Devotional 2-29-08

Where Everybody Knows Your Name
We all have a name. Some of us like our names while others wonder what our parents were thinking. Having been born in an Army hospital, my name, my boy name and my girl name, were put on paper – signed, sealed and delivered, before I was born. Our name is our ID and whether we like the name or not, we do like to be called by it. I am around people throughout the day that call me (and everyone else) bubba, pal, buddy, champ, sport, old man, young man, dude and so on and on and on. They call people anything except their name.

When I first came to JM in 1985 Emerson Wood was pastor, and it didn’t take me long to recognize a special gift he possessed. He remembered everyone’s name AND he called them by it. It is fun to watch the look on someone’s face when, unexpectedly, they hear their own name.

Church is a wonderful place to know people and to be known by people. How many people do you think knew Jim Ray by name? Jim Ray, he makes the coffee; Jim Ray, he’s here during Wednesday night book study; Jim Ray, he works during Common Grounds; Jim Ray, he gives the kids gum, he volunteers at the VA – at the food pantry – at the clothing pantry – he takes meals to the bus drivers – he helps others who are sick. That Jim Ray has such a servant’s heart. You know who else knew Jim by name? His heavenly Father. He knew Jim here on earth, and I believe that when Jim stepped through the gates of God’s house it sounded like an episode of Cheers; “Hey Jim,” “Yo Jimmy,” “Jim, how’s it goin’?” I think the residents were waiting on Jim. His servant life on earth was the stuff of legend. I love the words from Mike Bowen’s devotional, the living of his life would have authored an epistle that would have rivaled anything Paul ever put together. They knew Jim’s name and welcomed him with open arms.

Our heavenly father knows our names too. Matthew and Luke tell that … even the hairs on our heads are numbered. Don’t you think a God that knows how many hairs you have would care enough to know your name? Of course he does. Our relationship with God is so very special. We know His name, and He knows ours. Sing it with me – you want to go where everybody knows your name.

Steve Matthews

Devotional 2-27-08

Psalm 119:105-108

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments.

February 27 is the birthday of my father. If he were living he would be 93 years old.

God's word is a lamp to my feet and being. My father's words were also. My father and mother worshipped and studied God's word through church and the Bible and taught what they learned and knew to us girls.

My parents are who I am today. God gives us choice, and I chose to live by my parents’ example. In life I remember the words they gave me to live by everyday. Their words came from their parents and the Bible. God's word lives through us. I feel blessed to have the family I have and to be able to continue living God's word.

Prayer: My Father, thank you for Your word and my family. I pray that I will continue to read Your word on the path to righteousness. Amen

Kay Lewis

Devotional 2-28-08

I like Psalm 84; it talks about the dwelling place of the Lord, saying: “Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee…They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.” It also tells of a heartfelt cry for God to hear our prayers and “look upon the face of thine anointed!”

You know, our home is in the Lord. It doesn’t matter where we are. He is always with us. The Psalm also says: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Wouldn’t you rather be with the Lord, instead of dwelling in the tents of wickedness?

“No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in thee!” I pray that we will receive all the good things the Lord has for us, and continue to trust in Him, so that we will be wonderfully blessed. Amen.

Toni S. Chirico

Devotional 2-26-08

The Good Ole Days
Psalm 118: 5 – 14

We live in a world that threatens us. The influences are many and most appear to be negative. We long for the “Good Ole Days”. They are mythical days where it appears we were less stressed and safer. It is no doubt that we live in a complex and at times a dangerous world. I am not sure it was any better at any other point in history. I think back to when I was a teenager in the 1960s and I thought we had it worse that the 1950s. Then in the 1980s and 1990s when my children were in high school and college, I thought it was even worse than when I was a teenager. Today as my grandchildren are being born, I wonder what obstacles they will face as they move toward maturity.

The psalmist has been stressed. He has attempted to put his trust in princes and other mortals but they have failed him. He is beset on every side. He is being pushed hard. It is a scary time for him. So much for the “good ole days.”

It is a natural and common experience to want to escape our situations. We want to believe that someone had it easier than we do. No matter how advanced we become technologically, we will never find the peace we want outside of a relationship with our God who offers true and lasting peace. I realize that the future for my grandchildren will be no different than it was for their 85-year-old great grandfather. The world offers many obstacles and temptations. As long as we keep our eyes on the prize, as long as we keep our eyes upon Jesus, we will be fine. Lent is a time when we can recognize the times we lost that focus.

We can resonate with the palmist when he said in verses 13 – 14:

“I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.”

It is just as true today as it was in the “Good Ole Days!!”

Devotional 2-25-08

Belonging To Community

Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:15-16) NRSV

The days of Lent are days of personal reflection in order to recognize and confess our sinfulness, to repent, to be penitent, as we strive to develop a more intimate relationship with God our Father, through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. If I were an artist, I would paint these days a shade of gray – indicative of the feeling of loss we experience as we endure these 40 days of “sacrificing something for Lent.”

