Devotional 12-22-04

Legacy

Scripture; Matthew 1:1-17: 1The book of genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers… 6and Jesse the father of David the king, and David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah… 16and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born who is called Christ.

All of us have written, to some degree or depth, in the family Bible or on a note card, our family history. We have listened to stories by our relatives and relayed those stories to our children. Stories about growing up in the country and stories about the origin of our names. Grant and I acquired our middle name, via my great grandfather, from President U.S. Grant. I enjoy telling the story, and he enjoys hearing it. I watch Grant and Josh grow and think to myself, “What am I giving them, what will I leave them, what will be my legacy?” A song on Christian radio which causes me to turn up the volume has this chorus: “I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me? Did I choose to love, did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering, a child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy.” Powerful words which certainly give me reason to pause. Am I showing my boys how to act, how to treat others, how to be towards God? The Bible is full of great stories of family and legacy leading to the ultimate legacy God sent us in his Son. A motivational picture I see on posters, coffee cups and office plaques shows a small boys looking out over a field of flowers. The caption reads, “In a hundred years no one will remember how much money I made, the kind of car I drove or the kind of house I lived in, only that I made a difference in the life of a child.” Now there’s something to live up to.

Prayer; Dear Heavenly Father, may we choose this Christmas season to examine our role in other’s lives and to accept the precious gift of your Son, our Savior, as the perfect legacy and example of love. Amen

Steve Matthews

Devotional 12-21-04

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:6

The wonder of Christmas is in its simplicity. There is Mary, the mother, and there is Joseph to whom she was betrothed. Plain and simple people, even as you and I. There are the Shepherds – the first Christmas congregation. They too, are humble, these shepherds who live so close to the earth, with the pastures like carpet for their feet and the sun and the stars their covering – all the things God made.
Yes the Child, too. Nothing here of the pomp and circumstance of life, only the simplicity of the divine. It is this simplicity which makes Christmas wonderful. Here may we all come …

O come, all Ye Faithful
Verse 4: See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;

Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord

Here may we worship, recognizing in the simplicity of the child the meaning of God’s redeeming love. Here may we come – the young, the old; the rich, the poor; the mighty, the servant … to worship in the beauty of divine simplicity the …Child.

Verse 5: Child, for us sinners – poor and in the manger
We would embrace thee with love and awe.
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?

Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord

Here .. on this night may we like the shepherds worship the miracle of this wondrous birth and marvel at its simple love “…so amazing, so divine…” this is the wonder of Christmas!

Karen Gene Agee Cremeans

Devotional 12-20-04

A Christmas Blessing

May there be harmony in all your relationships. May sharp words, envious thoughts, and hostile feelings be dissolved.

May you give and receive love generously. May this love echo in your heart like the joy of church bells on a clear December day.

May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ. May the honor given the Babe of Bethlehem be that which you extend to every guest who enters your presence.

May the hope of the sacred season settle in your soul. May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land.

May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened within you. May it lead you to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take for granted.

May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather wit your family and friends around the table of festivity and nourishment.

May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains.

May the coming year be one of good health for you. May you have energy and vitality. May you care well for your body, mind and spirit.

May you keep you eye on the Star within you and trust this Luminescent Presence to guide and direct you each day.

May you go often to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace. May you bring this peace into our world.

Taken from Out of the Ordinary, copyright 2000 by Joyce Rupp. Used by permission of Ave Maria Press. All rights reserved.

Vicky Shreve

Devotional 12-19-04

Take time to enjoy

What ever happened to Christmas after Thanksgiving? I remember growing up that you would not see any Christmas items out until the day after Thanksgiving. It was a time of the year that I always looked forward to, the air was cooler, school was out at least for a little while, families were together and the first signs of Christmas would be on the radio and on the store shelves.

Today, however, things are different. Now we see Santa and a ghost displayed at the same time in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Stores are pulling out the Christmas trees along with the Jack-o-lanterns I guess in order not to miss a single day of Christmas sales. But, to me there is something very much wrong with all this rush to celebrate one of the greatest days of the year. Seeing the Christmas decorations out so early causes them to loose a little of their awe and wonder that they held so much for me. Seeing everything so early makes the Christmas spirit wear off a little earlier than it used to…and I feel robbed of savoring the joy that is Christmas.

It is so easy in our hustle-bustle lives to forget to enjoy the Christmas season. We are in such a hurry to get to the big sale…to be the first to send out our Christmas cards…to be the first house on the block to adorn our home with lights and garland….and sometimes we get so busy being busy that we don’t stop and live in the moment. And in our hurry, we can miss the joy of Christmas.

This year, as the carols are playing and life seems so crazy I encourage all of us to stop…take time to enjoy the season. Take time to listen to the words of your favorite song. Take time to reflect upon the memories held by each ornament you place on your tree. Take time to visit with family and friends during this most important season. And, most of all, open your heart to welcome the Christ child into your life. And make the child make your life one filled with love, laughter and most of all, joy.

Carol McKay

Devotional 12-18-04

DEHYDRATED

Read Psalm 42.

