Devotional 12-7-10

How Will We Know Him?
The Lectionary readings for the week of December 6th include Luke 1:46(b)-55 and Matthew 11:2-11. The former appears in Luke’s birth narratives and tells the story of John the Baptist leaping for joy inside Elizabeth’s womb when she meets Mary while Mary is carrying Jesus. The latter is the account of an imprisoned John the Baptist sending a message to Jesus at the start of His ministry inquiring, “Are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another?” These two passages when laid side by side contain a little wrinkle for modern Christians. How is it that John recognizes Jesus so definitively in utero but falters in his recognition of Him, for sure, some thirty years later?

When sacred scripture is read metaphorically, there is no Christocentric contradiction here. The nature of Jesus’ identity has not changed nor has His role in salvation history been altered in these two passages. Rather the problem which creates the wrinkle is in John’s inconsistent perception or recognition of Jesus. As a baby, he knew Him instantly as Messiah . . . but, later as Savior, he was not so sure. In the above-identified Matthew text, John is in reality saying, “the miracles which this Jesus performs are persuasive evidence that He is Lord, but I really need for Him to come right out and say ‘I am ‘The One’.”

For us Christians, Advent is the season of unabashed joy. The Advent road is always adorned with the same familiar hallmarks: we neither get lost nor tired in traveling upon it. There is the star, the manger, the shepherds, and the wise men and the story culminates with the arrival of the baby . . . our Messiah. Despite the passage of each succeeding year without exception, we know and recognize Jesus as Messiah instantly on Christmas Day

What about the other eleven months of the year when the roads on which we travel are less certain? How will we know Him when we sit in the board rooms of corporate America and weigh profit margins against community obligations . . . or when we sit on juries to decide the guilt or innocence of defendants in courts of law . . . or when we reap a harvest which yields a thin crop . . . or when we look squarely into the eyes of the homeless on a cold winter night? The answer is that at all those times, in one form or another, we will ask John’s question: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Christmas is easy. Faith is hard. Thank God for Christmas; its majesty sustains us all the year long.

And, as always, there is no small amount of irony included in the conclusion of this text from Matthew’s gospel. After Jesus answers John’s question by deliberately refusing to declare that, “yes, I am ‘The One,’” Jesus says this: “and blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” Biblical commentators tell us that the Greek word “offense” in this passage literally translates into “stumbling block” or “Happy is he to whom I shall not prove a stumbling block in their understanding of Almighty God.” Happy is he who, despite the poverty and obscurity of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, sees evidence of Messiah in Him and believes in Him as Savior. We have a basis for such faith. We have already welcomed Him as Messiah on Christmas Day when He was born in the humility of a manger.

Tom Craig

Devotional 12-6-10

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1 - 2

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. ~George Washington Carver

The evening of the Marshall vs. WVU football game, I took a walk with my grandchildren and dog. Since most everyone else in Huntington was at the stadium, it seemed that we were the only people left on earth, and we were enjoying our status as owners of everything we beheld (my grandchildren can be a little over-dramatic, wonder where they get that?). As we turned onto the next street, we came face to face with an amazing sunset. As we walked along, the horizon became visible between houses, and it became more and more vibrant. When 3-year old Thurston declared, "Look, green stripes," I thought to myself, I thought he knew his colors, but as I lifted my eyes there were, indeed, green stripes mixed with the pinks and yellows and oranges of the sunset. (I thought this might be a good omen for The Herd, but noooooooooooo). By the time we got to the end of the street, the sun was almost out of sight and 5-year-old Loretta announced that "this must be the best sunset in the whole world." Well, it was certainly the best sunset for me at that moment. Thank you God for allowing me to see this, not only through my eyes, but through the eyes of these precious children.

I once heard a lady in our church refer to Psalm 121 as the West Virginia Psalm because of the reference to the hills. I never hear that first verse that I don't think of our beautiful West Virginia hills. We are lucky to live in a place where beauty is the norm and not the exception. But the Psalmist is quick to remind us that our help does not come from the hills themselves but from the creator of the hills. All this beauty isn't just for our enjoyment, it also serves to remind us of the creator. Looking at that sunset without thinking of and thanking God, would have been impossible.

This is a hectic time of year. I urge you to run outside every now and then and lift your eyes to the hills.

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 12-5-10

People Who Prepared The Way For Us

Matthew 3:1-11 & Roman 15:4-13,

I joined John Wesley UMC in Lewisburg, W.V. when my brother David was the pastor in 1983. I received my call into the ministry during the Advent Season and Norman Snagg, a teammate of mine from W.V. Tech who was from West Palm Beach, Florida would drive from Montgomery, W.V. to Lewisburg on weekends. David and the members of John Wesley helped me hear God’s voice as I played basketball, and they prepared the way for me to be the person I am today. I have received so much encouragement since my dear David passed away on October 24, 2010. It is during the Advent Season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ that the Matthew and Romans passages of scripture encourage me. As someone reads this devotional for today on December 5, 2010, you may be grieving the loss of a loved one. This Christmas will not be the same without David or your loved one. I’m crying still, but I am getting stronger. John prepared the way, and Jesus gave his life. Romans 15:4 says, “for everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Because of John preparing the way for Jesus, and David and the members of John Wesley preparing the way for me to receive, respond and live out my call, I have infinite hope. Praise God. Amen. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, during Advent and always, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Jeremiah Jasper

Devotional 12-4-10

Hope and Joy
The world seems to have run amuck--floods, oil spills, mine accidents, a minister planning to burn the Koran (this one really got to me), people losing jobs, homes, hope. As I write this, the election season with its constant onslaught of innuendo that plays on people’s fears is drawing to a close (thank goodness!). When people lose hope--fear and anger seem to fill in the gap, leaving us very vulnerable. All of this greed, anger, pain, and sadness makes my heart hurt, and if my heart aches, how must God feel?

God in his infinite mercy sent us hope. He sent hope in the form of a baby. What baby doesn’t bring a feeling of hope and joy to our hearts? But, this one brought hope and joy, not just to his own family, but to the world. This baby was God’s own Son. He brought love, forgiveness, and hope to a world that needed it and still needs it very badly.

This holy season fills our hearts with hope and joy. Hope that the world will be a better place. Hope that we can make our little corner of it a better place by loving, forgiving, and accepting others as God loves, forgives and accepts us; by sharing the hope and joy that God’s love and forgiveness brings to each of us. Loving, forgiving, accepting, sharing... caring--isn’t that what Christmas is really all about?

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

Margaret Williams

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 12-2-10

Bind us together with cords that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord,
Bind us together, Lord.
Bind us together in love.

There is only one God.
There is only one king.
There is only one body.
That is why we sing.

The Faith We Sing hymnal, No. 2226

Recently, I read an excellent book by Nicholas Wade entitled The Faith Instinct. I was able to identify two major premises in Mr. Wade’s writing: First, that mankind instinctively strives to communicate with the supernatural — i.e., with a higher power; and secondly, that having a religion in common has survival value for the members of a community.

We know from the few groups that still exist that the primitive hunter-gatherers would go into frenzied dancing and singing to induce a state of trace or coma in which dreams or visions would occur — purporting to be from the great spirits, etc. Down through the ages various peoples have invented gods, created idols, worshiped animals (lions, bulls, cats, etc). Rulers have many times, in many places, dictated that such-and-such a religion would be the national religion and that all of their subjects must follow this religion and no other. Every society developed their own deities in order to solicit help, blessings and favors from “other worlds.” (Aren’t we fortunate that the one true God has revealed himself to us and that he sent his son to live among us and be our example for living?)

Mr. Wade’s second theme is that for all members of a clan or society to worship the same deity has survival values for that group. A common religion tends to bind its members closer together — making it easier to work together, hunt together, build together and, yes, even make war together.

So is it any wonder that Bob Gillman, the composer of our introductory hymn, would ask God “bind us together in love”?

Now let’s try changing our point of view — a different perspective. Imagine, if you will, that you are our creator. You have finally achieved the pinnacle of evolution and created humans in your own image. Wouldn’t it make sense to equip this species with a desire to communicate with you? After all, you did create them — they should want to thank you, if nothing else.

So, apparently, we are so equipped — let’s do it. And, let us remind ourselves that at least half of communication is listening.

