Thursday’s Devotion: Tethered to a Donkey

Matthew 21:5 Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.”

One of the trainers I worked with when I was showing horses had a donkey.  When one of the horses in training would get uppity the trainer would tie that horse to the donkey and put them out in the pasture for a day.  The long rope allowed the horse and donkey comfort, but because the donkey was more determined, the horse had to go wherever the donkey went.  The trainer described it as humbling the horse. It was very effective.
The Bible has a lot to say about humility.  Proverbs tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) and in 1 Peter 5:5, “In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble.” Have you been uppity recently?  Maybe the antidote is to tie oneself to Christ and follow him around the green pastures of Psalm 23. It won’t hurt but certainly could be effective.  God gives favor to the humble.

Holy God, forgive us our pride. Chastise us when we feel superior to others and help us to all be humble and to seek your way over our own desires. Guide us today; we need your help to stay on the right path.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great day!
Paige

 

Wednesday’s Devotion: Resisting a Healing Touch

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me all you people that are tired and have heavy burdens. I will give you rest."

Daisy came into the den last night and started to climb into my lap when I realized she had blood above her eye and that blood was on the arm of my chair.  Thankfully the chair is leather.  I immediately started looking for the source and discovered it was the edge of one of her ears.  Who knows what happened. Maybe she just scratched it too hard or maybe she went outside and had a run in with one of the neighborhood cats that come into the yard.  When I tried to use a damp paper towel to clean her up and stop the bleeding she didn’t want to come to me.  Usually there’s nothing she likes better than attention.  I’m thinking that we do that with Jesus.  Even though he offers us healing, when we sense he might want to fix something in us we back away.  It’s ok to be with Jesus if we just want to praise him or hear how much he loves us.  But we resist the Great Physician at times, too.  It is best for us to recognize when we do that and let Jesus have his way. It’s for our own good.

Holy God, help us to submit to the healing power of your Son, the Great Physician.  We ask in his name. Amen.

Happy Wednesday!
Paige

P.S. Daisy is fine now.

Tuesday’s Devotion: Lost Routines

Isaiah 26:3-4 He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord always, for in the Lord, Jehovah, is your everlasting strength.

Last week it seemed that the forces were conspiring against me to prevent me from taking my morning walk.  It rained, I had early meetings, I felt pressured to get on into the office and work on End of Year Reports. Sunday afternoon Joe walked, I took a nap being just too tired to get out there. I’ve discovered that once I get out of the habit of getting out there, it takes more effort to make myself do it. For many people that’s the same with other aspects of life. You miss church a couple of Sundays for legitimate reasons then just slip out of the routine of faithful attendance.  The same could be with prayer and Bible reading.  We do it regularly, and then when something interrupts our routine we fall away.  Whether we’re walking for exercise or walking with the Lord, they are both necessary to our health and wholeness.  As we approach Lent lets resolve to be more faithful in our spiritual disciplines. While it might be nice to give up chocolate for Lent it would be even better to take up something that will help us be stronger individuals.

Lord, help us please to be more faithful in the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study and worship.  We need your encouragement every day to help us to do the right thing. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: The Right Tools for the Job

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Last week ABC was advertising an upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “The Makeover.” In it a sloppy, bearded beer truck driver is cleaned up, dressed up and entered into a political campaign.  It was sort of like a “My Fair Gentleman.”  I thought, well I go through that every morning!  (Except for the beard thing!) I have a variety of toners and moisturizers, different size make-up brushes, three sizes of round hair brushes, several shades of foundation and hair products galore.  Still it doesn’t take me that long to get ready because I do have the right tools for the job.  I’m not trying to drive a big nail into a 2x4 with a lightweight picture hanging hammer. God gives us a variety of spiritual gifts to help us with life.  It’s up to us to claim them, develop them and then use them for our benefit and of course for the benefit of others. 

Loving God, help us to start each day with gratitude for your gifts and presence in our life.  We give you this week; please help us through it as we seek to live in harmony with you and with others. Bless us with peace, joy and strength.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Jan. 20th Sermon - Would You Change?

God Gives Us January Part 3
Would You Change?

Jeremiah 7:1-11 NLT                                                           
Matthew 18:1-9

This morning we come to the third installment of our sermon series, God Gives us January.  Today’s sermon title comes from its inspiration: the song, “Would You Change?” by Tracy Chapman. She’s an urban folk singer and social activist – one who deals with contemporary issues in a unique way. 