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God.” Psalm 42:2

The psalmist evokes the image of a deer panting for water to describe his yearning for God. Believing his enemies are closing in on him, he feels like God has abandoned him. Does God ever desert us, or create distance between Him and us? Someone once told me, “if you feel like you are separated from God, guess who moved?”

Hunger and thirst are nature’s way of providing us a signal to eat and drink. Perhaps the psalmist’s thirst is his reminder to drink again from the well that never runs dry. “…[B]ut whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Feeling alienated and lost, he remembers times when he was close to God, when he led a festive procession in the sanctuary. Even in his distress, he has faith; he knows he can experience that relationship again. “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him.”
Jesus talked quite a bit about thirst. He said in His Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Indeed, Jesus’ penultimate statement on the cross was “I am thirsty.”
In our satiated world, we never really thirst. We take water for granted and use it at an alarming rate, as though it will never run out. We’re so busy we cannot take a break to quench our thirst, so we carry our water with us. Along with our cell phones, our PDA’s, and our laptops, our water bottles have become another status symbol.
But do we ever tap into the well that satisfies our souls? Do we hunger and thirst for righteousness?

The psalmist’s closing question, “When shall I behold the face of God?” reminds me of the time Jesus told of a day when the righteous will ask Him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?”

Jesus’ response: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these my sisters and brothers, you did it to me.”

Jeff Taylor

Devotional 12-17-04

“You Bid Us True and Faithful Be”

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord;
Let it be to me according to your word.”(Luke 1:38)

Have you decorated your tree yet? Because the evergreen remains green and lifelike when other vegetation appears to have “failed” for the season, it has become a symbol of the constant and ongoing faithfulness of our God.

As we decorate our trees each year, we may well remember that the Christmas season offers us the assurance that, like the evergreen, our God is faithful, year after year. He can be trusted to keep his word; he will not fail us or forsake us. He proved that by faithfully keeping his promise to send the world a Savior, one who was not only “faithful unto death” for us (although that in itself is a great gift), but who remains alive beyond the grave for us. The evergreen can be a symbol of that great gift too.

As our God is faithful, so he calls on us to be faithful too, to take him at his word, trusting that he can and will keep his promises to us, and then determined to live in such a way that everything we do gives glory to him – like shining ornaments on a tree.

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Forever true your color.
You bid us true and faithful be
And trust in God unceasingly.
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Forever true your color.

Lord, thank you for all the ways you give us what we need to help us grow in faith, hope and love.

Amy Inghrahm

Devotional 12-16-04

Read Zechariah 8:1-17

As I read the above passage I began to think of the first chapters of the book “The Purpose Driven Life”, which I had just started reading. God is our creator, we are here to serve him and worship him. Most of all God wants us to be like Christ. That is why he, God, came to walk among his people so that we would be like him. Loving, serving, compassionate, caring.

So during this Advent time take a moment and also read John 5:1-12 the “Beatitudes”. Then ask yourself, “How am I like Christ??”

Prayer: Heavenly father, we praise you, we glorify you, we adore you. Please help me to be like your son. Jesus Christ, help me find the way to my reward in eternity. Amen

Fred Herr

Devotional 12-15-04

Unexpected and Mysterious

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:30-32, Luke 2:6-7

Last Sunday the choir sang an anthem by Robert Buckley Farlee, entitled Unexpected and Mysterious. The chorus went like this:

We are called to ponder mystery and await the coming of Christ,
To embody God’s compassion for each fragile human life.
God is with us in our longing to bring healing to the earth.
While we watch with joy and wonder for the promised Savior’s birth.

These lines brought to mind a Sunday school lesson of a few weeks ago which impressed us with how God chose to achieve his goals through human beings. Biblical history flows with examples:

• God’s people needed to be identified – God sent Abraham.
• God’s people were enslaved in Egypt – God sent Moses.
• God’s people required warnings and guidance – God sent the prophets.
• God’s people needed spiritual leaders and healers – God called countless people to serve.
• God’s people needed a savior and an example to live by – God sent a baby, Jesus.

The great events of this world are not wars, elections, earthquakes or hurricanes, but …babies. Each child comes with the message that God is not discouraged with humanity but is expecting love, goodwill and peace to become incarnate in each and every human life. Today we celebrate that life and pray for His return, “while we watch with joy and wonder for the promised Savior’s birth.”

Charlie and Margaret Ann Lewis

Devotional 12-14-04

Mace and I took a vacation out West this past August and had a wonderful time visiting 8 National Parks and Monuments and seeing lots of new and unusual sights. While we were driving through Wyoming, one of the things we noticed was the gates and signs that had flashing lights to warn you that if the lights are flashing, the highway is closed due to heavy snow. We kept seeing these warning signs, and even though it was August, a Christmas hymn popped in my head. I began humming “In the Bleak Midwinter” and thought about how the winters in Wyoming must fit the description of the winter in the hymn.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

The picture that you get from the earth being hard as iron and the water like stone indicates a very cold winter. The strong description for me is the snow on snow giving you the visual of lots of snow and huge snow drifts. That was what I kept picturing every time I saw those signs on the highway.