A Prayer by Thomas à Kempis:

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening….

In days gone by the children of Israel said to Moses, “Speak to us, and we shall listen; do not let the Lord speak to us, lest we die.” This is not how I pray, Lord. No. With the great prophet Samuel, I humbly and earnestly beg: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” So, do not let Moses speak to me, but you, O Lord, my God, eternal truth, you speak to me. If I hear your voice, may I not be condemned for hearing the word and not following it, for knowing it and not loving it, or believing it and not living it. Speak then, Lord for your servant listens, for you have the words of eternal life. Speak to me, to comfort my soul and to change my whole life; in turn, may it give you praise and glory and honor, forever and ever.

Amen.

Charlie Lewis

Devotional 12-1-10

Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

WE DID IT!!! Two years ago, I wrote a devotional about the 'Corn Maze' in Milton, WV. My sister Judy, friend Sharon, Judy's grandson, my great-nephew, Alex and his friend Brandon, plodded our way through the Maze in the dark, with only a little led light I had on my key ring, to show us the way. Oh, yes, God did provide us with a three-quarter full moon.

We got lost, and thankfully Judy had her cell phone and Alex remembered the cell number to call for help, which we did and God provided. Mike Cooper, the owner of the maze, came to our rescue.

We planned on going back last year, 2009, but a rainy downfall came and drowned our plans. See, Alex was on his fall break from his school in Maryville, TN, and we could only go on a Thursday evening.

So, now it is 2010, and we wanted to redeem ourselves. So try again we did. The maze is only open Thursdays in the evening, 5:00-10:00 PM, and we knew it would get dark around 7:00 PM. With flashlights and cell phones in hand, we set out. Alex and Brandon, now 11 years old, got to go on their own as they wanted. (We mature women couldn't keep up with them anyway). Judy, Sharon, and I started out following the questions and hoping for the correct answer to know the correct direction to go when we got to a station. We were doing well except when we got to a fork in the path, and we had to decide if we were to go left or right. It was getting dark; I called on the cell phone to see what we do in that situation. All Kim Cooper would say is, 'there are pointers, signs, to point the way'. I kept asking, 'what pointers'. 'You will know', he would say. So, we began thinking about this and looking and sure enough, there are. I won't tell you the pointers, because you might go to a maze and need to find out for yourself. They are there, look.

John 20:30-31 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Kay Lewis

Devotional 11-30-10

Please read Isaiah 11:1-10

Our oldest son, Grant, is taking herpetology in high school. In case you have forgotten you list of –ologies, herpetology is the study of reptiles. As part of his work for the class, each six weeks he has the responsibility of caring for a different reptile. So far, all of these animals have been snakes.

If you are like me, right now you are saying, “EWWWH! Snakes!?” I don’t want to touch them. I don’t want to hold them. I don’t want to care for them. I wouldn’t mind if they didn’t exist in the world. I suppose it is a good thing that I am not the creator of the universe, or snakes would have to watch out — they would be on my “hit list.”

And yet, read this:

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6-9

We read this passage, and we are enchanted by its peaceful imagery. I wonder if we even consider what it means. What is this “peace” that Isaiah sets forth as a vision of the future kingdom? What is this vision that Christ gives us of loving one another and living in peace, together?

Lions and calves living together, children playing around the nests of snakes, wolves and lambs sharing the same table. When you think about it, it is unimaginable. Unreachable. Certainly, it is not the road God insists that we travel. Is it?

I imagine that, for the people of Judah, who were torn away from their way of life, from their land and their God, the idea of living in peaceful harmony with their enemy seemed not only radical, but impossible. Jonah would rather have been swallowed by a big fish than preach of repentance to the people of Ninevah. Imagine what Ananias, an early disciple of Christ, thought when God told him to head down the road and take care of Saul — Saul, who had been persecuting the followers of Christ. God’s vision of a future peaceful kingdom not only seems impossible for us, but probably is impossible for us, alone.

And yet, born in a stable, over 2000 years ago, was hope. Not just wishes, not just desires, but the hope of the world. Hope. It is the certainty that God exists, that he keeps his promises, and that he can make the impossible, possible.

We are called to love our enemies. Impossible. I would rather touch a snake. But when hope enters my life and fills my heart, the impossible is made possible. Forgiveness becomes a possibility. Grace brings light and love into the picture.

What impossible task is God calling you to do? What unimaginable relationship is now reachable because Hope was born in a stable, died on a cross, and now lives forever?

Kim Matthews

Devotional 11-29-10

A Little Child ...
Read Isaiah 11:1-9.

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

It was trick-or–treat night in Huntington, and my three-year-old grandson, Landon “Scooby Doo” Lewis, had been looking forward to traveling from house to house with his father Jesse, filling his Halloween bag with delicious candy. What a great holiday!

As six o’clock neared, my daughter Anna helped Landon slip into his costume, kissed him goodbye, and prepared to hand out Skittles and Blow Pops to the neighborhood children. She noticed that the air had suddenly turned much colder and hoped that Landon would not get too chilly inside his fleece dog suit.

A quick half-hour later, Anna spied her husband, Jesse, with Landon on his shoulders. Landon had decided he had enough candy for one night. As Jesse took over handing out the candy to trick-or-treaters, Anna took Landon inside to check out his treasure.

When the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of a new trick-or-treater, Landon reached into his bag of goodies, ran to the door, and deposited a Snickers bar into the outstretched sack. At first Anna thought that Landon was just confused. “You don’t have to give away your candy! I have candy here for the other kids.”

Landon looked at her and then his bag of candy. “Mommy, I have lots of candy. We need to share!” And for the next hour, that’s exactly what he did, until his bag was completely empty.

Heavenly Father, each day we see children who are responding to the needs of others. Help us to be not childish but childlike in our giving, this season and all year long. In Your name we pray. Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 11-28-10

Swords into Plowshares
Please read Isaiah 2:1-5

Hard as it is to believe, today is the First Sunday of Advent. During the next several weeks, you and I will be asked many times, and we’ll probably ask the question of others a few times: Are you ready for Christmas? The conversation that ensues will be about decorations, shopping, cooking, traveling, and visions of sugar plums. We will talk nostalgically of past Christmases, simpler times, less secular “holidays,” you know, the same stuff we gripe about every year.

But what about Advent? Are you ready for Advent?

Advent is the period of four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of waiting, of anticipating, the coming into being of God in the form of the Christ-child. Advent is pretty much reserved for church—the world hasn’t claimed it yet.

This year, I invite you to celebrate Advent. Ponder in your hearts, as Mary pondered in her heart, what it means that God would choose to be revealed in the Christ-child. What did it mean then, and what does it mean for us now that God has lived among us?

Are you ready for Advent?

As the words from this week’s lectionary text were percolating through my mind and heart this week, I had the privilege of participating in a telephone conference with several United Methodist leaders from other parts of the country who are planning an international, interfaith summit on peace. The planning committee has done this three or four times now, each conference with a specific focus on bringing about peace. They had gathered to begin planning the next conference, which includes as part of the working title or theme, Economic Justice for All God’s Children. My invitation to join came because I was recently elected as an officer in a national organization for United Methodist foundations. I am expected to suggest ways that charitable foundations might use our substantial collective resources to affect economic justice.

I was energized by the conversation. It is exciting for me to be a part of what feels like a grassroots movement among religious leaders—Christians, Jews, and Muslims—to begin to collaborate on ways we can be agents for change in the world. Some will roll their eyes at the notion—it’s too big an issue to be resolved by religious leaders. I wasn’t prepared for the question that came up during the call, however. One of the other participants questioned whether the idea of “justice for all God’s children” and specifically “economic justice” is too controversial. Would the notion offend some of our congregants?

At that point, I was glad I was only on the telephone so that no one could see my jaw drop and my hands raised in exclamation. Why would anyone be offended by justice, even economic justice, for all? Shouldn’t we be offended by the reality of injustice? Whether economic justice is offensive to some or not, I do not think we can ever have peace without economic justice. Victims of economic injustice will always fight for justice. When will we stop fighting against it?

I guess I’m pretty comfortable right here where I am. Not rich by any stretch of the imagination among my peers and neighbors. But by world standards I am among the very richest in the world. (Don’t be envious; so are you). Does economic justice for all God’s children upset our notion of fairness? Entitlement? Have we really earned it?

