12-28-12 Friday's Devotion: Drawing Closer

Deuteronomy 7:9  Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

I often like the sayings friends post on Facebook. One today said "Do something every day to draw you closer to God."  I wonder what would happen if we woke up every morning and were intentional about that. What can I do today to bring me closer to God?  What can you do?  Let's try it. Report back to me if you like!  

Holy God we are amazed at Your love for us, even when we don't feel lovable. Draw us closer to you so that we may find strength and rest for this day. Amen. 

Have a blessed day and weekend!

Paige

12-27-12 Thursday's Devotion: Thanks for Prayers!

Psalm 66:19-20 but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Yesterday we drove from Atlanta to Indianapolis. I can say I really wanted to wait a day because Indy seemed to be the poster child on the weather forecasts for blizzard conditions. We left home about 6:45 am. Except for periodic rain, the roads were fine with light traffic until we were about 60 miles south of Indianapolis. Then then roads became increasing covered with snow and traffic slowed and backed up. There were numerous cars off the side of the road waiting on wreckers. Even some of the wreckers needed wreckers! Still driving steadily at the rate of the other traffic, we made it safely to our hotel, arriving about 3:45. This was actually the best time we've ever made from Atlanta to Indy! Thanks to my iPhone I was on Facebook during the trip giving reports of our progress and in return I saw that many friends were praying for traveling mercies for us. I am a person who believes in answered prayer and really appreciate those interceding for us; adding their prayers to ours. Let us never forget to pray for one another. I know sometimes prayer seems one-sided, but our God always hears from heaven.

Holy God, thank you for bringing us safely to our destination yesterday. Thank you for bringing your children into relationship with one another; for people who love one another as you taught us and for those who will pray for others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Devotional test

I am trying out a new delivery method for my morning devotionals.

I hope that you are all having a blessed Christmas.

Pastor Paige

Tuesday's Devotion: An Embarassment of Riches

1 John 2:15-17  Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world;  for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world.  And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

Luke 8:14 As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

I finally finished wrapping all the Christmas presents Sunday!  I like everything in boxes, using gift bags only when I don’t have a box that will work. Gift bags however make it easier for everything to fit under the tree.  Ours won’t begin to fit.  As a matter of fact as I look at all that is there, it’s almost embarrassing especially when I think of the many that have so little.  Still those gifts represent the love we have of family and friends and a spirit of generosity. And too, we really do know and acknowledge the real reason for the season.  We’re not completely there but we try to make our devotion to God greater than our love of possessions.  We like our stuff but we love our God from whom all true riches come. 

Philippians 4:19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Loving Father, as we open gifts today, help us to remember the greatest riches come from you through your Son whom we adore.  In His name we pray this Christmas Day, Amen.

Joe and I wish everyone a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: The First to Know USED

Modified and used  12-21-21

Luke 2:8  In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Has someone ever shared some important news with you and said you were the first to know?  Maybe they got engaged, discovered they were going to have a baby, or were getting a promotion or new job.  How did it make you feel to know you were so special that this person chose you as the first to tell?  I saw a short video devotion the other day that talked about this.  It pointed out what we know --- that when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel was born the announcement of this birth came to simple shepherds keeping their flocks.  Shepherds were among the commonest, lowest class people. Yet it was to them that the angels appeared.  It was to them that the invitation was given to come see the Messiah. “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.”   We believe this was a very deliberation of the part of his Father. 

The scripture said  “for all the people”; rich and poor, saints and sinners, male and female, all races, all kinds of people.  No one is omitted from the love of God; no one is to be turned away.  All means ALL.  Mary’s prophesy was one of justice and liberation; Jesus’ birth was first announced to common people.  We like Jesus then will do well this Christmas to announce his birth to the shepherds in our lives.  I love Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve services – at no other time is the sense of warmth and love sensed so much in worship.  When we leave the services tonight, let’s try to keep that feeling alive in our hearts to share with others.  Merry Christmas!

Love in Christ,

Paige

 

Friday’s Devotion: Separation Anxiety

Updated and used 12-18-19

Isaiah 59 (CEB) Alienation from God - Look! The Lord does not lack the power to save,     nor are his ears too dull to hear, but your misdeeds have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden his face from you so that you aren’t heard.