We kept driving, and I kept singing the hymn in my head. This nativity poem includes shepherds, wise men, and angels as it tells the story of the birth of Christ. The poem is a proclamation and a witness to the amazing mystery of the Word becoming flesh …God becoming man. What an awesome occurrence!

I learned this hymn when I was in the fifth grade singing in one of our children’s choirs here at Johnson Memorial. At that time, we kept a choir notebook, and there was always a hymn of the month that we learned, and often it was the processional hymn the Sunday we sang in church. This hymn was the hymn of the month for December and that was why I learned all the words and the music. I can remember that as a child I really liked the words to the hymn…especially the last line:

What I can I give him: give my heart.

Those words jumped out at me when I first learned the hymn, and I think they mean even more today. There is a progression in the hymn around the idea of giving something to the Christ Child, and it starts by asking the question:

What can I give him, poor as I am?

Then it moves through the giving by saying that a shepherd could give a lamb and a Wise Man could do his part but what about little me?? I am poor and what in the world can I possibly give? Then the poem concludes with the revelation that we EACH have something to give…our hearts. As a fifth grader, I thought that seemed easy…and really it is. But in another way, it is a very difficult gift to give because you have to wrap that gift every day.

Becky Sturm

Devotional 12-13-04

Scripture: Isaiah 29:17-24 (see also Isaiah 35:5)

Christ was sent to redeem us just as God promised to restore Israel after destruction by Assyria and other powers.

Just as unexpected love, support and blessings flowed from God to Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and other Judean locations at Christ’s birth long ago, His blessings also came to our daughter and son-in-law I spring 2001 – maybe by chance – and maybe not.

Many of your have driven south on I-77 from the WV turnpike into Western Virginia and have seen a very small white church on the right at the Bastion exit. Though at first it sat serenely in the valley as a welcoming beacon, “progress” in the form of two service stations has altered the picturesque landscape.

On their return to North Carolina that spring, after a visit with us, Megan and John pulled into the small gravel parking area at Pine Grove United Methodist Church to stretch their legs and to get a closer look at the little white church. The pastor, Alan Ashworth, who also serves another small congregation, happened to come by in his pickup truck. He invited Megan and John inside the church where he related its history. Before they parted, Rev. Ashworth prayer with them, asking God for their safe travel and His blessings for their baby-on-the-way.

That August baby Diana was born in October; Megan was diagnosed with a very rare lymphoma. Remembering Rev. Ashworth’s sincere concern for their well-being, they contacted him to ask that he include them in his prayers.

About two weeks later, they had a call from Rev. Ashworth, asking if he might come to their home (about a 3 hour drive from Bastion) to pray with them in person. They could scarcely believe someone they had met just once would make such an effort on their behalf! God was at work.

He talked and prayed with them for an hour or so, then said he must get back to Virginia. Before leaving, he carried in two large boxes that his congregations had sent. Opening them, Megan and John found many items that touched their hearts – two homemade dresses for little Diana, stuffed toys, homemade apple butter – and more. And in the bottom of one of the boxes, an envelope containing $1000. Unanticipated gifts from Fellow Methodist they’d never met. God was at work. His love is overwhelming.

At the celebration of Megan’s life in May 2002, Rev. Ashworth played his guitar and sang, “Nearer My God to Thee,” then spoke a simple message of God’s love and power. It seemed that God again had intervened in an unexpected and inspiring manner to lessen our burden, as He has done for so many through the ages. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs and continues to meet them in amazing, unusual ways.

As always, God has the resources, if we have the faith.

Prayer: Our Father, May our hearts and lives be warmed and sanctified anew as we welcome Jesus Christ into our midst this season and forevermore. As our Lord, Protector, Counselor and Messiah, He is so much more than the “reason for the season.” In His name, Amen

Chuck and Pam Gruber

Devotional 12-12-04 Evening

Say The Word

Suggested reading: John 14:15-27

About a year ago, our older son, Grant, was acolyting with his friend Jameson. One of the boys’ taper lighters was caught in a gust of wind. The flame died as the two boys reached the altar. Without forethought or coordination, the one friend reached for the light of the other; the light was shared, and they continued in their mission to light the service.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we would reach for God in the same way? Many years ago, two people where I work were having problems – difficult, impossible to solve conflicts. At times, I was asked to be a mediator in their meetings. I knew, from seeing their problems first hand, that it would be an almost insurmountable task for these two people ever to develop trust or any kind of business relationship. After several months of worrying about the situation, I realized that I had never prayed about it. So I did.

I would like to tell you that after I prayed, happiness blossomed at work. It did not. One of the employees applied for a different job and was promoted. Our situations do not always have happy endings. The employee who was promoted had to move to another city, leave her home and her family, but in the end, it was the best possible solution to the problem for all involved. I had asked God to help these people find a way out of the conflict. I think he did, and I know he helped me to understand that sometimes the best solution isn’t always a happy ending in the short term.