Justice, including but not limited to economic justice, goes hand in hand with peace. In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah foretold of a day of peace when God’s people beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. He didn’t say swords into stained glass and spears into pipe organs. Isaiah foretold of a day of world peace, when the implements and resources used for war and destruction would be used for building community.

Are you ready for that day Isaiah proclaims? Are you ready for Advent?

Jeff Taylor

Devotional 2-5-10

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus had been teaching a group of people on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. He told Simon Peter (as well as James and John) to go out into the deep waters and let down their nets. Verse five follows:

“Master,” Simon answered, “we worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets.”

As the familiar scripture goes, the catch was plentiful and Jesus instructed the three to abandon their nets and become ‘fishers of men’.

I can only imagine how incredibly weary one might be after a long night of casting nets. In addition to the physical strain, these men must have been disheartened to have nothing to show for their night of work. Maybe Simon Peter was thinking that it would be a waste of time to try again, or he wanted to grumble about how the only thing he’d like to try to catch now would be a nap. His actual words and actions, however, were doubtless and obedient.

Obedience and faith are so often interwoven. As parents do, I try to teach our kids to do things for themselves. I sometimes find myself trying to get one of them to surrender a toy in order for me to demonstrate how it works. Two-year-old Devon, for the most part, understands when I want to show her something. JT, at fourteen months, seems to think I just want to take away that precious toy to be cruel. Devon has a greater degree of faith in me, so (in instances like this) she is more obedient. In order for them to see what I want them to see, they have to trust me and do what I ask.

In order for us to see what God wants us to see, we have to trust Him and do what He expects of us. We as Christians are meant to be fishers of men. We need only cast the net by being faithful witnesses. My children are learning to trustingly heed my requests, just as all of us are children of God, on a similar journey of spiritual growth. I hope that today’s lesson from Luke inspire us all to become more aware of our own faithfulness to Him.

Natalie Wray

Devotional 1-3-10

Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2: 19)

In these Christmastide days, it is now our time to treasure and ponder all that we have seen and heard.


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.
Those are the words of the first stanza of a poem by Christina Rossetti. (The words have been set to music in the Christmas carol, In the Bleak Midwinter.) It seems that Miss Rossetti assumed that the place of Jesus’ birth had weather like her own home in England. While the frosty wind, the frozen ground, and the snow on snow may not have been a part of the Bethlehem scene, I think she writes about the “feeling” of the time and place.

I enjoy Advent and Christmas. The festive days take energy, but there is something joyous in the air. I dread those days after New Year’s when all the “stuff” gets packed. The house seems so naked without all the special decorations and lights. The days are short; the darkness long. Resolutions are already forgotten or broken. It is the “bleak midwinter” (and winter has barely even started). It seems as if we have done so well in celebrating birth only to be confronted with the dark and cold of winter.

In Parker Palmer’s series of essays, Let Your Life Speak, he uses the seasons of nature to describe the seasons of our lives. He writes, “Winter is a demanding season – and not everyone appreciates the discipline. It is a season when death’s victory can seem supreme; few creatures stir, plants do not visibly grow, and nature feels like our enemy.” He then reminds us that “times of dormancy and deep rest are essential to all living things.” Nature is not dead in winter, even though it may seem that way. Wintertime is needed to prepare for springtime renewal and new growth.

It seems that way in life, too. We all have our valleys – our winter times when we feel failure, betrayal, depression, even death. The stable of Bethlehem looked nothing like a place for new life. The people of the day were more worried about getting registered and making their way back home than they were about something new in our world. Yet the gift of Christmas gives us One who walks with us; a compassionate friend who knows the hills and the valleys of our lives, who understands our bleak midwinter days as well as our times of joy and gladness. This One, our Christ, sits at the hand of God and can whisper in God’s ear to explain what its like to live in these mortal bodies of ours. This Christ walks with us through our winter days to lead us into the new birth which is real love and life, this day and forever.

Rossetti ends her carol with:

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
That is all that we can do – give our hearts to Christ. And although the signs of midwinter are all around us, there is warmth of heart and soul. Christ is with us. Emmanuel has come.

Prayer:
Loving God, giver of Christmas and all our days, we bring to you the bleak midwinter days of our lives. May we treasure your Gift to us, trust your presence with us, and surrender our hearts to your love. Lead us through these days so that we may experience the gift of renewal and new growth; with Christ we pray. Amen.

Dr. Mark Connor
Western District Superintendent

Devotional 1-2-10

A Different New Year’s Resolution

Psalm 72: 12 – 13

For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy….

My New Year’s resolution will focus on my selfishness. It is a selfishness that I think many of us share. I think many of us need to confess that we are tired of the poor. We ask ourselves, “Why don’t they just get a job?”, “Why do they spend what little money they have on junk?”, or “Why are they satisfied living like they do?” These are wonderful questions from those of us who ask them from our position of privilege.

Many who read these words will be offended by my thoughts about selfishness and defend themselves against such a claim. We will read the words of the Psalmist and agreed with the words from the 72nd Psalm. God loves us all! I mean who can disagree with that statement? Yes I agree with the Psalmist but I think we are all tired of the poor.

The debate on a national universal healthcare system is the latest indicator to me. In a country that is awashed with affluence, we who have insurance are debating whether we should give those who are without such a benefit a place at our table of full coverage healthcare. As we worship the God whom we are told “will deliver the needy when he cries…”. While we claim to be God’s agents in this world, we want to deny the same access to the healthcare that we enjoy to those who God reaches out to because those without are “him who has no helper”.

So this year I am not pledging to lose 10 lbs as I have for the last 20 years. I am praying to lose my selfishness. I am praying because I know that if the poor get the same healthcare as me, I am going to have to pay for it. It is a lot easier to be generous when it does not cost me anything.

Prayer: Gracious God, I pray this day and everyday in 2010 that I will be freed from the bondage of affluence and the chains of selfishness.

Rev. David Johnson
Carolinas Medical Center
Charlotte, NC

Devotional 1-1-10

Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 146; Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:41-52

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Col. 3: 12-14.

Ready or not, 2010 is here ! Happy New Year to everyone!!!. It seems like only yesterday that we were beginning a new century and now it is the beginning of the final year of the first decade. Time is so fleeting and uncontrollable. It seems we are never happy with the passing of time. It either goes too slow or way too fast. There is never enough time to do the things we enjoy and way too much time when we are impatiently waiting for something. So how will we fill the 8,760 hours or 525,600 minutes of 2010? What will be our priorities for this clean slate we’ve been given?

I guess the traditional way to begin a new year is to write resolutions. Usually these resolutions are motivated by a need for self-improvement. We want to lose weight, eat more healthily, get in shape, stop gossiping, learn a new language, clean out the basement, etc. If your resolutions are like mine, they are neither kept nor become lasting habits. What goes wrong in this process? We all mean what we say, but rarely do we follow-through.

Perhaps we should begin the year using some of the traditions of our Jewish cousins. The Jewish New Year begins with Rosh Hashanah, traditionally a day of rest. According to this tradition, God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year into a “book” on Rosh Hashanah and waits until Yom Kippur to “seal” the verdict. During the ten “Days of Awe” between the two days, a Jew tries to amend his or her behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against God and against other persons. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for religious Jews. This holy day is observed with a 25 hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.

I’m not suggesting we give up the parades, the football games, family get-togethers, parties or special meals that we enjoy on New Year’s. But I am suggesting that God is calling us through the scriptures to begin the year with a more spiritual center. Paul suggests that we clothe ourselves with the virtues that connect us to serving others, caring for them with a love that builds up, is tolerant and supportive. We are to forgive as we have been forgiven, be ever thankful and continue to worship and celebrate the good news that Christ dwells in us. God has chosen each of us. He seeks a daily conversation with us and wants a long-term relationship.

The gift of the Christmas Baby has come. How will we nurture and care for that gift? In order to faithfully begin this new chapter, we must “get in shape” with prayer, fasting, meditation and a conscious attempt to deepen our commitments to the service of others. We do not know what situations or events this New Year will reveal to each of us. I’m sure there will be a variety of positive and negative--but in each, God will be With Us. We must make the most of the time we are given to care for and nurture the Christ Child that lives in each of us. All that we need at any given moment is and will be provided. We think we are rushed or even “out of time,” but God has “appointed a time for every matter and for every work." (Ecclesiastes 3:17) Every path or even every task begins with a first step: let’s take all our steps With God this year.

