Advent Devotional 12-9-25

 Read James 5-7:10   

Have you ever wondered during this difficult time in the government and churches, what are we to do, to keep faith in our Lord that He will take care of us?  What must we as Christians do?

There is much work to do to ensure a good harvest.  In the same way, we must wait patiently for Christ’s return.  We can’t make him come back any sooner.  But while we wait there is much that we can do to advance God’s kingdom.  We must live by faith, looking forward to the future rewards for our labors.  Don’t live as if Christ will never come.  Work faithfully to build his kingdom as the King will come when the time is right.

When things go wrong, we tend to grumble against and blame others for our miseries. Blaming others is easier than owning our share of the responsibility, but it can be both destructive and sinful.  Before you judge others for their short comings, remember that Christ, the Judge will come to evaluate each of us.

While we as JMUMC wait, we have come together to believe that God has a plan for this church.  Seeking God’s direction, we pray this Breakthrough Prayer, both together and separately, for Gods guidance: 

“Holy God, From the river to the rails and beyond, 
break through our complacency.  
Give us guidance and courage to follow Your perfect plan. 
Come Holy Spirit, Come!”

Since we as a congregation have been praying this Breakthrough Prayer, there have been several God Moments, such as:

• Working together to start a young adult and MU students’ group that is now meeting after worship on Sundays.
• Guidance for strengthening our Reconciling Ministry on Wednesday evening.  Working at the Pride Gathering in Huntington, to be known as a reconciling church that accepts all.

We must continue to work together and keep the faith in Christ to break through to those that do not know Christ and try to continue to reach those who doubt that there is a Christ!        

Christ will come when it is right!  Before we judge others remember that The Judge, Christ will come to evaluate each of us!

Melanie Herr

Advent Devotional 12-18-24

 ‘With God you are Never Alone’

Read Luke 1:39-55

Have you ever envied people who God apparently singled out for special blessing?  A cure for jealousy is to rejoice with those people; realizing that God uses his people in ways suited to his purpose.  When you rejoice with what God has done for your friends realize that He can lift you up and bless and keep you in his care too! 

When your life is going along well and you think “I am grateful for what God has given me, God is good, all the time, God Is Good! But wait…………………. You never know when there will be a turn in the road.” This happened in my family…. Three years ago my older brother, Mike, a very healthy 75-year-old was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma. This led to so many meds…… infusions, scans, and MRI, and health issues going up and down throughout the years. 

This August Mike called me to let me know that they were going to be in Ohio in October and would come to visit me on October 8th, four days after my knee replacement on Oct 4th.

I was so looking forward to seeing him! He said he was feeling good other than being tired because he had just finished playing 18 holes of golf.  That Sunday he was taken to hospital and admitted to ICU.  He was diagnosed with a small brain bleed, very high blood pressure, kidneys and gastrointestinal issue.  His vitals were normal, his condition continued to decline, he was taken to a Hospice Facility. We wanted to go to Texas to see him, but there was nothing we could do because he was sedated. Mike went Home on August 20th. 

Mikes Celebration of Life was on September 30th in Dallas, and we were driving down to attend.  In the meantime, I was scheduled for a third knee replacement on October 4th, at my pre-opt appointment they did a EKG, it showed some abnormal results that could cancel my surgery; this scared me!  They got me an appointment with a cardiologist in 2 days, he determined that since I had no shortness of breath, no pain, or feeling tired, there was no reason to cancel my surgery!!!  Thank you, God!

My knee replacement was done on October 4th, everything went well, until about 2 weeks after surgery, I was having complications with the pain medication, that was so bad that Fred had to cancel my Surprise 75th Birthday Party.  We finally have everything worked out now. Tylenol is my friend, and physical therapy helps getting my knee bending and moving.

With everything that happened, I can say, “Thank God for being there for our family.”

I am so thankful to our church family and friends for all the prayers, calls, messages, and cards of sympathy, Happy Birthday, and get-well cards that were sent to me. They gave me strength to keep going! I am thankful for my loving husband, Fred, for taking care of me!
I couldn’t have done it with out you! 

If you are facing situations and need support, you too can have the love and support from God!  All you must do is to call on him!  He will be there for you too!

Let us Pray,
Dear Lord thank you for caring for us during any tough situation that may come our way.
Please keep us in your caring hands and guide us on the path that you see that we need.
We trust in you and know that you are leading us the way that you want us to go.

