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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Youth Fundraiser Dinner
Baked Potato and Salad Fundraiser Dinner
This Sunday at 5:30pm
Sponsored by the Youth
*Entertainment to Follow Dinner*
Daily Devotion for June 24th
Fully Ripe
Read Isaiah 40:27-31
No one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
-Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
EVERY year it happens. I wait and keep checking my blackberry vines to see the white flowers turn from green berries to red and then finally to a delicious black.
I'm so impatient that I usually pick that first blackberry too soon. It's never sweet enough. Eventually I remember the art of just gently touching the darkest one. If fully ripe, it will fall into my hand.
My blackberry vines remind me that God knows the right time for everything that will happen in my life. Recently I sensed this when I felt frustrated about my job. I was tempted to complain or quit. I wanted relief because I felt powerless. But waiting for God's timing meant learning patience with unreasonable coworkers. Waiting meant believing God could stretch my paychecks. And as I waited, I saw God use these frustrating circumstances to bring forth fruit in my life.
Trying to force things to be a certain way is like pulling fruit off the vine prematurely. Instead, if we patiently persevere, we can become less consumed with our wanting and more focused on the sweet fruit that will come in God's time.
Dolly Dickinson (North Carolina, USA)
Lord, teach us to be patient when things aren't going as we want them to. Help us to wait with faith in you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God's timing is perfect.
Read Isaiah 40:27-31
No one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
-Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
EVERY year it happens. I wait and keep checking my blackberry vines to see the white flowers turn from green berries to red and then finally to a delicious black.
I'm so impatient that I usually pick that first blackberry too soon. It's never sweet enough. Eventually I remember the art of just gently touching the darkest one. If fully ripe, it will fall into my hand.
My blackberry vines remind me that God knows the right time for everything that will happen in my life. Recently I sensed this when I felt frustrated about my job. I was tempted to complain or quit. I wanted relief because I felt powerless. But waiting for God's timing meant learning patience with unreasonable coworkers. Waiting meant believing God could stretch my paychecks. And as I waited, I saw God use these frustrating circumstances to bring forth fruit in my life.
Trying to force things to be a certain way is like pulling fruit off the vine prematurely. Instead, if we patiently persevere, we can become less consumed with our wanting and more focused on the sweet fruit that will come in God's time.
Dolly Dickinson (North Carolina, USA)
Lord, teach us to be patient when things aren't going as we want them to. Help us to wait with faith in you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God's timing is perfect.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Ice Cream Social Tonight
Ice Cream Social Tonight
Come out and Enjoy some delicious Ice Cream
Tonight at 6:30
Daily Devotion for June 23rd
Pay Back or Pay Forward
Read John 13:34-35
Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
-John 15:12 (NRSV)
I was at a memorial service. The pastor expressed that many would like to pay back the kind and helpful deeds of the person whose life we had gathered to honor. The pastor suggested that although we no longer could pay back our friend, we could pay forward his kindness by investing in the lives of others.
How many times have we wished we could find a way to pay back the good of parents, teachers, pastors, friends, and all the other people who invested their love and effort in us? We are separated from those saints by years, miles, and often death. Paying forward is the only direction we can go.
Jesus says to us, "Love one another as I have loved you."
Elmer A. Dickson (Florida, USA)
Dear God, you came in Jesus to pay for our sin and to lead us in new directions. Send your Spirit, that we may be moved to give to others, as we pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."* Amen.
Thought for the Day
Give to Christ by giving to others.
Read John 13:34-35
Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
-John 15:12 (NRSV)
I was at a memorial service. The pastor expressed that many would like to pay back the kind and helpful deeds of the person whose life we had gathered to honor. The pastor suggested that although we no longer could pay back our friend, we could pay forward his kindness by investing in the lives of others.
How many times have we wished we could find a way to pay back the good of parents, teachers, pastors, friends, and all the other people who invested their love and effort in us? We are separated from those saints by years, miles, and often death. Paying forward is the only direction we can go.
Jesus says to us, "Love one another as I have loved you."
Elmer A. Dickson (Florida, USA)
Dear God, you came in Jesus to pay for our sin and to lead us in new directions. Send your Spirit, that we may be moved to give to others, as we pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."* Amen.
