God's Comforting Presence
Read Psalm 23
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
-Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
MY dear husband of 49 years lay in intensive care, helpless, surrounded by a tangle of tubes and machines. Just one week earlier after church he had come to me, put his arm around me, and said, "Come on, lover. Let's go home." Lover? Two ancients like us? But he was everything to me.
Now I could do nothing but hold his hand. I was filled with pain and the fear of being left alone. I couldn't pray; my despair was too great. To keep from panicking, I began to repeat the words of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . . though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." Over and over I said those words.
Later that day, after he had died, I walked into our home alone. As I did, a warm, gentle feeling embraced my shoulders like a soft blanket. God's presence surrounded me. As the psalmist said, "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." I was assured that God would be with me through the pain and loneliness of my loss.
Now, six years later, I count my blessings often, and God's comforting presence is at the top of the list. Surely, "goodness and mercy" have followed me.
Joyce Woeste (Iowa, USA)
Precious Lord, we offer grateful thanks for your blessings here on earth and for your promise that we "will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Amen.
Thought for the Day
God's word is a comfort and a promise.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2009 Softbal Schedule
The 2009 softball schedule has been added to the side bar of the blog. Please come out and support our team!
Daily Devotion for April 28th
Hide and Seek
Read Psalm 139:1-12
If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
-Genesis 4:7 (NIV)
ON summer nights when I was a child, my sisters and I stayed outside until late in the evening playing games with neighborhood children. A favorite game was hide and seek. One person would close her eyes and count to a certain number while the remaining players hid. When the counter opened her eyes, she tried to find and tag the other players before they made it safely to home base.
Like children playing a game, we sometimes try to hide from God. Sin may cause us to try to hide for fear of consequences or simply because it's hard to admit we sinned. When we are ashamed, we may want to sneak past God's ever-watchful eye; but God already knows what we have done. God knows our deepest motives. At those times we can pray for guidance rather than avoid God in fear. And the Bible tells us that God will respond. As Psalm 25:12 (nrsv) says, "Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose."
Brenda W. Medlin (Georgia, USA)
Father, forgive us for our sins. As we earnestly seek your will for our lives, help us listen for your guidance and follow your direction. Amen.
Thought for the Day
If you want wisdom, ask God "who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly" (James 1:5, NRSV).
Read Psalm 139:1-12
If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
-Genesis 4:7 (NIV)
ON summer nights when I was a child, my sisters and I stayed outside until late in the evening playing games with neighborhood children. A favorite game was hide and seek. One person would close her eyes and count to a certain number while the remaining players hid. When the counter opened her eyes, she tried to find and tag the other players before they made it safely to home base.
Like children playing a game, we sometimes try to hide from God. Sin may cause us to try to hide for fear of consequences or simply because it's hard to admit we sinned. When we are ashamed, we may want to sneak past God's ever-watchful eye; but God already knows what we have done. God knows our deepest motives. At those times we can pray for guidance rather than avoid God in fear. And the Bible tells us that God will respond. As Psalm 25:12 (nrsv) says, "Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose."
Brenda W. Medlin (Georgia, USA)
Father, forgive us for our sins. As we earnestly seek your will for our lives, help us listen for your guidance and follow your direction. Amen.
Thought for the Day
If you want wisdom, ask God "who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly" (James 1:5, NRSV).
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Daily Devotion for April 21st
Are You Serious?
Read Hebrews 12:4-11
How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
-Job 5:17 (NRSV)
AS a young child, I understood discipline to be a bad word. Changing my perspective has been a challenge.
I was brought up in a Christian home, but I was 30 years old and facing a crisis before I sought to live a Christian life. I began to read about the Christian disciplines of prayer, worship, study, and meditation. Those sounded OK. When I read that fasting, solitude, simplicity, submission, and confession were supposed to bring me joy, I thought, Are you kidding me?