Melanie Herr

Devotion - December 22, 2023

The Blessed Mary

Read: Luke 1:46-55

Mary glorified God in song for what he was going to do for the world through her.  God is pictured as a champion of the poor, the oppressed and the despised.  When Mary said, “From now on all generations will call me blessed,” was she being proud?  No, she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her.  If Mary had denied her incredible position, she would have been throwing God’s blessing back at him.  Pride is refusing to accept God’s gifts or taking credit for what God has done.  Humility is accepting the gifts and using them to praise and serve God.  Don’t deny, belittle, or ignore your gifts.  Thank God for them and use them to his glory.

God kept his promise to Abraham to be merciful to God’s people forever.  Christ’s birth fulfilled the promise, and Mary understood this.  She had known Jesus’s mission from before his birth.  She was not surprised when her special son eventually announced that he was the Messiah.

Let us Pray,
Dear Lord, rhank you for the Blessed Mary that you chose so long ago to be Jesus’s mother.  She was so humble to accept what you had instore for her.  Help us to not deny, belittle or ignore the God given gifts, so we can use them to glorify your name.  Be with us as we follow God’s journey during this Christmas season.  Remembering that Jesus is the reason for the Season.  In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-13-22

Read Matthew 1: 18-25

Joseph was betrothed to Mary, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph was a righteous man and didn’t want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying “Joseph, son of David do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will same his people from their sins.”

Joseph was faced with a difficult choice after finding out that Mary was pregnant. Joseph thought he had only two options, divorce Mary quietly or have her stoned,  but God’s third option was to marry her as the Angels had commanded him to do. Joseph chose to obey the Angels command to marry her. God often shows us that there are more options available than we think. Although Joseph seemed to be doing the right thing by breaking the engagement only Gods guidance helped him make the best decision. When our decisions affect the lives of others, we must seek God’s wisdom, then God may send an angel to guide us

What are Angels? 
They are sent by God to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening. The main role of angels will be to offer continuous praise to God. We know, according to the Bible, that they are created beings dignified, majestic and intelligent. They are personal beings who always represent God but are not omnipresent, which God is. Little is said of their appearance, but they can take on the physical form of a person and sometimes are mistaken for  another human being. “Angel” simply means “messenger.”  They are seen as protectors, messengers ordered by God to minister in a myriad of ways in the Bible.

At no time should an angel be worshiped. The Bible is very clear that only God is to be worshiped. We are not to pray to angels! You might ask God for help in an emergency, but we are never to pray to angels. Lets open our eyes and ears of understanding and ask God to help us develop a healthy balance in regard to His angels.

In Angels, Angels, Angels, Angels God’s Secret Agents by Billy Graham
“The Scripture says there is a time to be born and a time to die. And when my time to die comes, an angel will be there to comfort me. He will give me peace and joy even at that most critical hour, and usher me into the presence of God and I will dwell with the Lord forever. Thank God for the ministry of His blessed Angels.”       

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-12-21

 Philippians 4: 4-7 Common English Bible

⁴Be glad in the Lord always!  Again I say, be glad!  ⁵Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near.  ⁶Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayer and petitions, along with giving thanks.  ⁷Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

In reading Philippians 4:7 this verse jumps out to me!  “Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people, The Lord in near!”  You, the congregation of  Johnson Memorial are this verse!  Anytime that a mission project needs items to be donated, you make it happen!  When we send out a list with items on it, all the items are donated! GOD IS IN CONTROL AND LEADING ALL OF US.

Johnson Memorial has many on going mission projects, the Common Grounds Dinner is one of them. The folks that attend are very thankful people.  Every Thursday they come a little early and sit on the 10th Street steps us their fellowship time to get to know those who are also waiting for their dinner.  A prayer precedes their dinner.  No matter what is served they are thankful and they bless those who have prepared the food that night. 

One evening, Fred was talking to one of the attendees about the Covid vaccine. Fred learned that some had not received the vaccine because they didn’t know where they could receive it and had thought that they couldn’t afford it.  Fred told him that it was free where he could go to get it. That got us thinking, we could bring the Health Department to them. So, a couple of weeks later the Health Department held a Free Vaccination Clinic in the Church parking lot for the public. The man got his shot along with quite a few others who needed it. Everyone was so thankful to receive this service.

