Lent Daily Devotion

NOT READY

2011-04-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

I’m not ready to go to the cross, yet. I know I’ve got to, but I don’t want to go. I’d much rather spend time sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening as he preaches on the mount or eating with him and all those sinners. I’m not ready to go to the cross—I’d rather focus on other things—all the good that has been done by Jesus and his disciples, how the word is spread and how we’ve all been commissioned to do likewise. I’m not ready to go to the cross, it’s too hard and there are too many other things in life right now that are hard.

I’m not ready to hear once again the story of how all the disciples deserted him, how Judas turned him in, how Peter denied even knowing him. I’m not ready to remember how he shared that last meal with the people who were supposed to be his closest friends. I’m not ready to recount what it was like to sit at the foot of the cross and watch as he died- in pain and agony. I’m not ready.

I am ready for Easter- for the excitement of the day, the joy of the morning- the tomb is empty. “He is Alive!” I can already picture shouting it to my children when I wake them early to go and find their eggs. I’ll take Easter any day. I’m always ready for Easter joy.

But, if I skip over the hard stuff, then I miss why Easter is so powerful. If I try not to remember that Jesus suffered and died on a cross, then I have no understanding of why his resurrection is all the more powerful. It’s not merely about the miracle of coming back to life. Easter is God’s great judgment that life is more powerful than death, that there’s nothing more powerful than God. It shows us that God’s will is for all to be whole and live, and that God’s will is not that we suffer, but that we experience Easter joy. Easter is God’s promise that resurrection will come. Even when we think that things will never get better, even when we are wondering how we will make it, God will offer us grace and bring good out of bad. God doesn’t cause the bad, God doesn’t like the bad, but God promises resurrection and finds some way to give us grace in the midst of the hard times.

If I skip the cross—I’ll miss the importance of Easter and God’s great gift to me in the resurrection of Jesus. So I guess I’ll go.

Pastor Amy Mayo-Moyle

EAGLES’ WINGS

2011-04-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

He who dwells in shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

The first time I saw an eagle I was drifting in a silenced motor boat on an Upper Peninsula lake bordering Michigan and Wisconsin. Like others in the boat I was drawn first to his white, white head. But his wings held my gaze longest: enormous and enveloping, silhouetting the entire boat. I thanked God for his magnificent creature.

Years later I listened to my first husband, David, sing Michael Joncas’ “Eagles’ Wings” and I was reassured and comforted:
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

But David’s song fell quiet when he was taken from us. I felt no comfort in eagles’ wings. I ranted at God. I ignored hands and wings held out to me. I boo-hooed my fate. Slowly, ever so slowly, I allowed God to welcome me back …bearing me on the breath of dawn, making me shine like the sun once more.

Then I started feeling guilty. Mired in self centered grief I had ignored Jesus who had had been next to me all along. Would he ever forgive me for ignoring his hand? Silly me. He had forgiven me even before I thought about forgiving myself. His mighty wings were always my refuge and my fortress whether I knew it or not; so vast they dwelled over, around, and within me even when I dwelled in darkness.

From my deck this winter I gazed at the wild whiteness of Lake Michigan: spouting blow holes, icy untamed waves and deepening drifts. The whiteness moved. A majestic eagle soared over me, his wings capturing me under their shadows, dwelling around and within me, holding unto me…still.

Sharon Galley Sherrow

SAFE IN THE HARBOR?

2011-04-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

How often I hear someone say, “I can’t do that,” or “I will never be able to do that.” It truly breaks my heart as I know that all things are possible if we only believe we can. How much are we missing when we say we can’t?

I found myself saying these very things. I have a fear of heights and have missed some of the most beautiful sights around the world as I just could not take another step. Masada in Israel, the view at the top of the path in the Sequoia National Park, How much easier to stay safe where I was?