This Lenten Season, however, I’m so thankful we’re centering attention on our Vision and Mission Statements. This focus has encouraged me to live these 40 days of Lent in the belief that my relationship with God will be deepened, strengthened, and best demonstrated, by my offering a sacrifice of love daily, deliberately. These acts of love are offered prayerfully; that my words, attitudes and behavior will be spoken, conveyed and carried out as an expression of my loving obedience to Christ. We are all recipients of Christ’s love, and He tells us the world will recognize us as His disciples by our love for one another (see John 13:35). Responding in love – regardless of how I’m feeling about the person or situation – adds a glimpse of color, the color of His love, to my previously dismal palette. I cannot respond in any other way, if I want to live my life as Christ’s disciple.

May the small sacrifices of the heart, willingly offered in Christ’s name, be pleasing to our heavenly Father:

• welcoming someone we don’t know as one of our own
• sharing out of our abundance and out of our poverty
• listening with compassion
• striving to do right rather than needing to be right
• serving with humility
• comforting someone’s sadness
• celebrating someone’s joy
• praying with one another, for one another
• refusing to judge anyone
• loving someone else simply because we know the love of Jesus
• ____________________________( your turn to fill in the blank )

May His blessing be on each act of love, creating an ever widening circle of belonging known as Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, a covenant community transformed by God’s grace to share the love of Christ with the world.

Loving Father:
May the sacrifices of our hearts be rooted in the love, compassion and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remind us how important it is that we belong to You and to each other. We pray that You will hold us in love and keep us in peace all the days of our lives. Amen.

Linda Summers

Devotional 2-24-08

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

The words to this song, based on the scripture lesson from Psalm 51:10-13, have been running through my head the past several days. As we are working our way through this season of lent, God wants us to search ourselves - our hearts and our minds, and throw out the garbage, center ourselves upon Jesus and Jesus’ message for us, and clean up our act. We all need God to create a clean heart in each one of us.

Do you have a place in your home or office, that you can go to, to just sit and be quiet? It can be as simple as a rocking chair or it can be a small table with a few of your favorite things or it can be a small altar with a candle or a cross. You decide what it takes for you to be able to center your mind and your heart on God. It is your space – your special meeting place with God, to discuss and listen, to be quiet and joyful, to focus and to clean out.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And uphold me.

When we really begin to search and open our hearts and our minds, we uncover our garbage – our faults, our vulnerabilities, our shortcomings; but we also bring to light - our gifts, our love, our beautiful memories, that we need to develop and share. When we let God take charge and create a clean heart, we receive such a gift. And because we receive that gift from God, we want to share it with those we love and those we don’t even know.

God wants us to know ourselves intimately. Then and only then, can we be authentic. Then we can truly have a heart that has been cleansed by God. Then we can share our hearts, our minds, our love and God’s love with everyone we encounter.

Ask God to create a clean heart in you this day. Find the time and the space to search your heart and your mind. Throw that garbage away. Allow God’s light and God’s love to shine through you in all you do. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing to so many.

AMEN
Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 2-23-08

Jeremiah 31:31-36, Romans 11:26, Hebrews 8:7-13, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-29

A Covenant Community
It was a special experience and a privilege to be a part of the Visioning Committee recently updating Johnson Memorial’s Vision Statement and restating the mission of our congregation. No doubt this has been completed many times before as JM has been guided through the 130+ years of church history.

The Vision of Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church is to be a covenant community transformed by God’s grace to share the love of Christ with the world.

What is a covenant community?

Webster’s New World Dictionary states one definition – an agreement or promise among members of a church to defend and maintain its doctrine, its specific form of church government and its faith, and to live with others in a friendly association or fellowship.

The Old Covenant
The Interpreters Commentary on the Bible listed over eighty references to “The Covenant.”
It was interesting to read about the updating and change in God’s covenant with Israel through the history of its Old Testament.

Yahweh (Hebrew for God) wrote upon tablets of stone – this early covenant contained the Ten Commandments and also the code of Exodus (ordinance consisting of 41 laws).

The covenant was a series of annual renewals pointing to a growing and changing relationship with God and his people.

The failure of his people provoked God to action, for it was clear that there is “no other source of salvation and right.” God is the Redeemer of his own people, bringing judgment to all who set themselves against Him.

The outcome of judgment is salvation. God is the Redeemer of His people.

The full significance of God’s action is the establishment of a perpetual covenant from which there is no departure. The answer to man’s desperate condition cut off from God by reason of his sin, is found in the assurance both of divine action and the indwelling of his word in his people.
“I will put my law within them and I will write it upon their hearts. When the time of restoration comes, men will do what is right from their inner conviction and desire. In this way the covenant of Yahweh and Israel will be finally and permanently renewed.”

The New Covenant
In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the word covenant is frequently translated as testament.