The Backpack Ministry is a wonderful blessing for all those who are involved, the packers, delivers and organizers.  Fred and I deliver the backpacks once a month to  the Explorer Academy.  Last month when we were there at the school, the social worker was taking the backpacks into the school.  She was thanking us for all we do; then she asked us if we could we help out with coats and shoes for the kids.  It was getting colder outside and they saw kids coming to school with no coats or jackets and in need of good shoes.  We said that we would take it back to Johnson Memorial.   The list was sent out; you all made it happen.  By the end of the next week the needs were met. You  “Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near.”

Along with the coats and shoes, your gentleness was shown as you all are taking care of the can goods for the Thanksgiving Food Boxes.  These families who will receive the food are grateful people.  Last year as we were handing the food out the families thanked and blessed us for doing Gods work at Johnson Memorial.  

While working on these projects you meet so many people with different needs, by listening to them and communicating with those in need we can go to God in prayer and He can help us answer those needs.  

All this is made possible by those at Johnson Memorial being God’s hands and feet in all of the Mission projects we provide for God’s people.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, Thank you for leading us to do the work you want us to do for your people.
You are always there to guide us when we least expect it, when we are not listening, or taking time to be in your presence. Be with all your people in need and hungry, homeless, jobless and in need of help with finances, lead them to the places that can help them, and show them the love of Christ, and be the hands and feet of Jesus for them.  Keep all your people in your loving arm, showing them the way you want to guide them on their journey to continue to help those in need.
In Jesus Name,  Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-12-20

 

Joy is Coming

Read Psalm 126  

During these past months we have all had a mixture of emotional feelings that Iam sure we all felt like, “What have I done to deserve all of this?????

We are all in the same situation; still worried about our future!!!!

What’s going to become of us if we do not follow protocol——Wear Your Mask——Social Distance——Protect Your Self and Your Neighbor!

We must remember that God’s ability to restore life is beyond our understanding.
Forrest burns down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal, even grief is not a permanent condition. 

Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow know that your time of sadness will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait, God’s great harvest of Joy is coming!

In this advent season of 2020 we all must believe and trust in our God that He will never leave or forsake us. Trust in our Faith that He will bring Joy to all of his people through Jesus Christ.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord, give us the strength to get through this scary time, knowing it won’t last for ever. Hold your people in your hands and reassure us that you are there and will continue to guide us down this path.  Restore our lives as you only can do and continue your harvest to bring Joy to all your people through their faith and trust in you. 
In Jesus name,
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-4-19

Read Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Paul as well as Clinton Marsh and just about everybody else tends to forget that it took a “yes” from Mary before God could “send forth his Son”—-and if there is any truth to that “when the time had fully come,” it is that Mary’s time had come when she went into labor at the end of her pregnancy: that’s when the time had fully come—-that is when Jesus’s time to be born had fully come!

As for “Had Jesus come to a different people in a different place at a different time…” I don’t think you can juggle his place in history—or  Mary’s—that way; and since Jesus was born of Mary, you’d have to get her as well as Jesus into “a different people in a different place at a different time”—-which isn’t humanly or Godly, possible.

Of course, it is possible for God to have a Son of a woman “in a different people in a different place at a different time”—but that son wouldn’t be Jesus, for Jesus was Mary’s son as well as God’s—-which lottsa people tend to forget at times.

For all I know—for all anybody knows—God may have “proposed” (or propositioned?)…through the ages but, as far as we know, Mary was the first one to say an unqualified “yes”…

“When the time had fully come,”… and the “Time had fully come” only because the woman Mary said “Yes.”
—From The Gospel According to Abbie Jane Wells by Abbie Jane Wells

Let us pray,
Dear Lord, we are so fortunate that Mary said “yes” to many years ago, to become Jesus’s Mother. Mary is a true blessing for us to remember what she did for God’s people, she made it possible for The Christ Child, the Prince of Peace to come to earth to save us all from our sins.

We must thank you Lord for asking Her to follow your instructions for her life. Help us to follow your instructions for our life so we may be strong and brave to follow your calling during this advent season. We must remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.  Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-18-18

Finding Hope

Psalm 80:17-19

“You can fine hope in the Savior. If you haven’t noticed, this whole Psalm revolves around one phrase. That one phrase is stated three times, saying the same thing. “Turn us again O lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine and we shall be saved.” Remember that the book of Psalms is a collection of songs. Basically, it’s Israel’s hymnbook. So, when you see this Psalm as a song, you see those three verses as the chorus. Have you ever noticed that when a song pops in your head, it’s usually the chorus? We usually remember the chorus of a song, because that’s the part we repeat. It’s the part the song’s author wants us to remember the most.