My son was another example of holding back. As he was beginning his adult life, he had an accident at work and needed back surgery. Within the next couple of years, he was in an auto accident. Again, he was facing back surgery. During this time he was becoming more and more depressed and discouraged. He would ask me, “Who would ever want to hire anyone with a bad back?” I prayed, “Do not give up. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

Are we accomplishing all that God has created in us? Today I take those extra steps….I can. Today my son has a great job and is becoming his own boss….he can. God has plans for each of us. We need only to lay claim to God’s truths and promises, get out of our own way; and God will take care of our tomorrows. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:27

God has laid out opportunities beyond our wildest dreams to experience so why do we hold back. This is a quote I once heard….A ship may be safe in harbor; but that is not what ships are made for. Today is the day we look beyond ‘our’ safe harbors and experience all we have been made for.

Rosemary Pursell

HANGING WITH JESUS

2011-04-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted and they came to him. Mark 3:14

Our assignment, on a snowy cold Wednesday in my Companions' Group, was to write about what God and I would talk about if He were wholly interested in concentrating on me for a day? Well, let me tell you…This is a day I was hanging with Jesus:

It is warm outside, sunny and 80 degrees. God and I would talk about how we felt this morning, and what we would do today, together. “Truly I tell you, we will appreciate the beauty and wonder of the blue sky, warm breeze, the song of the birds. “ God would then fix me a yummy protein drink and the coffee would be “heavenly”.

We would stretch and warm up and we would GO OUT. Whoever we met, God would smile at them, nudge me on the arm and tell me a cute, sweet, wonderful story about them. And I would know that when God was with them, He would tell them about me!

We would walk and talk for a while, and as I looked around, there were all my Companions in Christ, my accountability girls! They were walking with Him too. God has enriched my life with this group of women. My prayer for you is to seek with all your heart a group of men or women who can support you and encourage you in your walk with Jesus.
Blessings!

Mary Kanous

ABIDING IN THE VINE

2011-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

You have already been cleansed by the word I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:3-5

This is Jesus’ beautiful visual metaphor about vines and branches, abiding in the vine and bearing fruit. This picture in my mind of the branch being solidly connected to the main vine makes me wonder “How firmly am I joined to the life giving nourishment of Jesus as represented by that vine?” What might be preventing me from abiding more deeply in my relationship with God?

Like most of us, I have accumulated “obligations” over the course of my work life: I was asked several years ago to be the chair of the order of deacons for our conference. I was honored to be asked, but didn’t really feel called to the position. However, others in my order were having health or family issues and it seemed that I should step up. Last year the responsibilities became a heavy burden on my heart. Everything seemed to interfere with the ministry I was called to at CUMC and with my family’s needs. This duty was eating up precious time and energy. It is just not my nature to leave a job half done, but I also knew that God would not ask me to do a lousy job in three areas of my life. I was clearly getting the message that God had called me to minister to family members who needed me and to help equip a vital congregation for future ministry.

If I was going to be able to abide more deeply in God’s presence and reflect that presence more clearly in my family relations and in my leadership at CUMC, I had to prune. In pruning away those tasks, God brought forward a new, fresh, capable leader with the time to be chair of the order. And in this past year, God has brought forth much fruit in my life, for which I am grateful.

Christine Wyatt

SERVING OTHERS

2011-04-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Remember the song by Jimmy Dean, “Big Bad John”? When the song played out you could clearly visualize John’s massive girth and muscular physique (“He stood six foot six and weighed two forty-five"). Well, a couple of years ago on Righteous Mission in Chicago I believe I met his twin.

CUMC was working at the oldest operating rescue mission in the country, Pacific Gardens, where John was a resident. Yes his name was John as well. I went up to introduce myself and I remember his wide shoulders, his short sleeve shirt straining to corral his muscles and the mammoth hand shake….and as you know I am no small creature myself. John was alone in the cafeteria preparing table settings for dinner. “Preparing” is an understatement because Pacific Gardens provides approximately 350 dinners EVERY night. While helping him set the tables, John and I hit it off right away. He sings in the Men’s’ Choir, well so do I! He has this big deep voice, hey me too! He can’t read music, neither can I! He is uncertain about how to live in Christ’s image and so am I!