This morning’s news reported on the joyful and successful separation of conjoined twin girls.  I understand that sometimes the babies suffer from separation anxiety after these surgeries.  Scripture tells us that our sin separates us from God.  Because Adam and Eve sinned against God they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. They had every blessing, including free will but they misused those blessings and suffered for their disobedience.  Now all of humankind suffers from an inner anxiety, not feeling totally complete.  Yet scripture tells us that because of Jesus Christ, we can become reconciled to God so that some of the gap between us can be traversed. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says ….All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  In other words, God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ, by not counting people’s sins against them. He has trusted us with this message of reconciliation.  That’s the foundation of our hope as Christians.  We know that even before we reach towards God, God is reaching towards us.

Holy God, we thank you for the grace that you extend to us that draws us towards you. Bring us nearer each day so that our lives may be complete and we can rest in you during our troubles and during our successes.  We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a blessed weekend,

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Slip Stopper

Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV) He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

We bought an area rug for the den earlier this year.  I liked it, but the rug kept creeping across the floor.  I’d put it in place and by the end of the day it would be up against the hearth.  After springing for the cost of the rug I didn’t want to spend the money for the pad.  Finally after months of slide and pull, we purchased the under pad and installed it.  The rug hasn’t moved an inch since then.  Just goes to show that if you have the proper foundation things seem to work better.

God, you are our foundation.  Help us to be firmly established upon your Word. Keep us from slipping down the wrong paths; protect us from harm. We ask that you keep us healthy in mind, body and spirit.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: How Did I Know That?

Psalm 119:11 CEB)  I keep your word close, in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you.

I have mixed feelings about watching Jeopardy.  I can’t imagine how these people know the answers to some of the quiz questions!  It makes me feel pretty ignorant sometimes.  When I do watch it I hope that maybe I’ll learn something useful; maybe a bit of trivia to drop in a middle of a sermon.  Last night though I was on a roll.  I answered questions all three contestants missed even answering all the sports questions.  Where some of those answers came from, I don’t know.  It seems that we can almost unconsciously store away bits of information.  Psalm 119 is a good scripture about storing away bits of God’s word.  When we do that, often in times of distress those scriptures will surface giving us comfort and reassurance.  I recommend that everyone have at least one Bible they don’t mind marking up – I write in all of mine although it took awhile to become comfortable writing in books. Highlight scriptures that resonate with you and then periodically go back through and read them until they are hidden in your heart.  It’s definitely worth the effort!

Thank you Lord, for the gift of your living Word.  Speak to us as we read the scriptures and reveal their meaning to us and for us.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

 

 

Tuesday’s Devotion: Gifts Under the Tree USED

Modified and used 12-16-19 & 12-20-21

Matthew 2:11 They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
James 1:17  Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.

I love presents for me under the Christmas tree.  Yesterday a friend brought me a present in a large gift bag.  I put it under the tree instead of opening it immediately. One of my favorite parts of Christmas has always been the anticipation of Christmas surprises. Every Christmas morning I become like a child again, enjoying other people opening their gifts and then opening my own.  Joe’s family tradition was to open gifts on Christmas Eve. I was never so depressed in my life as that first time we spent Christmas at their home and there was nothing for me to open on Christmas morning.
Yes, I know about the true meaning of Christmas.  I’ve written and preached the sermons. I’ve spread the Good News.  My Christmas and my life center on the Greatest Gift. Yet I’m human and that sense of anticipation adds to the joy of the season.  As in all of life, it’s a matter of having our priorities in order.  Let’s take time each day to pray and thank God for his numerous and generous blessings.  Then we can also enjoy some of the commercial aspects of the season.  And if my husband reads this, honey I hope there’s a surprise under the tree for me on Christmas morning!