But over time God has patiently taught me that all these practices bring me closer to my Creator and strengthen my spirit. They help me to be attuned to God's voice and to know God's will for me. They help me to drown out the world's noise so I can hear God's "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12, KJV). And, yes, they have brought me joy as I seek to travel along God's path. I have learned that in love God teaches us and strengthens us so that we may do God's work.
Now, when I am tempted to be lazy about practicing the disciplines or when I realize that I have been neglecting God, I ask myself, "Susan, are you serious about knowing God better?" I want to be.
Susan King (Texas, USA)
Gracious God, help us to fully experience your love so that we welcome discipline and the joy it brings. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What brings me closer to God day by day?
Read Hebrews 12:4-11
How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
-Job 5:17 (NRSV)
AS a young child, I understood discipline to be a bad word. Changing my perspective has been a challenge.
I was brought up in a Christian home, but I was 30 years old and facing a crisis before I sought to live a Christian life. I began to read about the Christian disciplines of prayer, worship, study, and meditation. Those sounded OK. When I read that fasting, solitude, simplicity, submission, and confession were supposed to bring me joy, I thought, Are you kidding me?
But over time God has patiently taught me that all these practices bring me closer to my Creator and strengthen my spirit. They help me to be attuned to God's voice and to know God's will for me. They help me to drown out the world's noise so I can hear God's "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12, KJV). And, yes, they have brought me joy as I seek to travel along God's path. I have learned that in love God teaches us and strengthens us so that we may do God's work.
Now, when I am tempted to be lazy about practicing the disciplines or when I realize that I have been neglecting God, I ask myself, "Susan, are you serious about knowing God better?" I want to be.
Susan King (Texas, USA)
Gracious God, help us to fully experience your love so that we welcome discipline and the joy it brings. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What brings me closer to God day by day?
Sorry
So sorry the blog has not had an update lately! I have had a very busy week, but back to the grind I go!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Cock Crows
Read Mark 14:66-72
Jesus said to [Peter], "Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times."
-Mark 14:30 (NRSV)
DURING this past week, I was rude to a man in need who knocked at our door. I could easily have responded to his request. Just yesterday, I was hardhearted and unresponsive to the gardener, who needed my caring ear and compassion. Today, I was cynical about the motives of a friend instead of being more concerned for her real needs. Just as for Peter, the cock crows loudly in my life and in my mind. It does so regularly.
As I honestly examine my daily actions, I cannot escape the fact that I am like the disciple Peter in his weakest moments. This Holy Week, we read again the grim story of Jesus and the disciples as Jesus faces death on the cross. In the context of our behavior, which disciple will we be like? Which disciple will we be most like before next Easter comes?
Roland Rink (Gauteng, South Africa)
Loving God, forgive our hardness of heart when we refuse to hear the cries of the needy. Forgive us for denying our faith and turning away from Jesus. Teach us to live as we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.
Thought for the Day
In what areas of my life do I hear the cock crowing?
Read Mark 14:66-72
Jesus said to [Peter], "Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times."
-Mark 14:30 (NRSV)
DURING this past week, I was rude to a man in need who knocked at our door. I could easily have responded to his request. Just yesterday, I was hardhearted and unresponsive to the gardener, who needed my caring ear and compassion. Today, I was cynical about the motives of a friend instead of being more concerned for her real needs. Just as for Peter, the cock crows loudly in my life and in my mind. It does so regularly.
As I honestly examine my daily actions, I cannot escape the fact that I am like the disciple Peter in his weakest moments. This Holy Week, we read again the grim story of Jesus and the disciples as Jesus faces death on the cross. In the context of our behavior, which disciple will we be like? Which disciple will we be most like before next Easter comes?
Roland Rink (Gauteng, South Africa)
Loving God, forgive our hardness of heart when we refuse to hear the cries of the needy. Forgive us for denying our faith and turning away from Jesus. Teach us to live as we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.
Thought for the Day
In what areas of my life do I hear the cock crowing?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Daily Devotion for April 8th
Love Letters
Read Psalm 19:1-14
The one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, reveals his thoughts to mortals ... the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name!