In the 27 Books of the Christian Scripture, Christ establishes a new covenant between Abraham and God, as well as the covenant of Moses at Sinai. The books form the New Testament.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote four version of the Good News of Christ. Jesus made the phrase “a new covenant” his own at the Last Supper, and the organization of scripture into two covenants – the testaments follow from this. The Old covenant was renewed – the covenant of Yahweh and Israel. It is not accompanied by any new obligations for the old are well known. Jesus used the phrase to speak to a truly new covenant, with all mankind rather than with Israel alone, and with new obligations, those of the law of love.

The earliest written record of its Last Supper comes, not from the Gospels, but from the letter of the Apostle Paul, some 20 to 40 years before the Gospels, when he was instructing the church he had established in the Greek city of Corinth. Paul’s story of the Last Supper give us some insight into how the tradition was handed down in the early days of the church, until it ultimately became part of the Gospels.

Prayer:
Let us covenant together that: We shall not rest until “God’s reign of righteousness and peace is realized on earth as it is in heaven.” We shall not seek the illusory comfort of easy answers but will do the hard work of seeking God’s will with each new decision. We shall not succumb to the false gospel of individualism but shall pursue shalom, the hope of justice for all God’s people. We shall not be seduced by the appeal of nationalism but shall consider ourselves citizens of an order ruled by Christ to whom belongs all honor and glory, authority and power, world without end. Amen.

1. The Living Bible (paraphrased), July 1976. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
2. Webster’s New World Dictionary, World Publishing Company, 1968.
3. Interpreter’s Commentary on the Bible, Abingdon Press, 1971.The Mysteries of the Bible.
4. Reader’s Digest Association, 1988.

Frank Hanshaw

Devotional 2-22-08

A Lenten Prayer
Heavenly Father, please open my eyes and my heart
so that I can recognize what stands between you and me.

Lord, please instill in me the desire to push aside those worldly obstacles
so I can see the path leading to you.

Father, give me the courage to step closer to you.
What will I find? What will you require?

Lord, as I draw nearer to you
I long for your forgiveness, your comfort, your caring.

Abba, as you hold me in my times of sorrow and of joy,
I sense your compassion, your love, your strength.

Thank you, My Lord, for your grace, your understanding and your love.

Amen.

Shelly Shideler

Devotional 2-21-08

Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

God gives us peace, only if we ask. Driving home from Cleveland last August, Tom and I traveled through a thunderstorm of huge proportions. It was truly the worst storm we had ever experienced; rains were coming in torrents, lightning and thunder crashed above us, winds were fiercely blowing, our windshield wipers were at full speed, and visibility was impossible. We should have pulled off the highway, but we couldn't get to the outside lane due to tractor-trailers blocking our way. Fear completely consumed us. Lying in the backseat, I began to pray, asking God to make the storm clouds roll away. God did not immediately quiet the storm; however, he did quiet my heart, and I found peace. I knew that God would take care of us and keep us safe, for he is always with us.

Recently diagnosed with an unusual cancer, leiomyosarcoma, I was faced with great anxiety in my life. At the very beginning of my medical journey, I realized the burden of cancer was too heavy of a load for me to carry. I immediately turned my "troubles" over to God, knowing that he would take care of me. Because of God's constant love, I have been at peace. God has blessed my life with a wonderfully supportive family and with an overwhelming amount of love from my church family and many friends.

God created all of us with a reservoir of inner peace; however, it is up to us to release the peace within ourselves. We must allow the peace to flow throughout our bodies, washing away our anxieties and fears. All we need to do is ask God to help us. It doesn't matter how large or how small our request, God hears us. He will always shoulder our problems. Trusting in God provides us constant peace; a simple prayer eases our anguish. As we allow the peace of God to rise within us, we are uplifted in thought, in spirit, and in our expectations for another day.

Theo Tippett

Devotional 2-20-08

Soon I will be teaching Sunday school for the first time. I was nervous about the lesson. A wise friend told me to work on what I wanted to say, and then God would say what he wanted. So it is with this Lenten Devotion. I was going to write about giving up anger for lent. But as things have progressed, love became the common theme. Not giving it up for lent. Oh, no. But accepting love with an open heart.

So for Lent I am giving up a cold heart in exchange for love, my Heavenly Father’s love.

We are created in our Father’s image. He is proud of us. He loves us unconditionally. Even when we are moving through our lives and stumble he still loves us. What a love to grasp onto! To realize I have that potential within myself. The pure joy of it fills me. How can it not spill out? It connects us one to another. It buoys our souls. It gives purpose and meaning to our lives.

Some of our hearts have been broken and chipped away. But God knows the way to infuse each one of us with his lifesaving love.

Christ personifies this love. He gives us hope, comfort and strength. And so much more.
So yes, for Lent I am giving up my cold chipped heart. The heart he knows and loves anyway.

