Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: For the Love of God’s Creatures


Proverbs 12:10 The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.


On last night’s national news a local story from John’s Creek was featured.  It seems that a family adopted a dog that had been severely abused before going to an animal shelter. These warm hearted people were then blessed when the dog and their autistic son instantly bonded.  The dog connected to the child in ways humans couldn’t.  It opened up a new world for the boy. As I write this I see dog toys scattered about the den floor.  The little stray, Dandy that we took in many years ago is sleeping peacefully.  He loves to sit in our lap and snuggle up against our chest.  A pet does take some care but can bring triple the joy.  I’m so glad my grandmother had her little dog after my grandfather passed away.  It kept joy in her heart.  If you are petless, would you consider adopting one?  We are charged by God to care for his creation including his creatures.  You will be rewarded with much happiness in return.Holy God, thank you for the gift of animals and the love that they bring into our lives. Thanks you for the care we receive from them. Help more people to be called to adopt those who might not live otherwise.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


Have a blessed day, Paige

Monday, April 29, 2013

Monday’s Musings: Keeping it Together


Ephesians 4:2  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

I learned in seminary that part of a pastor’s role is to be a calming presence for their congregants. In situations where emotions run high we need to keep our cool. That's good advice.  However today as I officiated at the committal service of a beloved member I lost it during the Marine's portion at the end. The playing of taps and presentation of the flag to the widow was so moving. I hope people know that as we pastors minister to others that we may be telling ourselves, “the pastor is not supposed to cry. Be the calming presence.” But our hearts break along with theirs.

Thank you Lord, for giving us hearts to love and serve one another.  Bless us each day. We especially pray today for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday’s Musings: Three Wishes

Modified and used 1-30-20
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Often when I walk I let my mind wander to help pass the time.  This morning I played the “What if I was granted three wishes” mind game.  More times than not when we see this happening in books or movies, the person makes unwise choices and the wishes backfire.  Instead of wishing for fame, fortune, youth or beauty I thought about skills I’d like to have.  I’d like to be able to run 10k races well enough to finish in the middle of the pack; to have a great memory and to be more musically talented. The last two gifts I could use in my ministry.  Still every time I fall into those imaginary games of suddenly acquiring what others worked for years to get, I feel a little guilty.  It wouldn’t seem fair.  This morning I concluded how thankful I am for all that God has given me.  I am rich in faith and that’s absolutely the most wonderful gift one can have.

Thank you God that when we have a relationship with you that we can find satisfaction in life, no matter what our position.  We ask that you help each of us to be the best that we can be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a blessed weekend!  Please come to the church Sat. for our big book, music and movie sale.  Proceeds will go to fund mission outreach. 
Paige

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Thursday’s Musings: Blessed be the Pure


Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.
James 1:27  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I am trying to be better about drinking water.  I know adequate water consumption is vital for good health.  Along the same lines, I want to drink water from which the impurities and chemicals found in tap water have been removed.  At home we have a Brita pitcher that filters the water.  I have to continually refill the pitcher.  It would be nice to have a whole house filter that would make the water coming from the taps pure.
I thought about our lives and the concept of purity and did a scripture search on the word.  Our first scripture talks about our heart – basically our thoughts and attitudes. Impurities make it more difficult for us to relate to God.  Sin separates us from God.  The second shows that God will reveal ways to capture the purity of heart by seeking the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  James reveals our response as a church is to care for the needy and to be “in the world, but not of the world.” 