Why is it that sometimes we do not reach for the light of God? Why do we ignore Him or forget to pray? Do we need to feel in control? Do we need to think that we can solve all of our problems ourselves? Do we sometimes think that we should find the strength to deal with life alone? There is great power and love at our fingertips, if we would only remember to reach for it.
George Rowe and Brian Steckler wrote a song called Say the Word. Here is the chorus:

From near or far to where you are
You’ll find me there from anywhere.
With no restraint, just whisper faith.
You will be heard.
Say the word.
And I will be with you
Until forever is only the beginning.
Just say the word.

John 14: Verse 27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Until forever is only the beginning.

Kim Matthews

Devotional 12-12-04

ARE YOU THE ONE?

Matthew 11: 2 – 11

John the Baptist is in jail. Jesus is out and about teaching, preaching, and healing. John sends his disciples out to ask Jesus this question: Are you the ONE?

There you have it. A question asked at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry that continues to be asked today. Are you the ONE?

Are you the ONE who can take my suffering away?

Are you the ONE that helps us win this football championship?

Are you the ONE who brought the hurricanes and caused the destruction?

Are you the ONE who wants this particular man to be president?

Are you the ONE who will help me find a parking spot?

Are you the ONE who will assist me in being financially independent?

Are you the ONE who let my mama die?

Are you the ONE who will keep me from being pregnant?

Are you the ONE who will help me get pregnant?

Jesus did not answer that question rather he responded by saying, “the poor are hearing the Good News” and “happy is the person that does not find me a stumbling block.”

I wonder about that statement. As a person who is obviously not poor, can I hear the Good News? Are my ears clogged or my mind clouded in such a way that I cannot hear the Good News? Are all the possessions that I worry about someone taking keeping my attention from spiritual realms? Was Jesus saying that a person of means does not need the Good News or that they think that the Good News is only for them?

Jesus is a stumbling block for me. I want to ignore him. I want to embrace all the stereotypes that make life simple. I want to hug my personal bias and narrow assumptions. Yet he keeps calling me to love my enemy and to turn the other cheek. He reminds me of my first fruits and asks what I am going to return to Him.

My prayer for us during this advent season is that we can move these questions to a statement of faith: Jesus, you are the one, who gives me the strength and courage to follow your example each day.

Rev. David Johnson

Devotional 12-11-09

The Little Saxophone Boy

Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ Colossians 3:23--24

I played my drum for Him,
pa-rum-pum-pum-pum,
I played my best for Him,
pa-rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum- pum, rum-pum, pum, pum.

"The Little Drummer Boy"
Words and music by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone

Last year, my youngest son, Vinny, and I were on our way to the Family Christmas Eve Service, where Vinny was to play a solo on his saxophone. Several weeks earlier our choir director, Randy Turpin, discovered he and Sam Shideler were playing saxophones in their middle school bands and asked if they knew any sacred music. They played "Ode to Joy" at an early service, but tonight Sam was out of town so Vinny was on his own.

As we were driving along Ritter Park, we heard the song "The Little Drummer Boy" on the car radio. This song instantly brought back many memories for me. I'm old enough to remember when it was first recorded in 1958 and the TV show that followed and became an annual part of Christmas. My fondest memory is reading the book, which features beautiful pictures by Ezra Jack Keats, to my boys. I suddenly became aware of the line, "I played my best for him."

“That's what you're doing tonight," I said to my son.

"What do you mean?"

"You're playing your saxophone for Jesus just like the Little Drummer Boy played his drum. You're sharing your talent with the congregation, but at the same time it's a gift for the baby."

Vinny played well that night. I had that proud-mother feeling that warms your cheeks and makes your heart pound a little faster, and I thought to myself, "He played his best for Him."

We are called to give our best to God in everything we do. The Scripture from Colossians says to work heartily whatever your task. Isn't it a pleasure to be around someone who genuinely loves his/her job? Last summer I encountered an airline security woman who was so friendly and funny she made all the passengers, who had to stand in long lines to go through security checks, smile as they handed her their ID's. She was a real blessing to me that day. Just think how many lives she touches every day.

There are many people in our church family who regularly give their best to God and by doing so touch many lives as well. We all have different talents. Some can build a Habitat House. Some can cook, or clean. Some can sing or teach or visit. Some can take care of financial matters or work on outreach projects. We all have endless opportunities to do our best.

In Romans 12 Paul wrote, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them....

This Christmas, play your best for Him!
And in the New Year, play your best for Him!

Anita Farrell

Devotional 12-10-04

PURE JOY

I coached youth baseball for several years. A lot has been written and said about youth baseball over the past several years. Some of it good; some of it less than good.

I want to share with you the best the game can offer, and the joy that it shares with the Christmas season.

One of the first groups I was blessed with had many fine young athletes that were a part of that team. Then there was Anthony.

Nobody ever loved everything about the game more than Anthony. Nobody ever was as excited about coming to practice, getting his uniform, picking up the equipment, learning to keep score, or making out a line up card. Anthony was just not blessed with the same physical skill that made him a great player.