John asked if I wanted to help distribute the dessert. Hostess had donated hundreds of twin pack cookie/cakes and one had to be placed at each table setting. Seemed easy enough. Realizing we had 300 – 400 of these cakes to throw down, I take off running: carton in one arm and tossing out the cakes with the other. Move it! Out of my way! Let’s get this job done!

That’s when John yells at me, “Hey you’re doing it all wrong”. WRONG? We’re slinging down cupcakes, how can there be a right and wrong way? Then he explains to me: “You see the Hostess packages have a cellophane window on one side as well as descriptive lettering. The homeless and needy coming for dinner are not as fortunate as you or I. They may get only one or two desserts a month. By placing each package on the edge of the table, cellophane/lettering up, and in front of their plate, they see right away that this is a special day. Those who can’t read can see the cake.”

I was speechless and humbled. How many times do we have to be taught the same thing over and over before it sinks in? This was a lesson my dad taught me when I was young, the Bible teaches it, and now John. John, who finds himself fortunate, is reminding me, ‘Whenever you serve and whomever you serve, do the job right, do it the best you can, with love, with respect, and with gratitude’...And John is uncertain on how to live in Christ’s image?

Jeff Smolek

FORGIVENESS

2011-04-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2:7

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

In what ways can forgiveness be heard?

GETTING THROUGH THE BAD TIMES

2011-04-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

Bad things happen in life, to us, to those we love. Perhaps there has been a personal attack, a crime or threat, a disastrous loss of funds--something that stuns us. It’s over, we’ve survived. How can we go on? How can we get back the peace of mind we once took for granted? When our country was reeling in the aftermath of the events of 9/11, I read several books of prayers and meditations written to help people in a time of trouble. Many were sentimental musings, but others gave solutions one could act upon. The essay on this verse from Jeremiah, and another that spoke of endurance through a bad time offered solid directions for survival.

When we’re facing a crossroads, something has shaken our world, and we are hurt, angry, indignant. We want to punish, and punish severely. But Jeremiah said this is the time to stop and think, to pray and study, and ponder the results of actions we might take. The crossroads point in three directions: We can take the angry, vengeful road, blaming someone or blaming God and lose our faith; we can choose the weak, permissive path, knuckle under and give up; or we can look for the “good way,” the “ancient paths” of truth and justice.

The first road we could choose is revenge. Revenge is a dangerous path which will surely lead to bitterness and hatred; revenge will make us less than we should be. Secondly, yes, of course we should forgive, but that does not mean backing down -- What will happen if we don’t do anything, will the evil go on? Could others be hurt? If that is likely, then we must take the third path, to seek truth and justice. We can leave the judging to God. He is sufficient to judge.

When I read in the little book of meditations, “There are things God can do, and things God can’t do,” I thought of my mother, who had never failed to find something for us to eat throughout the Great Depression. She often said, “God can make the potatoes grow, but we have to pull the weeds.” We can do the work of seeking justice--reading and studying to find the truth, enlisting the support of friends, gathering resources, receipts, photos-- doing whatever we can think of to make the world a better place. God can help us survive, but we must do the work.

Amazing things happen when we turn the judging over to God. When we’re on the right side, we can stand up and face down the evil without fear. We are safe with God’s justice. That is the good way, the ancient and eternal way, the way to survive and find rest for the soul.

