Decisions, Decisions
Read Psalm 23
This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'"
-Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
AS a child, I read a lot of adventure books that allowed readers to choose how the plot would proceed. Based on which alternative I chose, I was directed to flip to a particular page to continue the story. Sometimes my choice led the hero to victory. Other times it put the hero into even more trouble. Of course, I could always flip back and start all over again with different choices.
If only real life were like that! When I'm faced with a decision, I want to flip ahead a few pages to see which choice is the best. And when I make a wrong choice, I want to go back and start again. Often I look back at my life and wonder about my decisions. What if I had chosen a different path? Where would I be?
Fortunately, no matter what we decide, that is never the end of the story. God always guides us toward the right path, even when we're lost. For every missed opportunity, we will find that God has another one waiting. For every wrong turn, we will always find an alternate route. Even though we can't flip ahead to see what's in store or turn around and start all over again, God will always see that we get where we need to go.
Travis Mamone (Maryland, USA)
Father, guide us throughout our days. When we take a wrong turn, bring us back to the right path. Amen.
Thought for the Day
How has God redeemed my "wrong turns"?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Daily Devotion for May, 28th 2009
Touching the Holy
Read Mark 1:9-11
Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. . . . [it] will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."
-John 4:1314 (NRSV)
FOR people in the arid lands mentioned in the Bible, water was life. They built their communities around it. Water was also used for holy purposes. Priests took ritual baths to cleanse themselves for their temple duties. John baptized people to signal their repentance, and eventually he baptized Jesus.
Growing up Roman Catholic, I learned when I was young to dip my fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross. I gladly felt the cool water on my fingertips and face every Sunday.
We humans experience the world through our physical senses. We need to see, touch, smell, hear, and taste things in order to know them. Likewise, we long for a tangible encounter with God. A ritual like making the sign of the cross can become routine, but the added feel of the water makes it a physical reminder of God's presence.
Knowing our human need for sensory information, God sent us the physical presence of Jesus so that we could know God's love in a tangible way. As Christians, we are now the physical evidence of God's love in the world.
Kathleen McDade (Oregon, USA)
Thank you, God, for sending us Jesus as a tangible reminder of your love. Help us always to show that love to others. Amen.
Thought for the Day!
How can I be Christ for someone today?
Read Mark 1:9-11
Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. . . . [it] will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."
-John 4:1314 (NRSV)
FOR people in the arid lands mentioned in the Bible, water was life. They built their communities around it. Water was also used for holy purposes. Priests took ritual baths to cleanse themselves for their temple duties. John baptized people to signal their repentance, and eventually he baptized Jesus.
Growing up Roman Catholic, I learned when I was young to dip my fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross. I gladly felt the cool water on my fingertips and face every Sunday.
We humans experience the world through our physical senses. We need to see, touch, smell, hear, and taste things in order to know them. Likewise, we long for a tangible encounter with God. A ritual like making the sign of the cross can become routine, but the added feel of the water makes it a physical reminder of God's presence.
Knowing our human need for sensory information, God sent us the physical presence of Jesus so that we could know God's love in a tangible way. As Christians, we are now the physical evidence of God's love in the world.
Kathleen McDade (Oregon, USA)
Thank you, God, for sending us Jesus as a tangible reminder of your love. Help us always to show that love to others. Amen.
Thought for the Day!
How can I be Christ for someone today?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Daily Devotion for May, 27th 2009
Another Chance
Read Exodus 2:11-15; 3:1-12
[God said to Moses], "Go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."
-Exodus 3:10 (NIV)
THE Bible is a book about sin. But it's also about the grace that continues to seek us out for God's purposes and pleasure despite our sins. David sinned. The disciples sinned. Moses sinned.
I wonder how Moses felt after his sins. Surely after killing the Egyptian, Moses thought his life was ruined. Consider how he responded later to God's call: "Who am I?" "Suppose they don't believe?" I can relate easily to his self-doubts and reluctance.
I have sinned, as I would guess each of us has. God, however, does not abandon us. God has provided a remedy for the burden we carry because of our sins, overruling sin with mercy. God returns to us, as to Moses, and re-commissions us. In God's sight, we are precious. Though we may feel unworthy to be used by God, our past mistakes can become steppingstones to deeper devotion and service.