We worked on everything to bring up “AC’s” skill. I played catch with him myself more than any other kid on the team. We tried every method I knew about getting the bat on the ball. We worked for two seasons. The kids were great with Anthony. Nobody ever expected much, so when Anthony tried and was not successful the kids did their best to support him.

At the end of our last season, Anthony and I both knew there were other things Anthony was going to excel with. In our last game of the year, we were playing our league championship game. (Big stuff for 8-9 year old Little League.) It was not a tight game or particularly dramatic until one point late in the game. It was time for Anthony to bat. The kid pitching was struggling with his control, and I could tell Anthony was more than anxious. It was not so much he probably could not hit what this kid was pitching but that this kid was probably going bean Anthony at some point in time during this at bat.

I did not say much to Anthony as he headed to the plate but to watch the ball hit the bat. Anthony climbed into the batters box with his helmet sitting right on top of his glasses, and the bat stuck straight up in the air. Anthony took a couple of pitches and seemed to relax when they were both way outside.

At this point the world stopped. Anthony did not take “big” swings at anything. But the stars were in their alignment and the pitch came into the plate, the bat moved, the bat struck the ball, and the ball rolled into fair territory about six feet from home plate. NOBODY expected this and Anthony’s mad dash for first base was successful. Anthony had a hit. You can imagine all the “Fields of Dreams” you want. Pure joy was at first base and filled a Little League field and half of eastern Cabell County.

Anthony went on to be a very good drummer in a very good marching band at Cabell Midland High School and was headed for a career in computers or pharmacy. But in that one moment in time, I saw the joy we should all feel at Christmas. Anthony’s joy is my own standard for the joy of Christmas, and I hope we all can find some of the same this season.

Mike Bowen

Devotional 12-9-04

The lectionary reading for today is Genesis 15:1-18

15:1 reads: After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

In today’s world we have many things to cause fear in our lives. Just as Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” But before that He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.”

This gives us hope that just as the Bible states, we will someday know peace. No God, no peace – Know God, know peace.

The choir sang an anthem a few weeks back, “Unexpected and mysterious.” Here are the words worth hearing again.

Unexpected and mysterious is the gentle Word of grace.
Everloving and sustaining is the peace of God’s embrace.
If we falter in our courage and we doubt what we have known,
God is faithful to console us as a mother tends he own.

In momentary meeting of eternity and time,
Mary learned that she would carry both the mortal and divine.
Then she learned of God’s compassion, of Elizabeth’s great joy,
And she ran to greet the woman who could recognize her boy.

We are called to ponder mystery and await the coming Christ,
to embody God’s compassion for each fragile human life.
God is with us in our longing to bring healing to the earth,
While we watch with joy and wonder for the promised Savior’s birth.

Psalm 147:7 says, “Sing our your thanks to the Lord; sing praises to our God.”
Psalm 149:1 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song.”

Carla and I have been in choir more years that we can count. it is such a joy to sing praises to God, that we cannot imagine not singing. Just being with the other choir members on Thursday and Sunday is a blessing and joy to us.

I invite you to come and share in the blessing and joy.

John Traxler

Devotional 12-8-04

The scripture reading for today comes from Matthew 12:33-37. These four verses are part of a rather lengthy discussion that takes place between Jesus and the Pharisees after Jesus has healed a man who was blind and unable to speak. After Jesus rebukes the Scribes and Pharisees who have accused Him of healing the man by utilizing the power of the devil, Jesus makes a statement in verses 36 and 37 that emphasizes how important words are by saying:

"But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shall be condemned."

Jesus is telling us that the very words we use have the power to reward or to damn us. We often forget how powerful our words can be in dealing with those around us. We can instantly lift someone's spirits or make their day with a words of kindness or praise, but just as easily wound someone with a cutting comment or remark.

During the Advent season we are very focused on being generous to our children, our friends and even our church by giving presents or money. I believe these two verses from today's lectionary reading tell us that we should be just as generous with words of kindness and encouragement not only during Advent, but throughout the year.

Lee Oxley

Devotional 12-7-04

Lectionary Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

In the lectionary reading, God gives comfort to His people. A portion of this comfort is telling of the coming of Christ.

During the 2004 calendar year, the United Methodist Women has been celebrating 135 years of mission service.

In 1869 an organization named the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church responded to God’s call to provide health care and education for women and girls in India. During the years, the Society and Methodist Church made changes and evolved into different names. The Society is now the United Methodist Women, 1972, of the United Methodist Church.

The wording of the PURPOSE has been expanded over the years, but the meaning has remained:

“The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God, and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of church.”
I believe God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to comfort us and to entrust us, as people of Christ, to do the same to others.

Prayer: Ever-living and loving God, we thank You for Your Son, and pray You will strengthen our faith in giving time and talents to minister to the needs of the hurt, the disadvantaged and alienated in Your world. Amen.

‘Information was gathered and used from the 2004 Program Book, for United Methodist Women.’