The earnest plea of this song is to remember the hope of salvation. The hope of salvation that is only possible because of a Savior. It was a Savior that was only hoped for in the Old Testament. It was the hope of a Savior that was only pointed to in the temple. It was the hope of a Savior that was only pointed to with the sacrificial blood of bulls and lambs and goats. It was the hope of a Savior that a remnant longed to see. A Savior that came as God in the flesh. A Savior that was conceived of the Holy Spirit. A Savior that was born of a virgin. A Savior that grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. A Savior who experienced every feeling and temptation that you and I experience and more. A Savior who passed those tests and lived a perfect sinless life. A Savior who willingly went to the cross. Who suffered shame. Who bore our sins. And who paid our price. A Savior who rose again on the third day, victorious over sin, death, hell and grace. And a Savior that today sits at the right hand of the Father continually making intercession for His children. That is the hope that was fulfilled  when Jesus came. That is the hope you have because He came. That is the hope that comes from being quickened in Him. That is the hope that comes for calling on His name. Have you called on His name? Has your hope been fulfilled in Him? Have you placed your hope in Jesus your Shepherd? Have you placed your hope in Jesus your Savior? There is hope in no other.

Find Your Hope In HIM.”

Taken from  The Hope of Christmas In The Psalms,  by Jim Drake Nov 28, 2008

Pray: Dear Lord, Thank you for your Son, you sent to us to save us all and to give us the Hope we need always. When we need Hope we must trust in Jesus because he is the Hope you sent to lead us on our journey with you. May everyone find Hope as Christmas by remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season.
We praise your Holy Name, Amen.

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-9-16

Read Luke 1:46-55

You never know what God has in store for you as you go about your day to day activities. Around the first of the month of October I had a appointment to get my nails done with my nail tech. I had just finished and was on my way home. Remembering that we needed a few things, I went into the Save Mart by the nail salon. While I was shopping I noticed a younger couple that was visibly doing their monthly grocery shopping, having their list and checking things off, making sure they purchase everything on their list.

After finishing my shopping I was in line behind them. While the clerk was checking them out, I started putting things on the counter behind them. As the lady was about finished I heard her say “I am going to do a random act of kindness now” and then she picked up meat, tatter tots and broccoli of mine and she said “I am going to buy this meal for you!” I was thinking “What is she doing paying for MY stuff? I should be paying for her stuff!” Then I heard her say that she and her husband make it a point to do this every so often. I said ? “Thank you, bless you!” And gave her a big hug.

Afterwards as I was walking out of the store I felt humbled, and felt guilty for accepting her kindness toward me. I felt that I should have paid it forward for her and not her for me! I was really taken back and I started Jesus’s teaching about feeding the hungry and giving a drink, etc.If you do it to the least of those or a stranger, you have done it to Jesus. It is hard to be on the receiving end of grace and kindness from a stranger, but we must remember that we also must feed the hungry; cloth the needy and so on to pay it forward.

We all must be on the look out for ways we as Christians can pay it forward during this advent season and be the hands and feet of Jesus for others. Some suggestions are adopt a family, pick a name of a child from the Angel Tree at the mall, or just be  observant,as you shop, of the other shoppers and you might be able to show Jesus to someone!

 Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank you for putting us in the places we need to be in order to feel the love of Jesus, and to put us in out place to let us know how we should act as a child of God. Remembering that as Christians we should help others and be on the lookout how we can show Jesus to all. Thanks for your blessings and the teachings you provide for us as we go about our daily lives, keep us on tract to do your work and to reach others.
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-5-15

Read Luke 1: 68-79

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

God has unlimited powers, He chooses to work through frail humans who begin as helpless babies. Don’t minimize what God can do through those who are faithful to Him.

There are many places you can spend your time and help God do his work through you. Some places are Habitat for Humanity, Faith in Action, Clothes Closets, and our own Common Grounds. At any Thursday night at the Common Grounds meal, we have many participants at many different levels in their faith journey with God. There are single adults, couples, families with children, and elderly who come here to be fed the word of God and a meal.