Raymond N. Hawkins (Tasmania, Australia)
God of mercy, we thank you for looking beyond our sinfulness to what by your grace we can be. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Yesterday's failures are outweighed by God's mercy today and God's purposes for our tomorrows.
Read Exodus 2:11-15; 3:1-12
[God said to Moses], "Go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."
-Exodus 3:10 (NIV)
THE Bible is a book about sin. But it's also about the grace that continues to seek us out for God's purposes and pleasure despite our sins. David sinned. The disciples sinned. Moses sinned.
I wonder how Moses felt after his sins. Surely after killing the Egyptian, Moses thought his life was ruined. Consider how he responded later to God's call: "Who am I?" "Suppose they don't believe?" I can relate easily to his self-doubts and reluctance.
I have sinned, as I would guess each of us has. God, however, does not abandon us. God has provided a remedy for the burden we carry because of our sins, overruling sin with mercy. God returns to us, as to Moses, and re-commissions us. In God's sight, we are precious. Though we may feel unworthy to be used by God, our past mistakes can become steppingstones to deeper devotion and service.
Raymond N. Hawkins (Tasmania, Australia)
God of mercy, we thank you for looking beyond our sinfulness to what by your grace we can be. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Yesterday's failures are outweighed by God's mercy today and God's purposes for our tomorrows.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Daily Devotion for May 26th
God's Presence
Read Isaiah 58:6-12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
-1 John 4:12 (NRSV)
A year after Hurricane Katrina, I went to New Orleans with other students in my campus ministry group. We spent a week hanging drywall, spackling, and sanding in Alice's home. Alice was an older woman who had lost three siblings in the year after the hurricane. As she served us peach tea and showed us her paintings of Jesus and Mary, she told us about her life.
By the end of the week, Alice's warmth, gratitude, and faith had inspired and strengthened our faith. Before we could thank her for sharing her life with us, she put her arms around us and told us, with tears in her eyes, "Y'all have been God's presence in my life. You don't know how much you've blessed me. God has been good to me by sending you."
That night during our evening devotions, we reflected on the reciprocal nature of God's rich blessings. Alice had taught us about faith, hope, and love as much as we had helped her as she rebuilt her house and grieved her losses. God truly does become present through the people in our lives; God lives, heals, and loves through our interactions with one another.
Alison VanBuskirk (New York, USA)
Dearest God, thank you for abiding in us and with us. Help us to recognize your presence in our relationships with other people, and let us be a blessing to them. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God works through relationships.
Read Isaiah 58:6-12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
-1 John 4:12 (NRSV)
A year after Hurricane Katrina, I went to New Orleans with other students in my campus ministry group. We spent a week hanging drywall, spackling, and sanding in Alice's home. Alice was an older woman who had lost three siblings in the year after the hurricane. As she served us peach tea and showed us her paintings of Jesus and Mary, she told us about her life.
By the end of the week, Alice's warmth, gratitude, and faith had inspired and strengthened our faith. Before we could thank her for sharing her life with us, she put her arms around us and told us, with tears in her eyes, "Y'all have been God's presence in my life. You don't know how much you've blessed me. God has been good to me by sending you."
That night during our evening devotions, we reflected on the reciprocal nature of God's rich blessings. Alice had taught us about faith, hope, and love as much as we had helped her as she rebuilt her house and grieved her losses. God truly does become present through the people in our lives; God lives, heals, and loves through our interactions with one another.
Alison VanBuskirk (New York, USA)
Dearest God, thank you for abiding in us and with us. Help us to recognize your presence in our relationships with other people, and let us be a blessing to them. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God works through relationships.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Daily Devotion for May 21st 2009
Faith and Deeds
Read James 2:14-26
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
-Galatians 5:2223 (NRSV)
TODAY was my day off, and I spent much of the day doing errands in a nearby town. The drive home was busy, with stop-and-go traffic and construction delays. However, one driver was undeterred by the congestion. He darted in and out of traffic without using turn signals, sped through small towns, and passed other vehicles in no-passing zones. While I was disturbed by his driving, I was also saddened to see a popular Christian symbol, a fish, prominently displayed on the back of his car. I thought, What does that man's driving say to others about Christians and the impact of our faith on the way we live?
