Devotional 11-30-20

Stay the course!

Readings for the week: Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15, Mark 1:1-8 CEB

This 2020 Advent season and year is like no other that most of us have ever seen in our lifetime.  We will probably not be celebrating Advent or even the Nativity, as in the past, with our families or our church family.  Stay the course!  

This second week of Advent is one of waiting or prophecy.  The Prophet Isaiah lived about 750 years prior to the birth of Christ.  In the writing from Isaiah 40:1-11 “all will be made straight” all rough places will be smooth, that the glory of the God will be seen by all humanity.  That God’s word will be forever.  Don’t be afraid for God’s strength was coming, that God will be like a Shepard to care for his flock and gently guide them.  Isaiah was speaking of one that is to come in the future of the Hebrews, this was their Advent.   

During our Advent Season we celebrate the time leading to the birth of Christ but it is the second coming of Christ that we await, 2 Peter 3:13 CEB “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.”  

As 2020 rolls on to 2021 and we await Christ second coming.  We also wait for many changes in our life and the future, ie;  An end to the Pandemic, getting back to normal life, in-person worship, an end to this year’s election process, a united humanity, love and caring for our neighbors, acceptance of all.  But in all of this we need to be patient.  Stay the course!

2 Peter 3:8-9 Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.

The day will come when all is straight.  2 Peter 3: 14-15 Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace—pure and faultless. Consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation.

Let us remember, my dear friends, Patience is a virtue !  As in Galatians 5:22 CEB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

My friends I wish for you this year and always too, “Stay the Course”, be patient, stay in love with God, love one another and  look forward to the second coming of Christ when all will be made new! 

God bless all this Advent and to the future !

Prayer: Our Father thank you for the most wonderful gift of all, your Son the Christ.  Whom you sent to take away our sins and not judge.  Thank you for his teachings of love, caring, acceptance and compassion for all.  Please lead us as we Stay the Course though theses days and until Christ comes again.  In Christ Holy name, Amen!

Fred Herr

Devotional 11-29-20

“Looking back, I could really see God at work in that situation.”  

Have you ever heard someone say this?  Has it happened to you?  It has to me.  Occasionally, if I have my eyes and heart open, I am able to see God at work in current situations.   I was blessed with such an encounter while working on Johnson Memorial’s 150th Anniversary book.  

The book started with Frank Hanshaw’s detailed outline of possible subjects to be included.  The 150th Anniversary celebration committee then considered the names of folks who might be willing to write about a particular subject.  God certainly was at work during that time, as every person who was asked to write said “yes.”   One person answered our call for writing volunteers and her submission included material that was used as the introduction for an entire section, not just her writing.  Again, God at work.

As for the editors, one volunteered and I learned that her work life had involved advertising, which provided invaluable experience for this project. A former English teacher, a journalism major and an attorney all said “yes” when asked to help.  My husband, a meticulous note taker, was already involved. Each person brought something different to the table, all of which was needed.  The dedication, thoroughness and patience shown during this part of the project was amazing.  When we started the editing process, we didn’t know that, in one week alone, the group would spend eleven hours on conference calls reviewing every word that had been written.   Again, the team
God put together for this part of the project was a blessing and gift.

Finally, the volunteer who prepared the material for publishing was another of God’s provisions. She took our general idea and turned it into a beautiful cover.  She formatted text, edited pictures and rearranged things when the editors had another idea or changed their minds.  Was God at work here?  Definitely!  And, I was blessed to be a part of the entire process!

Where can you see God at work?  

Advent – a time of preparation for His arrival – provides us time to look.  We have the advantage of knowing the first part of the story – His Son’s birth.  We have faith and confidence in the rest of the story that God promises – the second coming of Christ.  Where are you seeing God’s work now, today?

The Lectionary for this week includes Mark 13:24 – 37, in which Jesus tells of his return.  Verses 32-33 state, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (NIV) 
Reverend J. W. Johnson, for whom our church is named, took Jesus’ words to heart.  In 1890, Reverend Johnson participated in a Masonic initiation ritual, which he’d planned to complete.  However, he suffered an accident and was severely injured.  Johnson had experienced God’s work in his life and was ready to meet Him.  In speaking with the men gathered around his stretcher, he “urged upon them the importance of always being ready, for none knew when the summons would come.” *  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son and for the work that you do daily.  We pray that you’ll continue to open our eyes so that we may recognize Your touch on the world each day.  Help us to prepare our hearts for your arrival.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

* Cincinnati Enquirer, January 14, 1890

Shelly Shideler