Many are thankful for all we do for them. Some are quiet and shy and very personal about their journey. But God is working in us by bringing us here to serve them and to show them Jesus in us, by the way we show God’s live to them through our service.

Last week we had a clothes give a way for them to receive warm coats and some clothes for their children. Some took much for their families while others just took what they needed, wanting to give the others a chance to receive something for the cold weather.

One little boy, who had a speech problem, was so excited, got Fred’s attention and took him back to the room and showed him an outfit he really liked! He couldn’t wait for his turn, Fred said he would get his chance soon. I was helping  with the give-a-way when the little boy’s group came, he was so proud of the outfit that he took 2 other identical outfits to take to friends at school to share with them. He showed them to me, pointing to the outfit and with a great big smile on his face. He was so grateful! Praise the Lord!  He was thinking of others, too! He made it worth all our time we spend being the hands and feet of Jesus to serve them!

So if you want to see Jesus or be Jesus, come and help out on Thursday nights before 6:00 pm. You can serve food, drinks,  and get to know the people who come to JM to worship God. This is their church too! They worship in different ways, remember they are a child of God too!

Let us pray,
Dear Father,
Thank you for your love you show to all your children, those who have and who have not, are always in need of your love. During this advent season don’t let us forget the real reason for this season, Jesus!   May all your children be called to be your hands and feet and serve where ever you call them. Bless the little children and keep them in your loving arms as they learn of your love for them.
In Jesus name.
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-1-14

Psalm 85: 10-13
Love and faithfulness meet together:
 righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
 and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
 and our land will yield it harvest.
Righteousness goes before him,
 and prepares the way for his steps.

As the Advent season continues, we must prepare for the Birth of Christ. To prepare for Christ birth we must remember what he has already done for us. He Loves you and will never leave you.
In our past we may have had times that we question why something has happened in our life: such as illness, loss of a job, or death of a loved one. When you go through a difficult time you must keep the faith that God will be there for you to comfort and keep you in his care.

When I lost my Mother unexpectedly, I was devastated! Fred and I had gone to South Africa to visit our daughter and family and my brother was here to stay with Mom, she was in the hospital to determine where her pain was originating.  We returned home after a week because she had been diagnosed with Bone Cancer.  The cancer was aggressive and her condition deteriorated rapidly, she was moved to The Hospice House— 24 hours later she passed away after our return.

I had so many questions and what ifs: I felt guilty that I had doubts about my faith. For a while I just couldn’t continue my devotions, and really felt I needed help. After a while I called Hospice Grief Counseling and set up and meeting with a wonderful counselor that helped Fred and I so much.

If you feel you need help with your situation during this Advent season, don’t hesitate contacting your pastor or other counselor for the help you need. They can and will help you in many ways.

Always remember that Jesus is Love and that He will indeed give you what is good for you if you believe and continue to keep your faith, no matter what!

Pray
Dear Lord,
Please be with us during this time of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Christ, help us cope with the situations that we may be in to seek help and keep our faith alive because you Love us, All of us. Be with all of our families and wrap them in your loving arms as we prepare for Christ’s birth.
We ask this in Jesus name,
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-20-13

Have you ever stopped to imagine just what are these wonders of His mighty love? We could try listing them---but that would take eternity, especially since there’s little likelihood we’d ever find the words that could adequately describe His Love. Or we could point to biblical examples of our incredible world to the mercy shown to a motley crew of fishermen.

Then there are the wonders we’ve seen in our own world: a weeping father brought to the throne of grace, finally set free from the bondage of alcohol; a sexually abused friend finding peace and healing in the tender embrace of the Lord; a tiny European nun bringing hope to the diseased and homeless and unloved in India.

We have many opportunities each day to see the wonders of His mighty love. But there is one Wonder that surpasses all others. One evidence of His mighty love that stands so far apart from all else that it is the very definitions of love itself: Jesus Christ, nailed to a cross, dying so we might live.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Make no mistake about it, the apostle John tells us in his first letter (4:10)---this is love. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, would be one to know.

Love is the Father placing the burden of sin on the shoulders of His Son so we would no longer have to bear it ourselves.

That, the apostle Paul wrote in the letter we call Romans, is exactly how God chose to demonstrate His love for us. He allowed His Son to die for us while we were still sinners (5:8). We didn’t have to get our act together before we came to the cross. He didn’t require us to take a drug test or go twenty-four hours without lying or apologize to anyone for anything. No, all we had to do was come.