-Amos 4:13 (NRSV)
IN my garage, I found a box containing love letters my parents wrote during World War II. Reading their intimate thoughts has been fascinating, especially because my parents died before I was eleven and my memories of them are limited. Through their correspondence, I am getting to know them in a personal and meaningful way.
I possess another collection of love letters: the Bible. God is revealed to us through nature and the scriptures. The psalmist writes, "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Ps. 19:1, NIV). While I see evidence of God in nature, I would not know the person of Jesus Christ without reading the Bible. I cannot look at the stars and know that God wants us to turn away from wickedness. I cannot marvel at a sunset and feel the pain God felt as Jesus hung on the cross.
What a shame it would be if I had not opened that box! An even greater shame would be to leave God's love letters sitting on a shelf, collecting dust. Each time I open the Bible, I get to know my heavenly Father in a deeper and more personal way.
Caroleah Johnson (California, USA)
Thank you, God, for what we learn through the scriptures. Amen.
Thought for the Day
"The heavens declare the glory of God," but the Bible teaches us about the love of God shown in Christ.
Read Psalm 19:1-14
The one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, reveals his thoughts to mortals ... the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name!
-Amos 4:13 (NRSV)
IN my garage, I found a box containing love letters my parents wrote during World War II. Reading their intimate thoughts has been fascinating, especially because my parents died before I was eleven and my memories of them are limited. Through their correspondence, I am getting to know them in a personal and meaningful way.
I possess another collection of love letters: the Bible. God is revealed to us through nature and the scriptures. The psalmist writes, "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Ps. 19:1, NIV). While I see evidence of God in nature, I would not know the person of Jesus Christ without reading the Bible. I cannot look at the stars and know that God wants us to turn away from wickedness. I cannot marvel at a sunset and feel the pain God felt as Jesus hung on the cross.
What a shame it would be if I had not opened that box! An even greater shame would be to leave God's love letters sitting on a shelf, collecting dust. Each time I open the Bible, I get to know my heavenly Father in a deeper and more personal way.
Caroleah Johnson (California, USA)
Thank you, God, for what we learn through the scriptures. Amen.
Thought for the Day
"The heavens declare the glory of God," but the Bible teaches us about the love of God shown in Christ.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Grocery Bags Needed!!
We need many shopping and grocery bags for the upcoming consignment sale. If you have any, please bring them in this week and next.
Thanks for your help.....This is going to be a great sale!
Easter Celebrations at Hill's Chapel
This is Holy Week, of course. Hill's Chapel will have a Maundy Thursday celebration at 7:00 Thursday evening. There will be a lessons and hymns section, the commemoration of the last supper, and the stripping of the altar to prepare for the darkness of Good Friday.Sunday and Resurrection! We'll have the SUNRISE SERVICE (with lots of joyful music and brass) at 7:00 a.m., followed by BREAKFAST at 8:00 --ALL ARE INVITED!
At 10:00 we will hold a combined service in the sanctuary--again with lots of good celebratory brass. There will be no Sunday School, confirmation, or youth group on Sunday.
We would love to have you join us
Daily Devotion for April 7th
Stay with Me
Read Matthew 26:36-46
[Jesus] said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
-Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
I tuck my three young daughters into bed. With a peck on my cheek and a hug, two of the girls are quickly off to sleep. But Carly, my six-year-old, has trouble relaxing.
"Please stay with me," she asks.
I sit by her bed. In the dark, I feel her little fingers lock tightly around mine. She is secure in our silent companionship. Neither of us feels the need to talk. My daughter is content to know that I am there. Within minutes her hand relaxes, and Carly is asleep.
This experience with my daughter changes the way I respond to the story of Jesus in Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Stay here and keep watch with me." I see Jesus overwhelmed by the path set before him: abandonment by God and rejection by people, crucifixion for the sins of the world. Jesus needed companionship that night.
My first reaction to the scripture is to pray, "Lord, I would have stayed awake. I would have sat up with you." But then I remember how often I fail. I realize that I am too weak to do what Jesus asks.