Susanne McVinnie

GOD REACHES US THROUGH MANY VEHICLES

2011-04-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

One item that has not been incorporated into the Creation story is the divine origin and purpose of music. The structure of mathematics, the matrix of the universe, the chemical balance of the basic elements of matter are all contained within the crucible of music. My son, during his wife’s pregnancy with their first child, played classical music in the belief that music had a positive impact upon a developing embryo. Our granddaughter maintained a 4.0 throughout high school and graduated valedictorian of her class. I also believe that, at times, music vicariously facilitates the expression of both our emotional and spiritual needs.
While I was in high school, Johnny Ray was at the top of the charts. I not only memorized the lyrics of his songs, but tried to sing them in his style. At that adolescent period in my life, his words exposed the longings and discouragement I was experiencing: “When your sweetheart sends a letter of goodbye, would be better if you cried…when waking from a bad dream, don’t you sometimes think it’s real, but it’s only false emotions that you feel…as I was walking down by the river, feeling lonely and blue, I looked toward the sky and saw a little white cloud that cried.”
During my senior year in high school, I double dated with a friend of mine who forgot his wallet. Since I paid for the entire evening, I later determine I was entitled to certain prerogatives like… his date…Ann Heavenridge…absolutely beautiful…sixteen…and I later found out…God centered. A little over a year later, I received my U S Army induction notice and during my first leave asked her to marry me. The ache of our separation was expressed through the lyrics of our song, Unchained Melody. We were married and Ann later joined me in DeRidder, Louisiana.
There came a time when Ann’s father, out of concern for our Christian orientation, offered to pick up Ann and the kids and take them to church. My response was “No thanks, I’ll handle that myself!” My return to regular church attendance brought me into relationships which helped me recognize spiritual needs I had shoved to the margins of my life. So, like the prodigal son, I once again accepted the embrace of the lover of my soul.
The adolescent feelings of isolation, triggered by Johnny Ray’s lyrics, were not adolescent feelings at all, but an intuitive realization that I would never experience completeness within myself until I entered into an intimate relationship with a person whom I could love and who loved me unconditionally and brought God into the circle of our love. God reaches us through many vehicles; music, is sometimes more effective, because it can touch us both emotionally and spiritually.
Jesus said to His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” From the song Above All, I recall the following lyrics…like a rose trampled on the ground…you gave your all…because you loved me…above all.

Philip O. Dutton

BIRDSONG

2011-04-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1

It was an unusually warm and sunny Sunday in February when I awakened to sunshine and birdsong. It took me a moment to realize that this was the first day since the onset of winter that I remembered waking to the singing of birds. It made spring seem a little closer and immediately made my day a little brighter.
This has been a long winter for a variety of reasons: my husband’s job changing, our military son being deployed, our youngest ill quite a bit. These pressing issues have made the drabness of winter, when I usually tuck in, bake, and enjoy time with my family, feel oppressive and hard on my spirit. I have found myself craving sunshine so much that I made a point one weekend afternoon to venture into seldom used rooms just to sit in the rays streaming through the windows.
As I reflected on how much joy the birds’ singing brought me, it occurred to me that there is a lesson for me in their song. In the “winter” of my life, I too can sing, for spring is coming. God has seen me through barren times before and He is faithful. His word and my life experience have taught me that. How easy it is to lose sight of it – dare I say forget? I suppose it is the human condition. Now each day I try to let the birds remind me to sing His praises…in my heart, out loud, in my prayers. God is good!
Beth Rogers

SHIELD OF FAITH

2011-04-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

Recently I attended a class, Believing God, a study by Beth Moore. At the beginning of the study we were to memorize the five verses in the Shield of Faith. At each class meeting we recited these verses:

Shield of Faith:
1. God is who He says He is
2. God can do what He says He can do
3. I am who God says I am
4. I can do all things through Christ
5. God’s word is alive and active in me

I have always had trouble memorizing Bible verses and retaining them in my memory. So far, I am remembering these verses and as I think about each one separately, they give me so much hope and strength.
For instance, “I can do all things through Christ.” When my husband and I moved to Clarkston in 2005, we had a dream of being closer to our children and their families and growing our relationships. I feel God led us to Clarkston UMC to find other relationships which have strengthened us during some difficult times. God brought me to Companions in Christ and several other Bible studies which have given me “strength and hope” as our lives have taken many unexpected turns.
I would like to challenge you to memorize these verses and use them as your Shield whether or not things are going well in your life. Start with your thumb and repeat #1, next your index finger, middle finger, and so on. When you have your whole hand up (shielding yourself) you know God is there. Then point to your heart, point to your head, and point to heaven and say “I believe God.” What a way to start or end your day!
Praise God!