Oh Glorious and Generous God of the Universe, In Your infinite wisdom and plan, You have gifted us with a new year, full of possibility and promise. We thank you for this very blessed gift and pray that You will guide us as we attempt to learn how to serve You more completely. Help us to persevere in our attempts to practice new habits of prayer and study. Transform us with your grace to share your love with others in Your perfect plan of time and place. Amen.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-31-09

Grant wrote an essay to be submitted the to Youth Gathering of the Northeast Jurisdiction as part of his application process for selection to attend the Global Youth Gathering in Berlin this coming summer. This is a paragraph from his essay.

My future vision for the United Methodist Youth is a very large one but, at the same time very obtainable. I think that growth is a priority on this list. I go forth in my life to bring people to Christ. I produce a rich and desirable landscape for new people to become a part of. Our saying as a United Methodist Church is, “Open Eyes. Open Hearts. Open Doors.” At a first look one may think that this is a description of what a Methodist should be. That is entirely true. One should have the open eyes, an open heart, and an open door. We should always see that people need Christ and that we should show them Christ though us. An open heart is crucial asset to obtain our goal. No matter what the situation is or what circumstances there are, we should look to Christ and open our hearts to him. We should always have open doors. We should go forth and bring other people into the Church. At a second and closer look at the text, one would start to think something different. This saying is not just an explanation of what a person should be, but it is a list of things people in the United Methodist Church should do. Each person in the church should try and open the eyes of another. Open their eyes to Christ and the love he shares. We should open people’s hearts to feel the compassion and grace of Christ our Lord. We should teach them to let Christ into their hearts and show them how to do it. As a church we should open doors. Open not just the doors of people’s lives, but to show and teach them that the doors of the Kingdom of God are open to those who completely give their lives to him. Doing these things would insure a great outcome and would open a new path to others.

Grant Matthews

Devotional 12-30-09

Marsh Marigolds

Although these plants are called marigolds,
They belong to the buttercup family, we are told.
Two marigolds which I saw were in my neighbors bush
Where scores of plants stood.
The marigold helped to brighten up my day
As the sky was trying to make the day gray.
God always has some bright spots in life,
All we need to do is gaze upon each moment as a widening pond.
Improving our lives to his plan,
He did create all things for man.

Becky White

Becky is a resident of Huntington, has been writing poetry for many years and sharing it with the members of her church and any with whom she comes in contact. Becky is also known as the Spring Valley greeter.

Marilyn Holleron

Devotional 12-29-09

Shine, Jesus, Shine
Lord the Light of Your Love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus light of the world shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Please read Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

One evening, I was driving home at night during a power outage. I was close to home, and I noticed how dark our neighborhood was – no streetlights, no porch lights, no glow from televisions or reading lamps filtering through curtains. It was dark – darker than we normally ever see it. I stopped the car and turned it off, eliminating the light from the headlights and dashboard. At that point, I was IN the dark, not just observing it.

Pretty quickly, I started the car and drove the rest of the way home. The dark can be a dangerous and disconcerting place (if I couldn’t see, perhaps people driving other cars couldn’t see me, either!).

We have just finished celebrating the incarnation of Christ into the world as a human – one of us, and yet God. Our world of darkness was transformed. Pause for just one moment and imagine the difference that has made in our lives. Imagine what life would be like without that light.

Imagine what life is like for those who haven’t yet seen the presence of that light.

We have been so richly and greatly blessed by Christ. Our lives are alight with his love, just like the homes in my neighborhood when the power is working. The windows in those houses can’t hold back the light – it shines forth.

When people look at you, listen to you, come close to you, can they tell that the Power is on? Do your words, thoughts and actions convince other people that Christ’s light is shining in the world, providing God’s light in their darkness?

Do people come to Christ, come to know Christ, because of you and the way his light shines through your life?

Or have you drawn the shades?

Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word
Lord and let there be light.

(Shine, Jesus, Shine, Lyrics by Cliff Richards)

Kim Matthews

Devotional 12-28-09

Enlightenment

Read John 1:1-18

Jesus came as a light shining in the darkness. When light shines in the dark places, the truth is exposed and made known. Sometimes, we do not want the light to shine on our dark places; we would just as soon keep them hidden.

Many enlightened people have faced significant obstacles when they have tried to shed light on the darkness of the status quo. One such person is Clarence Jordan. Clarence Jordan is known as the author of the Cotton Patch Gospels. He took the gospel out of the stained glass sanctuaries into the fields where the people were working. Clarence Jordan also lived as a bright light in the midst of the racial prejudice that is a dark part of our nation’s history.

Clarence Jordan grew up in a prosperous family. He received a traditional Baptist theological education, got his PhD in Greek New Testament and was on his way to becoming a seminary professor. Instead, he left seminary to establish Koinonia Farm, an interracial community in rural segregated Georgia in the mid-forties. The members of the Koinonia Farm followed Jesus and lived, worked, and worshiped together—a radical concept. Many people did not look on Koinonia Farm with favor.

Because he challenged established tradition, Clarence Jordan expected opposition, but he did not anticipate that he would be excommunicated by his denomination. Certainly, he could not have known that he and the Farm would be the victim of vandalism, cross burning, beatings, bombings, and shootings. Yet he continued to be a light: to live, speak, and write the truth.

Sometimes, people would rather that the darkness not be exposed by the light of truth.

When companies began to refuse to deliver LP gas to the farm for heat, in spite of laws that required them to do so, Jordan turned to his brother Robert for help.

Robert Jordan was an attorney and an aspiring politician who would later become a state senator and state supreme court justice. Robert refused. He told Clarence that because of his political aspirations, he had “too much to lose” to help with the Farm’s problems.

Clarence challenged Robert to recall a time when they both were boys. They had attended a church service together, and they had both gone to the alter. The conversation went something like this:

Clarence: “Do you remember when the preacher asked you if you want to follow Jesus?”
Robert: “Yes Clarence, of course I remember! I told him I did want to follow Jesus…and Clarence, I do follow Jesus—to a point”
Clarence: “Robert, I suggest you go back to that little church, and you stand up before the people, and you tell them that what you meant to say is that you admire Jesus, not that you want to follow him.”

If we want to be followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be a light to the world even when the world wants to remain in darkness. Being the light requires us at times to step out of our comfort zones. Do you want to follow Jesus? Or do you just admire him?

Jeff Taylor

Devotional 12-26-09

Christmas Boots

I love Christmas. Notwithstanding the argument that the holiday has become very commercialized, I love Christmas. I love the smells and the sounds and the food and the crisp air and well, I love Christmas.
I was about to say ‘most,’ but I will correct myself and say ‘all’ of the last minute rush and painful need for a 25th hour in the day is entirely self inflicted. I do not lay out my plan soon enough and once laid out, I do not act upon it swiftly. Believe it or not, I DO like shopping for gifts. I enjoy the challenge of selecting just the right present for just the right person, and I enjoy the happiness shown when the fruit of that research is unwrapped.

To say that our family had a Christmas tradition may be a misnomer. Raised as an Army brat, we traveled. As the high school years came along, the Army days had ended and things may have taken on somewhat of a pattern. As if it were a tradition, the question is asked of us and by us – even if there is no intent to give or receive, “What do you want for Christmas?” We are almost petitioning for a list. When our boys were (very) young we asked for the proverbial list. One of them had wanted a computer. No not a PC/MAC type computer but a little Toys R Us learning device. When Christmas morning came, and the present opening time was coming to a close, the little one asked, “Where is the computer I ordered?”
We sometimes treat Christmas as a catalog ordering event. “Dear God, thank you for your Son, I would like more hours in the day, more money, less hassle, nicer co-workers, a new car, season football tickets, maybe a boat and, well, that’ll do for now. And, by the way, could we get some world peace and a slow down on that global warming thing?”

As a kid I always remember being asked what I would like for Christmas. I never remember having a desire along the order of ‘If I don’t get a blue bike I w-i-l-l j-u-s-t d-i-e!!!’ I don’t remember everything I got, but I do remember NEVER being disappointed or unhappy on Christmas.