Holy God, we ask that you touch our hearts today with your peace and wisdom.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have a beautiful day,
Paige

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wednesday’s Musings: In My Father’s House


John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Yesterday afternoon I took a nice long walk. It was good to be out.  I encountered our 104 year old neighbor and his daughter, stopped to watch the little boys playing ball, and spoke with a dad who was watching, too. They were so cute in their uniforms.  As I walked up Wheeler Street towards home I greeted a woman who was standing in her driveway next to the sidewalk.  When I asked how she was, she immediately started a conversation.  Her response was that she was blessed to have woken up that day. “There’s many people who don’t,” she said. She was missing a lot of teeth and I imagine she’d had other challenges in life.  But she was claiming that what blessings she lacked on earth, she knew were waiting for her in heaven.  “I know that in heaven there’s a mansion waiting for me because in my Father’s house there are many mansions.”  We sprinkled our conversation with quotes from scripture.  When I shared that I was a pastor she threw her arms around me saying that God must have arranged for us to meet.  Before I left we held hands right there by the street and I prayed for her.  This happens often to me as I carry Christ outside the church to the people of Hapeville. Early this morning we lost our beloved member Archie Trundle.  He is now checking out his mansion. I know he left this earth believing that he was loved here and in heaven. What the world needs now is more believers like these two.

Loving God, thank you for life.  You have given us the knowledge that when this earthly existence is over, it is not the end of life, but rather the beginning of new life; one in which we will see our Lord Jesus Christ face to face.  Be with those who are grieving today, and help us to spread the Gospel so that all may be saved. Amen.
God Bless,
Paige

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: Heart Prayers


1 Corinthians 14:15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

Someone posted this unattributed quote on Facebook this morning and I liked it. “God is the best listener. You don’t need to shout nor cry out loud because He hears even  the very silent prayer of a sincere heart.”  Another said, “When you fall in love with God, wonderful things begin to happen.”  I think these are related.  In my 20’s I found myself in a life and relationship that just wasn’t working.  I grew up believing in God, but not having the advantage of regular church and Sunday school attendance, I didn’t know how to love God or be in a relationship with God.  The first Sunday I ventured into church after my divorce my life began to change.  The more I learned about God working in our lives and that we could ask for that, the more wonderful things happened to me.  I do spend time in intentional prayer each day but I also know that God listens to my heart because it is attuned to Him.  I carry my love of so many people in my heart. My hope is that even when I’m not consciously doing it, I am lifting them up to God for strength, guidance, health, healing and happiness.  I hope you lift me up, too.

Holy God, help us to keep our hearts attuned to you and to the needs of others. May we be a bridge to you for those who don’t yet know you and don’t know how to pray.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige

Monday, April 22, 2013

Monday’s Musings: Seriously?? Yes Seriously!!


Luke 9:57-60 (NLT) The Cost of Following Jesus   As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”  But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”  But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

Last year the master shower in the parsonage started leaking water through the basement ceiling. A contractor came, tore out the bottom, put in a new shower pan and drain & retiled it.  They tore out the moldy ceiling & replaced it without checking if their work had really stopped the leak. It hadn’t.  Two months ago they came back, tore out the ceiling once more.  They finally determined that water was getting behind the tile walls.  As of today the project is still not complete. The contractor shows up four hours late then leaves.  His workers wait for supplies he’s supposed to be bringing but he never comes. My patience with this irresponsible person has now given out.  We have wonderful trustees, but they can’t make the man finish any sooner than I can.  I was brought up to make commitments and then to keep them. I could never operate like this contractor runs his business.

Yet I’ve seen the same lack of adherence to commitment in churches. They don’t take their involvement with Christ’s church seriously.  Pastors and members are responsible for the wellbeing and ministry of the church.  These days, however we see too many people who come to church when they don’t have anything better to do.  The schedule work on Sunday, they stay up late on Saturday night and “can’t get out of bed,” they agree to family parties that conflict with church attendance.
I admit that sometimes people really don’t have choices. But I’ve also seen over many years that when people make Sunday worship a priority in their life, employers cooperate more with scheduling, relatives plan family events differently, and people understand that Saturday nights need to end earlier because they have a Sunday morning commitment to God.  The commitment is to be loyal to Jesus Christ through the church.  Jesus understood the cost of following him.  There is a direct correlation between someone’s faithfulness to Christ and their church attendance.  Churchgoers, your presence is a sign of a commitment and worship attendance is not just for your benefit.  Your presence or absence affects the vitality of worship for everyone else, especially in smaller churches when each absence is felt.  You are a priority to God. Can you let God be a priority to you?
God Bless!
Paige

Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday’s Musings: Running Towards the Mayhem


Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  
Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Just this week we’ve seen numerous stories in the news of people helping other people.  I’ll be using some of these examples in this week’s sermon.  From the bombings in Boston to a historic Methodist church burning down in Athens, to the explosions in West, Texas we’ve seen people reaching out to help others.  One member of the United Methodist Church in West writes of spending two hours pulling nursing home residents to safety.  The Red Cross is on the scene as will be United Methodist Disaster Response Teams when they are needed.  You may not know this but the UMC has a huge disaster response program. Teams are trained locally in how to respond to natural and other disasters and do much good work in conjunction with government agencies and the Red Cross.  I helped establish a response team at Bethlehem First UMC and Joe and I went through the training program.  This week, though I’ve been on among others reaching out in other types of personal disaster: I’ve attended the funeral of a friend’s mother, prayed with someone at the hospital before her surgery, mobilized prayer for a church member who is critically ill and prayed with his son and reached out to a family in my group of friends whose husband / father committed suicide Wed. night. 

Whether on a large or personal scale it is rare that someone goes through life not touched by some type of disaster.  Let us all with the courage and love given us by the Holy Spirit engage in disaster response individually and with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are saddened by the events of this week Lord. So many people hurt and hurting. Help us to have the courage to run toward the mayhem and to help others. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Thursday’s Musings: Us in God’s Eyes


Ephesians 2:10  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Dove Soap executives put together an interesting experiment that they documented on an internet commercial.  They hired a forensic artist – the type police departments use to draw people using the verbal descriptions given them by someone.  In this case they had several women describe themselves to the artist as he drew. The subject and the artist were unable to see one another during and after this time.  Then the women were told to get to know one another.  Once again the artist drew, but this time each woman described another of the women to him.  Then the women were brought in to look at the two pictures he had drawn of each one.  In every case the women had emphasized what they felt to be their worst features, high forehead, round face etc.  The self-described pictures showed unattractive women.  However the pictures drawn from being described from someone else showed an attractive person.  The women were in tears as they discovered that their own self image was less attractive than the way others saw them. The point was to help women begin to feel better about themselves. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s workmanship. Psalm 139:14 says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Let’s try to think of ourselves as our Maker sees us.

Loving Creator, we know that you love us and value our companionship.  Whenever we begin to feel bad about ourselves, remind us that we are your creation.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a beautiful day,

Paige

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wednesday’s Musings: In Praise of the Holy One USED

Modified and used  10-25-21
Psalm 103:1-5  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Having a busy week?  I know I am.  At times like these I know that I have to prioritize. Some things (laundry!) may get put off so that I can devote time to more pressing issues.  Unfortunately, sometimes it’s really easy to put aside spending time with God. I’m fortunate that if I do, soon I really miss that time in prayer and bible study. While I pray several times a day for others and thank God for the day before I sleep, I want to be more generous with my praise of God who deserves our highest praise. If I want to be a better person, praising the one who created me will help me understand just who I am and who I can become. Maybe we should go back and read that beautiful praise by David one more time.