There, at the foot of the cross, His mighty Love would meet us. And there we would find the power and the strength to begin life all over again, this time knowing that we’re loved. We were always loved, of course, but we didn’t know it. We couldn’t know it because we didn’t know God. And knowing God, we now know love –because God is love.

That’s  a lot to take in. No wonder the wisdom of God appears to be foolishness to those outside His family of believers. If we hadn’t experienced all this for ourselves – if we hadn’t danced for joy after first crawling to the cross – well, we’d no doubt find all this pretty hard to believe.

When you come right down to it, it’s all a wonder.

Taken from Shout to the Lord  foreword by Darlene Zschech 

Chapter 4 The Wonder of Your Mighty Love.

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-20-12

Jesus Offers You Peace with God

You may have never realized that if you're trying to live your way instead of God's way, you're in conflict with God. He created you to live for his purposes, but you've been living in rebellion against God. The Bible says this is a universal problem: "We're all like sheep who've wander off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on him, on him (Jesus). It is this unspoken war with God--where each of us chooses to disobey what God has told us to do--that causes tension in your mind and fatigue in your body.

The symptoms of being at war with God are easy to spot: Irritability, a quick temper, insecurity, impatience, manipulation, arrogance and boasting, holding grudges, and many other attitudes and habits that the bible calls the "works of the flesh." The Message translation of the Bible gives this paraphrase: "It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheep sex, a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage: frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness......cutthroat competition: all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants: a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved: divided homes and divided lives......the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival;...uncontrollable addiction."

In contrast, the effects of being reconciled to God--being at peace with him--are all the qualities you'd like to have in your life. The Bible calls these the "fruit of the Spirit" : "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this king of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

There is a built-in longing inside each of us to be at peace with our physical fathers. This desire for connection is hardwired into us. Even if your father has been apathetic toward you or abandoned you or even abused you, something feels missing if that relationship is disconnected. We want it to be different, and we long to be reconciled. People do all kinds of stupid things in an attempt to earn the approval of a parent. It's a deep need.

But an even deeper, unconscious need is to be reconciled and reconnected to your Creator, Your heavenly Father. People often tell me that they sense and incompleteness in their lives, but they don't know what they're looking for. "Something is missing, "they say or, "There's got to be more to life than this!" So they try all kinds of remedies--activities, achievements, drugs, affairs---in an attemp to plug the holes in their hearts. What they need is to be reconciled to God. Nothing else can compensate for a broken relationship with God.

The good news of Christmas is that Jesus cam to be the bridge of reconciliation between you and God. The Bible says, "God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins." It also says, "Even when we were God's enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son's life".

How can you, an imperfect person, be reconciled to a perfect God? Well, it's not a matter of compromise or bargaining or negotiating with God. Peace comes from surrender--total, unconditional surrender to God. You admit that God is God and your are not! You give up the ridiculous notion that you know more about what's best for you and what will make you happy than your Creator does. You give up the rebellious attitude that you can pick and choose which of God's rules you'll follow and which ones you'll ignore.

Why should you surrender to God? Well, one fact is certain: there's no way you can win a war against God. As Job's friend said, "Stop quarreling with God! If you agree with him, you will have peace at last, and things will go well for you".

Your Christmas Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, so I could get to know you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being with me all my life even when I didn't know it. I realize I need a savior to set me free from sin, from myself, and from all the habits, hurts, and hang-ups that mess up my life. I ask you to forgive me for my sins. I want to repent and live the way you created me to live. Be the Lord of my life, and save me by your grace. Save me from my sins, and save me for your purpose. I want to learn to love you, trust you, and become what you made me to be. Thank you for creating me and choosing me to be part of your family. Rich now, by faith I accept the Christmas gift of your Son. Fill me with your peace and assurance so I can be a peacemaker, and help me share this message of peace with others. In your name I pray, amen.

Taken from The Purpose of Christmas, by Rick Warren.

Melanie Herr

Devotional 11-28-11

Please read Isaiah 40:1-11

When you think that nothing is going the way it should and everything is falling apart, don't forget to call on God for comfort. You can feel the comfort of the Lord during inescapable times when you cannot face it alone. We must remember that someday, we do not know when, we will be with God, the great comforter. Appreciate the comfort and encouragement found in His word, His Presence and His people.