This particular song moved me from the first time I heard it on the radio – I guess because right off she writes about God. I like it when God turns up in secular music. After all that’s about the only way many people will hear about God. So my ears perk up and I listen to what the song is saying about God or prayer.  There seems to be a lot of praying going on in popular music.  I believe Country singers pray the most. I’ve read the lyrics to Would You Change and can say that like a lot of poetry – I don’t always “get” every line.  Sometimes I think poets and songwriters just throw words together just to make the rhythm or rhyme of a certain line or verse work. 

Here are selected parts of her song:

If you knew that you would die today
If you saw the face of God and Love
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that love can break your heart
When you're down so low you cannot fall
Would you change?
Would you change?

[Chorus]

How bad, how good does it need to get?
How many losses how much regret?
What chain reaction
What cause and effect
Makes you turn around
Makes you try to explain
Makes you forgive and forget
Makes you change
Makes you change

If you knew that you would be alone
Knowing right, being wrong
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that you would find a truth
That brings a pain that can't be soothed
Would you change?
Would you change?

If everything you think you know
Makes your life unbearable
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you'd broken every rule and vow
And hard times come to bring you down
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that you would die today
If you saw the face of God and Love
Would you change?
Would you change?

 

And so I asked myself, would I change if I knew that I would die today? 

I think the timing of that is a little close.  Yet If I knew that this was my last day on earth I would definitely change my schedule for the day, even if I couldn’t change myself. I personally would spend the day telling people I love them.  I might also consider my legacy and think if there was anything I could do in that time period to make it be a more positive one. 
Thankfully for me there are no people in my life from whom I am estranged.  Some people might want to reconnect one last time with another person. 

The second line gives us even more food for thought.
If you saw the face of God and Love would you change? They are one in the same.  God is love, perfect love.  And this is what a life of faith is about.  I first wrote Christian life, yet I know that it’s the same for our Jewish friends and perhaps even for people of other faith traditions. A connection with the creator should draw us toward something more perfect and inspire us to strive to be more than we are. 

I chose my scriptures this morning carefully. Jeremiah is speaking to worshippers.  He’s speaking to people like you and me. And it seems pretty clear that he’s saying that Temple worship alone won’t cut it. God is demanding change – away from evil ways, away from the worship of idols away from the exploitation of foreigners, orphans and widows; away even from murder.

God says through Jeremiah:  8 “‘Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will never suffer because the Temple is here. It’s a lie! Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, “We are safe!”—only to go right back to all those evils again?  
Don’t you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

I’d also like to share Ezekiel 33:12 (CEV)  “Tell them that when good people start sinning, all the good they did in the past cannot save them from being punished. And remind them that when wicked people stop sinning, their past sins will be completely forgiven, and they won’t be punished.”

I remember there being a joke once about sowing your wild oats on Friday night and then going to church on Sunday and praying for a crop failure.  God wants a 7 day faith. 

That doesn’t happen all at once.  Being here on Sunday is a great start – but not if you don’t leave changed. Not if it doesn’t inspire you to examine your life honestly.

In Exodus 33:20, God declares, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” 
So Tracy, it isn’t so possible to look on the face of God and Love,  at least literally – but I’ve looked into the face of God’s love – at so many times, in so many places, and in so many ways. 

I’ve seen people kneel and give shoes to a homeless man, I’ve seen Doctors Without Borders bringing medical help to people living in the direst of situations.  I’ve seen a hospice worker sitting quietly – just being a loving presence to someone taking the last few breaths of this earthly life.  I’ve seen adults giving their time to teach and lead children and youth. I’ve seen high school students repairing homes in poverty stricken areas of Appalachia.  I’ve seen elderly couples strolling down the pathway – walking cane in one hand, and the hand of their life partner in the other.

These sights have changed me and helped me want to be a better person.  But if you could see God’s face and live – would you change?  How would you change? 

Our gospel lesson is also about change – change of goals and attitudes and lifestyle.   It just seems normal for Jesus’ disciples to have been affected by the fame of their master. Imagine being in the entourage of some famous music star today.  Everywhere you go, people are clamoring after your friend and you are in the middle of it all.  Not only that, Jesus is turning water into wine – that would make you a lot of friends!  He’s healing people – truly performing miracles – walking on water for goodness’ sake.  How could that not give any average Joe a head trip of some sort?  So the disciples seem to be concerned with who would be the greatest.