But Jesus did not come to save the strong. He came for people like you and me who in weakness hold out our hands for help. And Jesus stays with us.
Tom Smith (Ontario, Canada)
In our weakness, God, we thank you for your unconditional love. Amen.
Thought for the Day!
We can be grateful that God is more faithful than we are.
Read Matthew 26:36-46
[Jesus] said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
-Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
I tuck my three young daughters into bed. With a peck on my cheek and a hug, two of the girls are quickly off to sleep. But Carly, my six-year-old, has trouble relaxing.
"Please stay with me," she asks.
I sit by her bed. In the dark, I feel her little fingers lock tightly around mine. She is secure in our silent companionship. Neither of us feels the need to talk. My daughter is content to know that I am there. Within minutes her hand relaxes, and Carly is asleep.
This experience with my daughter changes the way I respond to the story of Jesus in Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Stay here and keep watch with me." I see Jesus overwhelmed by the path set before him: abandonment by God and rejection by people, crucifixion for the sins of the world. Jesus needed companionship that night.
My first reaction to the scripture is to pray, "Lord, I would have stayed awake. I would have sat up with you." But then I remember how often I fail. I realize that I am too weak to do what Jesus asks.
But Jesus did not come to save the strong. He came for people like you and me who in weakness hold out our hands for help. And Jesus stays with us.
Tom Smith (Ontario, Canada)
In our weakness, God, we thank you for your unconditional love. Amen.
Thought for the Day!
We can be grateful that God is more faithful than we are.
Monday, April 6, 2009
A Big Thank You!
A BIG thank you to Janet Howard and Patty Crow for the wonderful job that did with " Cookies and Tea with the Easter Bunny. Over 60 kids and their families flooded Hill's Chapel on Saturday for an extraordinary event!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Daily Devotion for April 2nd
Unseen Grace
Read Job 2:1-10
Paul wrote, "[The Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
-2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
WHILE growing up, I attended church services only occasionally. But I accepted Christ as my personal Savior when I was a teenager, and I attended church services and fellowship times regularly after that. Even so, I was not aware of the grace of God in my life in any special way. After all, my life had been smooth sailing, with few waves along the way. I received a good education, got married, and had children. I thought we would live happily for the rest of our lives.
Then a pediatrician told my wife and me that our third child would require immediate medical attention. She was only one month old. I felt as if lightning had struck my heart. I shed tears for the first time as an adult - in a culture where men are supposed to hold their emotions inside.
God continues to show us grace through our daughter. I now realize that God had been providing grace for me throughout my life, even when I was unaware of it.
Although our daughter continues to have health problems, she provides immeasurable joy and love to our family. Because of her, our family has drawn closer to each other and to God.
George Ha (Sarawak, Malaysia)
O Lord, may we treasure your grace every moment of our lives. Amen.
Thought for the day!
In the worst of times, God is our best source of strength.
Read Job 2:1-10
Paul wrote, "[The Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
-2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
WHILE growing up, I attended church services only occasionally. But I accepted Christ as my personal Savior when I was a teenager, and I attended church services and fellowship times regularly after that. Even so, I was not aware of the grace of God in my life in any special way. After all, my life had been smooth sailing, with few waves along the way. I received a good education, got married, and had children. I thought we would live happily for the rest of our lives.
Then a pediatrician told my wife and me that our third child would require immediate medical attention. She was only one month old. I felt as if lightning had struck my heart. I shed tears for the first time as an adult - in a culture where men are supposed to hold their emotions inside.
God continues to show us grace through our daughter. I now realize that God had been providing grace for me throughout my life, even when I was unaware of it.
Although our daughter continues to have health problems, she provides immeasurable joy and love to our family. Because of her, our family has drawn closer to each other and to God.
George Ha (Sarawak, Malaysia)
O Lord, may we treasure your grace every moment of our lives. Amen.
Thought for the day!
In the worst of times, God is our best source of strength.
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