Have a blessed day,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Good from Evil

Romans 5:12-17 (NLT)  When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.  Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break.  Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come.  But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.  And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.  For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

Over the weekend, I have read some profound writings responding to the tragic events in Sandy Hook.  I am to the point where I don’t want to hear any more newscasters or analysts picking apart what happened or how people might react emotionally or what might have caused this young man to do something so horrific. I feel there is a profit motive behind some of this fueled by folk’s morbid curiosity. I was saddened when one reporter said some were taking down their Christmas decorations.  I suppose that’s fine if those decorations only represent secular celebrations to them.  Yet I know that if Christ had not come into the world, things would be a whole lot worse than they are.  And I know that because Christ did come into the world we are seeing a spirit of compassion fueled by those who have learned to live out the teachings of Christ. The outpouring of love and support directed towards those in Sandy Hook has been heartwarming.  Nothing can undo or make up for the bad that happened.  Yet as usual in all things, even in this God is working to bring good.  That is why my Christmas decorations will remain in place and I will celebrate the season. 

Holy God, we pray for those in the community of Sandy Hook and for those who loose loved ones who die quiet deaths all over this country and world every day.  Instill in us the hope of new life after this life and comfort us as we grieve over the passing of loved ones.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed week; hug your loved ones,

Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Seeing Stars

Psalm 30:5b Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Various friends have been commenting on Facebook about being able to view the Geminid meteor shower last night.  I too put on a jacket and went outside late last night to gaze upward at the skies in hopes of finding a shooting star to wish upon.  However where we live there is too much light pollution to see stars.  Only the very brightest are visible in a small patch of the overhead sky.  I thought of the saying, “When it’s dark enough, you can see the stars.”  People use it to say that often in our darkest times, the presence of God is more evident. I was disappointed that I couldn’t see the meteors last night but I do know that even when I can’t see the stars they are there in the same way that our Creator’s enduring presence is there even when we can’t see it.

Holy God, we often have tough challenges and sadness in our lives.  Thank you for always being there to lift us up and restore our joy.  Thank you for the beauty of nature especially the sun, moon and stars that bring light into the darkness just as your Son did.  In his name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: The Joy of Our Hearts

Modified and used on 12-11-19

Thursday’s Devotion: The Joy of Our Hearts

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NRSV)  This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot.  Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God.  For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.

Yesterday I saw a picture saying on Facebook that I really liked so I reposted it.  This is what it said: “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are.”  I think that is a wonderful description of the way I would like my life to be. I’m much closer to achieving those things than I used to be.  I certainly acknowledge daily how blessed I am. Still, sometimes I get so involved in the “doing more” that I end up too tired to dream big or laugh and smile.  It’s all about balance and constantly seeking God’s help and direction.  When I considered what scripture to match to a devotional about this quote, the passage from Ecclesiastes immediately came to mind.  It’s one of my favorite Old Testament scriptures.  I can resolve each day to do my best to enjoy the life God has blessed me with and to use my gifts and graces to make it as good as possible for me and for others.  May God keep us occupied with the joy of our hearts!

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christmas joy,
Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Making a Difference

Deuteronomy 16:17  All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.

Last night Joe and I attended the annual Exchange Club Christmas dinner. The attendees are men and women for whom service is a large part of their lives.  Before the dinner a young man came to the table to chat with us.  He related his experience of recently helping an elderly woman by cleaning her yard. He didn’t just rake to make it look neater, he mowed and mulched and filled in holes with dirt that could pose a hazard when she walked in the yard.  He is now going to help her on the inside of her home.  He is not doing this for pay, but because he loves to help people.  During the dinner people are recognized for outstanding service.  It is kept a close secret so the recipients don’t know ahead of time.  I was not surprised when this young man was called up to accept the Man of the Year award or to learn he had also been named the Mason’s Man of the Year.  In his brief but humble speech he said that if you weren’t making a difference somewhere, what was the point of life?  What a wonderful life attitude to have.  Today, let’s each ask ourselves where and how we are making a difference.

Loving God, You have blessed each of us with gifts and talents that we can then share with others.  We ask for your strength and guidance as we seek ways to serve.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: Christmas Joy

Modified and used 12/12/22

Job 8:21        He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.
Psalm 16:11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in       your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
John 16:20    Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.