Jesus says – it’s not about being a person of importance – you must change your attitude about that and become a humble person like this child – that is where true greatness lies.  And he goes after some of the same things as Jeremiah – change from your sinful ways. Bring no harm to children.  He adds, “Don’t tempt others to sin.”  And then he uses hyperbole that is so strong it’s off-putting to me.  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. Please know Jesus is in no way demanding that people cut off body parts. 

He’s using a figure of speech that is shocking in order to make a strong point – get rid of anything in your life that is causing you to sin.  It would be better to live without this thing than to live in hell.  We can read that last bit in two ways – we can look at it from the viewpoint of our state of being after death.  However, Jesus also preaches that eternal life begins on earth.  Eternal life is not just about everlasting life – it’s about a quality of life here and now.  And we can certainly live in hell on earth.  Ask any heroin addict for example.

As I sat in that KFC  – with the Holy Spirit bringing me sermon ideas as fast as I could write – these three words came to me:  Regrets, Re-do’s and Resolutions.

I don’t know about you but I’ve done and said things in my life that I sincerely regret. Some were just little things but I really wish I could go back and re-do them.  Haven’t you ever looked back on your life and said, “If I knew then what I know now – things would have been different.”?  I could give you a whole list of things that would be different – from becoming more physically active at a young age to my choice of relationships.  Regrets and wishes for re-do’s go hand in hand.  But for the most part – we don’t get re-dos. The past is written in stone.  It’s only the present and future that offers the opportunity for doing something differently, if we make a resolution to change. The other thing I acknowledge when I get all regretful about previous life choices is that those choices, good or bad brought me to this very place and it is a place I’m happy to be.  So I need to let go, to ask God’s forgiveness where it’s needed and to move forward in a thoughtful manner.  

Thoughtful is a good word. We would all move through life more smoothly if we put more thought into our plans, our attitudes and our actions.  Think about the past and learn from it.  They say the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. 

Secondly, think about the consequences of your current actions.  In last week’s scripture Paul used the phrase, “in everything.”  That means big things and little things, in all areas of your life. I am a procrastinator.  One day this week I had to tell myself that if I didn’t water my plants, which I had been putting off, they would surely die.  With my brown thumb they will eventually die anyway but at least they will die watered.  Think before you post something on Facebook that’s negative or critical of others.  Think before you get behind the wheel when impaired in any fashion.  Think before you get involved with someone you know is trouble.  Think about the ways you can use your time, talents and resources to help others, and to make God’s kingdom, this church and the world a better place. 

Think before you build a wall, not letting things of life influence you for the good.  Going back to that song, here are some remarks someone posted on the web about this song:

“This was a life changing record for me for a short time. It is no strange stroke of luck that when you look at it, the ads [on the website] that are picked are religious yet no one has picked up on that.
I bought this CD and this was the first tune on it that I really fell in love with. Two days later my son (3) came down with a serious case of meningitis. Whilst he was sleeping I sat drinking and drunk in my car listening to this tune and it ALL made sense. I sat there and for the first time in my life wept and prayed to a God whom I never believed in to save my son. I promised I would change my drinking ways and accept God into my heart if he would just see me through this crisis and spare my child. He did. I only partially came through on my part of the deal but at the time it made SO MUCH SENSE. And I meant it.”

Let’s face it – most significant change doesn’t happen overnight.  But it’s ok to take baby steps when they take us in the right direction.  We do have to make the decision to change and take those first steps.  Pastor and author Adam Hamilton saw this on a church sign:  “Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself.”  It goes well with a quote from a devotion by our District Superintendent this week:  Someone said, “I’d like to be more independent, but I can’t do it by myself.”   True independence is really interdependence.  We can benefit from the assistance of others, as we also help them. 

In Acts 3 Peter challenges the people: “Change your hearts and lives! Turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” 

If you knew that you would die today
If you saw the face of God and Love
Would you change?
Would you change?

Peace to you. Amen.

 

 

   

Wednesday’s Devotion: Something Lovely as a Tree USED

Modified and used 2-21-22

John 10:10 (CEV)  A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.

