March 27, 2005 Easter Sunday Luke 24:13-35

 March 27, 2005                                  Easter Sunday                                     Luke 24:13-35

 

Luke 24:24-32    “Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures … When he was at the table with them; he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?"”

 

            Have you ever been stuck on a real thorny problem?  One that just had you stumped?  You can look at it from all sides, try your best to understand it, but still it just doesn’t make sense.  When I find myself in that situation it often helps to have someone else listen to the problem.  Frequently a fresh set of ears and a new point of view are all it takes to make the issue crystal clear.

            I believe the same thing happened to the followers of Christ that first Easter Sunday.  They were been told by the women (untrustworthy witnesses under Jewish Law) that Christ arose and had the news confirmed by Peter but still they didn’t understand it all.  They didn’t even understand or believe it when Jesus walked with them along the road!

            Looking back from the vantage point of 2000 years later we may wonder how this could be.  Or perhaps we don’t.  Have you ever met someone you know in an unfamiliar context and failed to recognize them?  I have and it happens more frequently than you might believe.  It is not a question of ignoring someone.  In reality it is a case of seeing them somewhere I didn’t expect to.

            Now let’s go back to the disciples.  They witnessed the crucifixion and had the account of the women and Peter of the empty tomb.  The last person they expected to see walking and talking to them was Jesus.  They didn’t recognize him in their midst.  They didn’t know it was Jesus when he told them all the Messianic prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ.  It wasn’t until he repeated the action from the Last Supper that they knew it was Jesus and then he was gone.

We too are often oblivious to Christ in our midst.  We fail to see and recognize God’s work around us each day until some particular act brings it all into focus – perhaps a prayer, a hymn, an act of kindness.  The challenge is to look for God in all things in life for when we look we will see God’s hand at work!

 

Gracious Lord, you could be with and among us now and we might not recognize you.  Open our eyes and hearts, Lord.  Grant us a sensitivity to your presence in our lives and let us glorify you, by telling the world your wonders we behold.  This we ask in the name of Christ our Lord, and Savior, who died and is now risen and lives forever!  Alleluia!  Amen.

 

Contributed by Rev. Andy O’Dowd

March 26, 2005 Holy Saturday Job 19:21-27

 March 26, 2005                                  Holy Saturday                         Job 19:21-27

 

Job 19:25-27 “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!”

 

In high school, I never liked history.  A bunch of famous people running around on April 3, 1862 seemed to have nothing to do with me.  Then it hit me.  Those people weren’t famous then!  They were just people trying to make it through today!

The same was true for the disciples on the Saturday before Easter.  None of them were thinking how they would look cast in a church’s stained glass window.  They were locked in a room on the Sabbath.  They couldn’t go to the synagogue; they would be arrested or killed.  They couldn’t function in society without attending synagogues; the church was the foundation of Jewish society.  All they could do was sit in that room with all the other “losers” they had been with for the past three years.  Their master, their inspiration, their Savior was gone.  And He was never coming back!

We feel that way sometimes, too, don’t we? When we fail in our duties; when we fail in our relationships; when we are just so tired from the never-ending grind of the world; or when we lose a loved one from this world.  As Job said, “How my heart yearns.”

But Job knows that God will provide.  God sent Jesus Christ to give us his Holy Spirit.  Gad assures us that we, our loved ones, and all those who trust in His mercy and live the life given them will eventually be reunited and see the glory of the Lord.  And, like the disciples, by this time tomorrow, we too will know it is true!

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing our prayers.  Thank you for hearing our sighs.  Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Dave Cerven

 

March 25, 2005 Good Friday John 13:36-38

 March 25, 2005                                  Good Friday                                       John 13:36-38

 

John 13:36-38 “Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward." Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.”

 

Do you have younger siblings?  How about a younger cousin that follows you around?  One who asks the same question over and over again?  Nothing you do can stop them, not shouting, getting angry, nothing.

That’s what Jesus wanted to do with Peter.  He wanted Peter to get ‘it.’  And what was ‘it?’  It was that Peter wasn’t ready to lay down his life for Jesus.  But Jesus knew what the outcome was going to be… Simon Peter would not lay his life down, but rather would deny Jesus three times.

How many times do people deny Jesus?  They pray and promise to do something and wind up forgetting.  And once they remember, the remorse and pain they feel hits and then they begin to understand the message of Good Friday.  They nailed him there.  Their every denial was another swing of the hammer, driving the nails into the hands and feet of Christ.