Becky Ermer

FORGIVENESS

2011-04-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 28:34

In what ways can forgiveness be seen?

THROUGH THE FIRE

2011-04-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
he has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalm 66:8 – 12

He Continues to Bring Me Through the Fire . . .

Of pains of the body, mind and soul.
Some identifiable, some not

They overlap, they ebb,
they intensify, they fade,
They are unbearable, they disappear
only to creep back when I am unaware,
Crashing back into my consciousness.

I ask not why . . . they just are

I forget, I remember and give thanks
that I know joy because of them

They overwhelm. He strengthens me.
They live with me. He gives courage.
And a passionate desire to live with Him and for Him.

Praise our God!
Brenda DuPree

I’ll NOT LEAVE YOU

2011-04-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Why do we concern ourselves with the unknown, the unexpected, the what if? God asks us to walk in faith. He asks us to trust him.
Have you ever been asked to step outside your comfort zone…maybe to speak or sing in front of a group……to go on a job interview that may ask you to stretch a bit….take a trip to a new place by yourself? “I have,” is my answer to all three. I have had a major speaking part in front of thousands of people in a concert series in which I was performing. I have designed many styles of rooms for clients…all different. And, I made a commitment to go to Russia for a Christian concert series without even knowing anyone who was going. What was I thinking?
My strength came from a message I received when I was at a Christian Artist Retreat in Estes Park, Colorado. Many activities were taking place during the retreat, but the activity that I will never forget was a seminar about ministry…. singing, dancing, speaking…. in public. I don’t remember much else, but what I do remember changed my life. The leader said, “God knew of you before you were born, knew the path you were to take throughout your life and become the person you are today. If you find yourself on a platform before a group of people, God intended you to be there. What makes you think he would leave you now?” The answer, He wouldn’t. Life is a tapestry of God’s design. It is His beautiful handiwork that structures our lives.
A wonderful woman once said to me, “Do you want to be one who stands back, watches and wishes or one who goes out, does and enjoys?” God is choosing the latter for each of us. Receive his blessing with anticipation.
Rosemary Pursell

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

2011-04-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Love is patient; love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13: 2-7; 13
The day could not have been more perfect. This was the day we had been planning for… 2 ½ years… or had it been since the day she was born? My little girl was getting married. At the end of this day, she would belong to someone else. To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, these phrases kept going over and over in my mind. Was she ready? Was he ready? Did they really understand what this all meant?
As the preparations of the day moved on and she slipped into her strapless, beaded covered wedding gown, placing the crystal outlined cathedral length veil in her hair, I couldn’t help but reminisce about years gone by. She and her sister, along with the dog, would play dress-up wedding for hours on end. Unlike the dress pulled out of a “dress-up” box and shoes out of my closet, this day was real. She looked absolutely gorgeous and the excitement in her eyes was hard to contain
The chapel on the campus of Michigan State University was the perfect setting for their wedding. As Jim walked Abby down the old cobblestone aisle, you could sense the love and anticipation as Brett waited patiently at the altar. The ceremony was filled with scripture, some tears and some laughs. The pews held close family members and friends. Before we knew it the months and years of planning for this day were over. Our little girl was married and now her heart belonged to someone else.
The amazing part was knowing that God had been a part of this day from the beginning. When she played dress-up as a young girl, God was busy preparing her and Brett for one another. It wasn’t until they made their way out of the chapel, with smiles on their faces, did I realize that His plan for us is real. He does indeed create each of us for another. Abby and Brett rely on God to strengthen their love and you could feel His presence the entire day. Do I still have concerns? As her mother and his mother-in-law, of course I do, but I know God has a plan for them. As they intertwine their marriage with God’s loving care and amazing Grace, the years ahead are in His hands. I can’t think any place I’d rather have them be.
Abby Whiteford

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

2011-04-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

“This Little Light of Mine….” You know the words to finish by heart. Just these simple words conjure up the smell of campfires, church and Girl Scout camps, and sticky marshmallow messes. Not only do I remember singing this song as a child, I have clear and distinct memories of seeing my own children waving their little index fingers while fidgeting in ill-fitting choir robes at the chancel. My mind now drifts to the cuteness, but at the time, I remember hoping those little fingers did not stray and poke – or worse – before the phase out of the last “let it shine.”