Then I thought the same about myself. I profess to be a Christian, but does my life show it? Can others tell I am a Christian by how I drive, by how I treat others at home and at work, or by how I patiently or impatiently wait in line at the grocery store? James 2:26 says that faith without deeds is dead. I want my faith in Christ to come alive in my actions so that everyone will see.
Mark Karpinski (North Carolina, USA)
Dear God, may our love for you show in our actions. In the holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
How would Jesus drive?
Read James 2:14-26
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
-Galatians 5:2223 (NRSV)
TODAY was my day off, and I spent much of the day doing errands in a nearby town. The drive home was busy, with stop-and-go traffic and construction delays. However, one driver was undeterred by the congestion. He darted in and out of traffic without using turn signals, sped through small towns, and passed other vehicles in no-passing zones. While I was disturbed by his driving, I was also saddened to see a popular Christian symbol, a fish, prominently displayed on the back of his car. I thought, What does that man's driving say to others about Christians and the impact of our faith on the way we live?
Then I thought the same about myself. I profess to be a Christian, but does my life show it? Can others tell I am a Christian by how I drive, by how I treat others at home and at work, or by how I patiently or impatiently wait in line at the grocery store? James 2:26 says that faith without deeds is dead. I want my faith in Christ to come alive in my actions so that everyone will see.
Mark Karpinski (North Carolina, USA)
Dear God, may our love for you show in our actions. In the holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
How would Jesus drive?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
daily Devotion for May 19th
Passing the Torch
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
[Do not] forget the things that your eyes have seen . . . all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children's children.
-Deuteronomy 4:9 (NRSV)
FOR some years I've written a personal letter every month to each of my 14 grandchildren who are scattered far and wide. With it, I include a sheet entitled, "I Remember," which carries stories from my life and lessons learned in my nearly 80 years. I pray that these stories may teach morality, character, and the way of Jesus. I confess that it is good for me also to recall experiences from the past and to reminisce about how God has led, kept, and blessed me. I am told that my grandchildren have notebooks where they keep these stories.
Deuteronomy 4:9 (quoted above) includes a charge to pass on the life lessons we've learned. And the best way to do this is through stories, much as the Bible is filled with stories of God's working in human lives.
As we reflect on our past, we become aware of God's great love. Yes, we see our failures, and we can rejoice in God's forgiveness. But we also see that we live by God's grace and goodness. We are surprised and enriched by God's mercies "new every morning" (Lam. 3:23). Let us preserve and pass on the stories of God's mercies, especially to our children and grandchildren.
John M. Drescher (Pennsylvania, USA)
Today, O God, help us to honor the privilege of sharing the values you have taught us. Help us live our faith. Amen.
Thought forthe Day
How am I passing my faith story on to others?
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
[Do not] forget the things that your eyes have seen . . . all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children's children.
-Deuteronomy 4:9 (NRSV)
FOR some years I've written a personal letter every month to each of my 14 grandchildren who are scattered far and wide. With it, I include a sheet entitled, "I Remember," which carries stories from my life and lessons learned in my nearly 80 years. I pray that these stories may teach morality, character, and the way of Jesus. I confess that it is good for me also to recall experiences from the past and to reminisce about how God has led, kept, and blessed me. I am told that my grandchildren have notebooks where they keep these stories.
Deuteronomy 4:9 (quoted above) includes a charge to pass on the life lessons we've learned. And the best way to do this is through stories, much as the Bible is filled with stories of God's working in human lives.
As we reflect on our past, we become aware of God's great love. Yes, we see our failures, and we can rejoice in God's forgiveness. But we also see that we live by God's grace and goodness. We are surprised and enriched by God's mercies "new every morning" (Lam. 3:23). Let us preserve and pass on the stories of God's mercies, especially to our children and grandchildren.
John M. Drescher (Pennsylvania, USA)
Today, O God, help us to honor the privilege of sharing the values you have taught us. Help us live our faith. Amen.
Thought forthe Day
How am I passing my faith story on to others?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Daily Devotion for May 18th
No More Missed Chances
Read Psalm 104
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works . . . I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
-Psalm 104:31, 33 (NIV)
MY husband and I were on vacation in southwest England, enjoying one of our favorite cliff-path walks on a blustery day of sun and showers. As we came around a curve, the sun lit up one of the headlands in front of us while the rest of the cliff was still in shadow. It was a beautiful view. The sea below shimmered blue in the sun, and brilliant white waves broke in spray far below us.