I do have a memory of our Christmas living in Germany when, on my list, I wanted a pair of cowboy boots. I don’t recall what led me to like the boots or to ask for them but that was what was on my mind that year. Christmas morning dawned and in a gleeful shredding of pretty paper, all of the presents were opened…. no boots. I remember that there were no boots, and I remember being a little deflated. When the dust settled, and we caught our collective breath, Mom pulled on the cord controlling the drapes covering the large living room window. There in the corner(s) of the window sill….. cowboy boots. A pair for me, and a pair for Rob. Joy unspeakable!

Isn’t God that way with us? He fulfills our needs and even provides to us what we think we want. We are happy and about to move on with the day and suddenly he draws back the curtains on the window to the stable and reveals what we most desire – His Son.

Steve Matthews

Devotional 12-26-09

Old Farmer’s Advice

• Your fences need to be horse-high, pig tight, and bull strong.
• Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.
• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
• A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere Tractor
• Words that soak into your ears are whispered - not yelled.
• Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
• Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
• Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
• It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
• You cannot unsay a cruel word.
• Every path has a few puddles.
• When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
• The best sermons are lived - not preached.
• Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.
• Don't judge folks by their relatives.
• Silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Live a good, honorable life - then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a 2nd time.
• Don't interfere with something that ain't bothering you none.
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
• Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
• Always drink upstream from the herd.
• Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
• Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it in.
• Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly, Leave The Rest To GOD.....

Paul Riggs

Devotional 12-25-09

"Rock-a-bye, my dear little boy, dear little boy,
wonder of wonders, my blessing and joy;
slumber as I gently hold you,
let my tender love enfold you;
gift of God to me and the world,
here in my arms lies so peacefully curled.”

The poetry is from a Christmas lullaby from Czech tradition. Any of us could sing the song as we hold our own child – or grandchild. Nancy and I could sing it now to a great granddaughter. “Rock-a-bye my dear little girl, love-gift of God in my arms safely curl.”

But the lullaby is the song of Mary – singing to her baby boy on the first Christmas morning. “Slumber as I gently hold you, let my tender love enfold you.” I confess that I cannot sing this carol without a tear breaking free from my eyelid and escaping down my cheek. I know the tender and overwhelming love of a new Daddy holding a minute-old baby boy. While the carol is about Jesus, my mind cannot help but race to the images of our children and grandchildren. The lesson of the carol for me is that God chose this very human and very, very ordinary way of revealing God’s personality and nature to the world. The carol draws me to an identity with Mary and Joseph; and it traces a remembrance that I was once someone’s newborn love. Such is the way of God: to draw on our experience in life to speak to us and to reveal to us the depths and wonders of love.

On this Christmas day, let your mind and heart feel the emotion of God’s tender love for this world. Heaven knows, this hurting, struggling world needs some tender lovin’! In the experiences of our lives, WE need some tender lovin’! More importantly, don’t we have some tender love to share?

“Little Jesus, Infant Divine, Infant Divine,
one with the Father, yet born to be mine;
as I rock you calmly sleeping,
angel guards their watch are keeping;
precious child, one day we shall see
what love has destined for you and for me.”

Merry Christmas!
Love,

Rev. Jack Lipphardt

Devotional 12-24-09

Luke 2:8-16 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

I offer to you an adaptation of “A Meditation about Christmas” by Howard Thurman -

There must be always remaining in every man’s life some place for the singing of angels. Someplace for that which is in itself breathlessly beautiful and, by an inherent prerogative, throwing all the rest of life into new and creative relatedness. Something that gathers up in itself all the freshets of existence from drab and commonplace areas of living and glows in one bright light of penetrating beauty and meaning… then passes. The common place is shot through now with new glory. Old burdens become lighter. Deep and ancient wounds lose much of their old, old hurting. A crown is placed over our heads which for the rest of our lives we are trying to grow tall enough to wear. Despite all of the crassness of life, despite all of the hardness, despite all of the harsh discords of life, life is saved by the singing of angels.

-"Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people "-

It is of profoundest significance that the gospel story, particularly in the book of Luke, reveals that the announcement of the birth of Jesus came first to simple shepherds who were about their appointed tasks. Whatever else theology and tradition may add to or extrapolate from the nativity story, the birth of Jesus remains the symbol of the dignity and the inherent worthfulness of the common man. Stripped bare of art form and liturgy, the literal substance of the story remains: Jesus Christ was born in a stable. He was born of humble parentage in surroundings that are the common lot of those who earn their living by the sweat of their brow. Nothing can rob the common man of this heritage. When he beholds Jesus he sees in him the possibilities of life even for the humblest, and a dramatic revelation of the significance and meaning of God.

-"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"-

If the theme of angel’s song is to find fulfillment in the world, it will be through the common man becoming aware of his true worthfulness and asserting his generic prerogative as a child of God.

Joseph Hill

Devotional 12-23-09

The Gift of Presence

Please read Luke 2:1-20

Those who gathered at the Stable to see and welcome Jesus, the newborn king honored him with their Presence. It is easy -- all too easy to get caught up in just giving presents rather than our Presence, by being there – being with – being for – being available – being open to the one we call the Christ.

Two images come to mind for me this day. One is the phrase we look for on the back of the cards we like to receive. It starts: “When you care enough. …. To give the very best – give a _______ card. The other image comes from the hymn Drummer Boy. Perhaps the words have already come to your mind but in case they haven’t, they are these. “What I have, I give Him. I give Him my Heart.”

We are a blessed people, and we are called to be a blessing to others. In the months since we started attending Johnson Memorial, the expressions of love and the greeting of friends previously known and those we have met since we started attending here have blessed us. You have taken us in and received us warmly in Christ’s name and on his behalf.

As we together more forward in this season of our lives may we continually strive to remember we are in His Presence and live accordingly.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, you bless us with your presence each day. Help us to open our hearts to you this day and share your boundless love with others. Amen.

Rev. Thom Malcolm

Devotional 12-22-09

Is God concerned about the details of your life? Does He care about the "little things"? Piles of dishes need to be done. The washer leaks a big soapy puddle on the floor, and you have people coming in an hour. Little things. Nobody else seems to notice or pay that much mind...so why should God? After all, isn't He the God of the BIG things? Isn't He the one who spoke swirling galaxies into the vast frontiers of space, who measured the waters in the hollow of His hand and calculated the dust of the earth (Isaiah 40:12)? Why should this great, awesome God notice the tears that came to my eyes this morning at breakfast-when no one else noticed? Why should the Creator of the universe care about the worries that kept me awake until 2am? Why should the mighty Sovereign of eternity be concerned about the fact that I'm late for an appointment and can't find a parking place?

Sure, the bible says He has compassion for His people. But isn't that sort of a "general" compassion for humankind? Isn't that an arms-length kind of compassion? Just how intimately is God involved in our small, petty problems? David says "He has the compassion of a father."

I remember my father having a kind of intimate, heartfelt compassion with me. Often when my Dad would be busy at his easel, I'd sit on the floor at his side with my crayons and coloring book. Sometimes he'd set his brushed aside, reach down and lift me into his lap. Then he'd fix my hand on one of his brushes and enfold his larger, stronger hand around mine. Ever so gently, he would guide my hand and the brush, and I would watch in amazement as, together, we made something beautiful. This is the kind of love our God has for us. Father love. The kind, gentle compassion of a Dad who deeply cares for His sons and daughters. Maybe you never had a Dad like that...but you do have such a Father.

Let God's big hand close gently over yours. With His help, even the discouraging scribbles of your life can become a masterpiece. Nothing would delight a Father's heart more.

Written by: Joni Eareckson Tada

Jenny Matthews

Devotional 12-21-09

From the thoughts of this precious season that we find yearly on our Christmas cards…do we really give them the attention they deserve? I have listed of few; there are many – all sent thoughtfully and sincerely from family and friends.

I am including a few of my favorites, oft-repeated throughout the years, but usually read hastily. I include a few more for us to think about and enjoy again and again!

• May your heart be lifted by the light of the season.
• May the Christmas Season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter.
• May God fill your life with love, joy and peace this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year.
• May His love and presence fill you to overflowing and bring you a most joyous Christmas.
• May the blessings and joy of this Christmas season be with you throughout the coming year.
• (and my personal favorite, for each of us) May the blessings and joy of the Christmas Season be with you though the coming year.