Kay Lewis

Devotional 12-6-04

Isaiah 24:1-16
Regarding: God's anger and promise of devastation of the earth for the wicked and unrighteous nonbelievers

Let me share with you a story. Early in 2002 a woman was suddenly introduced to the horrible "C" word regarding one of her regular yearly health exams. Her reaction was probably very common. Emotions came rapidly. Disbelief, denial, anger and then slow acceptance. It was a rough time. She prayed often, and she prayed hard. First for strength and guidance. Then for faith and hope. She knew she couldn't handle this alone. Shortly after learning of her illness during one of her many prayers, she made a sudden and startling decision. She opened her heart, her soul and lifted her hands with palms upward and asked Jesus to take it all from her. She would trust in His love for her to the end. She told Him, "Thy will be done" as she had learned and repeated many times in her prayers to Him. She asked for only one thing. She asked that He stay beside her all the way. He did. Every single day she felt Him with her, beside her and was miraculously lifted from her fear, depression and sadness. Her soul was soothed and her mind was clear. She knew without a doubt that He was with her and felt His presence with every step she took. Her family and friends thought she was so brave and courageous. She wasn't. She was simply free of all burdens because Jesus was handling it all for her. A time in her life that might have been remembered as sad and devastating was instead remembered as an uplifting and wonderful renewal of her faith and beliefs she had been taught all her life. She learned our lives are filled with ups and downs, changes and choices. She trusted in our Lord to take her through it all. She felt safe and secure. She talked alot about it to anyone who would listen. She truly tried to spread the word of the strength she had received through Jesus. She is still trying to spread the word today. This story is true. The woman is me. I am and will forever be thankful and grateful to my dear beloved Redeemer for being with me during my time of need. He was beside me through my walk through the valley of the shadow of death; He comforted me and brought me home. Amen

Carol Lee Bolling

Devotional 12-5-09 Evening

The Mayonnaise Jar And Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the coffee....

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."

"Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Contributed by someone in our church who received it by email.

Devotional 12-5-04

As we center our thoughts on this day – this second Sunday of Advent – we want to remember to be grateful for this gift of a new day that God has given us. We also want to remember that since Advent is the time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of God’s great gift to us, we want to search ourselves deeply and thoroughly, so we can make ourselves ready for Jesus’ coming.

We are all sinners; we make mistakes everyday. But we know that we can learn from these mistakes, and continue to drive to be the best we can, each new day God gives to us. I have a friend who I greatly admire, because of one particular trait he has. I strive daily to imitate this characteristic. The trait is he never says anything bad about anyone. No matter what, he always has something good to say about anyone brought up in a conversation. If he cannot say anything good, he doesn’t say anything at all. I have known him for years now, and I have never ever hear him say anything bad about anyone. EVER!

To me this ability to only speak well of others is just amazing. Friends, family, children – they all drive you crazy at some time. You have to tell someone how the ones you love are making your life miserable. But as this friend has demonstrated to me time and time again, a better way is to only discuss the good points out loud and leave the rest unsaid. The following poem expresses this point better than I can.

Wouldn’t this world be better, if folks whom we meet would say,
“I know something good about you,” and treat you just that way?
Wouldn’t it be splendid, if each handshake, good and true,
Carried with it this assurance: “I know something good about you.”
Wouldn’t life be happier, if the good that’s in us all,
Were the only thing about us that people could recall.
Wouldn’t our days be sweeter, if we praised the good we see?
For there is a lot of goodness in the worst of you and me
Wouldn’t it be fine to practice this way of thinking too;
You know something good about me; I know something good about you.
(Walter Knight)

Let us continue to search ourselves, so we can prepare for the coming of Jesus, for as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” Amen

Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-4-04

A little girl frets and fidgets on a Sunday afternoon, excited about the anticipated return of her parents from an out of town trip but anxious because she can’t quite grasp the concept of patiently waiting for time to pass. In her mind, today means “now.” In her heart, loneliness means fear – an emotion she’s experiencing for the first time.

Her grandfather, whom she adores, recognizes her distress and suggests they take a walk together. He has no intention of belittling her fears with adult explanations. Nor will he dismiss her worries as unimportant or immature. He will, instead, walk with her, be with her, just as she is – and in the walking, strengthen that very special relationship that is uniquely theirs.

Knowing she can trust him, she reaches for her grandfather’s hand.

My grandfather and I shared that walk almost 50 years ago. The very special relationship – uniquely ours – grew steadily stronger and more loving as we spent time together. It didn’t matter what we did. The importance was in the “being,” not the “doing.” Walking with him that Sunday, holding his hand, did nothing to make time pass more quickly, or bring my parents home sooner, or totally take away the loneliness. Walking with him that Sunday, holding his hand, did everything to make me feel loved, protected and valued.

From Scripture we are told, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) NIV. “Do not be afraid for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43: 1a – 2b) NLT. “‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel!’ – which means ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:24) NIV

This Advent Season we have a wonderful opportunity to share the blessing of “God with us.” As we journey to the manger to celebrate our Lord’s birth, we can invite a child to walk with us, hand in hand, to experience God’s love, joy and delight in being with us.