"That would make a beautiful picture!" I cried. I wrestled the camera out of its case, took off the lens cap, and looked through the viewfinder. But I was too late. While I was busy with the camera, the sun had gone behind a cloud and the light faded. I had missed my chance.
I was sorry to miss my "perfect" picture, but on reflection I felt I had learned something valuable. God spreads many beautiful things all around us - the wonders of creation, great music and art and books, the people we know and love and those we have yet to meet. If we are in a hurry we can miss such moments, even fail to recognize them while we're busy looking for something else. On the other hand, if we slow down we can notice these things, savor them, and praise God with thanksgiving.
Susan Hibbins (Lincolnshire, England)
Lord of creation, help us to pause daily and be refreshed by the wonders you scatter in our path. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Instead of rushing through our days thinking only of the destination, why not enjoy the journey with God?
Read Psalm 104
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works . . . I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
-Psalm 104:31, 33 (NIV)
MY husband and I were on vacation in southwest England, enjoying one of our favorite cliff-path walks on a blustery day of sun and showers. As we came around a curve, the sun lit up one of the headlands in front of us while the rest of the cliff was still in shadow. It was a beautiful view. The sea below shimmered blue in the sun, and brilliant white waves broke in spray far below us.
"That would make a beautiful picture!" I cried. I wrestled the camera out of its case, took off the lens cap, and looked through the viewfinder. But I was too late. While I was busy with the camera, the sun had gone behind a cloud and the light faded. I had missed my chance.
I was sorry to miss my "perfect" picture, but on reflection I felt I had learned something valuable. God spreads many beautiful things all around us - the wonders of creation, great music and art and books, the people we know and love and those we have yet to meet. If we are in a hurry we can miss such moments, even fail to recognize them while we're busy looking for something else. On the other hand, if we slow down we can notice these things, savor them, and praise God with thanksgiving.
Susan Hibbins (Lincolnshire, England)
Lord of creation, help us to pause daily and be refreshed by the wonders you scatter in our path. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Instead of rushing through our days thinking only of the destination, why not enjoy the journey with God?
Friday, May 15, 2009
Daily Devotion for May 15th
More than Words
Read John 14:15-27
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
-Romans 8:26 (NRSV)
I have always loved books - new hardbacks with crisp pages, musty volumes with yellowed leaves, or well-worn paperbacks. Books take me to adventurous places. So it seemed a dream come true when I became the owner of a quiet little bookstore located in the tranquility of the mountains. I happily traveled there every weekend.
After some time, I began to feel uneasy. My children were going to church without me. The Holy Spirit began leading me to pray that I could sell my beloved bookstore, go to church with my children, and be involved in that part of their spiritual education. Almost immediately, I was asked to teach my daughter's Sunday school class. I sold the bookstore, trading thousands of books to study the Bible, the greatest book of all, with my daughter's class. And in doing so, I found the peace I needed.
When we try to live by our own wisdom, we often end up feeling that something is missing. By following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can find the life that God offers us, life that feels complete and right.
Nancy Madsen-Ostinato (Virginia, USA)
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us seek your direction in all we do.
Amen.
Read John 14:15-27
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
-Romans 8:26 (NRSV)
I have always loved books - new hardbacks with crisp pages, musty volumes with yellowed leaves, or well-worn paperbacks. Books take me to adventurous places. So it seemed a dream come true when I became the owner of a quiet little bookstore located in the tranquility of the mountains. I happily traveled there every weekend.
After some time, I began to feel uneasy. My children were going to church without me. The Holy Spirit began leading me to pray that I could sell my beloved bookstore, go to church with my children, and be involved in that part of their spiritual education. Almost immediately, I was asked to teach my daughter's Sunday school class. I sold the bookstore, trading thousands of books to study the Bible, the greatest book of all, with my daughter's class. And in doing so, I found the peace I needed.
When we try to live by our own wisdom, we often end up feeling that something is missing. By following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can find the life that God offers us, life that feels complete and right.
Nancy Madsen-Ostinato (Virginia, USA)
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us seek your direction in all we do.