For each of you,

Quinn Van Nostran

Devotional 12-20-09

Reflecting the Light
Luke 1:46-56

A little girl was sitting in church during Advent, and she asked her mother as she looked at a stained glass window of a saint, what is a saint? Her mother looked at the stained glass window as the sun light shined through it and said, “A saint is a person who lets the love of God show (reflect) through them.

We like Mary are sent to bear witness of that light. Jesus is the light of the world. We must walk in the light. The beautiful light of his love.

It must have been a hard decision for a teenager to agree to let the light of God reflect through her to be the mother of Jesus.

Flying into a city these weeks before Christmas is a treat for even the jaded traveler. All cities are decorated in lights. Every neighborhood is outlined in the colors of holiday lights stretched over roofs, windows and chimneys. This “Santa Claus view” of thing is repeated all over the world.

Christmas is a time of bright lights. We light and illuminate everything during Advent. Trees, houses, businesses, even skyscrapers. The metaphor of reflecting the LIGHT is the dominant theme of Christmas.

The first act of creation according to Genesis 1, was God’s announcement “Let There Be LIGHT”! This was the introduction of meaning into the world. This was the beginning of hope and purpose and thought.

During Advent the light still shines. Christmas is the time to celebrate the light. Behind all of the Christmas lights there is the ancient affirmation that God is still at work in the world. This remains the hope of believers. No matter how dark times may be, the light still shines.

May God grant you peace joy, and happiness throughout Advent and 2010 and always as you and I reflect the light of Jesus daily. May each time you see a Christmas light, you pause and think about the gift of Mary to all Christians. Amen.

Rev. Jeremiah Jasper

Devotional 12-19-09

December 19, 2009

A Light Aglow

Stand up and show your soul because when we exhibit our soul it liberates others in allowing them to find the courage to shine in their own light. We change others when we brighten the day of another with the light of our soul. But what kindles that light aglow in dark times? For some, that may be will-power but who among us has the will-power to continue on for an entire life loving and shining? For others, it may be the desire to love but what happens when we find ourselves without love for others, unable to turn away from hatred? For yet others, it could be the love they feel from their peers, but what happens when that love light is scarce? It is the unending love of God that provides the oil for the lamp to burn through the night. It is the love of God that pushes us and inspires us when the times are dark. It is God’s love that compels us to love when our mind tells us differently, when the hatred that fills this world seeps into our thoughts like poison.

So I rely not on myself because I have not the power to persevere. I rely not on others to inspire my light, my love, and my life, for all together, they have not the love God has for one single human in existence. I rely on God’s love because it will forever burn the wick that keeps my heart aglow. Even when that wick seems out of reach, God’s love will never falter or lessen. I rely on God’s love because it is eternal and without limit. As long as I rely on God, the flame of my heart will never cease to glow. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Ryan Lavalley

Devotional 12-18-09

Luke 1: 46 - 55

At Christmas we are reminded of the miracle of birth. Most specifically, the birth of Jesus. We should also remember the courage and faith of Mary. Here is a young woman, unmarried, and made pregnant by a spirit that we can only begin to understand. Yet Mary does not falter in her faith, or her belief that her child is indeed the Son of God.

The child within the body of Elizabeth, Mary's relative, by some unknown means, recognized that Mary's child was special. Elizabeth acknowledged the wonder and spiritual nature of Mary's child. These two women showed a faith and belief system that many of us strive to gain for years.

Maybe we make it too complicated. In our quest to explain the unexplainable we become so intellectualized that we forget the simplicity of belief. One does not always need to have complete understanding to know that something "just is." With our own children we sometimes "know" what they are truly like without being able to define how we acquired that knowledge.

Thus it was with Mary and Elizabeth. They "just knew." They accepted that Mary's baby was the Son of God with joy and faith.

And isn't that what the birth of Jesus is really all about - Joy and Faith?

Sue Kearns

Devotional 12-17-09

Subject - 5th grade Assignment....

A Fifth Grade Teacher in a Christian School asked her class to look at TV Commercials and see if they could use them to communicate ideas about GOD –

• GOD is like "Bayer Aspirin" - HE works miracles.
• GOD is like a "Ford" - HE's got a better idea.
• GOD is like "Coke" - HE's the real thing.
• GOD is like "Hallmark Cards" - HE cares enough to send HIS very best.
• GOD is like "Tide" - HE gets the stains out that others leave behind.
• GOD is like "G.E." - HE brings good things to life.
• GOD is like "Sears" - HE has everything.
• GOD is like "Alka Seltzer" - Try Him - You'll Like Him.
• GOD is like "Scotch Tape" - You can't see Him, but you know He's there.
• GOD is like "Delta" - He is ready when you are.
• GOD is like "Allstate" - you're in good hands with Him.
• GOD is like "VO-5 Hairspray" - He holds through all kinds of weather.
• GOD is like "Dial Soap" - aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?
• GOD is like the "U.S. Postal Service" - neither rain or snow, nor dark of night will keep Him from His appointed rounds.
• GOD is like "Chevrolet" - the heart beat of America.
• GOD is like "Maxwell House" - good to the last drop.
• GOD is like "Bounty" - HE is the quicker picker upper - can handle the tough jobs and HE won't fall apart on you.

Blessings from my house to your house.

Paul Riggs

Devotional 12-16-09

I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. John 17:6

Thou our father, Christ our brother,
All who live in love are thine:
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
--(Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee) Henry Van Dyke

The Broler
Last December my co-teacher, Barb, and I were telling our 3-year-old preschool students the Nativity story. I made a point of explaining what a manger is and how it made a good substitute for a baby bed. The story ended with the visit of the Wise Men, and the children thought gold and perfume were strange gifts for a baby. So we asked them, "What present would you give to Baby Jesus?" Our little geniuses came up with very practical gifts: a crib and a blanket, a teddy bear, baby clothes, little socks, a high chair. The last child to speak was Nicky and the conversation went something like this:"Nicky, what would you give to Baby Jesus?"

"A broler."

Barb and I looked at each other. Nicky's mother is from Peru and he is bilingual, but every now and then we couldn't understand something he said, and this was one of those times.

"Say that again."

"A broler."

"One more time."

“A broler."

It was clear Nicky knew what he was saying but we were clueless.

I started rhyming in my head--what would rhyme with broler that would have to do with a baby?

"Ah-ha. Nicky, do you mean a stroller? You want the baby to have a stroller so he can take walks?"

"No, a brooo-ler." He was clearly becoming frustrated, and he clearly had something to tell us.

It was Barb who finally figured it out. "Nicky, are you saying brother?"

"Yes, yes, a broler!"

(Barb and I shared a teary-eyed "ahhh......")

Do I need to keep writing? The child wanted to give Baby Jesus a brother. What better gift could any of us give than the gift of a brother or sister, our own lives?

Dear Lord, May we always see you and your world through the eyes of a child. Help us to be deserving to be called your brothers and sisters. Amen.

Anita Farrell

Devotional 12-15-09

What are you waiting for?

Read: Micah 5:2-5a • Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7 •
Hebrews 10:5-10 • Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

As I sit here this morning I have no idea what the day will bring. Only God knows. I am not like Micah blessed to prophesize the future. Nor I am like Luke to tell of the fulfillment of the Prophets. I only know what has happened. What I do know is that our Lord and Savior was born to save us all.

Micah 5:4-5: And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

I do know that this first coming of our Lord and Savior is linked to his death and resurrection. For the real waiting is not for Christmas Day but the day that he will come again, and we will be risen, as he rose, from the dead.

In the mean time we have a Savior to guide us and a God that will protect and lead us to that day, if we only follow them. So again, “What are you waiting FOR??”

Fred Herr

Devotional 12-14-09

Optimism in Pessimistic World
Micah 5:2-5a

By the time this is published, God willing, Bryan and Sarah will have become the parents of Katelyn Elizabeth Bowen. That allows Lou Etta and me to become grandparents. As the character, Flounder said in the movie Animal House, “Is this great, or what?”

By the time Ms. Kate is old enough to understand the English language I really have some concerns about what impressions she is going to have of the world she will be living in.

Sesame Street, Sponge Bob, and Dora the Explorer can take a little girl so far, but the realities of everyday life start showing themselves in warnings about how dangerous this world can be. I hope that is not all she hears.