I’ve noticed that trees that stand by themselves in wide open spaces like pastures often have beautifully formed canopies.  On the other hand trees that grow while crowded by other trees often have branches that are twisted or stunted. Our life can be like a tree. Our growth, and our success can be stunted when we let things crowd us.  Maybe it’s undue influence by someone, or addictions or over commitment. Face it, there are tons of things that can steal our time and energy.  My goal is to clear some of those things away, to give myself space so that I can spread my branches and flourish like that beautiful tree in the pasture.

Creator God, you created us and give us many opportunities in life. Help us to choose wisely that we may flourish and have the abundant life that Jesus wishes for us.  We ask in his name, Amen.

Have a beautiful day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: Happy the Home

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,  so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your ancestors to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.

I saw a news story today reporting that a teenager had killed his mother and sisters. That should make us all extremely sad even as we try to continue processing the horror of what happened in Sandy Hook. The scripture I chose tells parents to teach their children about God. I won’t be so naive as to say Jesus is always the answer.  Even strong faith sometimes cannot overcome mental illness.  Yet I believe it can certainly help and strengthen the family. Some children go down the wrong path, not because they are insane but because they are insecure.  They haven’t been raised in a loving environment.  Our late son, Glenn suffered from bipolar disorder which triggered drug and alcohol dependency as he tried to regulate mood swings.  I don’t know how any of us could have gotten through all the stress that caused without God’s continuous presence and strength.   Let us each ask God to help us love and care for our children and grandchildren and other young ones in our life.  I’m sharing the words with you of the hymn, “Happy the Home When God is There” by Henry Ware, Jr.  They are good words.  Have a great day.
Paige

Happy the home when God is there,
And love fills every breast;
When one their wish, and one their prayer,
And one their heav’nly rest.

Happy the home where Jesus’ Name
Is sweet to every ear;
Where children early speak His fame,
And parents hold Him dear.

Happy the home where prayer is heard,
And praise each day does rise;
Where parents love the sacred Word
And all its wisdom prize.

Lord, let us in our homes agree
This blessèd peace to gain;
Unite our hearts in love to Thee,
And love to all will reign.

 

Monday’s Devotion – We Kept Life Fresh!

Psalm 94:18-19 (NLT) I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Friday I wrote about the need to stay out of ruts and keep life fresh.  I mentioned that instead of our normal Saturday routine Joe and I might just take off and go hiking in the mountains.  We actually did that.  The trail we took was in Vogel State Park and part of the Blood Mountain Wilderness.  The 1100 foot rise in elevation was challenging but not impossible. However we weren’t expecting all the streams to be so swollen from rain.  Places that were normally easily crossed were covered with rushing water. Stepping stones and some logs were submerged.  My trekking pole helped me keep my balance on the narrow logs or stones but I said little prayers now and then.  About ¾ of the way through the trail we encountered a stream crossing that was so deep we had to take off shoes and socks, roll up our pants legs and wade across.  The water was icy, the rocks in the bottom hurt my feet and I began to doubt my sanity for choosing wilderness hiking when I could have been strolling through Kroger.  After that crossing we had one more crossing on two small logs before the trail became wide and dry.  I think God was watching after us.  It was a long 6 mile hike but we finished really feeling invigorated from the exercise and adventure.  Next weekend we’ll do something else for variety; maybe visit a new grocery store! 

Thank you God for the beauty of nature and for keeping us safe on our hike.  We ask your blessings upon all of us as we journey through this week.  Please guide, bless and protect us.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Keeping Life Fresh

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:. . . . What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.  From Ecclesiastes 3

Last night for dinner I boiled some red potatoes with fresh rosemary and spices. Then I found frozen collards, turkey and dressing in our downstairs freezer left from Thanksgiving.  I love to cut up leftover turkey and mix it in the dressing which I did.  As we ate our delicious dinner I decided that I have never eaten any food anywhere that I like the taste of any better than my dressing with turkey in it.  Some people think turkey and dressing is only for Thanksgiving.  I think it’s good any time.  I guess the problem is the size of the bird if you have a small family.  I want to stay out of ruts.  How much more fun life is if we do the unexpected.  Maybe instead of our normal Saturday schedule of grocery stores and household chores we’ll take off and go hiking in the mountains. (Don’t tell Joe I’m thinking about this!) God wants us to enjoy life in every season. Last night’s dinner was enough for two meals so we’ll have turkey and dressing and all the other stuff again tonight and if that bothers you just remember that every day should be a day of thanksgiving for the blessings we have.