I love Christmas; I really do but not so much the accompanying stresses.  For those of us who have already full schedules we often wonder how we will get the decorating, shopping, partying, and card addressing done. Of course for the ones who lead or are active in church we add to that more services, sermons, music to learn, and a host of other church activities. I caught a bad cold before Thanksgiving that will not go away adding another layer of challenges to my Christmas season.  Still the spirit and joy of Christmas is resilient. 

My sermon series for this Advent is Christmas Coffeehouse.  Each Sunday we enjoy a different special brew.  This Sunday I’m offering folks a cup of Christmas Joy.  Just when I was thinking JOY could stand for Just Overwhelmed, Y’all, my son sent me the link to a video of a flash mob in a crowded mall. It started with one Christmas shopper singing Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee, with other carefully placed singers joining in.  They followed that with a number of other Christmas songs.  During the last song a couple dressed as Mary and Joseph and carrying a young dark haired baby stepped into the middle of the mall crowd.  My heart, already lifted was filled with joy.  Our scriptures this morning shows that Joy comes from our Lord.  No matter how busy we get, let’s remember to turn to Him for strength and revitalization.

Holy God, You have always brought joy to your people even in the midst of weeping. Help us to seek and find your joy each day.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a joy-filled day!

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: A Lesson on Pan and Scan

2 Timothy 3:15-17 Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.  Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

I watched a 1955 Humphrey Bogart Christmas movie on TCM last night. Afterwards modern day directors talked about the problems of converting wide screen movies to be shown on television. The method, pan and scan and adjusts the proportions by often cropping off the sides of the original widescreen image to focus on the composition's most important aspects.  These directors disapproved of pan and scan cropping because it can remove up to 45% of the original image, changing the director or cinematographer's original vision and intentions.  To make their point they showed classic film frames in their original format and then showed how much was cut out with the pan and scan editing.  A lot of the beauty and feeling of the original film was lost.  You know we tend to use our own version of pan and scan on the Bible.  We read only the easy, familiar parts, ignoring that which we don’t understand or parts that might ask of us more than we’re willing to give.  And yet when we edit God’s Word, we lose much of the beauty and meaning the original Creator intended for us.  Each day when you read a familiar scripture, perhaps you could turn to one you haven’t studied before and see what it might say to you.

Loving God, you have given us your Word for our benefit. Please guide us through your Holy Spirit to help us find all of the treasures you have prepared for us.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Taking Praise Moments

Modified and used 12-9-19

Psalm 16:7-11  I will bless the Lord who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind. I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side. That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit. You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

Christmas is supposed to be a joyous season yet trying to fit in the shopping and decorating and celebrating into our sometimes already crowded schedules can bring more hurriedness and “harriedness” than happiness.  I’m sharing a praise Psalm from today’s daily readings.  I find if I stop and take time to re-center myself and spend a moment praising God, it helps restore my energy.  During this season, take time to be holy and you will have a holier holiday.

Holy God, in this Advent season help us to recapture the wonder of the miracle of Christmas.  Please give us strength for this day.  Be with those who are ill so we can worry less about them.  Finally please help us order our days according to your greater wisdom for our benefit.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Rethink Life

(Used again 8-31-18)
Psalm 39:4-7 (NLT) “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”  We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

This could be a pretty depressing scripture unless we remember that it is comparing our lives to that of God’s eternity.  We still have the opportunity to live long, productive lives.  Yesterday we received word that a member of New Hope UMC just a few miles up the road died at the age of 116.  She was the oldest person in the world.  Who knows? You might be a record breaker!  This scripture speaks to me about not letting life slip by; about treasuring each day.  It’s good to remember the past and to learn from it, but we cannot alter the past no matter how wonderful or terrible it might have been for us personally. We can, however craft our future. We can decide what we want our future to be and work towards that with God’s help.  Every day we turn a new page in the current chapter of our lives.  What do we want to write?  The UMC has a current campaign out titled “Rethink Church.” Periodically we should take the opportunity to rethink life. Are we where we really want to be?  Don’t be afraid to go for what you really want.  Just bring it to God first and ask for direction. 