As a matter of fact, I think one of the things that Old Grandad may do is share with her the words from Micah to remind her that this world is not run by the 24 hour news cycles of Fox or CNN, and the good news is found in another media altogether.

My hope for all of us is that with all we are exposed to for the rest of the year that this Advent Season we find the triumph of optimism in these pessimistic times.

Mike Bowen

Devotional 12-13-09

This poem was written while flying over Huntington from Cleveland, OH to Charlotte, NC. It is an attempt to use an art form that expresses a thought of the season. I decided to access my childlike skill at this medium and offer it as a gift to the Christ child.

God Is Great

God is Great,
Jesus is too,
What would the Holy Spirit do?
If we gave him our souls,
Instead of trying to be cool.

God is Great,
Jesus is also,
A baby is born,
A world has been warned.
Whoever thought?
It would take so long,
For his Kingdom to Come.

God is Great,
Jesus is too,
Advent is near,
The meaning is clear,
Christ enters this world,
With a message so dear.
We are loved by Him
And the Holy Spirit is near.

God is Great,
Jesus is too.
I have been blessed,
And so have you.
It is not to late,
For the us to state,
To those who have less,
To those who hate,
That God is Great and
Jesus is too.

Rev. David Johnson

Devotional 12-12-09

Isaiah 12:2 says, “God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid. The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my savior.”

Since our wedding five years ago, I have thought from time to time about the fact that I was a bit of a “bridezilla.” I did a lot of work myself, because I wanted it all to be done exactly my way. I coordinated the reception, made the place cards, and even typed instructions for the caterer on how to arrange the centerpieces (since I couldn’t be there during the wedding to do it myself). I bet that the week after our wedding, not one of our guests would have been able to describe the place cards or the centerpieces. For some ridiculous reason, though, I felt the need to have total control so everything was absolutely perfect. Why didn’t I just let go of a few things and allow my loved ones to help me?

You might be able to think of something in your life with which you wouldn’t trust anyone else. I’d also guess that I’m not alone in that I tend to rely on myself to resolve everyday problems. In the same way that I wanted total control over those wedding arrangements, I often try too hard to have control over my life. If we can’t trust God for the small stuff, how will we ever feel comfortable with Him handling our real crises? Allowing someone else to handle the place cards and centerpieces would have been an exercise of my trust in others. Similarly, I should try harder to have faith that everyday situations will find resolution according to God’s plan. I propose that we as Christians begin a self-improvement process by starting small. If we practice putting our trust in God for more common problems, it might become a “good habit of the spirit.” When we have this good habit in times of prosperity, it will be so much easier to approach greater challenges with trust in Him and without fear.

We Christians frequently think of Jesus Christ as our savior from sin, but we need to remember God is also a savior during adversity. Has someone ever done you a favor to “save you the trouble” of wasting your own time or energy? This is why I think the scripture above describes God as “my savior” twice. Rather than drawing on our own energies and ability to solve our problems –especially the greatest challenges—We need to get our strength from God. It would be impossible to count the number of times that He has helped any one of us, but how many of us actually begin the battle by asking for His help? My trust in God frequently comes into play much later than it should, which often proves to be an effort in vain. If we sincerely allow God to be a savior, He can “save us the trouble” of trying to walk in a direction that wasn’t meant for us.

Natalie Wray

Devotional 12-10-09

Luke 3:7-18

In this passage, John, the Baptist discusses salvation with the crowds who have come to be baptized. He warns them not to think that their salvation lies simply in who they are (descendents of Abraham) but tells them that in order to be the wheat that God will gather into his granary rather than the chaff he will cut down and throw into the fire, they must "bear fruits worthy of repentance." In other words, their actions and thoughts should show that they are trying to change from living a self-centered to a God-centered life.

When asked what kind of acts would demonstrate such a transformation, John instructs them to share what they have -- their clothes and their food -- with the less fortunate, to be honest in their business dealings and to deal justly with those over whom they have power.

Finally, John tells the crowds that he is not the Messiah, humbly proclaiming his unworthiness. John's role as witness for Jesus was tremendously important, however. No longer "a voice crying out in the wilderness," he was among the people, and his teaching and baptizing were preparing them to receive the Messiah and the radical concepts he would introduce.

Who or what helps prepare the way and open your heart to be receptive to the coming of Jesus in this season of Advent? Is it the commercials for what we can buy to adorn ourselves or make our lives easier or give to someone else to do the same? What about the decorations - the Santas, snowmen, nutcrackers, nativity scenes, brightly lit trees with ornaments we have collected over the years? Maybe Christmas music or parties with friends and co-workers?

While I certainly enjoy these things, and they are part of the "tradition" of Christmas, I have become aware that they don't really prepare my heart to welcome and receive Jesus.

Increasingly, I have felt a longing for something more centered on what John tried to convey to his followers. I have found that the fruits I bear that evidence my attempt, feeble as it is sometimes, to walk more closely with God, are what the Christmas season is really all about.

Holding on to self-centered notions from childhood that measure Christmas by the quality of the gifts I received prevented me from bearing any fruit at all. I have come to realize that the fruits worthy of repentance include the things I share with those I don't even know - - coats and clothing for those lacking something appropriate for the weather; food items to help in preventing hunger; time so that those unable to get out to church may see the friendly faces of our youth; money for organizations which provide vital help to our needy sisters and brothers and to animals; and most of all, love. Even if it is just a smile or kind word so that the stressed clerk in the store, the server in the restaurant, or the mail carrier feel appreciated, it is important. Maybe a hug for someone who's having a bad day or perhaps a courteous gesture such as holding a door open for that person with packages or in a wheelchair, or letting the driver of the other car have that parking space I really wanted might make a difference. These are fairly small fruits to be sure, but I hope they are like Miracle Grow and lead to more frequent and more sacrificial giving of myself and my resources so that my fruit tree looks pleasingly productive to the one for whom I have been preparing.

Mary Taylor

Devotional 12-9-09

Always a Lamb

When I was little, “during the Great Depression,” I went to Sunday School every Sunday clutching my three pennies to put in the collection jar. I loved going to Sunday School because they told stories, sang songs and prayed for me and everybody. But the two things I really liked were Vacation Bible School and the Christmas Pageant.

Bible School was fun and games and cookies and milk with other kids my age, but the Christmas Pageant was really important and each year I would try to be Mary and hold the baby Jesus and be the center of it all.

However, Jane with the blue eyes and the golden Shirley Temple curls was Mary. Well, maybe I could be an angel with wings who stood above Mary – Nope! Well, if there weren’t enough boys (I knew I could never be king) maybe a shepherd and carry a crook – Nope again!

The teacher called my name, “Betty, you can be a lamb.” That’s what I always ended up as because I was skinny, breathed through my mouth, and had cotton white, straight hair.

Once again I would dawn a new suit of long underwear, they’d glue cotton balls around my head and other places. Then they would stick a little shoe black on the end of my nose. I was fidgety but I was a good lamb, but always a lamb.

I look back now, some eighty years later, and think being a lamb was important. Who was it on that cold winter night who heard the angels sing and gazed at that brilliant star? Who followed the shepherds and stood at the manger at that miraculous event? So many of them that it appeared as a multitude of soft white everywhere – Who Indeed? Lambs, that’s who. Now I am glad I was a lamb.

If I may paraphrase an anthem I sang a long time ago, I think you will recognize who was the most important Lamb in the stable. IT WAS ALL ON A WINTER’S EVENING; I LOOKED ON THE LAMB OF GOD.

Betty Long

Devotional 12-8-09

A Merry Little Christmas
In 1944, Meet Me in St. Louis was released. The musical starred Judy Garland, Tom Drake, Mary Astor, Margaret O’Brien, and June Lockhart. It told the story of four sisters living in St. Louis, Missouri, at the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition World’s Fair of 1904. The musical was directed by Vincent Minnelli and included “Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis”; “The Trolley Song”; and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. The Christmas song became a favorite of WWII soldiers who were far away from home and their families who missed them so dearly. It was also to become a favorite of mine.

I was born in the 1950’s. The war was over, but the songs of that era would be a part of my family’s Christmas for as long as I lived at my parents’ home. Some of you may remember the Firestone and Columbia Christmas albums that would feature stars such as Julie Andrews, Judy Garland, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, and Mel Torme. “Merry Little Christmas” would play on the stereo, and I would sing along with the rest of the family. That was a very special time.