Holy God, thank you for all the good things in our lives and for strengthening us as we face the bad things.  Help us to keep life fresh and interesting and to face each new day giving thanks to you.  We ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a blessed weekend. Do something unexpected!

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Sharing Our Stories

Philippians 2:14-15 (CEB) Do everything without grumbling and arguing 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world. 

The monthly Hapeville Service League meetings end with a luncheon. The meal committee for that month comes up with creative decorations for the tables. This month was a special catered tea to welcome new members. Antique teapots holding flowers were placed in the center of each table and on the serving table. Many of them were varieties of lusterware. The woman who brought them told me that she loved old things and wished she knew the story of each teapot. I feel the same way about the antiques I have collected. I wore a funky silver western necklace to the meeting and many people commented on it. The necklace is special to me because I purchased it in Fort Worth while at the Appaloosa National Horse Show one year when we were there with our horses. On the weekend a flea market was being held on the grounds of the coliseum and I wandered over there. I talked the seller down to $6 for the necklace that most assume is expensive. We all have interesting stories. Let’s share them with one another now so they don’t get lost like the stories of those teapots. And if we can, let’s share stories about our relationship with God and about how God’s love has touched us and can touch others. Introducing someone to the Gospel story is one of the greatest legacies one can leave behind.

Holy God, author of the universe, author of our life, help us to see the importance of our stories and help us to find ways to share them with others. Give us the courage to share the Gospel, too; to be your witnesses, shining like stars among others who so desperately need Your light in their life. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Goodbye Cokesbury

Romans 15:4 ESV For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Cokesbury is closing all its retail stores and will now only sell their books and other Christian resources through online or catalog sales.  Saturday Joe and I made the trek to our Cokesbury store to say goodbye and shop the closing sale.  I have emotional ties to that store. The Holy Spirit had spoken to me there, prompting me to buy books that led to studies and significant personal and church change.  I liked being able to pick up books and bibles and to look through them to see if they were what I was looking for.  Sorry, Cokesbury you can’t do that in a catalog and I’m not going to just order a bunch of books to review and send what I don’t want back.  Surely there are other quality Christian bookstores in Atlanta. Joe and I departed with a bag full of books that he and I picked out. I relate this experience to the bible.  Too many Christians rely on representatives like pastors and Sunday school teachers to tell them about the bible instead of holding it in their hands and reading it themselves.  That is the only way to truly know the contents. The Holy Word contains countless treasures if we will but look for them ourselves. Have you read your bible today?

Thank you Lord, for giving us your Word and for all the comfort, healing, inspiration and instruction that it brings us. Please speak to us through your Word today and each day.  Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: That Stubborn Stain

Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Last night I made smashed potatoes with 5 different types: sweet potato, red creamer, Japanese yam, and white and purple fingerlings. The Japanese yam is red on the outside but very white on the inside. Still it left two circular brown stains on the white cutting board I was using.  I tried cleaning it with kitchen cleaner with bleach which usually works very well and then tried rubbing the stains with cut lemons and salt.  Neither removed the stain. As I began my sermon preparation yesterday, I found myself writing about regrets and wishing some things had never happened.  I’m glad that although we can’t undo our actions; we can’t have re-dos, God will remove the stain of our sins in His eyes. I’m going to keep working on that cutting board.

Thank you Lord for your amazing, generous grace. Help us to resist temptations and to stay strong in our faith.  Fill us with your love today and help us feel your presence through the Holy Spirit.  We ask in name of the One who died for our sins. Amen. 

Monday’s Devotion: Happy Endings, Please

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

I saw an advertisement for a new Nicolas Spark’s movie this morning.  I will not be attending.  As a matter of fact after reading a Spark’s novel and attending another movie based upon one of his books, I decided to avoid his works altogether.  You see, it seems he specializes in unhappy endings.  A defender will say that this simply reflects real life; there are many unhappy endings in life.  That is true; and I’ve certainly had my share yet this is why I won’t voluntarily make myself sad when I don’t have to be sad.  God does want us to have joy in our life and I choose to focus, not on everything that is wrong in my life or in the world but everything that is right – and there’s a lot of that!  Today let’s find something to rejoice about and something that will make us laugh. We will all watch sad movies and read sad books sometimes; but even then it’s wonderful to know that we have a God who continually stretches out his hand toward us to lift us up.

