins we commit. Paul explains in Romans 2:1, “… you who pass judgment on someone else… are condemning yourself, because you … do the same things.”

God always judges justly, with right motives, and with perfect timing. In Jeremiah 3, we read of the judgment of Israel and Judah for their idolatry. The result of their sin is exile and captivity. But God is faithful to His people and His punishment is designed to lead them to repentance. “Return, faithless Israel , declares the Lord, I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful… acknowledge your guilt… Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding”. While we may be quick to judge others, God may delay his judgment to invoke repentance as Paul states in Romans 2:4, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.”

We are clearly not to judge others out of wrong motives, but we are sometimes called to judge on God’s behalf when he appropriates his authority to us. When we serve as government leaders, judges, pastors, teachers, and parents, we act with the authority of God. We fail when we attempt to use our own wisdom. We must instead seek God’s wisdom and meditate on His laws. As the writer of Psalm 119 writes, “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.” We read about this kind of ruler in Psalm 72. It paints a portrait of king who seeks God’s wisdom and prays to be endowed with God’s righteouness so that he can govern compassionately. He prays to “… judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice… defend the afflicted… and save the children of the needy.” When our mandate is from God and our motives are pure, we can ask God for His righteousness, and He will enable us to judge on His behalf.

Prayer:

Holy, Righteous God, There is none righteous but You. You alone are holy. Thank You for sparing us from Your righteous judgment of our sins when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Please forgive us when we usurp Your authority and seek to unfairly judge others. Please grant us Your righteousness and wisdom when You do ask us to judge on Your behalf.

We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

John White

March 6 Devotion

The Lectionary Scriptures for this week include Isaiah 53:1-9, and Psalm 63:1-8, which focus our attention on a spiritual thirst, a soul’s hunger for something beyond ourselves. We learn God answers our longing with Himself!

The Lenten season asks us all to take time apart for reflection and repentance – a time to recognize we all yearn for the same God, even as we realize we often approach Him from distinctly different paths and offer Him praise and worship through distinctly diverse styles.

I have the wonderful blessing of sharing Sunday School with our Middle and High School Youth. Over the years we have built strong relationships based upon mutual respect, love, trust, laughter, and a committed desire to help promote the progress of each other’s faith journey as we accept and appreciate its expression in each other’s life

We, as a church family, have the opportunity to Love, Encourage, Nurture and Thank each of these students as they continue their journey to the heart of God through a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

How do we thank the Youth of our congregation for their Ash Wednesday Devotion? (You can view it outside the Parlor – and be blessed by their thoughts, by their artwork, by their ideas).

How do we share this Lenten Season with the younger members of our church family, letting them know we, too, are eager for a renewed relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ?

How do we demonstrate our appreciation for the prayers our Youth will be offering during the 40 Hour Prayer Vigil?

How can we individually, or collectively, Feed Another Soul Today?

Do we Always Seek Him?

Why do we not drop everything and run to Him, as a child runs to a dearly loved parent

In Prince Caspian, C. S. Lewis writes of the wonderful response of youth to the call of Christ on their lives through the actions of young Lucy Pevensie who is once again in Narnia after a long absence. Aslan, the great king and lion – and her friend – is nowhere to be seen. Then one night Lucy wakes to a voice calling her from the forest:

“A circle of grass, smooth as a lawn, met her eyes, with dark trees dancing all around it. And then – oh joy! For HE was there; the huge Lion, shining white in the moonlight, with his huge black shadow underneath him.

But for the movement of his tail he might have been a stone lion, but Lucy never thought of that. She never stopped to think whether he was a friendly lion or not. She rushed to him. She felt her heart would burst if she lost a moment. And the next thing she knew was that she was kissing him and putting her arms as far around his neck as she could and burying her face in the beautiful rich silkiness of his mane.

“Aslan, Aslan. Dear Aslan,” sobbed Lucy. “At last.”

The great beast rolled over on his side so that Lucy fell, half sitting and half lying between his front paws. He bent forward and just touched her nose with his tongue. His warm breath came all around her. She gazed up into the large wise face.

“Welcome, child,” he said.

“Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.”

“That is because you are older, little one,” he answered.

“Not because you are?”

