Softball Tournament
Come out and support our softball team in the League Tournament this weekend! Hill's Chapel will play Friday night at 7:45pm at home. Concessions Available!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Daily Devotion for July 23rd, 2009
Player or Spectator?
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
-Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
YEARS ago I attended the funeral of Ralph Callahan, a man who at age 93 had been the oldest working journalist in my state, Alabama. Because of his senior status, Ralph liked to say that he had a "license to reminisce." He was especially grateful to still be involved in a profession that he loved. The minister at the funeral talked about Ralph's zest for living, saying that life for Ralph was never a spectator sport. He was a player.
When I joined my church, I asked myself, Will I be a player or a spectator? "Here am I. Send me," we read in Isaiah. But saying yes to a call to discipleship can be hard, especially if it takes us out of our comfort zone. Saying no is easy. I wonder, What if God said no to us as many times as we say no to God?
Saying yes to God and being active in God's work helps us grow spiritually. This doesn't necessarily mean being seen and heard. All of us can serve in quiet and humble ways known only to God. We have many opportunities to do so. Discipleship means being a servant and, as Jesus showed us, putting others ahead of ourselves.
I'm trying to respond when I hear God's call. It's hard sometimes, heeding God's voice. But when we do we receive great blessings.
Ed Williams (Alabama, USA)
God, help me to be a disciple who is not merely a spectator. Amen.
Thought for the day
When and where have I said yes to God?
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
-Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
YEARS ago I attended the funeral of Ralph Callahan, a man who at age 93 had been the oldest working journalist in my state, Alabama. Because of his senior status, Ralph liked to say that he had a "license to reminisce." He was especially grateful to still be involved in a profession that he loved. The minister at the funeral talked about Ralph's zest for living, saying that life for Ralph was never a spectator sport. He was a player.
When I joined my church, I asked myself, Will I be a player or a spectator? "Here am I. Send me," we read in Isaiah. But saying yes to a call to discipleship can be hard, especially if it takes us out of our comfort zone. Saying no is easy. I wonder, What if God said no to us as many times as we say no to God?
Saying yes to God and being active in God's work helps us grow spiritually. This doesn't necessarily mean being seen and heard. All of us can serve in quiet and humble ways known only to God. We have many opportunities to do so. Discipleship means being a servant and, as Jesus showed us, putting others ahead of ourselves.
I'm trying to respond when I hear God's call. It's hard sometimes, heeding God's voice. But when we do we receive great blessings.
Ed Williams (Alabama, USA)
God, help me to be a disciple who is not merely a spectator. Amen.
Thought for the day
When and where have I said yes to God?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Daily Devotion for July 22nd
Praying Always
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.
-0Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV)
AT a busy city intersection, my wife and I waited to cross the road. I pressed the button for the pedestrian walk sign once, twice, half a dozen times.
"Why did you do that?" asked my wife. "Once is enough. You are not going to speed anything up by doing it again and again."
"I know," I replied, "but it makes me feel better."
Her question made me think of one of my own "whys." The Bible encourages us to pray with confidence, knowing that our requests are heard. But it also tells us to pray constantly. I have wondered why, but I have concluded that prayer is so much in the realm of mystery that I cannot expect to understand. Nevertheless I try.
Prayer is as much for me as it is for God. Though I would like to think that the world is different because I pray, I know that all I can do is rely on God and simply pray in faith. But regardless of what happens in the world outside me, when I pray, something happens within me. Not only do I feel better, but I am also changed by the experience. Sometimes I don't want to pray about a problem that is troubling me, and I resist. When I pray, God sorts out my motives. Then the world seems different because I am different, and I am more confident in leaving the final answers to God.
Bill Adams (Queensland, Australia)
Come, Lord Jesus. Inspire us by your presence. Amen
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.
-0Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV)
AT a busy city intersection, my wife and I waited to cross the road. I pressed the button for the pedestrian walk sign once, twice, half a dozen times.