Loving God, give us the courage to live life fully.  It is short compared to yours and to the life we are offered on the other side of this earthly existence.  You blessed us with this life; help us to make it something pleasing to you and joyful for ourselves.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Winds and Waves

Luke 8:24-25 (CEB) They went and woke Jesus, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” But he got up and gave orders to the wind and the violent waves. The storm died down and it was calm.  He said to his disciples, “Where is your faith?” Filled with awe and wonder, they said to each other, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!”

I walked this morning wearing exercise pants and a light tee shirt.  It was too warm for a jacket. The red and pink summer roses at the end of our street were blooming again.  The weathercasters are saying that the weather is unseasonably warm. We are seeing more and more of that.  The ice caps are melting and there have been measurable changes in the levels of the oceans.  Our climate is changing due to the damages humankind is doing to our atmosphere.  We don’t know what that might bring. As I stopped to look at the beautiful blooms the gospel story of Jesus commanding the winds and waves came to mind.  No matter what we might do, we have a God who can do more and who is ultimately in control. The earth has gone through many ages and stages since its creation. Our Creator has not abandoned his creation including those who inhabit His world.  Jesus said, In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.

Holy God, as we enjoy beautiful weather help us to remember you as Creator.  Help us to do a better job caring for your creation.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday’s Devotion: Peace and Goodwill

Modified and used 12/4/19

John 16:33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This coming Sunday’s theme will be peace.  There are so many things around that disturb our peace.  It sometimes seems worse around holidays when nerves are frayed. Christ promises peace but “In Him” instead of in the world.  We live in this world but we can place our heart in Jesus. I think a lot of our unrest could be avoided if we didn’t tend to make mountains out of molehills.  Some people seem to thrive on contention.  But life’s too short.  Christ wants us to get along with others and to be in relationship with our Creator.  That’s pretty difficult when we’re always fussing and fuming over something.  While we take on more tasks during this holiday season lets also let go of some resentments or envy or bitterness towards others.  Let’s pray that this Christmas we will find peace on earth and good will towards all people.

Holy God, help us to have peace this Advent season even if we cannot create world peace.  Help us to reestablish broken relationships and extend goodwill to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: A Precarious Position

Modified and used 12-1-20 Giving Tuesday

Matthew 25:34-40 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;  for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'  Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it……………?’  And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'

I have seen several things on the Internet recently that disturbed me.  Both insinuated that charity should be extended to those who “deserve” it.  I know that some people are lazy and avoid work, some are freeloaders, and some are scam artists.  I also know that we can find scriptures that say people should work, and should be industrious and that we reap what we sow.  Still, to me it would be a terrible burden to set ourselves up in the precarious position of judging just who is deserving.  We cannot know everyone’s story.  Did they have parents who taught them the value of work?  Or did they have parents who left them to fend for themselves?  Have they been damaged by life in some way?  It’s very easy to look at an able bodied poor person and categorize him or her as lazy.  It’s easier to make jokes about welfare Cadillacs than to let go of our hard earned resources.  In this scripture Jesus extends compassion to the prisoner just as he did to the thief on the cross.  He did not say have them fill out some forms to see if they qualify for compassion before extending charity.  Just my thoughts.

Holy God, help us to judge less and love more.  As the weather turns colder, warm our hearts towards the indigent and homeless.  Guide us to those whom you would have us to help, Lord.  Help us to listen to their stories.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week,
(and pray for those who won’t have one)

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Spanx for Sinners

Thursday’s Devotion:  Spanx for Sinners

Galatians 5:19-26 (CEB)  The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry,  jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won’t inherit God’s kingdom.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified self with its passions and its desires.  If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit.  Let’s not become arrogant, make each other angry, or be jealous of each other.

I saw today that Spanx, those undergarments that makes people look slimmer are now getting their own stores.  Both men and women wear Spanx to control the lumps and bumps usually resulting from eating indiscretions.  What if we could have Spanx for our other indiscretions, our sins?  These Spanx would control our tongue, out tempers, and our temptations.  If we read this scripture closely we can see that the Holy Spirit can be our Spanx for Sinners.  We don’t have to go to the store to get these special control garments.  We simply have to open our hearts and invite the Spirit in and then let the Spirit help us control what we need to keep in check.  We will soon see that our new inner beauty will shine through to outer beauty, too.