Amen.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Daily Devotion for May 14th
Time Well Spent
Read Isaiah 55:1-3
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
-Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
THE months of April and May are very hot in our part of the world. The temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes above. The nights are somewhat cool and bring some comfort, so we prefer to sleep on the terrace of our homes.
As we slept on one such night, I suddenly woke from my sleep. I looked at my watch; it was 3 a.m. The night was beautiful. The stars were twinkling as if gazing at me. But I found myself becoming involved with my thoughts. Suddenly I realized that I had much work to do the next day and needed to rest. I could not afford to lose sweet and refreshing sleep. Every hour counted.
Similarly, the days of our lives are numbered (Ps. 90:10). We can waste our time, talents, and possessions on that which does not feed our soul, but we do not have to spend our days restlessly, aimlessly wandering through life. We have the privilege of following Jesus Christ in his work of redeeming the world.
Prabodh Diarsa (Gujarat, India)
Lord, forgive us when we waste our time and talents on that which does not glorify you. Grant us grace to live in accordance with your will. Amen.
Thought for the day
Time and talents spent on God are never wasted
Read Isaiah 55:1-3
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
-Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
THE months of April and May are very hot in our part of the world. The temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes above. The nights are somewhat cool and bring some comfort, so we prefer to sleep on the terrace of our homes.
As we slept on one such night, I suddenly woke from my sleep. I looked at my watch; it was 3 a.m. The night was beautiful. The stars were twinkling as if gazing at me. But I found myself becoming involved with my thoughts. Suddenly I realized that I had much work to do the next day and needed to rest. I could not afford to lose sweet and refreshing sleep. Every hour counted.
Similarly, the days of our lives are numbered (Ps. 90:10). We can waste our time, talents, and possessions on that which does not feed our soul, but we do not have to spend our days restlessly, aimlessly wandering through life. We have the privilege of following Jesus Christ in his work of redeeming the world.
Prabodh Diarsa (Gujarat, India)
Lord, forgive us when we waste our time and talents on that which does not glorify you. Grant us grace to live in accordance with your will. Amen.
Thought for the day
Time and talents spent on God are never wasted
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Daily Devotion for May, 13th
Road Work Ahead
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 1:6 (NRSV)
AS I drove toward El Paso, I fumed over the argument I'd had with my husband the night before. I was sure I was right, but he would never admit it. My frustration increased when I passed an orange caution sign that read: "Road Work Ahead." I was late, in a hurry, and irritated by the delay of having to drive slowly. As I moved at a snail's pace through the desert, I told God how angry I was about the night before. After a while, God gently whispered to me that like the road I was traveling on, my husband is "under construction" and that I need to be patient with him.
I thought again about the argument, but this time I saw it from my husband's perspective. I was horrified by the lack of love I saw in my own behavior. I was ashamed even to ask for forgiveness, but then I saw how patient and gentle God had been with me. I realized that I am also under construction, and I received God's forgiveness gratefully. Forgiving my husband was easier when I realized how much God has forgiven me.
God, open my eyes to see clearly your patience and forgiveness so that I can offer the same to others. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Each of us is still under construction.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 1:6 (NRSV)
AS I drove toward El Paso, I fumed over the argument I'd had with my husband the night before. I was sure I was right, but he would never admit it. My frustration increased when I passed an orange caution sign that read: "Road Work Ahead." I was late, in a hurry, and irritated by the delay of having to drive slowly. As I moved at a snail's pace through the desert, I told God how angry I was about the night before. After a while, God gently whispered to me that like the road I was traveling on, my husband is "under construction" and that I need to be patient with him.
I thought again about the argument, but this time I saw it from my husband's perspective. I was horrified by the lack of love I saw in my own behavior. I was ashamed even to ask for forgiveness, but then I saw how patient and gentle God had been with me. I realized that I am also under construction, and I received God's forgiveness gratefully. Forgiving my husband was easier when I realized how much God has forgiven me.
God, open my eyes to see clearly your patience and forgiveness so that I can offer the same to others. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Each of us is still under construction.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Daily Devotion for May 12th 2009
Life to the Full
Read Daniel 1:7-17
Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
-John 10:10 (NIV)
"I know I should take care of myself, Doc." As a rural, family physician, I hear those words at least twice a day. I see people in pain, suffering from chronic diseases that result from overeating, smoking, not exercising, or a combination of all three. Over the years, most patients with chronic diseases get worse, despite my attempts to help them. They want me to treat their symptoms, but they make no effort to deal with the underlying problems. When such patients die or end up in the hospital, I am filled with sorrow. But when a patient makes the needed changes and heals, I feel lasting joy.