"Why did you do that?" asked my wife. "Once is enough. You are not going to speed anything up by doing it again and again."
"I know," I replied, "but it makes me feel better."
Her question made me think of one of my own "whys." The Bible encourages us to pray with confidence, knowing that our requests are heard. But it also tells us to pray constantly. I have wondered why, but I have concluded that prayer is so much in the realm of mystery that I cannot expect to understand. Nevertheless I try.
Prayer is as much for me as it is for God. Though I would like to think that the world is different because I pray, I know that all I can do is rely on God and simply pray in faith. But regardless of what happens in the world outside me, when I pray, something happens within me. Not only do I feel better, but I am also changed by the experience. Sometimes I don't want to pray about a problem that is troubling me, and I resist. When I pray, God sorts out my motives. Then the world seems different because I am different, and I am more confident in leaving the final answers to God.
Bill Adams (Queensland, Australia)
Come, Lord Jesus. Inspire us by your presence. Amen
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Daily Devotion for July 21st, 2009
Graceful Relating
Read Romans 12:4-18
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
-Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)
RECENTLY I had a fright while riding my bicycle. I was racing along on a downhill slope when an adult deer darted out from the woods, heading for a collision with me. I swerved and tried to stop, but an accident seemed imminent. To my relief, the deer turned, ran alongside me, and then gracefully dashed back into the woods. Her movements seemed effortless; the whole incident took only seconds. One moment I feared I'd be jolted off my bicycle and badly hurt. The next, I was peering into the woods looking for the gentle creature. I thanked God that I was safe and watched out for deer on the rest of my ride.
Later, as I reflected on the damage a collision might have caused, I thought about God's call for us to be peacemakers. In Romans 12:18 Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This call gives me hope to grow in my ability to respond gently to others and turn away from causing them harm. In this way, I'm doing my part to live peacefully with others.
With our words or actions, we can either cause collisions or gracefully avoid hurting others. The encounter with that doe encourages me to think of God's power making "my feet like the feet of a deer," enabling me to avoid hurting those around me.
Linda Walstrom (Illinois, USA)
O God, help us to make peace and to deal graciously with others. Amen.
Thought for the Day
The way we treat others matters to God
Read Romans 12:4-18
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
-Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)
RECENTLY I had a fright while riding my bicycle. I was racing along on a downhill slope when an adult deer darted out from the woods, heading for a collision with me. I swerved and tried to stop, but an accident seemed imminent. To my relief, the deer turned, ran alongside me, and then gracefully dashed back into the woods. Her movements seemed effortless; the whole incident took only seconds. One moment I feared I'd be jolted off my bicycle and badly hurt. The next, I was peering into the woods looking for the gentle creature. I thanked God that I was safe and watched out for deer on the rest of my ride.
Later, as I reflected on the damage a collision might have caused, I thought about God's call for us to be peacemakers. In Romans 12:18 Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This call gives me hope to grow in my ability to respond gently to others and turn away from causing them harm. In this way, I'm doing my part to live peacefully with others.
With our words or actions, we can either cause collisions or gracefully avoid hurting others. The encounter with that doe encourages me to think of God's power making "my feet like the feet of a deer," enabling me to avoid hurting those around me.
Linda Walstrom (Illinois, USA)
O God, help us to make peace and to deal graciously with others. Amen.
Thought for the Day
The way we treat others matters to God
Monday, July 20, 2009
Daily Devotion for July 20th, 2009
God of the Universe
Read Psalm 8
When I look at your heavens ... the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
-Psalm 8:3-4 (NRSV)
"DO you ever think we'll put a man on the moon?" In my youth, the answer to that question was usually, "I doubt it." But 40 years ago today, I joined millions around the world who watched Neil Armstrong step onto the lunar surface. Not long ago I gazed into the heavens and watched a streak of light track across the night sky, light from a space station where astronauts orbit miles above the earth. Space is no longer beyond our reach.