Holy God, we would rather try to hide our sins than to control them.  Be with us, sending your Spirit to help us overcome our temptations and to be blessed with the fruits of the Spirit.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Reading Tea Leaves

Wednesday’s Devotion:  Reading Tea Leaves

Lamentations 3:22-23  Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

After I finished a cup of hot tea yesterday evening I noticed some tea leaves in the bottom of my cup.  I remembered when I was young hearing of people who could read tea leaves.  I hadn’t thought about that in a long time. I looked into my cup and wondered what a fortune teller might make of my leaves.  I don’t know if anyone can really predict the future. I know most of us would like some degree of increased certainty about what our future might hold.  On the other hand I don’t want to know some things like the date of my death or if something bad is going to happen.  I want to live each day without worrying about those things. I can predict one thing: God will be with me through all things in my future.  In a world full of uncertainty, that is a great comfort.

Thank you Lord for you continued faithfulness; your constant care and grace in our lives.  We ask for strength for today and each new day as they come.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

Tuesday’s Devotion: Unclean, Unclean USED

Luke 17:11-13   Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

Notice that the men stood at a distance from Jesus.  In those days lepers had to stay in less populated areas, keep their faces covered and call out , “Unclean, unclean” as they moved about.  Family members would leave food for them at agreed upon areas.  They were outcasts from society through no fault of their own. 

I took a couple of days off from writing over Thanksgiving.  We had a blessed day with family and friends and hope you did, too.  Yesterday instead of writing, Joe and I both were in the doctor’s office getting prescription antibiotics and cough medicine for these lingering bad colds.  I coughed through most of my sermon Sunday and have not had much relief since from the coughing.  I tried to keep a distance from people, not hugging or shaking hands as I usually would.  And I have felt some empathy for these lepers.  People haven’t wanted to be near me; I’ve been told to stay away. And I discovered that even though it’s certainly understandable, it really hurt my feelings, too.  It’s hurtful to be rejected.  I comforted myself with the knowledge that I will soon be over this cold and will no longer be treated like Typhoid Annie.  Yet there are other people in our society who are shunned for who they are instead of some contagion they may be carrying.  Teens and gays and people of color are bullied and rejected and some even subjected to hate crimes. Have you ever been rejected?  I hope you came away with a more tender heart towards others who suffer the same thing. 

Holy God, As I pray for healing for our colds, I also pray for those who are rejected by others.  Help us to grow in our kindness towards others, even those who are different.  We pray in the name of the one who reached out to heal others, even lepers. Amen.

Peace,
Paige

Modified and used for Franklin Press and Thursday Musings 12-1 & 12-2 2021

Wednesday’s Devotion: Trash to Treasure

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Lara Spencer on GMA loves to take flea market finds and rework them into something beautiful.  I think that’s a great idea.  We are too quick to cast things off that still could have a useful life for someone.  Last week I rescued two nice crates from someone’s trash pile.  We needed more storage for past newsletters and bulletins in the office and these will fit nicely in our cabinets. We throw people away, too. Not literally, but we write them off because of some failure, because of our failure to see the good that might still lie within them.  We all fail at times, there are just different degrees of failure.  The good news is that Christ is greater than all our failures and that through Christ we can become renewed and even better than before.  Christ is also in the trash to treasures business for which I am very thankful.

Thank you Jesus, for giving us the opportunity to become new people.  We don’t always live up to our own expectations, much less the expectations of others. Yet we know that your love and care for us is unfailing.  We praise your name, and put our trust in you. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: Hearing from God

Isaiah 50:4 (NIV) The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

I realize that people are at many different places in their walk with the Lord.  Some people come as seekers, not quite sure of their faith and the true existence of a supreme being.  Others have moved beyond that and are trying to decide just how to be in a relationship with God since God cannot be seen.  How does one carry on a conversation with God?  Still others have come to the point of a deeper spirituality.  They have learned to open their hearts and minds to God and feel God’s presence in their lives. The good news is that God meets each of us right where we are. God desires us to reach out to him, but we don’t have to do all of the work.  As with Isaiah, early mornings, before we become overcome with the duties and concerns of the day are a good time to connect with the Divine. 