“I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”

Our Youth will be reaching out to us in love as they invite us to share their faith and their Quest for Jesus through their own expressions of praise and worship.

Will we offer them the grace of accepting their invitation and joining them on their journey? Sharing Christ’s love as we worship God – the choice is ours……the praise is His……the blessing is eternal.

Linda Summers

March 5 Devotion

Lectionary Readings: Psalms 56, 57, 64 & 65; Romans 1:1-15; Jeremiah 1:11-19 and John 4:27-42

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)

A few Sundays ago, the choir sang this song as an anthem. I have been turning the lyrics over and over in my mind ever since. The words were so comforting and uplifting to me. I share them with you today as the basis for my devotional.

You Are Mine by David Haas ( #2218 in Faith We Sing)

1.) I will come to you in the silence,
I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice,
I claim you as my choice,
Be still and know I am here.

2) I am the hope for all who are hopeless
I am the eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light,
Come and rest in me.

3.) I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame.
All the blind will see,
the lame will all run free,
And all will know my name.

4.) I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name,
Embracing all your pain,
Stand up, now walk, and live!!

Refrain:
Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine

There are many thoughts expressed in this song that could be the basis for further reflection but the line that I hear in my head most often is in the refrain: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name.” I know quite a few people because of the multiple places I’ve lived and the people I’ve come in contact with through my job, my family associations and my church family. But, I sometimes have great difficulty recalling someone’s name. My children would attribute this fault to my age, but I think it is also a combination of stress and lack of focus. I have worked as a nursing instructor for thirty years now and I confess I rely on photos of the graduates to “jog” my memory. It is easier to remember people’s names if I work with them or see them more regularly, but when it comes to “introductions” my brain can freeze with no warning.

It is astounding to me, then that God knows my name. It has been said that He knows each name and has had a plan for us before we were born. Someone told me once that if God had a refrigerator, we would find our pictures posted on the front. I am overwhelmed by this thought. In the vastness of the universe and in the number of prayers that are offered each moment, comprehending that God would be calling my name is truly humbling.

Names are special. Some names give us character. Other names define our heritage. We sometimes think of changing ours or suggesting alternatives to names we find strange, difficult to spell or pronounce. There are family names that have been passed down—some with pride and others with discomfort. We carry our names throughout our lives, occasionally changing the portion of our name that we use on a daily basis or adding an additional last name. We are known by our name—by family, colleagues, employers, and the government. But most of all we are known by God who uses our names to call us to follow Him.

As we contemplate the requirements of Lent: self-denial, penitence and forgiveness, let us not forget that we are connected to God at the most elemental of points. God knows our name and is calling to us before we ever think of praying or talking with Him. The connection is present in each of us—we just have to focus on listening as He calls our name. He calls us to follow Him and He will bring us Home—because He loves us and we are His.

Prayer: Dear Father and Mother of the Universe, please continue to call to us. Help us to learn the quietness needed to hear Your voice and the courage to respond to Your call. May we always feel the connection of Your presence in our lives and may we commit ourselves to sharing Your love with the world. Amen

Chyrl Budd

March 4 Devotion

Scripture Readings: Psalm 24 1 Corinthians 3: 11-23
Jeremiah 1: 1-10 Mark 4: 1-9

People gathered along the sea shore to listen to the words of Jesus. The crowd grew so large that Jesus got into a boat so that he might see and talk to all those gathered. The gospel writer, Mark, simply tells us that Jesus “began to teach them many things in parables.” (Mark 4: 2) He began his teachings by telling of a farmer who scattered seeds – some fell on the walking paths where the birds ate the seed; some feel on rocky ground, where without good soil, the seed could not grow; some seeds fell among the thorns, where the weeds choked all growth; and some seeds fell into the good soil where the grain grew well.

Some scholars have called this teaching “The Parable of the Sower,” while others have called it “The Parable of the Soil.” One way of thinking puts the responsibility upon “doing,” while the other way focuses on “receiving.”