The exploration of space has confirmed for us the vastness of our solar system and the universe beyond. I may never travel in space, and certainly I won't be able to reach its limits. Yet every day I can enjoy first-hand closeness with the omnipotent God who spoke all this into existence. The psalmist, who could only imagine what existed beyond the visible heavens, was certain about what existed in the heart of the God who created them: love and concern for humankind. And the psalmist was awed by the concept, as we should be.
Even if I were able to travel past the farthest star, I know that journey could never take me beyond the love and care of God. To me, that truth is more astounding than the vastness of space.
Richard L. Mabry (Texas, USA)
God of the limitless universe, thank you for the wonderful world you allow us to enjoy. Amen.
God cares for every part of creation.
Read Psalm 8
When I look at your heavens ... the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
-Psalm 8:3-4 (NRSV)
"DO you ever think we'll put a man on the moon?" In my youth, the answer to that question was usually, "I doubt it." But 40 years ago today, I joined millions around the world who watched Neil Armstrong step onto the lunar surface. Not long ago I gazed into the heavens and watched a streak of light track across the night sky, light from a space station where astronauts orbit miles above the earth. Space is no longer beyond our reach.
The exploration of space has confirmed for us the vastness of our solar system and the universe beyond. I may never travel in space, and certainly I won't be able to reach its limits. Yet every day I can enjoy first-hand closeness with the omnipotent God who spoke all this into existence. The psalmist, who could only imagine what existed beyond the visible heavens, was certain about what existed in the heart of the God who created them: love and concern for humankind. And the psalmist was awed by the concept, as we should be.
Even if I were able to travel past the farthest star, I know that journey could never take me beyond the love and care of God. To me, that truth is more astounding than the vastness of space.
Richard L. Mabry (Texas, USA)
God of the limitless universe, thank you for the wonderful world you allow us to enjoy. Amen.
God cares for every part of creation.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Daily Devotion for July 15th, 2009
Hidden Fruit
Read Psalm 119:7-20
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
-2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)
ONE of my favorite summer activities is picking wild raspberries. I love to stand in one spot and pick as many raspberries as I can find before moving on to the next patch. Often when I think I have exhausted the supply of berries before me, I prepare to move on, only to spy the ripest, biggest, most luscious berry yet. How did I miss this one? I wonder. The answer is simple: Changing my stance and my line of sight lets me see what had been there all along, waiting for me to claim it.
In a way, the same is true with God's word. At times I become complacent, even bored, with a passage of scripture, thinking I have exhausted its meaning and relevance to my life. When time and experience have changed my outlook on life, however, I find myself re-reading the passage and thinking, Wow, how did I miss that? Surprised I didn't see some message sooner, but grateful to have the newfound insight, I am enriched. The wisdom is fresh and new every morning. (See Lam. 3:23). Thanks be to God!
Kristine Liknes (Ohio, USA)
Dear God, thank you for the Bible and all the riches it contains. Help us to go on learning from it as long as we live. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
What new insights can I gather from the Bible today
Read Psalm 119:7-20
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
-2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)
ONE of my favorite summer activities is picking wild raspberries. I love to stand in one spot and pick as many raspberries as I can find before moving on to the next patch. Often when I think I have exhausted the supply of berries before me, I prepare to move on, only to spy the ripest, biggest, most luscious berry yet. How did I miss this one? I wonder. The answer is simple: Changing my stance and my line of sight lets me see what had been there all along, waiting for me to claim it.
In a way, the same is true with God's word. At times I become complacent, even bored, with a passage of scripture, thinking I have exhausted its meaning and relevance to my life. When time and experience have changed my outlook on life, however, I find myself re-reading the passage and thinking, Wow, how did I miss that? Surprised I didn't see some message sooner, but grateful to have the newfound insight, I am enriched. The wisdom is fresh and new every morning. (See Lam. 3:23). Thanks be to God!