As a teen in the 1960’s, I watched Meet Me in St. Louis on the Saturday Night Movie presentation. I don’t know if I had seen it before, but it was the first time that I noticed that the lyrics that Judy Garland was singing to “Merry Little Christmas” were not the words I had learned. They were somewhat depressing; they made me sad – and as a teen I didn’t need an outside stimulus to make me miserable.

I decided that I liked the newer version better. I later learned that the words were changed in 1957 at Frank Sinatra’s request. He told the writer, Hugh Martin, that he needed jollier words for his new Christmas album. Sinatra’s popularity was so strong that Martin could not refuse him, so the following generations learned the new version.

Recently I watched the movie again; it transported me to a time when my family was all together. What is strange is that the words that so depressed me in my youth were somewhat comforting now. The following are the original lyrics:

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
Next year all our troubles will be miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now

The words we sing today talk about hanging a shining star upon the highest bough. My family did hang a silver star on the treetop as did many families at that time. As a matter of fact, I don’t know what we would have put in its place.

But when Don and I were married in 1975, we didn’t have a star. I don’t remember why. Maybe we couldn’t find one, or maybe we couldn’t afford one, but in its place we put a cardboard angel. She wasn’t particularly pretty; she had that “’70s” folksy look about her, if you know what I mean. But that same angel has adorned our treetops for the last thirty-five years.

From the very beginning, our Christmases, like our lives, were not the pretty post-cards that we thought we were supposed to live. Year after year we “muddled through” less-than-perfect Christmases and less-than-perfect lives. We lived, loved, worked, raised children, and suffered year after year, searching for the perfection we thought we were supposed to attain. It never came.

What did come – love based on respect, trust, and old-fashioned hard work – was so much better. My friends and colleagues have recognized my weaknesses but have decided to accept me anyway. I have come to realize that while I think I know everything, the world continues to turn if I don’t give my opinion. I also know that my family loves me unconditionally, or they would no longer be speaking to me. I am one lucky “muddler”.

God sent his son into the world to teach us to love one another. He didn’t say it would be easy, or that we would always succeed. Each national disaster and personal problem will test that love. As the Christmas season draws near, we must fight the urge to strive for perfection. Even Jesus balked at that description. Just love one another, do what you can to end pain and suffering, and buy the cookies, if cookies you must have. That will boost the economy and give you time to be with your family. With God’s help, you’ll muddle through just fine.

Heavenly Father,
Bring us closer together in order to love one another as you have commanded. In your name we pray. Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 12-7-09

Philippians 4: 4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

There are many adjectives and adverbs that come to mind when I think of Advent, but Rejoice is not one of them! I fear that is because I tend to confuse the secular Christmas Holiday season with the Church’s Advent. How can we rejoice when there are purchases to make, travel plans to schedule and budgets to be met? There are decorations, parties, cards and dinners to be enjoyed but……..Rejoice?

Paul’s advice to the Church in Philippi is as true today as it was then. We should Rejoice In the Lord! It is through this act of faith that we can begin the Advent season. Rejoice for the Lord is near is what Advent is all about. If we concentrate on this - then we will not be anxious about all the “noise” that the Holidays can bring.

My hope and prayer for each of us at Johnson Memorial is that this Advent season will be one where we can truly know God’s peace in our heart and when we do - then we will know Paul’s exhortation to REJOICE!

Prayer: Heavenly Father as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we stop to ponder the many blessings you have bestowed on us. The gift of grace and forgiveness is free and yet we struggle! Help us to open our minds and hearts to your word and then we can be open to true Rejoicing in the Lord! Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-6-09

Prepare the Way of the Lord

[T]he word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” Luke 3: 2b-6

Are you ready for Christmas?

We’ll hear that question many times during the next few weeks. It will be referring to our preparedness, not for the coming of Christ, but for the holiday. And it won’t be heard from a voice crying out in the wilderness, but from a cacophony of voices in the wilderness of the hustle and bustle, long lines, and traffic jams that the Holiday Season has become.

Are you ready for Christmas—do you have your tree and decorations up?
Are you ready for Christmas—is your shopping done?
Are you ready for Christmas—how is your baking coming along?
Are you ready for Christmas—are your travel arrangements made?

Of course, this is not the kind of preparedness that the prophet Isaiah or John the Baptist talked about. They were speaking of the one who would radically change the world so that everyone could experience God’s salvation.

How can we be spiritually prepared for salvation? By repenting—making a commitment to turn away from our selfish lives and commit ourselves to God. Repentance does not earn our salvation, but it prepares our hearts to receive God’s gift of grace and helps us to lead a new life focused on loving God and neighbor.

As we prepare for Christmas—the Holiday Season—perhaps we should take time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus by recommitting our lives in service and discipleship.

Are you ready for Christmas?

Jeff Taylor

Devotional 12-6-09

Read John 11:38-44 (The Raising of Lazarus)

It’s not a Christmas story, is it? The story of Lazarus doesn’t mention a star in the East, or shepherds, wise men, or even angels praising God. In fact, it’s not a story of birth at all. Jesus is standing outside of the tomb of his friend, in grief.

We know the rest of the story, but for a moment, let’s pause in this spot, standing outside of the tomb of a friend who has died. Jesus could hear the mocking of the crowd and the grief of those he probably considered family. He would have smelled the decay of death. He knew his own pain and the pain of those closest to him. He wept.

Dr. Robert Jordon, pastor of Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska, wrote that as Jesus stood outside the tomb of Lazarus, he stood in the space between grief and miracles. If we read the passage closely, we might be surprised as what Jesus does. He gives thanks. To Jesus, the space between grief and a miracle was the place for gratitude.

Perhaps this is a Christmas story after all. In the beginning of Advent, as we stand near the miracle of the birth of God into the world, we also stand in the land of grief. For some, it is the hot pain of recent loss, when Christmas is seen only through tears; for others, Christmas will be a time of waves of grief, arriving at unexpected moments, surprising them with sudden intensity. We all stand in the land between grief and miracles.

It is the place for gratitude.

As I read through the list of devotional writers for this past year, I am struck by the number of them who lost family members in 2009. I thank God for the impact those family members had on their lives, and I know you join with me in holding these people and their families up in your prayers:

Marv Jones, Debbie McGinnis, Steve Matthews, Bob Matthews,
Jenny Matthews, Grant Matthews, Jeff Taylor , Mary Taylor, Judith Wilburn

(Forgive me if you are a devotional writer who has had a family member die this year and you are not listed above; the omission is completely my fault.)

One of our devotional writers died this past year. Floyd Taylor, whose name you may or may not recognize, was not a member of Johnson Memorial, but he often wrote for our ministry. I can remember only one time when he wrote using his own name; however, some of the anonymous devotionals published over the years were his work.

I also thank God for you as you read this devotional, and for those whose death you may be grieving through this time of miracles.

The birth of Jesus was the birth of hope into our lives. We have the certainty of the hope of resurrection and the blessing of the love of God through the presence of his church.

Because he lives, so do we.

Kim Matthews

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 12-3-09

Prepare the Way for the Lord!

Today is my son Mark’s birthday. When I saw the date for my devotional I couldn’t help going back 37 years to the time of his birth. I remembered the anticipation and excitement we felt as we got ready for our second child and the pure joy on the day of our son’s birth. As I started to read the scripture for this week, I thought about how Elizabeth and Zachariah must have felt. We were young parents with one child already, but they had waited their whole lives for this moment--a moment they thought would never come. Imagine, first to find you were to finally have a child and then to find out that this child would be the prophet who was to prepare the way for the long awaited savior.

And you my child, will be called a prophet of the most high;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,” (Luke 1;76 NIV)

In a way we all go to prepare the way for the Lord. Every person that we meet, every situation in which we find ourselves, is an opportunity to let God’s love reflect in our lives and make Him known to the world. I recently received an E-mail that had one line that really hit me. “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” As Christians we need to try to be kinder, more patient, and more compassionate-to let God’s love shine through us to the world. This Christmas season let us truly go forth and prepare the way for the Lord, in our own hearts and in the hearts of all we meet.

Margaret Williams