I must confess that as a local church pastor, I have “preached” on the receiving side of the story. I remember a sermon called, “The Soils of a Congregation.” The word is shared and some refuse to hear; others half-heartedly hear; some receive the words, but are so pre-occupied with other things in life that they allow the “weeds of their living” to crowd out the word; while others prepare the soil of their hearts to receive what God has to offer and allow that word to grow within their lives. There is truth in that way of hearing the parable. But in focusing on the way of receiving the word, I can, as the preacher/teacher, let go of my responsibility. The task is to offer the words, but if nothing happens, then it’s the congregation’s fault – they just aren’t the right kind of soil.

Lately, I’ve been challenged to change my focus and see the responsibility of the sower. The faithful task is to share the word – to scatter the seeds of love, grace, forgiveness, and hope, and to scatter them whenever and wherever we can. Christ offers to those who believe an endless supply of “seeds.” We are given the privilege of scattering those seeds wherever we can – not paying attention to what we think are the proper or good conditions. We have no way of knowing how the “receivers” will listen (or even if they will listen), but how can they ever hear if no one is sharing the word with them.

In Craddock Stories, a collection of stories used in the sermons of Fred Craddock, he tells of the time he was called back to Oklahoma to share in the funeral of a friend. When Craddock served that church, the oldest daughter of his friend was 13. Craddock described Kathryn as “the worst 13 year-old I have ever seen. I mean, she was noisy, in and out, punching, shoving, breaking things, never stayed in the room, never paid attention. If there’s one person that doesn’t know a thing I’ve said in the time I was here, it would be Kathryn.” As they sat talking at a table after the funeral, Kathryn, now an executive with a telephone company, told Craddock that, “When Mother called and said Dad had died of a heart attack, I was just scrambling for something. Then I remembered a sermon you had preached on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.” Craddock was even more surprised when she told him things that had been said in that sermon. Who knows? Who knows?

Scatter the seeds. Share the love of Christ. We cannot control where those seeds may land, but if we offer the love – who knows? Who knows?
Prayer: You give to us, O God, the gifts of life, love, forgiveness, hope, and grace. You ask that we share your gifts with others. Help us to faithfully sow those seeds in all the places where we live and serve. Do your work through us – and we will trust the growth to you. Amen.

Rev. Mark Conner
Western District Superintendent

Sunday Evening:

From Disciples 2007:

Luke 13:31-35

It is said that water will follow the path of least resistance. Discipleship does not – at least, not the discipleship modeled by Jesus, “I must be on my way.”
In the face of Herod’s threats (and remember, Herod’s capacity to kill had recently been demonstrated in the execution of John the Baptizer), Jesus stands firm. Yet standing firm does not mean paralysis. The way he must go is not one dictated by fear of Herod but by faithfulness to God. The absence of fear motivating this way becomes clear in Jesus’ perception of what awaits in Jerusalem. Had he feared Herod, Jerusalem would have been the last place he would have gone. Herod was a sideshow in comparison to Pilate and the power of Rome. But Jesus stands firm in his resolve to keep moving in the direction of faithfulness and ministry.
This week we have explored texts and stories that affirm faith’s twofold call: stand firm – but keep moving. That affirmation emerges out of trust: trust in God’s presence to stand with us, trust in God’s invitation as we move on our path of discipleship to not be afraid. Or perhaps, we might better say: to not live afraid. As noted in Monday’s mediation, we will always have reasons to be afraid. Herod and Pilate provided ample reason to be afraid in Jesus’ time. We might summon similar causes to fear from the crises of world and nation - and our own communities. However, we choose whether to live afraid. Jesus chooses to live on the basis of trust, not fear. So may we choose: to stand firm and to keep moving in the face of God’s presence and toward the light of God’s promises.
Vaya con Dios – go with God.

Prayer: Holy God, plant my feet and faith when I need to stand. Stir my heart and spirit when I need to move. In Jesus Christ. Amen

Submitted by Jim Ray

March 3 Devotion

Please read Psalm 150 and John 4: 22-24

What is the proper setting for worship?

That is an issue that stimulates discussion among church people.

What is the right kind of music for worship? Should we sing only hymns? Praise songs? Can worship styles be blended? Is a pipe organ the only musical instrument fitting for true worship? Is it disrespectful to have electric guitars and drum sets in church? Can we really praise God in Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church with electric guitars and drums?