Judith Lucas

Devotional 2-19-08

Psalm 62

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work. (verses 11-12)

Normally, starting to compose is never easy. But this assignment has come as a real blessing.

At the time this was being authored, we, as a congregation, have just lost our dear brother Jim Ray. For a fellow that did not say a lot, the living of his life would have authored an epistle that would have rivaled anything Paul ever put together.

Psalm 62 is not one that I would have run to if you asked me to pick a psalm. The nice thing about the book the book of psalms is that they are organized numerically in order and fairly easy to find if you know that there are one hundred and fifty of them. I suppose it would be terribly embarrassing to quote something chapter and verse from Psalm 151.

The other thing about the book of psalms is that parts of them are used often enough that you have “ah ha” moments would you read through them. So that’s where that came from.

This psalm resounds in affirmation and lots of positive statements. It is the verses 11 and 12 that reminded me of Jim and the way he lived his life. Jim knew that both of the statements in these verses were promises made to all. I am sure that Jim has joined all the others saints and would not want to be in front of anybody in the line but I know he has been rewarded and would want the same for all of us. May your reward during this Lenten season give you the same affirmations.

Mike Bowen

Devotional 2-18-08

Read Psalm 56
When I am afraid, I will trust you (verse 3)

Pressure. Every day, many of us are under some type of pressure. There are projects to be completed at work, school projects that are due, music concerts to attend, or lists of other things that are important to each of us. We all have a fear of being taken over, to a degree, by the demands of life.

When we begin to feel trapped by these fears, we need to remember to trust in God. We simply need to take a few moments to realize that God is always with us, especially when we feel lost or afraid.

Psalm 56 reminds us that when our pressures and fears become unbearable He is there. God listens to all of our fears and problems. He listens when our lives are happy and “normal.” He listens even more when we are afraid.

When we take time to call on Him for help, we can be sure that he completely understands our problem and is ready to help. God is always ready to protect us from pressure and fear. What a truly amazing gift. Today’s world is so busy, to know that by simply asking for guidance, God is there to help show us the path.

Lord, thank you for all you do. In our busy lives, many times we forget to make time for you. Help us to realize that through you, all things are possible. Our greatest fears can be overcome, and our greatest enemies defeated when we place our faith and trust in you. Amen

Hulse Budd

Devotional 2-17-08

The Lenten season is a time for us to do some soul searching to find where we are in our faith journey and where we want to be. It is a time to set some spiritual goals for ourselves that will direct our growth toward Christ-like-ness. How can we as ordinary Christians lead the extraordinary lives that God calls us to?

In I Chronicles 4:9-10 we find a little known character, Jabez, who is described as more honorable than his brothers. He prayed that God would grant that he have more and do for God. Most of you have heard or read this very special prayer. “’Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.”

What were Jabez’s goals? Bruce Wilkinson, in his book, The Prayer of Jabez, explains that Jabez asked God to 1) give him more to do, more responsibility, 2) keep his hand on him, and 3) keep him from evil so that he would not cause pain to others.

Now, as we think of our own lives during these 40 days, could we pray the same prayer and set similar goals for ourselves? What would be the result if each of us asked God for more to do, more responsibility for advancing His kingdom in this time and place. What needs to be done? What talents and resources do you have that can be used to get these things done? Is God calling you to step out in faith and accept more responsibility for fulfilling Johnson Memorial’s new mission statement?

God has promised to keep his hand on us and to give us the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide our every effort for Him, and all we need to do is ask. What difference would it make in your life to believe that God’s hand is always with you. Would you be able to enlarge your territory in regard to what you do for God?

Note Jabez’s last goal, that God would keep him from evil so that he would not cause pain to others. His thought was for his family, friends and neighbors. How might our relationships change if this were our prayer?

May God give you more to do, keep his hand on you, and keep you from evil and causing pain to others.

Maudie Karickhoff

Devotional 2-16-08

Giving Up
Lent is a time of year when Christians, in order to show their penitence for any wrong-doing, will give up something that they love to show their devotion to Jesus Christ. I’m not one who regularly takes part in the deprivation, but one year I decided to give up disliking one of my teaching colleagues.

The lady in question was one of “those teachers” who could not or would not control her students. They would roam the hallways where they would accost unsuspecting children and ruin the test scores for the rest of the school. Since I wasn’t the principal, it wasn’t my place to straighten her out, but that didn’t keep me from glaring at her every time I saw her. She knew that I disapproved of her teaching techniques, so she in turn disliked me.

As time went by, it was quite obvious that we were at war. During staff meetings I would sit on the opposite side of the room. If we were the only people in the hallway, we didn’t speak to one another. Ordinarily that would have bothered me because I really don’t look for conflict, but I just couldn’t seem to get over my anger.

Then the Lenten season came around, and I got the great idea that I would give up my anger and please God at the same time. I decided that I would bend over backward to be nice, even if it killed me.

