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

Wednesday’s Devotion: Marching with John

2 Chronicles 5:13  The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud,

Yesterday was the birthday of John Philip Sousa (1854).  Sousa wrote some of our most beloved marches including The Stars and Stripes Forever, Semper Fidelis, and the Washington Post March. He enjoyed great popularity during his lifetime for his bands, his marches and his operettas, yet I wonder if he could know how many feet would eventually march to his music; how many fireworks would spangle the sky and how many flags would be waved to the sound of his compositions. Music is inspiring and uplifting although people have different ideas as to what type music does that. There are many scriptures about the role of music among God’s people from those marching around Jericho sounding trumpets, to David playing music for Saul to calm Saul’s soul. Psalms entreat us to sing and to make music to the Lord.

Ephesians instructs us to replace drinks of spirits with spiritual songs.  5:18-20  “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,  singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The next time you listen to music that lifts your spirits, stop and give thanks to the Lord for his great gift to us.

Thank you Lord for putting a song in our heart and for the gift of music. Thank you for those who write and perform inspiring music.  We praise you in word and song. Alleluia, amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: Stinky Garbage

Matthew 7:12 (CEB) Therefore, you should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.

I really don’t like walking on garbage day. I did pretty good last week until I was almost home.  Someone’s garbage receptacle was overflowing and smelled awful.  What do those people throw away? Ugh.  Joe and I use our garbage disposal for food waste and recycle paper, plastic and cans so we rarely fill up our can.  I’m glad my trash isn’t offensive to others.  Sometimes we let the other type of garbage in our life spill over onto others.  It’s often difficult to put on a happy face and be pleasant when we are stressed out or irritated because of some person or some situation.  Yet we would do well to remember this scripture – it’s the Golden Rule most of us learned at an early age.  Let’s all contain our garbage and dispose of it in a proper way. 

Holy God, we need you constantly in our life to help us stay at peace when things bother us.  Help us to treat others as we wish to be treated. We pray that you remove our anxieties and anger; teach us to let God and to turn to you when we are troubles.  We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Nature Doesn’t Care but God Does

 

Revelation 22:13 (CEB)  I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

Last night during the Connect Group our thoughts and prayers turned toward those affected by hurricane /super storm Sandy. Each of us could relate an experience with the ravages of nature. Tommy Carraway was without power for 32 days after a tornado struck in North Carolina where he was living. Beverly and I had both gone to Mississippi to help with the aftermath of Katrina. She went right after the storm hit and I went just 2 years ago.  I have observed that the forces of nature have no prejudices.  They strike old and young; rich and poor; caretakers and criminals.  I’ve seen the most beautiful roses growing in the yards of homes in disrepair and fire strike any and all types of structures.  We concluded that while these forces can take all our possessions, our job, our electricity, our homes, they cannot take away our relationship with God. That relationship is the ultimate possession; the thing upon which a good life is built.  The good news is that the Creator of the universe also has no prejudices.  God’s love and grace is available to all. That  we can be very thankful for even when  the storms of life rage around us.

Holy God, thank you for your loving presence. We ask that those who are suffering loss of any kind will feel you near. We pray for your blessings upon us as we begin this new week.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Have a Blessed Week,

Paige

 

 

Friday’s Devotion: When Normal is Disrupted

Isaiah 54:10-12  Though the mountains be shaken  and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli.  I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

I had a peaceful 4 mile walk/run yesterday morning.  Other than a preponderance of candy wrappers along the way everything was so normal.  I ran by Judy and Pascal’s house (hill, ugh!) and by Beverly and Hugh’s and Alan’s and Wanda’s and Rebecca’s lifting short prayers for my friends as I passed their way.  The sky was blue and the air crisp.  Even the crowing rooster who lives somewhere between Scott and Becca is becoming the norm for me.  My thoughts turned to the Northeast.  Last week our son Robert was in NYC city visiting friends.  He posted pictures of the sights he was seeing and the meals he was eating. He flew home Sunday on the next to the last flight that left NYC before all flights were cancelled.  Last week his friends, and their friends and neighbors and all those in that region experienced the same type of normal life I experienced yesterday. Then suddenly all was upside down. My prayers go out for them.  The news is filled with stories of individuals who are having to deal with wrecked normality.  The UMC is organizing ways in which to be of help. In the meantime won’t you join me and other in prayer for them?

Heavenly Father, the earth has been torn asunder in many places.  We pray for those who suffered from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. We pray for individuals and businesses that have lost property and the ability to produce.  We pray for the vulnerable who can’t care for themselves; for all without power; for those in hospitals and for those responding to the disaster. We pray that you will help begin the process of recovery and restoration.  In Jesus name, amen.

Have a blessed weekend!

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Real Faith

James 2:14-19 (CEB)  “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it?  Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat.  What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs?  In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.  Someone might claim, “You have faith and I have action.” But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I’ll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faithful action.  It’s good that you believe that God is one. Ha! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble with fear.”

I had a discussion with someone the other day about the different creeds in our Hymnal.  He asked if we ever used the Nicene Creed.  This ancient creed is more specific in outlining beliefs than the shorter Apostles Creed.   I told him that we have been reciting The Modern Affirmation instead of either of these for a specific reason. The other creeds are statements of beliefs – The Modern Affirmation says, “Ok you believe this but what is your response going to be?”  Actually it puts it this way: “We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth.”  Here’s the question for you – are you a professing Christian or a practicing Christian?

Holy God, we know that we are saved by faith not works but we also know that true faith, saving faith naturally inspires us to do works.  Show us ways, Lord through which we may express our faith.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

In Christ's Service,

Paige