And in the walking…………Amen

Linda Summers

Devotional 12-3-04

FAITH

The lectionary reading for today is Hebrews 11: 1-7, 32-40. " Hebrews 11 is one of the great chapters of the Bible. The structure of the chapter is clear."* Verses 1-7 provide a general introduction to the subject of faith and refers to creation. The faith of the three major characters up to the flood: Noah, Enoch, and Able. Verses 32-40 refer to Gideon, Barok, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and three prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised. They escaped the edge of the sword and thus weaknesses were turned into strengths. Yet, others were tortured, wandered the desert, and were put to death because of their faith. These were also commended but did not receive what they were promised. The chapter ends with God having better plans for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Does the modern day Christian have that kind of faith when facing death at the hands of evil? I am sure that we can cite special ones in that airplane that landed in a cornfield in Pennsylvania on 9-11.

Faith in the New Testament can have a variety of meanings. It can mean the assurance of what one hopes will happen. Faith can also mean no more than the acknowledgement of a fact. It can mean a personal commitment. Roger Hahn feels that the English work "trust" may be a better translation of the Greek. Trust is both a noun and a verb and it speaks of an investment or commitment of oneself. The assurance of things for which one hopes is a confident, serene "trust" in God.

Faith is the proof of things not yet seen. It is a way of knowing that certain things that have not happened will happen. It is very simple to say but often very difficult to do. In many of the previous devotionals that I have written, I have referred to "control". We, by nature, want to be in control. I think that true faith or trust is giving up that control. This is very difficult for me. Yet, the only times that I have found inner peace is when I gave up that control to God with the knowledge that He could handle what I could not.

*Hahn, Roger. Christian Resource Institute

Carol L. Brown

Devotional 12-2-04

A friend sent this to me. I don't know who wrote it, but it is very good.

When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." "God, 'u', and 'i' dance!" God, you, and I dance.

This statement is what guidance means to me.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide in Him as He abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

I Hope You Dance!

Contributed by Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 12-1-04

Lectionary Reading: Matthew 24:23-35

Music is and has always been one of the main ways I worship and connect to God. Music is also dear to me because of the friends and family that are in my life because of our connection to music. When I get to sing old familiar carols, the choral parts of the Messiah, or many of our anthems, the words or the tune help me to focus on the message of the season. My voice may fail me, but I’m grateful for the music I can carry in my head and in my heart.

The anthem for December 5th will be The Winter Rose by J.M. Martin. The words speak of the gift God gave each of us in the form of Jesus. (The words will make more sense when you hear the music, too.) Here are the words:

In the silence of the winter while stars shown high above,
God sent from heaven’s garden, a Rose to show His love.
It opened in the dark of night while the world was fast asleep
So perfect was its beauty it made the heaven’s weep.

The angels paused to wonder upon that winsome sight
And kings and shepherds gathered to worship in its light
They all breathed in its beauty, a precious sweet perfume
And in the bleak midwinter, the Rose began to bloom.

O let us now remember when God put on the thorn
And Love restored the garden and the Winter Rose was born.
Oh, Love restored the garden and the Winter Rose was born.
Joseph M. Martin (2000)

I think it is especially thought provoking that even at the birth of Jesus we are asked to remember the suffering (the thorn) of Jesus’ last days. It seems that God is asking us to accept the whole package – pain and suffering wrapped in joy, peace and love.The verses in today’s scripture reading are in Jesus’ own words and describe the ultimate end of time. I don’t think I understand them any more today than when I first heard them. We have all manner of technological inventions to keep us informed and connected. Scientists can predict the path of a hurricane, the eruption of a volcano and the functions of each human gene. But I continue to struggle with the same old mysteries: “What’s my purpose?”, “What’s it all about?”, “What are we here for?”With all our knowledge and skills we are still limited, finite humans. Thankfully, Jesus does not ask us to understand. He asks us to “watch,” to “be ready,” to “believe it will happen.” The journey that we agree to take as we “watch” will not be easy, but we do not walk alone. Jesus, sent by God to live among us, was LOVE in the flesh. This LOVE fulfilled God’s purpose.

We may not truly understand these scriptures and the part we might be required to play, but we can accept the amazing miracle of the Love packaged in the form of the Baby Jesus. Let the miracle come to you in whatever form fits you the best. Maybe it’s a carol, or an anthem, or maybe a story, or a part of the scriptures, or even holiday decorations or possibly some connection made with another person. It doesn’t matter to God as long as you open your heart to receive the gift !!

Prayer: Open my mind, my heart, my eyes and ears, Oh God. Fill me with the music of the season. Help me to find the best way to accept your ultimate Gift of LOVE. AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 11-30-04

Lectionary Reading: Genesis 8:1-19, and 9:8-13

We can all remember the wonder we felt as children when we first saw a rainbow. It was a mystery that appeared after the rain. Later it became a game to look for the beauty of the colors forming an arch and stretching across the sky. Our teachers and parents assured us that if we looked hard enough we would find that rainbow and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The rainbow is one of God’s gifts and with it is one of life’s lessons. God gave us the promise that we will never be destroyed by floods. A lesson that we are reminded of often during our life. The bigger lesson that we learn it that God made a promise, a covenant, and he always honors his covenant. (Maybe this is the pot of gold.)