Kristine Liknes (Ohio, USA)
Dear God, thank you for the Bible and all the riches it contains. Help us to go on learning from it as long as we live. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
What new insights can I gather from the Bible today
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Hispanic Festival
Celebrate Diversity and Proclaim a Message of Hope
Join us on Sunday, July 19, 2009
For an afternoon of celebration and worship with our Hispanic/Latino neighbors
4:00 to 5:00: Games for Children and Crafts
5:00 to 6:00: Worship Service
6:00 to 7:00 Dinner and Fellowship
There will be a dynamic worship service with bilingual ( English and Spanish) music and dance, games and crafts for children, a free dinner with Hispanic and Southern typical foods.
Daily Devotion for July 14th 2009
They Also Serve
Read Exodus 4:10-16
Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
-Exodus 4:10 (KJV)
GOD would not allow Moses to use a handicap as an excuse to back away from what God asked him to do. After Moses reluctantly agreed, he found that with God's guidance, he was able to lead the people out of bondage.
Through the ages, God has strengthened and worked through those with impairments. Their accomplishments have been a witness to what is possible when we realize that God is with us. John Milton, the British poet who wrote Paradise Lost, was blind. Speaker and writer Helen Keller was both deaf and blind. Both are awesome examples of the power of God. When we have an emptiness, God fills it.
When I become despondent because of the physical impairments of my advancing years, I remember the nation that grew from Abraham and Sarah, who seemed too old to have a child. If I give myself to my church and community, God will still work through me. In whatever I do, I can serve as a witness that God will use my gifts and talents, despite the limitations that come with aging.
Raymond Bottom (Mississippi, USA)
Prayer
O Lord, help us to see our opportunities to help others. Amen.
At every stage of our lives, God can use our talents to serve others.
Read Exodus 4:10-16
Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
-Exodus 4:10 (KJV)
GOD would not allow Moses to use a handicap as an excuse to back away from what God asked him to do. After Moses reluctantly agreed, he found that with God's guidance, he was able to lead the people out of bondage.
Through the ages, God has strengthened and worked through those with impairments. Their accomplishments have been a witness to what is possible when we realize that God is with us. John Milton, the British poet who wrote Paradise Lost, was blind. Speaker and writer Helen Keller was both deaf and blind. Both are awesome examples of the power of God. When we have an emptiness, God fills it.
When I become despondent because of the physical impairments of my advancing years, I remember the nation that grew from Abraham and Sarah, who seemed too old to have a child. If I give myself to my church and community, God will still work through me. In whatever I do, I can serve as a witness that God will use my gifts and talents, despite the limitations that come with aging.
Raymond Bottom (Mississippi, USA)
Prayer
O Lord, help us to see our opportunities to help others. Amen.
At every stage of our lives, God can use our talents to serve others.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Daily Devotion for July 1st
What We Need
Read Psalm 116:1-19
[The Lord] put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
-Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
WHEN I was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer, I spent hours researching my diagnosis on the Internet before I met with my oncologist. At our meeting I scribbled copious notes about the cancer, the chemotherapy, the chances of recurrence. But that information gave me no peace. While I feared chemotherapy, the possibility of recurrence paralyzed me. Sadness began to invade even the happiest occasions of my life.
Answering my prayers for healing, God sent me a host of angels: Cancer patients much sicker than I witnessed to their faith through joyful living. Friends and family prayed for me. Books written by Christians with cancer addressed my fears. The psalmists comforted me, and Bible heroes -- Daniel, Peter, Stephen, Paul -- inspired me. I began to experience Christ, the greatest hero of all, walking with empathy beside me, healing me.
My treatment is finished, and today I feel wonderfully alive. I prayed for my deepest desire: a sure physical cure. Instead, Christ healed my spirit, replacing doubt and fear with trust and peace.
Lottie L. Guttry (Texas, USA)
Dearest Lord, thank you for bringing us wholeness and, sometimes, physical healing. Thank you for your faithful angels who witness to the possibility of joy in life's most difficult times. Amen.