In our lives we experience trials and sufferings that we must go to the Lord for comfort to remove the obstacles so that we prepare for the coming of the Lord. We must have faith that will carry us through lives experiences that all of us, at one time or another must experience as we grow stronger in our walk with Him.

We are like grass and flowers that wither away. People are mortal, but God’s work is eternal and unfailing. Public opinions changes and is unreliable, but God's word is constant. We will find lasting solutions to our problems and needs by turning to God's eternal word.

The gentle shepherd takes care in guiding his flock throughout their lives. He is caring for the most defenseless member of his society, the children and their caretakers. Thus, the one that relies on God's caring strength is more powerful than the nation with a strong military.

In preparation for this advent season, we all must keep focus on the coming of Jesus. We must get ourselves prepared by removing all the obstacles that get in the way; for us to remember that the real reason for the season, Jesus, the gentle shepherd, the comforter, and the eternal one.

Please pray,

Dear Lord,

We call on you for comfort when we need you.
We call on you for support during life time trials.
We call on you to help us prepare the way for your coming.

You call for us to follow you.
You call us to shout for you.
You call us to not be afraid.
You call for us to believe; to trust; and have faith that you will come to save us.
Your love will carry us through this advent season as we put our trust in you.
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-3-10

This was taken from the book THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTMAS by Rick Warren

The Purpose of Christmas

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Please read Luke 2: 8-14

Regardless of your background, religion, problems or circumstances, Christmas really is the best news you could get. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple yet profound truths that can transform your life for better here on earth and forever in eternity. It is important for you to understand the implications of Christmas for your life.

God’s Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life! Second, it’s the only gift you’ll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift—one you’ll use every day for the rest of your life.

On that first Christmas night, the angel announced three purposes for the birth of Jesus:

Christmas is a time for Celebration!
Christmas is a time for Salvation!
Christmas is a time for Reconciliation!

The first purpose of Christmas is Celebration

The angel’s opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” Luke 2:10

The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons:

It is personal: “I bring YOU.”
It is positive: “Good news of great joy.”
It is universal: “for ALL the people”. This news is for YOU!

God Loves You

“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” The entire reason for Christmas is the love of God. God became one of us, a human being, so we could understand what he is really like.

God is with you

God came to earth at Christmas to remind you that he is always with you, no matter where you are, whether you feel it or not. You must connect or “tune in” to his presence. Whatever difficulty you are going through now in your life, God knows about it, cares about it, understands it and is going through it with you. You are not alone!

God is for you

God is mad about you! “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world.” John 3:17

When you make a mistake, Jesus doesn’t rub it in. He RUBS IT OUT! He came to erase all your sins, mistakes, failures and regrets. Jesus came to same us, not to scare us. It is a reason to Celebrate!

Salvation

The second purpose of Christmas is salvation. The announcement of salvation for anyone in world who would accept it was the angel’s second declaration of good news to the Shepherds. “Today……..there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 God is waiting to save you from Sin and yourself, save you for His purpose and save you by HIS Grace through Faith. But you’ve got to relax, quit trying to save yourself, let go and trust your savior to do it for you.

Reconciliation

The third purpose of Christmas is reconciliation. Christmas, the season of “Peace on earth, good will toward men “ is the perfect time to offer the gift of grace to others, while celebrating the grace God has shown you. Only when you feel fully forgiven yourself will you be able to forgive those who’ve hurt you most. Only as you are filled with the love of Jesus will you be able to let your hurt go and get on with your life.

In Jesus your past is forgiven, you get a purpose for living and you get a home in heaven. Jesus came to make a relationship with God possible.

Your Christmas Prayer

Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, so I could get to know you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being with me all my life even when I didn’t know it. I realize I need a savior to set me free from sin, from myself, and from all the habits, hurts, and hang-up that mess up my life. I ask you to forgive me for my sins. I want to repent and live the way you created me to live. Be the Lord of my life and save me from my sins, and save me for your purpose. I want to learn to love you, trust you and become what you made me to be. Thank you for creating me and choosing me to be part of your family. Right now, by faith, I accept the Christmas gift of your Son. Fill me with your peace and assurance so I can be a peacemaker, and help me share this message of peace with others. In your name I pray, Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-4-09

Read Philippians 1: 3-11

The God who began a good work in us continues it through our lifetime and will finish it when we meet him face to face. God’s work for us began when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work in us began when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that began when we accepted Jesus and continues until Christ returns.