The next day, when we passed in the hall, I called her by name and told her how much I liked her dress. She looked at me suspiciously. A few days later I stopped by her room to tell how nice her bulletin boards looked. She smiled and thanked me, but I knew she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then she came by my room to give me a message from the principal’s office. While she was there, she shared a little gossip and we laughed conspiratorially.

You probably think that I’m going to tell you that we became best friends; I’m not. I will tell you that she and I did find common ground on many topics and were sincerely kind to one another for the remainder of our time together. Her students continued to roam the halls, and I’m sure I somehow offended her on a daily basis, but what started out as a contrived “giving up” became a bond between two headstrong women.

Since that time I have moved to another school and another staff. One day as I surfed the Internet, I ran across one of my favorite sayings. It has been attributed to many people, so I won’t pretend to know who really wrote it.

If you sow a thought, you’ll reap an act.
If you sow an act, you’ll reap a habit.
If you sow a habit, you’ll reap a character.
If you sow a character, you’ll reap a destiny.

During this Lenten season you don’t have to give up candy or pop, even though that might be a good idea. Try giving up the anger you hold inside. Try giving in to the will of Jesus Christ. Just give.

Becky Warren

Devotional 2-15-08

Evangelism
Please read Matthew 28: 19-20

Evangelism: the preaching or promulgation (to make known by open declaration) of the gospel. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m severely “lacking” in this area of my faith walk. I love to serve and to study God’s word. I love taking bible/book studies and praying. All of these feel “natural” to me. But when it comes to (verbally) sharing my faith with others, I quickly move out of my comfort zone, get all tongue tied and almost don’t even know where to begin. I’ve often thought about my shortcomings in this area since giving my life to Christ a few years ago, and it’s the one part of being a Christian that I wish I was better at than all the rest. I realize that one of the best ways for me to share my faith is to be an example. But, I also realize that as a Christian, I should be jumping at the chance to “tell” everyone I meet about the Good News. It’s always bothered me that I find this so hard.

After years of introspection, I’ve come to the conclusion that it all boils down to me not feeling prepared enough (in ways that don’t really matter). And, that in my not being prepared… I would fall short in some way. I guess I always felt that if I was a better speaker, or more outgoing, or knew more scripture then I’d do a better job of getting the point across… that I wouldn’t be as nervous… that I’d have more confidence… that I wouldn’t fail. As a result, it all rolled into a never ending process that kept me “on the bench”.

As it turns out, there’s no specific way I “need to be” or no mile-marker or goal I need to reach before I’m ready to share Christ with others. All I’ve got to do is pray about it, “get off the bench”, and go with what I know (telling others what He has done in my life). And, since the Bible tells us that God’s word will never come back void, I don’t need to worry about being the “best Gospel presenter ever”… I just need to “present”. He’ll take care of the rest!

The piece below by Chuck Swindoll has some helpful hints on sharing your faith with others:

Your Turn [1]

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

God has provided an open door. A conversation with a friend, an acquaintance, or a family member turns to spiritual questions, and suddenly you find yourself with an opportunity to explain what having a relationship with God really means.

What should you do now?

If you've ever been in this situation, you may have:

• Eagerly explained the gospel using the "Romans Road" or the Four Spiritual Laws.
• Offered a watered-down, cliché-filled explanation of the gospel so as not to offend their beliefs.
• Told them that you'd ask your pastor to call them at his earliest convenience.
• Run.

No matter where your comfort level rests in terms of personal evangelism, the reality is that God has opened this door of opportunity and He desires to use you to change someone's life. Incredible thought, isn't it? How can you do that? Formulas, techniques, and strategies aside, perhaps the most valuable way for you to share the best thing that's ever happened to you is to tell your own story. Share candidly and personally with your friend or family member how your life has changed since you gave your life to Christ.

TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY
A testimony is simply a firsthand account. When you tell someone your testimony, you open your life to them in a non-threatening way—you explain who Jesus Christ is and the personal difference He has made in your life. When you give evidence as to how the power of God has transformed your life, you illustrate one instance of the miracle of salvation. Even if your testimony isn't filled with fireworks and tragedy, it's a miracle.

People are looking for evidence that God exists and that He is personally involved in individual lives. Your story proves that God wants to know you . . . and them. More than a formula or technique, evangelism is a way of living—of being available to God in the opportunities He gives us.

PREPARING YOUR STORY
When the time comes to share your personal testimony with your friend, you can be certain that the Holy Spirit will be working in your mind and heart, giving you discernment in what to say. However, long before that conversation begins, you need to organize your thoughts. Just as a lawyer would not walk into a courtroom unprepared, you shouldn't approach your testimony on a "wing and a prayer." Plan your story with these three points in mind:

1. Remember your purpose. You want to let others know what Christ has done in your life. Edit out personal details that nudge your audience in ways you think they need to change or that offer pat answers to life's critical questions. Focus on how God changed you and what He's done.
2. Build common bridges. Explain your story so that the person can identify with your past and present experiences. Give examples of how God has fulfilled His promise that "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV) Admit openly that God is still working in your life, still changing your life for good.
3. Keep it simple. You might tell your story by sharing about three life moments—before Christ, the birth of Christ in your life, and after Christ. The last thing you'd want to do is make a simple message unclear or difficult—a person's attention span usually lasts about three minutes. So, keep it short and focused.