Holy God, we want to hear from you but don’t always know how to listen for your voice.  Speak to us as you did to the prophets of old.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Praying for Peace Today

 

Psalm 117:1-2  Praise the Lord, all you nations! Worship him, all you peoples!  Because God’s faithful love toward us is strong, the Lord’s faithfulness lasts forever! Praise the Lord!

I mentioned an experience I had in Jerusalem yesterday in my sermon.  Later someone remarked that I was lucky to have gone earlier this year in light of all the shelling going on in and around Gaza now.  As we prayed during the service one of the requests was for the people of that area.  I prayed for all the people.  Often we want to take sides, saying one nation has a right to defend itself. While this may by factual I am always aware that nations are comprised of people; men, women, little boys and girls, grandmothers and grandfathers.  This week as we give thanks for the life we have in this country, let’s also pray that peaceful solutions may be found in others so that the ordinary people like us will no longer live in fear of dying as a result of conflict.

God of All Nations, thank you that we can live in a country that is not torn by war. Thank you that we don’t live in fear of missiles exploding our homes and killing our loved ones.  We pray for the people of Israel, people of all faiths that one day they may live in peace.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Healing Prayers

 

Jeremiah 17:14-16a  Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved,    for you are the one I praise. They keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the Lord?    Let it now be fulfilled!” I have not run away from being your shepherd.

I remember sitting in a rocking chair on the deck of my favorite (now defunct) mountain inn one morning.  I had been going through a short period of emotional distress and was hoping a weekend in the mountains with Joe would cheer me up.  As I paged through my Bible searching for a word from God I came across Jeremiah 17:14.  I turned it into a breath prayer, “Heal me, O Lord and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one that I praise.”  I have used that prayer many times over the succeeding years.  A few weeks ago I found it in my Bible again and noticed the following verses.  How appropriate for me as a pastor, I thought.  I have marked it in the Bible I usually read from on Sunday mornings.  Now before I preach I turn to that page and read it.  God’s Word can heal and comfort and empower us.  Sitting home with a bad cough and fever this morning, I have once again evoked this healing prayer.  You might want to pray it for yourself and for me, too!

Holy God, heal me from my infirmities today.  Help me to feel better so that I can go about my day as your servant.  In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

Have a great weekend!

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Living in Freedom

Galatians 5:1 (GW)  Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don’t become slaves again.

There’s nothing like having a burden lifted by Christ. Scripture says that we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37).  Yet sometimes we don’t live the life of freedom Christ has given us.   We may shed a bad habit but keep all the lesser habits that used to accompany it.  Instead of living with Christ’s attitude of love we continue to be legalistic, judging others and ourselves too harshly.  Leah Nobel sings a song titled “Ride the Butterfly.”  That imagery is one of rebirth and freedom and souring in successful living to me.  This is what our Creator wants for us.

Holy God, you have freed us from living under the old Law and instead wish us to live under the new law of love.  You free us from temptation to sin and give us new life.  Help us to live into our freedom and to be held back no longer by our old life and habits.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion – The First Cut

Philippians 4:13 (GW) I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.

I watched the medical drama Emily Owens, MD last night.  In it, Emily performed her first surgery. It was scary for her to make that first cut. I tried to put myself in her place and knew that it would be scary for me, too.  We may not be medical students, but there may be other things in our life that we are reluctant to do because it seems scary to us.  What could it be for you? Is there someone you’d like to ask out?  Is there an injustice you want to speak out against?  Are you considering changing jobs?  Is there something new you’d like to try?  Is God calling you to deepen your relationship with Him? In all these situations we can be unsure of making that first step. Yet in all things, Christ is with you and if things don’t work out, Christ will still be with you.  You may not understand it now, but trust me, that’s the coolest thing ever.