Thought for the Day
Give to Christ by giving to others.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Daily Devotion for June 15th
Our Legacy
Read Psalm 78:1-8
Moses spoke for the Lord, "Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children."
-Deuteronomy 6:67 (NRSV)
EVEN though my son-in-law is a professional businessman, he has great skills as a handyman. That's why I asked for his help with some home repairs.
It surprised me that my three-year-old grandson "worked" alongside his father, plastic tools in hand. I once asked my son-in-law where he learned his skills. He replied, "I learned what I know from my father. I had my own tools, and he allowed me to help with different projects. I hope to teach my son in the same way."
This is how our values, conduct, and teachings are passed on - children learning from their elders. It is crucial for us believers to spend time with the children in our lives, teaching them eternal truths and guiding principles that will make them strong Christians. This can be our legacy - passing what we have learned about God and the faith to the next generation.
Eunice de Hernández (Puerto Rico)
O Lord, help us use every opportunity to teach children what we have learned from you. Grant us the time and the wisdom for that task. Amen.
Thought for the Day.
To whom am I passing on my faith?
Read Psalm 78:1-8
Moses spoke for the Lord, "Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children."
-Deuteronomy 6:67 (NRSV)
EVEN though my son-in-law is a professional businessman, he has great skills as a handyman. That's why I asked for his help with some home repairs.
It surprised me that my three-year-old grandson "worked" alongside his father, plastic tools in hand. I once asked my son-in-law where he learned his skills. He replied, "I learned what I know from my father. I had my own tools, and he allowed me to help with different projects. I hope to teach my son in the same way."
This is how our values, conduct, and teachings are passed on - children learning from their elders. It is crucial for us believers to spend time with the children in our lives, teaching them eternal truths and guiding principles that will make them strong Christians. This can be our legacy - passing what we have learned about God and the faith to the next generation.
Eunice de Hernández (Puerto Rico)
O Lord, help us use every opportunity to teach children what we have learned from you. Grant us the time and the wisdom for that task. Amen.
Thought for the Day.
To whom am I passing on my faith?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Daily Devotion for June 3rd
More than Money
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
-Hebrews 13:16 (NRSV)
WHEN I arrived in the city where I now live, I saw a beautiful place, where many people vacation. To show God how I appreciated being able to live in such a city, I engaged in social work. For 15 years, as a volunteer I have managed a Christian organization that meets the needs of almost five hundred impoverished children.
Recently, I was surprised when a skeptical friend expressed doubt that I would work for free. The friend thought I am crazy to work without pay.
While meditating on what my friend had said, I received a call from my mother, who is 82, lucid, and healthy. She told me how beautiful Sunday worship had been. When we hung up, the phone rang again. My six-year-old grandson, filling my heart with joy, asked if we could go to the beach that week. Of course I said we could.
I don't work for money, but I am rich. My mother's good health, a hug from my grandson, the beauty of the city, a walk on the cool sand on summer mornings, a family dinner, laughter in the living room - what blessings! They are immeasurable, and more valuable than anything money can buy.
Orlando Lima Coutinho (Santa Catarina, Brazil)
God of abundance, thank you for your grace. How great are all the blessings that fill our lives! Amen.
Thought for the Day!
How do I show my gratitude for God's blessings?
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
-Hebrews 13:16 (NRSV)
WHEN I arrived in the city where I now live, I saw a beautiful place, where many people vacation. To show God how I appreciated being able to live in such a city, I engaged in social work. For 15 years, as a volunteer I have managed a Christian organization that meets the needs of almost five hundred impoverished children.
Recently, I was surprised when a skeptical friend expressed doubt that I would work for free. The friend thought I am crazy to work without pay.
While meditating on what my friend had said, I received a call from my mother, who is 82, lucid, and healthy. She told me how beautiful Sunday worship had been. When we hung up, the phone rang again. My six-year-old grandson, filling my heart with joy, asked if we could go to the beach that week. Of course I said we could.
I don't work for money, but I am rich. My mother's good health, a hug from my grandson, the beauty of the city, a walk on the cool sand on summer mornings, a family dinner, laughter in the living room - what blessings! They are immeasurable, and more valuable than anything money can buy.