LESSONS FROM YOUR STORY
Even if an opportunity to share your testimony doesn't present itself soon, the practice of reflecting on how God has been at work in your life will yield wonderful benefits. It's easy to forget how faithful God has been, isn't it? Too often we forget that God's story is continuing to unfold in our lives. When you remember His goodness in directing your life path, you'll be moved to a lifestyle of gratitude, worship, greater intimacy with God, and greater trust in God. People are bound to notice how different you are, and they'll be drawn to ask you, "What's your secret?"
The New Testament describes the ministry of evangelism in a number of ways. When you share your faith with others, you are "telling [them] the way to be saved" (Acts 16:17 NIV), and that you've come "to preach good news" (Luke 4:18 NIV), "to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15 NIV), and to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV).
[1] written by Chuck Swindoll (Insight for Living)
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Prayer: Dear Lord, may I talk to others about Christ the way I talk to my children about Him; simply and without worry or fear of failure. Amen.

Bob Matthews

Devotional 2-14-08

Lectionary Readings: Psalms 50, 19 and 46; Genesis 39:1-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15 and Mark 2:1-12.

“ For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

I did a little research on this holiday to discover its origins. One of the most common stories is of a priest, Father Valentine of Rome, who defied the Emperor Claudius II who had decreed that none of his army could marry. Fr. Valentine was jailed for all of the secret marriages he performed and while incarcerated, fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. On the day of his execution, February 14, 269 A.D., it is told that he sent a note to the daughter to thank her for her loyalty and friendship which he signed, “from your Valentine”. Later Pope Gelasius set aside Feb. 14 to honor St. Valentine, but it wasn’t until the verses of Chaucer written in the 14th century, that St. Valentine’s Day became linked to romantic love.

In the US, Esther Howland of Massachusetts is given credit for marketing and sending the first mass-produced greeting cards in 1847. And the rest, as they say, is history. Approximately $14 billion dollars will be spent this year on flowers, cards, candy, dinners and other gifts. Valentine’s Day is ‘Number 2’ for the holiday where the most greeting cards are exchanged. I vividly remember the grade school tradition of decorating shoeboxes with construction paper and lace hearts. Would I receive a valentine from a special admirer? The wait to open the box after school was almost unbearable.

My Valentine “memory-lane” includes gifts given and received of flowers, dinner and cards, some especially significant because they were hand-made. The gifts and cards were all meant to signify a love of one person for another.. This is good: we are to love one another aren’t we?

God answers: Yes, but…

Jesus told us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:17) Uh Oh… that sounds like something extra. Jesus also said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). And: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you. If you only love those who love you, what credit is that to you?...” (Luke 6:31-36) This all sounds a lot harder than it did when I was just sending valentines to my family and friends.

God’s bottom line is that He showed us the way to truly love one another first. It will be hard, but we have a comforter, a role model and a guide for the hard times. God loved us (YOU and ME) so much that he sent His ONLY son to be our example of what real love is. He purchased our eternal life—everyone’s eternal life with the life of His only son. I truly have trouble understanding this level of sacrifice and grace. But that is exactly what it is—a gift of grace. My best response is to accept the gift as an overwhelming and powerful act of love and then try to act in my daily life in ways that demonstrate that the gift is alive in me.

I love religious stained glass windows. They tell the story in pictures and also demonstrate the concept of the kind of love that Jesus was talking about. It is only when the light shines through the different colors that the image is revealed. It is only when we accept the gift of grace that God, who is the Light, can He shine through our lives as we attempt to love one another.

“What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of life to lay aside his crown for my soul.”

Dear God, we come to you today, thanking you for the gift of love. Through the sacrifice of both Father and Son, we can know a love that knows no bounds. You love us so much that you paid the ultimate price for our souls. We thank you for showing us that you love us as individuals and as your church. Thank you for transforming us with your grace to be of service to others.. Amen.

Oh and, P.S. “God: Will you be my valentine?” Thanks, I knew the answer would be YES !

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 2-13-08

Why is it so easy to evaluate our outward appearance, but so difficult to look honestly at our inner selves? I bet everyone who reads this can tell you what they would like to change about their physical appearance-too fat, too thin, too tall, too short, eyes too small, nose too big, etc. Some of those we can change if we make the effort and some we just learn to accept. Our physical appearance is not who we really are.