Do you sometimes feel as though you aren’t making progress in your spiritual life? When God starts a project, he completes it! God will help you grow in grace until he has completed his work in your life. When you are discouraged remember that God won’t give up on you. He promises to finish the work he has begun. When you feel incomplete, unfinished or distressed by your short comings, remember God’s promise and provision. Don’t let your present condition rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to him.

Taken from Life Application Study Bible
New International Version

Dear Jesus,

There is no deeper comfort than knowing in my heart that You are with me always: here on earth and throughout eternity in heaven. I have known this great truth in my head for many years. However, my heart is fickle and tends to chase after other gods. Only as Your Spirit helps me can I grasp the awesomeness of Your Presence with me forever. Amen

Taken from Dear Jesus by Sarah Young

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-8-08

The High Road of the Spirit

Many roads lead to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth along roads crowed by people from many villages at the command of Caesar were to be enrolled. The wise men crossed the desert wastelands. The shepherds sought new wonders along the familiar home-town byways. But the first road to Bethlehem is unlike all other roads. It is the highway of preparation, spanning time and circumstance. It is the high road of the Spirit.

Christmas did not just happen. For centuries men had anticipated Christmas in their hearts, looking forward to the hour of destiny when God would reveal himself in a more wondrous way than ever before.

The road of faith is an ancient road – and at times a dangerous and narrow one. It was not always crowded nor were there always travelers upon it, yet along it moved men of adventurous spirit and women of the pilgrim heart. They knew it was God’s highway although they didn’t know their destination, they knew that their traveling was in the Presence of the Eternal. So they walked hopefully, expectantly remembering the psalmist, “thou dost show me the path of life…” (Psalm 16:11)

Long before Christmas, God prepared His people. The words of the prophets radiate a faith in the coming of the Prince of Peace! The lives of men were changed, generation after generation as men of faith journeyed toward the day of Hope. The way of the Lord was built with human sighs and aspirations and the end of the road was a manger. From that manger led all the roads of our lives.

If we follow the route God has mapped for our lives we too will find a glory at our road’s end. There may be detours, hazards and delays, but the highway of the Lord leads to the heights of vision and promise.

God guided many faithful persons to Bethlehem. He still leads all who will follow His guidance.

Lord of the far horizons,
Give us the eyes to see
Over the verge of sundown
The beauty that is to be
Give us the skill to fashion
The task of thy command,
Eager to follow the pattern
We may not understand
-- from “Lord of the Far Horizons” by Bliss Carman

This devotion was taken from “Christmas in our Hearts” by Charles L. Allen and Charles L. Wallis. This book was one of Jim Ray’s.

Melanie Herr

Devotional 1-3-08

As 2007 ends and the New Year has begun and all the Christmas decorations and gifts have been packed away, we can relax in our warm homes with the love of God and family surrounding us.

Have you ever thought of the workers who were not able to be home for the holiday? Some of them work on the towboats on the inland waterways. Their work makes it possible for the coal, oil, gas, and other freight to be transported for our convenience. These men and women work 30 days at a time 12 hour shifts, in all types of weather. There work takes them far from their homes and not able to enjoy the holidays. They may even miss many important family events.

These persons have a support system that Johnson Memorial U.M.C. has been involved in for several years. This is the Seamen’s Church Institute’s program, Ministry on the River and the program Christmas on the River.

Every year we pack gift boxes for each boat. The boxes consist of devotional material, hand knitted scarves, and this year we added other small gifts for them. The outpouring of gifts from the congregation has sent the message that they are not forgotten and that God loves them.

This ministry is near and dear to our family’s heart, as we know first hand how hard it is for the towboat workers to be away from home. My father, Steele Fisher, was a crewmember until the day he died suddenly in 1976. A while back I met two men who were delivering supplies for us to pack. They had known my father which brought this mission project so much closer to my heart, knowing we were able to touch others who had known him.

Fred and I enjoy being involved in this Ministry, and appreciate all those who have participated in this ministry by providing gifts and packing the boxes to nearly 300 crew members. This act of caring let’s them know they are loved and not forgotten during Christmas.


Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind.
To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
If we think over these things, where will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of home to the world.
--Calvin Coolidge

Melanie Herr