As we read today’s passage in Genesis it is clear that God has given us other gifts. God’s covenant with Noah assures of his desire to preserve the family, the animals, and all other species that work together to preserve the balance of nature. The gifts we see in the rainbow of light, darkness, color and order are all gifts of a compassionate father.

As I watched the Olympians crowned with the wreaths of laurel I was reminded of the dove returning to the ark carrying a laurel (olive) leaf. This leaf was God’s sign to Noah and his family that the flood was over and new growth was taking place on the land. This is a sign of new life and hope. It has also become a sign of peace. Seeing these young men and women compete, share their talents, and celebrate with one another gave hope for the peace we all so deeply desire. As the Olympians returned to their home countries we can only hope that this sign of hope, peace, and new life has gone with them. These are all God’s gifts to us and with these gifts comes the responsibility to keep the covenant of what God has given us.

Prayer: God help us to be an instrument of your peace. Just as you established a covenant with your people when you made that promise so long ago help us to protect the earth, and promote peace as we hold your gifts close to our hearts. Help us to be aware of each gift as it is given to us that we might praise you. Amen

Marilyn Holleron

Devotional 11-29-04

Lectionary Reading - Genesis 6:11-22

This poem is dedicated to all who remember the hurricane season of 2004. May we never forget God's awesome power and infinite love.

Second Chances

Oh, how You must have suffered as You watched mankind with woe,
Continually be evil and pretend, then, not to know.

And how You tried to warn them as they lived their lives in sin,
Until You made Your mind up that mankind should start again.

So then it fell to Noah and his family so obedient
To build an ark and fill it in a way that was expedient.

In modern times we've worried about rains and floods. We've had 'em,
But forty days and forty nights of rain we cannot fathom.

As water spread throughout the earth, did people understand
That they had gone too far this time, and You would take their land?

Oh, what You must have gone through as You gave a final glance.
Your children would be sacrificed to give a second chance.

You put a rainbow in the sky, so You would not forget,
But mankind did and, like a child, forgot it had been wet.

Your patience, tested once again, was not to be undone.
Our last chance was Your precious gift. Our last chance is Your Son.

Heavenly Father, giver of so many chances, thank You for this joyful season and all those with whom we share it. Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 11-28-04 Evening

For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

So many blessings surround us, and one for which I am most grateful is the blessing of music. The scripture reading from The Upper Room today as I write this is Ephesians 5:19-20, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to he Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ever since I was a small child I have loved to sing. When I was about ten years old my mother took me to a voice teacher, a gruff old man who looked a lot like Beethoven with busy white hair and brows. He told my mother I didn’t have any special talent, and he wasn’t interested in coaching me. So much for my budding operatic career!

Not to be deterred from her hope of having a musician in the family, Mother started me in piano lessons with dreams that I would become a concert pianist (Mother always dreamed big!) Well, that dream was never realized; I simply didn’t have the talent for it, but it did expose me to music of all kinds.

My piano teacher, and later on, my voice coach (yes, I did find one) were kindly people who exposed a teenager to the wonderful world of music, both secular and sacred. Singing in the choir has been such a blessing to me almost all my life, and I am thankful for the words and music of so many “hymns of praise.” In this Advent season as we hear the familiar carols and hymns, let’s be grateful that we can enjoy this special blessing form our heavenly Father -- the blessing of music.

Jean Dean

Devotional 11-28-04

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN!

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44Matthew 24:36-44: “Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

As I am writing this devotion, the eyes of the Nation are on the third hurricane in three weeks to hit North America. Hurricane Ivan is speeding toward the Gulf of Mexico. At this time no one knows when or where the storm will make landfall. Residents in the predicted landfall areas are again boarding up their houses and gathering needed supplies. People have already evacuated in some areas and moved inward to watch and wait.

Watchfulness and preparation are the themes of the lectionary reading for today. With Thanksgiving behind us, most of us will now find ourselves in the whirling winds of preparing for Christmas. Without realizing it, we are swallowed up in the demands of the season. Others of us are being tossed by paralyzing personal storms of illnesses, grief and loneliness. When life is blowing and pushing all around us, it is easy to miss God’s voice calling us to “Stop, look and listen.”Stop the “busy-ness” and quiet our minds. Begin to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s arrival.

Look and watch for the Lord’s comings and goings in our daily lives. Watch for God’s peace in the eye of our personal storms.Listen for God’s voice. His voice is not in the wind or in the thunder, but in the whisper of a parent’s prayer, or the soft cries of a baby wrapped and lying in a manger.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes and our ears that in the midst of life’s storms we will hear your voice, and receive your blessings. Keep us always watchful and prepared for your comings and goings in our lives. Amen

Rev. Jan Thornton