We’re so unsure sometimes, Lord.  We don’t know what we should do. Help us to trust your voice and our conscience.  Help us to understand our own hearts and to be brave enough to step out in faith towards new things.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a good day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: God and Discipline

Hebrews 12:8-11 MSG My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

I like the way the Message translates this scripture. I know that once we grow up we tend to resist discipline.  We want to be in charge. We have bosses at work and for some our parents still exert a degree of influence. We have to live in compromise with our spouse. Where we can we want to be in control. But God often has other ideas.  If you’ve never felt God’s discipline, you might want to work harder to be in relationship with God.  It might not be fun to have God trip you up in front of others but it is a good feeling that God loves you enough to help you walk the best path by correcting you.

Holy God, thank you so much for your discipline. We know you want the best for us.  Help us to lower our resistance and to follow your lead.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great day,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Religion, Running and Relationships

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

I prayed this morning for myself, the church, our staff and a number of other people, of course including my husband Joe and son Robert.  I’m so proud of Robert for his involvement at St. Mark UMC, for his taking up running and dedication to good health and fitness at this point in his life and for his ability to surround himself with great friends.  I realized that I was praying for his religion, running and relationships.  And I realized that for all of us to be successful in those areas it takes discipline and perseverance.  For me it takes prayer, too.  I like this scripture that says to pursue the good things and fight the good fight.  I’m not for violence but this is a different fight.  Both recognize that the best things of a faith driven life don’t come easily. We have to take the initiative to make things happen. 

Holy God, we need you every hour to strengthen us and to help us plan ways to life the good and faithful life.  We ask in Jesus’ name that you would be with us this week. Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Paige

 

Friday’s Devotion: Caesar and God

Matthew 22:15-22 (NLT)  Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.  They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites.  Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?  Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”  “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”  His reply amazed them, and they went away.

This scripture really isn’t about whether the people should pay taxes or not.  It’s about Jesus’ conflict with Jewish leaders. However I have always seen some wisdom in Jesus’ remark. We all have dual citizenship.  We are citizens of the country in which we live or maybe of some other country but we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God. While we do our duties as Americans we should never lose sight of our other citizenship and the duties to which that citizenship calls us.  This citizenship calls us to be people of love.  It calls us to be kind to one another, to care for the poor and lonely, to pray and worship God.  Our Kingdom citizenship must, MUST take priority over our geographic citizenship.  If we let the other dominate we are easily led to participate in the divisiveness that seems to naturally come when we have a multi-party political system. I plan on being in church Sunday (I have to be there, I’m the preacher) and I hope you will be there too. If need be, let’s reorient ourselves as Christians towards the things of God.

Holy God, We no longer live in the Garden. We occupy a world that does not always reflect your image. Help us to reorient ourselves toward the cross upon which the blood of our Savior was poured that we might become new people; citizens of your Kingdom now and eternally.  In His name we pray, Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Miracles – Ordinary and Otherwise

1 Corinthians 12:28  Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.

In a recent email Terry Teykl related that some years ago he went to a hospital to pray for a man in the last stages of cancer at the request of one of his church members. It was obvious death was near but Terry prayed a perfunctory prayer and left. The next day when he called the hospital to see if the man had died he was told that the man had gone home.  Teykl contacted him and the young man said that after he prayed a man in a white robe appeared and healed him.  We may not have such things happen to us but we encounter ordinary miracles every day.  There are actually two popular songs about ordinary miracles.  In Ordinary Miracle Sara McLaughlin sings, “The sky knows when it’s time to snow. Don't need to teach a seed to grow.  It's just another ordinary miracle today.  Life is like a gift they say wrapped up for you every day;  Open up and find a way to give some of your own.”   In Ordinary Miracles Barbara Streisand sings these beautiful lyrics, “Ordinary miracles happen all around.  Just by giving and receiving comes belonging and believing.  Every sun that rises never rose before.  Each new day leads the way through a different door, and we can all be quiet heroes living quiet days, walking through the world changing it in quiet ways. Ordinary miracles like candles in the dark, each and every one of us lights a spark.” I’m thankful for the miracles of nature and the people who quietly perform ordinary miracles each day. One of those might be you.

Holy God, the ways of the world are vast and constantly changing. We know that you remain steadfast leading us through each day like a beacon.  Help us to perform ordinary miracles along the way.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Paige