This simple tune carries a message that resonates through our lives. I remember many years ago when I relocated and felt the people in my new setting seemed closed and unfriendly. When sharing this sentiment with a wise friend from back home, she gently suggested that sometimes the faces of people we see are mirrors of the expressions we give them. Maybe folks seemed unfriendly, as my own light failed to shine.

Afterward, I made it a practice to stop hiding my own light under a bushel, and it worked. My new home became a much friendlier and warm place. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us we are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world. He continues that by shining our lights before others, we give glory to our Father in heaven. With words such as these, how can we help but show the world our lights?

When you see the little ones wave their index fingers around camp fires, know that the future is in good hands.
Diane Fender

LOVE LETTERS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

2011-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

It was my privilege to be part of two retreat teams in my church. A major part of this process is formation and spiritual growth. Each team commitment was six months.

During the course of this formation process, I began to receive these “Love letters from the Holy Spirit.” They reflected words that needed to be shared with the group. I recognized that these were not my words, that these were gifts from the Holy Spirit.
As I continued to receive these letters, I realized that it was not a gift of writing but rather a gift of relationship and listening. This gift continues and it is with faith and obedience that I share them when I receive them. I do not change any part of them:

A Forgiveness Prayer
Soften the hard edges of my judgmental nature, Lord.
That knife-sharp edge that is not of You.
Replace it with the warm embrace of Your unceasing love.
Teach me to open my arms and my heart as You do, Lord.
Take my hand and lead me to your path of mercy and acceptance.

For a heart that is brimful of Your amazing Grace has no room
For jealousy and hate.
They are citizens of this world.
There is no room for them in Your order.
Make my ways Your ways Lord.
Let my crooked path lead only to You.

In Your kingdom there is no home for these things.
Only Love-
Your everlasting love.
In this we abide.
You have taught us to forgive.
The Cross is the Witness,
To Your forgiveness and love.
And we will give no less than this Lord.

For in Your steps we will walk
In your image
We are made
In Your Kingdom
We will dwell
Now and forever.

Cindy Keil

SMALL PIECES OF PAPER

2011-03-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Light of God Surrounds me
The Love of God Enfolds me
The Power of God Protects me
The Presence of God Watches over me
WHEREVER I AM, GOD IS!

After my father’s death in 2004, I found these words in several places throughout his belongings, all typewritten and on small pieces of paper. The worn and yellowing paper and the old type style made me visualize him sitting at that old manual Royal typewriter many years ago. My mind’s eye could see him typing those words over and over again, then carefully cutting the paper to size, just enough for the text.

I found these little cut-out pieces of paper in well over 30 places. One was folded up in his wallet, another tucked in his jewelry box, and a few were taped inside his office desk drawers. However, the majority of them were used as bookmarks in the Bible he read every single day. At those bookmarked pages, as well as many other places in his Bible, I found stars next to, arrows pointing at, and double underlining of scriptures that touched him the most.

I had never seen these words before. I don’t know where he found them, but it was obvious he cherished their message. Dad left me a wonderful gift, as these words now feed my spirit. One of those worn and yellowing pieces of paper is taped to my computer and I read it daily. It reminds me that, like a warm comforting cloud surrounding me, God walks with me every minute of my life.

I know Dad would be so pleased that I shared these words with you. May we all remember:
The Light of God Surrounds us
The Love of God Enfolds us
The Power of God Protects us
The Presence of God Watches over us
WHEREVER WE ARE, GOD IS!