We praise you this morning Lord for the joy you prepare for us.  Help us through both the happy and sad times.  Help us to lift others up also.  We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a joy-filled week!
Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Undoing Christmas

Matthew 28:19-20 (CEB)  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Today I am going to hopefully make large inroads in taking down our Christmas decorations.  We used to do it between Christmas and New Years Day but now we use that week to visit our grandchildren.  The first week back is simply too busy catching up to take on this project. Like my friends, I love to decorate for Christmas but not so much taking it down. A friend said yesterday that we are spurred on by the anticipation of the season when we decorating. Now all that is past.  Yet I’m going to try to encourage myself today by reminding me as I pack away each ornament or decoration that while Christmas is gone, Christ is still with me.  I like new Common English Bible translation of this verse. I am with you every day – not just during the important Christian holidays.

Unto you, Christ we bring our praises. Help us to continually sense your presence in our lives.  We ask in your holy name, Amen.

Have a great weekend!
Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Happiness is Possible

Ecclesiastes 3:12-14 (NRSV)  I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.  I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.

This scripture comes right after the well known verses from Ecclesiastes that say that there is a season for everything.  It says to me that God desires our happiness; that the order of things is designed for us to live, work and be happy.  Of course there’s a catch. This happiness comes to those who are participating in God’s order instead of creating their own disorder.  God may ask difficult things of us, the preceding verses say that, too.  Yet I have experienced in my life that the close I stay to what I feel is God’s perfect and wise design for my life, the better off I am.  When things start going wrong in my life, I stop and ask if perhaps God wants me to go down a different path.  Sometimes God takes away something we value so that God can give us something even better.

Holy God,  Thanks for the blessings of this day.  Guide us to the pathways that lead us to living the happy lives you have planned for us.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Kicking Things to the Curb

Philippians 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  Galatians 6:10  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

There are two things that bug me on my morning walks, big ant hills and things in the road.  I try to avoid kicking the ant hills because the dirt gets in my shoes, but sometimes I just can’t help it.  I also kick things in the road to the curb.  Yesterday morning it was a large bolt and a foot square piece of plastic. When I encounter nails or anything that could really cause a flat tire I throw them in the bushes or someplace where they won’t get back into the road.  I consider these simple little acts of kindness.  Kicking things to the curb for the benefit of others could be a metaphor for larger kindnesses.  Or maybe for getting rid of anger, or bitterness that we hold against other people; things that by kicking them to the curb could make life better for us and others.  I thought these two verses went particularly well with one another.  May they inspire you to good works, too.

Holy God, show us what we need to kick out of the way for our benefit and the benefit of others.  May each day bring us opportunities to show kindness to others.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: New Year’s Thoughts

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.  --G. K. Chesterton

Maybe it’s because I’m writing a New Year’s sermon series, but this January finds me more introspective than some years.  January is a good time to look at where we are and who we are and to ponder any need for change.  Scripture doesn’t emphasize the New Year but instead tells us that in Christ we can be a new being.  How might you find newness of life this year?

Here’s a good New Year’s prayer I found.  Author unknown.

“Dear Lord, please give me…
A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
 A work to do which has real value,
 without which the world would be the poorer;
 A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
 An understanding heart;
 A sense of humor;
 Time for quiet, silent meditation;
 A feeling of the presence of God;
 The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
 With the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Missing Out on the Kiss

Matthew 24:42  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

My sweet husband kisses me goodbye every morning when he leaves for work.  Since it is usually between 5:30 and 6:60 I am still in bed.  I was awake this morning but sometimes, I sleep through the kiss.  When that happens I feel like I missed out on something special. Last night at Connect Group we had a lively discussion on experiencing God’s presence.  Some of us had felt God speak to us in various ways while others hadn’t had that experience, but felt good about their faith.  One remarked that perhaps in order to hear God’s voice (not audibly but in our hearts) or to sense God’s presence we must be open to it and look for it. People experience God’s presence differently so what happens for one person may not be the way God chooses to communicate with another.  Has God touched your life?  If you haven’t felt that maybe you aren’t looking for it. Maybe God’s speaking while we’re sleeping. Don’t despair, whether we sense it or not, God is always with us.