Our inner self is different. That is the essence of who we are, so looking at that is much more painful. We go to church, love God, accept Jesus as our Savior, and try to do what's right. We are basically good people, right? Wrong! We have slipped into complacency! The problem is when we wear that cross around our neck, when we profess to be a Christian we become Christ's emissaries to the world. When we fudge a little ethically, when we tell that "little" lie, when we fail to forgive an injustice (real or imagined), when we judge others and have no problem telling them how to "fix" their lives, when we act like we are better than someone else, when we have too much pride in our own accomplishments (failing to give God credit), we are in danger of turning someone else away from Christ.

We know we aren't perfect in our heads, do we accept it in our hearts? That, as Aaron Hess says in Doing the Right Thing, "Religion can heighten our awareness of our moral imperfection-not to undermine us, but to give us something to shoot for." We need to acknowledge to the world that we sin just like everyone else, that going to church doesn't make us perfect, doesn't make us 'better' than everyone else, but that we are a work in progress and that God isn't finished with us yet!

Prayer: Lord, sharpen my conscience, make me more aware of my sins, of when I let you and myself down. And, Oh Lord, please don't let me be the reason someone doesn't want to be a Christian! Amen.

Margaret Williams

Devotional 2-12-08

Please read Mark 1:14-28

This lectionary reading describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. In verse 17, Jesus calls out to Simon and Andrew who forsake their profession to become “fishers of men”. Verse 19 describes the call of James and John who leave the nets that they have been repairing to follow Jesus. Both are famous and familiar passages from the Bible. They detail the immediate and unequivocal response of men to the call of Jesus.

Verses 23 through 27 tell a different story of a man found in the synagogue with an unclean spirit. This time Jesus does not call out to the man to follow him. Instead, the spirit speaks to Jesus calling him by name. Jesus then rebukes the spirit and orders it to leave the man. Again, the spirit responds to Jesus’ call and departs, from the man.

At first reading, the two stories did not appear to me to have much in common. However, after giving it some thought (beyond my initial “exorcist” connection), I discovered the common thread in all three stories. Each of the characters recognized and responded to the call of Jesus. Even the unclean spirit recognized the power of Jesus and left the man at his command.

How clearly do we hear the call of Jesus in our present day lives, and if we hear that call, how quickly do we respond? Would any of us forsake our profession to follow Jesus?

The Nineteenth Century hymn, “Jesus Calls Us” summarizes the answer:

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild restless sea;
Day by day his sweet voice soundeth, saying “Christian, follow me!”

Jesus calls us! By our mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call, give our hearts to thine obedience, serve and love the best of all.

Lee Oxley

Devotional 2-11-08

Forty Days of Reflection
Read Ephesians, Matthew 4

I have struggled to write this devotional. Some weeks ago I read the lectionary for Feb. 11 and just could not find a direction. (The readings above are not the lectionary) Then the other night I picked up the Message.(which I had not used before) When I first opened it the page I was looking at was Ephesians 1. As I read it I knew that I been lead to this book and chapter.
Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus, to give them encouragement and guidance. As I continued reading, I began to think that this is a guide of how I should live, but also of what our church is embarking on, a vision and mission to guide our church in the years to come.
But how does this thought relate to Lent?

Lent is a time of reflection, a time of learning to listen to God and dealing with our temptations. Just as Jesus spent forty days of fasting in the desert, he had time to reflect and listen to God. Then with God’s help he fought temptation and won.

Let us use these next days to reflect, not only or own lives but the life of our church.
Listen to God and hear how he wants us to live and how our lives can help fulfill the vision and mission of Johnson Memorial or any church. Then we too will win.

Pray with me.
God you are wonderful, you are the great leader. Lead me now through these next days. Help me listen to your word and then help me to share them with the church. Help us become the church of your people. A church that strengthens and nurtures those within its’ walls and reaches to those outside the walls in need.

We pray this through your son Jesus Christ. Amen

Fred Herr

Devotional 2-10-08

I have recently read Russell D. Lowther’s book, Laughter and Tears in the Mountains, which is about his four years as pastor of the Earl Charge in Nicholas County, West Virginia, during the 1930s. At one point in that book, he comments on the “Prayer Rock” which was located in a rugged place in the woods not far from Mount Nebo in Nicholas County. He comments that several men frequented this place of prayer as a special place where they felt closer to God. They knew, he comments, that “God is everywhere at all times, but they felt somehow that they could more nearly ‘touch the fringe of his garment’ here than anywhere.”

As I read that passage, I wondered how many of us spent enough time in prayer to even consider having a special place at which we commune with God. Rev. Lowther notes that frequently when someone in that area was seriously ill or greatly grieved, someone would saddle a horse and ride to the home of the man of prayer near the great rock, and request him to pray. He would arise, light his lantern, and make off across his garden into the woods to his special place of prayer.

Is prayer that much a part of your life? One of Jim Ray’s favorite songs was, “How Long Has It Been?” The first verse is:

How long has it been, since you talked with the Lord,
And told Him your heart’s hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed,
How long since you stayed
On your knees ‘til the light shone through?