Pam Borgman

CONFESSION

2011-03-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 5b- 9

As I sit writing this devotion the sun is radiating through the bare trees into my window. What a delight to feel its warmth and brightness bringing the promise of spring which still lies hidden beneath the snowy ground. But wait, what is this I notice? Oh no, dirty smudgy windows, dust covering my desk and finger prints on the woodwork are glaringly revealed by the light reminding me it’s spring cleaning time - again!

I confess I do not like to clean! My meticulous 1950’s happy homemaker mother would be horrified! In fact in my earlier married years nothing would create more stress than a visit from my parents. I was sure mom was secretly looking in all of the places where I hastily hid the dust and clutter that I had been ignoring. I felt so guilty for not keeping up the standards she had tried to teach me! Sadly, I was so worried about what she might think that I was unable to relax and enjoy spending time with my parents. I realize now that my mother wasn’t judging me. I regret that I didn’t admit to her that I found other things much more fun and interesting than housecleaning and was too ashamed to ask for her help.

Merciful Lord, I often miss out on the closeness you want to share with me as well because I see you as my “horrified” mother instead of my forgiving Father when you look at my messy life. Rather than being truthful with you, myself and my Christian family, I try to cover up by looking good on the outside while keeping my struggles with sin on the inside. I want to make Lent a time to get real! It’s time to let your light in to show me what hinders my relationship with you and with others and to cleanse my self-centered heart. I confess that I hide my sins and fail to follow the standards Jesus set for us. But I claim your promise to forgive and ask you to help me risk sharing my struggles with those who will hold me accountable. Amen
Marilyn Whisner

BLESSED

2011-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Earlier this month we were on Route 44 in Lecanto, Fl. Road signs posted the demise of Corp Jon Taylor, Marine, announcing his funeral procession was to be around 2:00. Flags popped up along the road - children, Vets, Moms, Dads, all showed up to honor this fallen soldier.

While awaiting the entourage, I had the opportunity to speak to some of those around me. Over and over I was informed how proud they were to able to honor this fallen soldier, if only by their presence. One man was there with his son. He stated he had known this brave Marine as a small boy, and watched him grow up. He wanted his own son to pay honor and see what he had sacrificed for all of us.

Included in the small area where I was standing was a Snow Bird, a small boy with his mom (his father was a deputy on duty), and many Veterans showing their colors. The procession was lead by many Cruisers with the flashing lights. As they passed, I reflected on how many had given their lives in order to afford us the privilege to be able to stand there and speak to each another without fear. The escort included a large band of motorcycles bringing up the rear.

As we left the area, at the top of the next hill a large American flag flew from a fire ladder truck. I am so blessed. Thank you, Jon. I am a proud American.

Judy Rosenberger

TURNING TO THE LORD

2011-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18

As a young married woman, there was an emptiness in my soul which one day was filled when my husband and I spent a weekend with some deeply spiritual friends who introduced us to their Bible study group. During their prayer time, they laid hands on us and I felt the warming of my heart. God made known to me He loved me and because of that love, I was to love others. He knew my weakness, saw me as I was, and forgave me. My heart was so quickened, that I commented to my husband on the way home that the sky looked bluer and the grass greener.

Then God began a real work in me to heal a troubled relationship. With His grace, I began to understand my mother who always seemed critical and unhappy. She was the eldest of four children and never felt loved by her own mother. It was so painful to her that at the age of fourteen, she moved from North Carolina to live with her grandmother here in Michigan. When the time came near the end of her life when she needed my care, I was able to willingly give her the help she needed. The last words she said to me before she slipped into a coma were, “I love you and thank you for all you have done for me.”… My mother had never said she loved me until then. I thank God for that moment!

God heals our deepest needs. As I continue to trust and know Him through the mirror of God’s Word, I find comfort and guidance. As I study his word and draw close to Him, my faith continues to grow. I am confident in His love, plan and faithfulness to me.

Ann Dutton

FORGIVENESS SCRIPTURE QUESTION

2011-03-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

In what ways can forgiveness be felt?