Thank you, Lord for your great love for us. Help us to hear your voice. We ask that you bless us as we go through this new week. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a blessed week!
Paige

Friday’s Devotion: His Love Adorns Us

Galatians 3:27 (NLT)  And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.

One of the newer R & B artists, Miguel has been nominated for 5 Grammys.  One is for his song “Adorn” which was the longest running number one song on the R & B / Hip Hop charts for 2012.  In it he sings of adoring the person to whom he is singing but the key line is “Let my love adorn you.”  He compares it with the way the stars adorn the sky.  I immediately thought of scriptures about putting on Christ and putting on the whole armor of God and how God’s love wraps itself around us and adorns us as we adore Him.  That thought is certainly a hit in my books. 

Holy God, we adore you. Holiness and greatness and power adorn your heavens. We praise you for the unconditional love you have for us. Help us to adorn ourselves with your love and your word.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day and weekend!

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Finding the OFF Switch

Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)  For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Let’s face it – New Year’s Resolutions seem made to be broken.  For that reason I stopped making them years ago.  Last year instead of resolutions, I tried setting goals for the year.  Goals are something you work towards.  You might not accomplish your goal but you don’t break it like you would speak of with a resolution.  I looked at all my goals for 2012 and saw that I did better in every area even if I didn’t meet them completely.  Setting goals helps.  This year one of my goals is to find and use my OFF switch more often. The idea came from an interview I heard with a radio personality who openly discussed his problem with alcohol addiction.  He said he didn’t wake up craving alcohol, but when he started drinking he didn’t have an off switch.  I can be that way with food.  My body doesn’t always tell me I have eaten enough.  I determined that I would have to turn the hunger switch off myself and use portion control.  That gave me the idea to find and use my off switch in other areas like: before I speak unkindly, for negative self-talk, for the desire to buy something I really don’t need, for the lazy voice telling me it’s ok to skip exercising.  Where do you need to find your OFF switch?

Holy God, help us gain self control through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Help us to find and use our off switches to help us live according to your will.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Stay strong!
Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: It’s In the Packaging

Matthew 16:13-20 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 

 
An article in Whole Living magazine featured a couple who started their own business, Green House Design Studio. They search for beautiful old things and then either repurpose them or assemble them in groups for sale. The photos on the company website showed old skeleton keys hung from ribbons and a grouping of mismatched white vases. These old items looked like something one would find in Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware. These stores sell new things that look like vintage items. I realized the couple really was like many others who buy and sell at flea markets and estate sales. But the way they marketed their finds made them look more expensive and exclusive. Their prices reflected that, too! Maybe we should give some thought to the way we present the gospel to others or invite them to church. Peter knew what to say about Jesus. He became the father of the Church. How sad it is that people resist the Gospel when it's the thing that can make a real difference in their life.  While it’s up to others to listen and consider our witness, it is our responsibility to be able to witness effectively.  Can we make that a goal for this year?

 

Loving God, How we wish all would come to know you and your Son, Jesus.  Please help us to become better at sharing the Gospel with others and with inviting them to worship and serve you alongside of us.  We ask in the name of the one whom we adore. Amen.

Have a great day,
Paige

Tuesday's Devotion: Everything Born Anew

1 Peter 1:3-5 (NRSV) A Living Hope  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

A new year has been born and by tradition many people use the turning of the year to take time to examine their life and to make resolutions or set goals for improvements. I personally like this custom.  So many people just go through life without much thought about that.  As a Christian, though I’m happy to acknowledge that we emphasize the God-given opportunity for new birth at any time. I’m looking forward to my sermon series for this month: God Gives us January.  Each week we’ll examine facets of the opportunities for self-reflection and change. Sermon titles are: The Story Continues . . Gifts For a King; Blessed for Success; Would you Change?; and You Might be a Christian if….

Wherever you are I hope you do take some time to ask God through sincere prayer how God might want you to live out this New Year. 

Holy God, thank you for each new day and new year of our life.  We pray that this year will bring health, happiness, success and in and through all things bring us closer to you.  We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Paige