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease,
How long since your heart knew no burden?
Can you call Him your friend,
How long has it been,
Since you knew that He cared for you?

I invite you to follow the words of Paul, “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) It will change your life.

Joe Shreve

Devotional 2-9-08

Lectionary Reading:

In the morning: Psalms 30, 32
In the evening: Psalms 42, 43
Ezekiel 39:21 - 29
Philippians 4:10 - 20
John 17:20 - 26

Each of these selections concern our relationship with God. It is not easy to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus. Many times we opt for the easy way out, or the way that will help us "fit in" with those around us. God is patiently waiting for us to recognize what we have done. God is always there, ever ready to help and support us.

We have, and will, encounter times in our lives when it seems life is so overwhelming, the troubles too many and too large, that to continue on is impossible. These passages remind us that God is there, always, to guide us through difficult or confusing times.

Just as Jesus experienced a time of despair and found hope and love from God so shall we. Jesus went throught the tormenting times to save us from ourselves. He went before us to open the door to God to us.

God is with us always, even when we do not acknowledge him. Even though many of these verses speak of hard times and a turning from God, throughout the readings is a message of hope. God is there. God will help. God loves us.

That knowledge gives us peace and determination. Committing ourselves to God means we shall never again want for anything. The hope, love and peace God offers us is greater than any worldly item. Jesus lives. God is there.

Sue Kearns

Devotional 2-8-08

The Stand

O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (Psalm 95:1-3, 6)

Make a joyful noise to the Lord. What does that mean, exactly? What does it mean to be joyful in life? Surely Lent, a time of reflection and repentance is not meant to be joyful. Right?

Can I share with you a few joyful moments that I have experienced lately?

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving

I was walking into work a couple of weeks ago, listening to my iPod. The song playing in my head was The Stand by Michael W. Smith. Part of the lyrics of that song say, “I'll stand … in awe of the one who gave it all.” I stood at the edge of a field near our parking lot, watching the sunrise. I was in awe and grateful to God for stopping me in my rush to work so that I could notice His glory. It was joy because it was a moment spent close to God.

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Two weeks ago, our dear friend and servant of Christ, Jim Ray, died. Are you surprised that I would mention that in a list of joyful moments? The pain of the loss certainly wasn’t joyful. I miss him intensely, and I think I always will. I learned something important that week, though. God knew how painful it would be for our church to lose this man. For the week between his loss and his funeral, God drew us all close to His heart. In so many ways I saw God’s timing and God’s care for us made manifest. He did not leave us alone. Isn’t there joy in realizing that God loves us all enough to make His presence felt when we needed Him? (And maybe Jim was with God, telling Him, “I’ve got a few things I’m going to let you take care of for me….)

O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

It’s Lent. It’s time to think about repentance – turning from our sinful ways and turning toward God. Doesn’t sound very joyful, does it? I don’t imagine that any one of us wants to spend much time considering what we have done wrong and the sins that we have committed, much less admit them to God. What greater joy is there, though, than to know that our sins are forgiven? All of them. No matter how horrible we think they are, God forgives them. Aren’t those words of joy?

Joy. There is joy in our repentance. There is joy in our sadness. There is joy for us because God is close; how can we help but experience joy when God is standing so close? It washes over us; it is grace.

O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

It is our blessing that God draws us close so that we can stand before Him, bathed in the grace of His joy. God give us joy, and we cannot help but worshp.

Kim Matthews

Devotional 2-6-08

Please read Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Today is Ash Wednesday. Our Lenten journey has begun. Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday. Pancake Day. Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday.

My first memory of Lent is the annual youth pancake breakfast on Shrove Tuesday. We would meet at the church ridiculously early for a time of devotion and then eat pancakes. I didn’t like having to get up that early. The pancakes weren’t worth the lost sleep, to me. Then, after we ate pancakes, we also would go around the room and talk about what we would “give up” for Lent.

What"s up with these strange rituals, with getting rid of the fat and the cream so we could “fast” for forty days? They told us it was a time of preparation, but I just didn’t get it.

I remember the year I gave up Coke. It wasn’t long before I gave in to drinking a soft drink, but somehow justified it. “Hey, it’s a Pepsi. I only gave up Coke.” I always had an angle.

I think Jesus speaks to this in our Gospel reading. Don’t practice religion just for show. It’s between you and God. Let your Lenten discipline bring you closer to God.

One suggestion; instead of merely giving something up for Lent, take something on as well. Jesus didn’t say to deny yourself—period…he added that we should take up a cross, and follow him. This Lenten season, practice taking up the cross.

Perhaps “your cross” means more intentional time with God in prayer or study; perhaps it is working with the poor or homeless or ill; maybe it is donating your time or money to the youth fundraiser this Sunday…

This Lenten season, try giving something up, but take something on in its place. Perhaps when Easter arrives, you will find that you have experienced a closer walk with God.

Jeff Taylor