I imagine that God feels somewhat the same way about us. Despite the sacrifice of Jesus and God's constant reaching out to us, many of us turn away and wonder why we hurt. But when we live in ways that move us toward wholeness, God rejoices.
Ken Franklin (Michigan, USA)
God, you are the great physician. Thank you for the love and healing you freely give us. Show us how to be your hands reaching out to those who need help. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What can I do to help God to help me?
Read Daniel 1:7-17
Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
-John 10:10 (NIV)
"I know I should take care of myself, Doc." As a rural, family physician, I hear those words at least twice a day. I see people in pain, suffering from chronic diseases that result from overeating, smoking, not exercising, or a combination of all three. Over the years, most patients with chronic diseases get worse, despite my attempts to help them. They want me to treat their symptoms, but they make no effort to deal with the underlying problems. When such patients die or end up in the hospital, I am filled with sorrow. But when a patient makes the needed changes and heals, I feel lasting joy.
I imagine that God feels somewhat the same way about us. Despite the sacrifice of Jesus and God's constant reaching out to us, many of us turn away and wonder why we hurt. But when we live in ways that move us toward wholeness, God rejoices.
Ken Franklin (Michigan, USA)
God, you are the great physician. Thank you for the love and healing you freely give us. Show us how to be your hands reaching out to those who need help. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What can I do to help God to help me?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Muffins With Mommy this Saturday!
Muffins with Mommy
Saturday, May 9th
9:00am
A special day for Mother and child to spend together!
Breakfast
Crafts
Special Keepsake Picture
Lots of Fun!
Saturday, May 9th
9:00am
A special day for Mother and child to spend together!
Breakfast
Crafts
Special Keepsake Picture
Lots of Fun!
Bookin'It Mobile Book Store will be on site for mom and child to shop for a new book.
A portion of all sales will be donated back to Hill's Chapel
Daily Devotion for May 6th
Helping the Fallen
Read Galatians 6:1-5
My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.
-Galatians 6:1 (NRSV)
RECENTLY I had an accident while I was working with my guide dog, Elko. I tripped on a bad section of sidewalk, lost my balance, and fell into the street. I wanted to continue our route, but I was in a lot of pain and could not manage to get up. Fortunately, someone stopped and helped me. Elko and I continued on our way.
This incident reminded me of today's Bible reading. When someone in a congregation "falls" into sin, the church's members have a responsibility to help that person back onto his or her feet. We offer this help not as superior and saintly but in a spirit of meekness and humility, knowing that we are all sinners, fallen and in need of God's grace.
God and God's people pick us up when we fall and set us on the right path again. When we confess our sins, God "will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). When we see fellow believers sin, we do not stand aside and wish them well; we work to restore them and to show them God's love and grace. Then other people can see that God's love and forgiveness are real.
Roger E. Brannon (Florida, USA)
God, in your gracious love, help us to restore those who have sinned and fallen. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Who near me needs my help?
Read Galatians 6:1-5
My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.
-Galatians 6:1 (NRSV)
RECENTLY I had an accident while I was working with my guide dog, Elko. I tripped on a bad section of sidewalk, lost my balance, and fell into the street. I wanted to continue our route, but I was in a lot of pain and could not manage to get up. Fortunately, someone stopped and helped me. Elko and I continued on our way.
This incident reminded me of today's Bible reading. When someone in a congregation "falls" into sin, the church's members have a responsibility to help that person back onto his or her feet. We offer this help not as superior and saintly but in a spirit of meekness and humility, knowing that we are all sinners, fallen and in need of God's grace.
God and God's people pick us up when we fall and set us on the right path again. When we confess our sins, God "will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). When we see fellow believers sin, we do not stand aside and wish them well; we work to restore them and to show them God's love and grace. Then other people can see that God's love and forgiveness are real.
Roger E. Brannon (Florida, USA)
God, in your gracious love, help us to restore those who have sinned and fallen. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Who near me needs my help?
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