Holy God, slow us down so that we might spend more time seeking your presence. Guide us as we make decisions today and protect us from unnecessary busyness. In all things let us remember to give you the glory and honor and praise.  Amen.
Have a peace filled day.
Paige

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: I Will Fear No Evil


Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

What a terrible tragedy in Boston yesterday.  The marathon runners might have been worried about shin splints or exhaustion or dehydration but they didn’t start the race thinking about being bomb victims. Evil is alive and well on planet Earth.  Yet so is Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Church which is his body. Joe and I and some other church leaders were at a World Methodist Evangelism Institute dinner last night.  The Rev. Eddie Fox gave people a brief history of the formation of the institute.  There were some at the World Methodist Council who for whatever reason opposed the formation of this evangelism body which would be a joint venture between the World Methodist Council and Emory University.  A delegate from Tonga stood up to address the body.  Eddie reminded us that cannibalism was still evident in that country up into the 1800’s.  The representative looked at those opposed to the formation of The WMEI and said, “If those who came to evangelize our grandfathers had your mindset, we would be eating you now instead of discussing this.”  Bringing Jesus Christ to people changes lives.  We never know what we might prevent because we brought some potentially troubled soul into the fold of the Shepherd.  

Holy God, we pray your comfort and healing on all those in Boston who were harmed and for their loved ones.  May those responsible be brought to justice. Please bless our evangelism efforts as we try to bring the love and light of Christ into the darkness of the world.  In His name we pray. Amen.

Peace,
Paige
PS. Please be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ from Oconee Street UMC in Athens and their pastor Rev. Lisa Caine. The church was destroyed by fire last night.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Monday’s Musings: The Master’s Care


Psalm 119:76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

I watched as much as I could of the Masters Tournament over the weekend and mentioned in the services how beautiful the course is.  I think, especially at this time of the year it must be the most beautiful course in this country.  While waiting for players to make their shots, the commentators often filled the time with small talk about the course.  One, commenting on the green said that the grass was like velvet; that it was a feat of horticulture.  I know that the course does use many advanced techniques for both the plantings and drainage. Great care is taken by those who manage it.  I’m reminded of the great care of our Master.  As the soloist sang in yesterday’s service, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”  God doesn’t make life carefree. The Masters course has sand traps, the rough, water hazards and those ever present trees. Our prayer is for God to help us avoid them and when we miss the fairway, to help us get back on course.

Loving God, thank you for the beauty of nature and your care of us.  We ask that you guide us through his week. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday’s Musings: Players and Watchers

Expanded and used 2/12/20 for Newspaper and Mailchimp/FB
1 Corinthians 12:4-7  There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.  A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

An actor in an interview this morning was asked if he played football as a child.  He said he tried it briefly but quickly gave it up.  He explained, “Some people are born to play the game and some people are born to watch.”  I thought about a ball game. All the action is not on the field.  Players and coaches and trainers make the game happen, but the organization also needs spectators and food vendors and ushers and security and cleaning staff. Each has his or her on part in the overall experience.  In God’s service we need preachers and congregation members.  We need those able to go out and serve the community and we need those able to serve through their prayers and financial support. Sometimes we have numerous roles, but each one is important.  When we each use our gifts and we put the variety of gifts, together all are benefitted.

Heavenly God, thank you for the different gifts and talents we have.  Help us to each use our gifts to your glory and for the good of others.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed weekend,
Paige


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Thursday’s Devotion: Taken Hostage!



Romans 5:7 (NLT)  Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

Yesterday five Gwinnett firefighters responded to a call for a medical emergency only to be taken hostage by the heavily armed man who called them.  The hostage situation was a long, dramatic affair.  Thankfully all the first responders will be ok although the hostage taker died when the SWAT team took action.  Someone said that it’s sad that the first responders who usually are there to rescue people should have this happen to them. While there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13) we must really admire our first responders who put their lives on the line not only for friends, or especially good persons but for complete strangers.  Let’s pray for God’s protection upon them and remember to express our appreciation and support whenever we can.

Father God, we pray that you will watch over those who serve us bravely without regard to our qualifications to receive their help. Please bless all first responders and keep them safe.  We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

Thankfully,
Paige

 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Wednesday’s Musings: Faith, Hope and Charity



Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Yesterday I spent some time reviewing the church financial statements checking to see if all income and expenses were in proper categories. During that process I also compared income for various missions and charities with the checks we have written out. When we have special collections like the Homeless Offering, we like to pass that along in a timely way.  I was so happy to see the generosity of our members. 