Thought for the Day
"Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (Rom. 14:8).
Read Psalm 116:1-19
[The Lord] put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
-Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
WHEN I was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer, I spent hours researching my diagnosis on the Internet before I met with my oncologist. At our meeting I scribbled copious notes about the cancer, the chemotherapy, the chances of recurrence. But that information gave me no peace. While I feared chemotherapy, the possibility of recurrence paralyzed me. Sadness began to invade even the happiest occasions of my life.
Answering my prayers for healing, God sent me a host of angels: Cancer patients much sicker than I witnessed to their faith through joyful living. Friends and family prayed for me. Books written by Christians with cancer addressed my fears. The psalmists comforted me, and Bible heroes -- Daniel, Peter, Stephen, Paul -- inspired me. I began to experience Christ, the greatest hero of all, walking with empathy beside me, healing me.
My treatment is finished, and today I feel wonderfully alive. I prayed for my deepest desire: a sure physical cure. Instead, Christ healed my spirit, replacing doubt and fear with trust and peace.
Lottie L. Guttry (Texas, USA)
Dearest Lord, thank you for bringing us wholeness and, sometimes, physical healing. Thank you for your faithful angels who witness to the possibility of joy in life's most difficult times. Amen.
Thought for the Day
"Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (Rom. 14:8).
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Daily Devotion for June 30th
A Root of Bitterness
Read Genesis 27:30-41
Pursue peace with everyone. . . . See to it . . . that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble.
-Hebrews 12:1415 (NRSV)
THE company I have worked for over the last 21 years recently reorganized. When the dust settled, I found myself in a new position. A younger engineer with much less experience was given the job that I loved. The injustice I felt created bitterness within me.
Today's scripture reading tells of "a root of bitterness" that sprouts within Esau after Jacob steals his birthright and blessing. The bitterness grows into such hatred that Esau plans to kill Jacob, his own flesh and blood. Bitterness can work that way - consuming us as a briar consumes a garden. Left unchecked, it grows stronger and stronger and chokes out the fruit in our lives. And like a briar, its root must be removed entirely or it will sprout up again.
I discovered this painful truth: Bitterness hurts the one who harbors it more than the one to whom it is directed. I came to realize that my bitterness was stealing my joy, breaking my fellowship with God, and contradicting God's will. But when we discover briars of bitterness, God can help us to forgive and so uproot them.
Terry Thomas Bowman (North Carolina, USA)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). Help us to forgive those who we feel have hurt us and to let go of bitterness. Amen.
Thought for the Day
With God's help, we can remove roots of bitterness to make room for joy.
Read Genesis 27:30-41
Pursue peace with everyone. . . . See to it . . . that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble.
-Hebrews 12:1415 (NRSV)
THE company I have worked for over the last 21 years recently reorganized. When the dust settled, I found myself in a new position. A younger engineer with much less experience was given the job that I loved. The injustice I felt created bitterness within me.
Today's scripture reading tells of "a root of bitterness" that sprouts within Esau after Jacob steals his birthright and blessing. The bitterness grows into such hatred that Esau plans to kill Jacob, his own flesh and blood. Bitterness can work that way - consuming us as a briar consumes a garden. Left unchecked, it grows stronger and stronger and chokes out the fruit in our lives. And like a briar, its root must be removed entirely or it will sprout up again.
I discovered this painful truth: Bitterness hurts the one who harbors it more than the one to whom it is directed. I came to realize that my bitterness was stealing my joy, breaking my fellowship with God, and contradicting God's will. But when we discover briars of bitterness, God can help us to forgive and so uproot them.
Terry Thomas Bowman (North Carolina, USA)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). Help us to forgive those who we feel have hurt us and to let go of bitterness. Amen.
Thought for the Day
With God's help, we can remove roots of bitterness to make room for joy.
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