Orlando Lima Coutinho (Santa Catarina, Brazil)
God of abundance, thank you for your grace. How great are all the blessings that fill our lives! Amen.
Thought for the Day!
How do I show my gratitude for God's blessings?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Daily Devotion for June 2nd
Love Your Enemies
Read Luke 6:27-36
Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
-Matthew 5:4344 (NIV)
AS I write this meditation, I think about my country, which is embroiled in war with no end in sight. Today, I struggle with the loss of lives on both sides of the fighting. I grieve for families who have lost loved ones and for soldiers and civilians who have been wounded and whose lives will never be the same.
As a Christian, I struggle with how to respond to war. Jesus said to pray for our enemies. I envision families living in fear, trying to go about their daily lives. I think about how many people have died as a result of this war and many others. I see military families struggling with long separation from their loved ones. I think of soldiers wondering about their daily challenges.
What is a Christian to do? All I know to do is to pray. I can pray for peace and for all people who are affected by war. I can remember gratefully those willing to make personal sacrifices, even for people like me who oppose war.
Anne Leonard Trudel (Tennessee, USA)
God, it must grieve you to see members of the human family fighting one another. Help us to find paths toward peace. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Only Christ offers lasting peace
Read Luke 6:27-36
Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
-Matthew 5:4344 (NIV)
AS I write this meditation, I think about my country, which is embroiled in war with no end in sight. Today, I struggle with the loss of lives on both sides of the fighting. I grieve for families who have lost loved ones and for soldiers and civilians who have been wounded and whose lives will never be the same.
As a Christian, I struggle with how to respond to war. Jesus said to pray for our enemies. I envision families living in fear, trying to go about their daily lives. I think about how many people have died as a result of this war and many others. I see military families struggling with long separation from their loved ones. I think of soldiers wondering about their daily challenges.
What is a Christian to do? All I know to do is to pray. I can pray for peace and for all people who are affected by war. I can remember gratefully those willing to make personal sacrifices, even for people like me who oppose war.
Anne Leonard Trudel (Tennessee, USA)
God, it must grieve you to see members of the human family fighting one another. Help us to find paths toward peace. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Only Christ offers lasting peace
Monday, June 1, 2009
Daily Devotion for June 1st
Truth, Mercy, and Freedom
Read Isaiah 55:6-7
No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
-Proverbs 28:13 (NRSV)
SITTING in front of the parole board, hoping to gain my freedom, I was asked this question: "In addition to the offenses for which you were caught, how many others did you commit?" I immediately thought, If I acknowledge concealed offenses, I will hinder my chance for freedom. However, I opted for the truth, and I was paroled.
Thinking about that experience, I asked myself some similar questions: In addition to the sins I have confessed to, how many others have I committed? Can I confess my sins that have had no immediate consequence - the concealed ones?
Scripture assures us that no matter how great our sin, if we opt for truthfulness and wholehearted confession to God, we will find mercy. Indeed, giving an account for all our sins leads to spiritual growth, transformation, and freedom.
Charles P. Axe (Pennsylvania, USA)
O God, help us to understand our need to confess to you our sin, and in confessing, to receive your mercy. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."* Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Full confession brings full freedom.
Read Isaiah 55:6-7
No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
-Proverbs 28:13 (NRSV)
SITTING in front of the parole board, hoping to gain my freedom, I was asked this question: "In addition to the offenses for which you were caught, how many others did you commit?" I immediately thought, If I acknowledge concealed offenses, I will hinder my chance for freedom. However, I opted for the truth, and I was paroled.
Thinking about that experience, I asked myself some similar questions: In addition to the sins I have confessed to, how many others have I committed? Can I confess my sins that have had no immediate consequence - the concealed ones?
Scripture assures us that no matter how great our sin, if we opt for truthfulness and wholehearted confession to God, we will find mercy. Indeed, giving an account for all our sins leads to spiritual growth, transformation, and freedom.
Charles P. Axe (Pennsylvania, USA)
O God, help us to understand our need to confess to you our sin, and in confessing, to receive your mercy. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."* Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Full confession brings full freedom.
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