I discovered something as I looked for scriptures on charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13 reads in many translations, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  However in the King James and other older translations, instead of love the word used is charity – “And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.”  Charity arises from our love of God’s people.  To use charity instead of “love” in what we often call The Love Chapter gives it a different feel.  This type of love isn’t the eros fall in love mushy kind leading to the weddings where this scripture is often read.  It is an unselfish, giving to others agape love. Now you know, too. It gives us something to ponder whenever we read that scripture.

Holy Lord, thank you for all kinds of love.  Thank you for those who have extended charity to us and bless those to whom we extend charity.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

As an added bonus – here are the lyrics of a favorite song by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

"The Bible Tells Me So"
                          Words and Music by Dale Evans Rogers

Have faith, hope and charity,
That's the way to live successfully.
How do I know, the Bible tells me so.

Do good to your enemies,
And the Blessed Lord you'll surely please,
How do I know, the Bible tells me so.

Don't worry 'bout tomorrow,
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you,
He'll guide you all the way

Have faith, hope and charity,
That's the way to live successfully.
How do I know, the Bible tells me so!

 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: Tuck Me In Lord.


Psalm 4:8  In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

My mother, bless her heart was not maternal or domestic.  She was not the bake cookies, tuck you in at night type of mother.  She had an artistic soul; an aspiring professional dancer whose career was ended with a badly broken leg.  I received other gifts from her yet sometimes I wish I had experienced the night time togetherness, a bedtime story and a goodnight kiss. Now when I go to bed at night I have Joe there.  And I like to get still before going to sleep and thank God for the day.  Sometimes I feel so close to him that it’s almost like he’s tucking me in. The Bible says nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Feel alone at night? Let God tuck you in.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your deep love for us.  Be with us when we are feeling lonely and needy. Continuously fill us with the joy of your presence.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a great day and sweet dreams!
Paige

Monday, April 8, 2013

Monday’s Musings: Looking for the Good News



Acts 20:24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body.

We had a great day at church yesterday. Yet by bedtime I was feeling rather down.  I think it was the depressing Barbara Stanwyck movie I watched capped off by the late newscast of fires and deaths and political squabbling and worry over my girl dog who has growing tumors.  In the afternoon Joe and I spent time with Tommy Carraway in the rehabilitation facility.  Tommy has had more than his share of bad things happen to him.  He is an inspiration in the way he chooses to be happy even when things aren’t going well. Even with all his health problems, Tommy is a lot better off than many whom we saw at Crestview.  A lot can go wrong in life yet we can triumph and find happiness with a positive attitude, our faith in the One who conquers all, and relationships with those who care about us.  Tommy is proof of that!  These aren’t things that we can earn or buy yet we can have them if we put forth the effort.  Jesus said in this world we would have trouble, but take heart for he has overcome the world.

Loving God, we ask for your joy this week, even in the middle of things we consider to be problems.  Help us to remain positive and to feel you love and grace.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Friday, April 5, 2013

Friday’s Musings: Remembering God’s Love USED

Modified and Used 10-12-21
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Isn’t that a beautiful verse? I know that we all have times when we get tired or discouraged.  We just want to run away to the beach but we know that things must get done and it’s up to us to do them.  God won’t come in and do all my laundry, but just thinking about how much God loves me does give me a lift. Talk to God, telling him your problems and ask for help in getting through each day.  Happy Friday! Have a great weekend.

Thank you God for  your constant presence with us.  Please help us today in all that we must do.  Help us to find joy and rest in you.  Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Thursday’s Musings: God as a Crutch? Amen!



Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

How many of you have ever heard non-believers accuse Christians of using religion as a crutch?  They are really clueless and I feel so sorry for them.  Not too long ago we received a phone call in the evening from our son, Robert.  He had hurt his foot badly while running in Stone Mtn. Park.  Because he had walked into the park from his nearby home a park ranger drove him home.  He crawled around his house and called us to bring him some crutches.  He was injured and couldn’t walk without them.  He’s much better now but there was no shame in him needing that extra help.  We are all injured in some way.  Whether we admit it or not, we all need some type of help negotiating life in this challenging world.  There is no shame in turning to the Creator of the universe for that help.  God helps us get on our feet and stay on our feet.  When we need extra help, God is there.  Crutch? Whatever!  I’m so glad to have God to call upon.

Holy God, I love you so much. Thank you for being my constant help. Life without you would be so very difficult. All glory and praise to you. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Wednesday’s Musings: Roadside Crosses

Updated and used 7-17-19

Luke 22:19 (NLT)  He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”

I’ve seen them and I know you’ve all seen them, those small crosses by the side of the road; crosses that mark the sudden and tragic death of a loved one. They’re often adorned with flowers; some even have stuffed animals beside them. People place them there maybe, so that their mother or father or husband or wife or child won’t be forgotten. I find myself sometimes slowing down as I pass them. I may not have known the person but they remind me to drive safely. 

Jesus asked the disciples to remember him.  We do that in church in many ways including Holy Communion.  On Good Friday at the end of the service we had the opportunity to place flowers at the base of the cross.  My challenge to those worshippers was to remember Jesus whenever they saw those roadside crosses.  Maybe slow down a bit and say a prayer.  God gave his beloved Son to us.  His son died a sudden and tragic death, too.  Sunday we celebrated the fact that the grave could not hold the divine.  The flowers at the base of the cross had been woven together with Easter lilies, replacing the somber swag as we celebrated the Risen Christ.

Holy God, how you must have suffered to see your beloved Son die on the cross.  Help us to remember Him and all that Jesus did so that we might live in relationship with you. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Paige

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: Spring Tonic



Revelation 4:11“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you…

I remember my mother telling me that when she was growing, up once a year she would be given a spring tonic. Most likely it involved cod liver oil.  This was supposed to clean out her system – sort of like spring cleaning for the body. Thank goodness she didn’t carry on that tradition.  I’m in the generation that thinks a once a year blow out meal at the Varsity will accomplish the same thing in a much more tasty way. 

Easter Sunday once again brought people to church who do not worship regularly the rest of the year.  On one hand I was delighted to have them, for the sake of the church but also for their sake.  Worship is always more energetic when the sanctuary and chapel are filled.  And while I was sad that so many people miss out on the beauty of worship most of the year, I was hopeful that in some way they left touched and energized and knowing that they are loved by God and the Risen Christ.

Holy God, we pray for our church that you will bring people into our doors every Sunday who need to draw closer to you.  Help us as we invite people and share with them that all are welcome to worship with us. Break down the barriers that keep people from making weekly worship a part of their life.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Monday’s Musings – Why are We Weeping?



John 20:11-15  Mary stood outside near the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down to look into the tomb.  She saw two angels dressed in white, seated where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and one at the foot.  The angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve put him.”  As soon as she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t know it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”

Usually when a phrase is repeated in scripture it means we should pay special attention to it.  Notice both the angels and Jesus ask Mary, “Why are you crying?”  She is crying because she doesn’t yet understand the truth about the resurrection of Christ. How her mood must have changed when Jesus called her by name and she recognized him.  My heart really breaks for all those in the world who don’t know about Jesus; how God sent his son to reconcile a sinful world to God; how death could not hold him and how he is the victor where we could not succeed on our own.  O how I love Jesus, the song goes.  O how I wish everyone knew about that love.  Can we share?

Holy God, thank you for Jesus.  Thank you that we know about the resurrection and our salvation.  Help us to share the Good News with others this week.  In His name we pray. Amen.
Have a Great Week!
Paige