MY OWN GPS

2011-03-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your insight, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs3:5-6

I was on my way home from Madison, WI needing to travel through Chicago. I was using my GPS even though I knew which roads I wanted to take. I left Madison at 7:00AM in the hopes of avoiding heavy traffic in Chicago. I arrived outside Chicago at about 9:30AM. As I passed through downtown Chicago my GPS advised me to turn off I-90. I didn't turn off I-90 because I didn't know the area south of Chicago and I didn't trust the GPS.

As I continued to drive the GPS informed me the traffic ahead was congested. I slowly made my way through the traffic thinking about my relationship with God. How often I thought I knew what I was doing and I didn't need to consult God about my plans. I thought I was in control. How arrogant of me.
I thought back to the national financial meltdown when everything in my life seemed out of my control. I turned to God in prayer and asked for his guidance. He helped me to make changes in the way I handled my finances. Just like trusting the GPS when I need direction I need to trust God. God is in control and I need to listen to his nudges where my life is concerned. When I sing the hymn, “Trust and Obey” (John H. Sammis), it reminds me what I need to do:

When I walk with the Lord in light of his word
What a glory he sheds on our way
While we do his good will, he abides with us still
And with all who trust and obey
Trust and obey for there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Barb Trueman

TINY MIRACLES

2011-03-22T05:11:00.001-07:00

…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20

In late August my wife, Nancy, stepped out of what was once a milk room to store milk cans, in our aging farmhouse, caught her toe on the carpet and fell. She was in pain! Had I been with her alone, the scenario might have been different, but miracle of miracles, son Ron was with us in the same room that day. Instantly on his knees beside his mother, he asked a question or two, looked up and mouthed the word, “fracture.” He knew whom to call and stayed by her side until they arrived.
The emergency crew for Brandon Township is a wise, experienced group. They did not move her until they were sure she was ready. At the hospital the sequence was: emergency room…surgery…metal plate from knee to hip…full cast with ten days of hospital therapy ahead. What a relief!
But wait, when she’s ready, how do we get her into the house? In my Bible class at church is a good friend with a gravel-bass voice. I’m at home pondering our problem when the phone rings. It’s that gravelly voice with a four word message, “We’ve got the ramp!” (I’d made a couple of inquiries and gained nothing.) So this was the beginning of a miracle. On the last three day weekend of summer, Labor Day, two crews gave two days each to build a 56 foot ramp. Miracle completed!
We leave you with this witness to our beliefs in God’s guidance in our lives, especially if we daily ask for it, and to our thankfulness that our kids have married into families that also believe in God. We are blessed.
“Lo, I am with you always…” “My peace I leave with you…” These are considered promises of our Lord. O.K. But sometimes their outcomes seem like a miracle.
Bill McGuire

BELIEVING IN GOD AND BELIEVING GOD

2011-03-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Heb 11:6.

I have recently completed a Beth Moore study called Believing God and from that study I wish to share some exciting thoughts. I recognize there is a very big difference between believing in God and believing God. Both are absolutely necessary for my faith walk.

God’s miracles make it easy to believe in Him. My eyes filled with tears when I saw my first birth as a student nurse and also attended the births of my six grandchildren. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. These children were gifts from God and they took their first earthly breath then and there and even possessed all their fingers and toes. What a miracle! From the southern rim, the splendor of the Grand Canyon left me also choked with emotion. The birth of humanity and earth are constant reminders to me of our loving and living God.

Sixteen years ago I was devastated by the death of my husband, Lon, and unable to focus on anything. I never felt alone; lonely, yes, but I could talk to God and Lon. Finally God’s strength became available to me and I kept my mind and heart open to his guidance and healing. I believed that God could do for me what I was unable to do for myself. So I let go and turned my life over to God and started a new chapter in my life.
By looking at all the human and earthly creations, there is a Godly purpose for all people including myself. I know God exists and he is watching over me, to bless and care for me so that I will reflect his glory as I continue my faith walk to my promised land.
Lois Harmon Noon