Last year, our church’s youth group combined with another youth group to co-sponsor JesusQuest, which featured a music group called Portal. Portal provided enthusiastic worship and praise music that affected the youth and many of the adults present at the Saturday evening service and again on Sunday morning. Because I am one of the volunteer youth leaders, and I was lay leader at the time, I got quite a lot of feedback from members of the congregation. I am thankful that people could feel free to share their opinions with me.

Many people shared with me that it was the most exciting and meaningful worship service they had ever attended in our sanctuary. On the other hand, some people were offended by the loud music and the scene of people moving out of their pews, clapping, even forming circles of worshipers swaying and rocking to the music arm in arm.

Consider these words of the psalmist:

Psalm 150

Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!

Sounds like he had been to JesusQuest!

Perhaps the style of music is is not the important thing; our praise and worship must be God-centered, and not self-centered..

What kind of building do we need for worship? Does God permit worship in rooms that don’t have fixed pews and stained glass? Listen to what Jesus said about the proper place for worship:

But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.

It is not the building; it is not the music. God wants our hearts. I think we can learn to worship by watching the youth.

Dear God: Inspire us to worship you in spirit and in truth. Help us to be people who are simply and honestly ourselves before you in our worship, so that we may worship you out of our very beings, our spirits, and our true selves in adoration. Amen.

Jeff Taylor

March 2 Devotion

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.”
--Jesus

Very seldom in my life has all of my mind and body been completely focused for a long time on one thing. Generally, my day is filled with reading and study, answering mail, checking e-mail, talking on the telephone, visiting people in homes and hospitals, taking care of things at home, and a multitude of other tasks. However, there are a few days in my life that stand out as being focused on only one thing.

Twenty-five years ago today was such a day. It began with the question, “Are you having labor pains?”, continued through talking with Sharon (our almost three year old) about what was happening, leaving her at home with my mother to care for her, a doctor’s appointment, hours of labor, and the birth of our daughter Rachel at seven minutes before midnight, and ended with Vicky and me in the birthing room holding our new daughter and admiring the perfection of God’s newest creation.

It was a day focused entirely on one thing…the arrival of our new baby. And it was a blessed day, a very blessed day.

Is it possible that what Jesus is telling us in the quote above is that even in the midst of doing all kinds of things in life, even when activities seem to pull us in all directions, we are still called to be loving God with all our heart, soul and mind. That singleminded, singlehearted devotion to God can make every day a blessed day, and can unify each day when the activities of earth try to pull us apart.

During Lent, perhaps we can learn how to live with a singleminded, singlehearted devotion to God, for that is the first and greatest commandment. Amen.

Joe Shreve

March 1 Devotion

The following day, John (The Baptist) was again standing with two of his disciples.
and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God."
John 1:35-36

In a loud voice they sang:“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 5:12

Lions and Lambs

Today is the first day of March. You know what they say about March--in like a lamb, out like a lion, or in like a lion, out like a lamb. In February we have the groundhog to predict our weather, in March we have lions and lambs.

Jesus came in like a lamb (think about the nativity), and went out like a lamb (the crucifixion), and even came back like a lamb, not making a show of himself after the resurrection, but appearing quietly only to his followers. The Hebrews were looking for a lion, so overlooked the lamb that was in their midst.

I think most people are fascinated by weather. We refer to our local TV weather men by their first names, as if they are our personal friends. We hang on their every word. How often have you looked out the window to see that it's raining, but you still turn on the TV to have Tony or Spencer affirm that it is indeed raining?

In mid-March, 1993, we were told that a big snow storm was on the way. That winter most every storm that came our way seemed to go around Huntington, so I assumed this one would miss us as well. Wrong! It started snowing Friday night and by Saturday morning we had about 18 inches on the ground. Surprise!

Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed but would return, yet they were unprepared for his death and astounded when he was resurrected, joyful but astounded. I can understand their response. They heard his predictions, but the words did not make sense to them. Return from the dead? Wrong! People just didn't return from the dead. Yet, surprise, there he was. Can you imagine the flood of emotions they must have felt when they saw him? The sacrificial lamb had returned, but not as a lion, still a lamb.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a lamb? Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep....I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and they know me..... My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10: 11,14, 27-28).

Anita Gardner Farrell