Their connection with our Lord comes from the guilt they feel at failing to stand beside him… Wait a minute… I just realized that I’ve written this entire devotional in the third person when I should have been referring to me.  God forgive me… And he has!!

 

Gracious Lord, forgive me/us when I/we see the faults of others and not our own.  Hear our prayers of gratitude for the grace you give us through Christ. Know Lord, the pain we feel when we think of what he did for each of us.  This we ask in His precious name.  Amen

 

Contributed by Rachel O’Dowd

March 24, 2005 Maundy Thursday Luke 22:39-44

 March 24, 2005                      Maundy Thursday                                           Luke 22:39-44

 

Luke 22:39-42 “He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed; "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done."”

 

Yes and No

 

            Going through life we come across many times when we answer with, yes or no.  When we go to vote we make a yes or no decision on many things.  When we join a church, we answer many questions with yes.

            A few weeks ago, our new deacons and elders had many questions to answer in the affirmative.  The congregation was then asked questions and once again, “we will” was the answer.

            As we go through Lent let us think of the number of times Christ said “Yes” for us.  The last weeks of his life, with every step he took, he said “Yes.”  Each step took him ever closer to the cross.  Each “Yes” was for you and for me.  Thank God he took up the cross for us.  Thank God he said “Yes” to God for us.  Thank God he shed his blood and broke his body for us.

            When Christ said “No” is came out very clearly why.  When he was tempted, the answer was “No.”  When he came into the temple and saw the merchants, he said “No.”  When he was hanging on the cross he said “No” to the thought that he would or could remove himself from the cross.

            So as we go through Lent let us try to know when to say “Yes” or “No,” and ask the now famous question; “What would Jesus do?”

 

Loving God, your Son answered “Yes” with love for all.  He answered “Yes” even to dying on the cross for us.  Help us, O Lord to know when to say “No” and when to say “Yes.”  Guide us that all our actions glorify your name.  This we ask in the name of Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Carlene Wescott

March 23, 2005 Philippians 4:1-13

 March 23, 2005                                                                      Philippians 4:1-13

 

Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

 

When all the coverage of the tsunami and its devastation was with us day and night, we all felt extreme sorrow for the people who had lost family members, their homes, their fishing boats, everything.  I heard one minister from the area say, “It is difficult to convince people who have lost everything that God loves them.”  I have thought of that news clip over and over.

We discovered the “tsunami” at the Green House (Mr. Mitchell’s House behind the church – ed.) a few days after the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia.  Those of us who worked there for over a month felt extreme sadness that all our work was in vain.  But was it?

We had not lost all our family members.  We had not lost our comfortable, valuable home.  We had not lost our monthly paychecks.  We had not lost our means of making a living.  We had not lost our personal belonging and irreplaceable family mementos.  We had actually lost nothing more than a little of our time, some of which we fritter away watching mindless television shows anyway.  Actually we had lost nothing.

We had really gained something.  We spent time working with people we truly care about, other church members who were doing the Lord’s work together and having a pretty good time of it.  So we lost hours and days of labor, but personally we did not lose anything that we could not replace or even needed to replace.  We lost a house that no one was living in.  We lost a house that no one desperately needed to live in simply to have a place to keep a family together. 

It is easy for those of us living in Bowling Green, USA to live by the following scripture:

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed of hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Phil. 4:12

 

            Few of us reading this will find our selves in want or hungry.  The sentence that follows is the one we really should learn to live by, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Phil. 4:13

 

Dear Father, Help us to be aware of the sorrow and desperation of people around the world.  Help us to continue to share our wealth with those who have lost everything.  Help us appreciate living in a country that allows us to worship in the church of our choice on Sunday.  Help us each day to appreciate the bounty we enjoy.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Anna Nienhueser

 

March 22, 2005 John 13:1-17

 March 22, 2005                                                                                  John 13:1-17

 

John 13:15 “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

 

“LORD I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN-A MY HEART, IN-A MY HEART,

LORD I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN-A MY HEART.

IN-A MY HEART, IN-A MY HEART,

LORD, I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN-A MY HEART.”

(Afro-American Spiritual taken from The Presbyterian Hymnal)

 

            When I was a child I can remember how important it was for my sister, brother, and I to go to Sunday school.  If mom or dad didn’t take us, then grandma was always there to make sure we had a way to church.  Not only was Sunday school a weekly routine, but studying the Sunday school lesson on Saturday evening was a must.  The lessons that had the greatest impact on my life were the ones I read during the Lenten season.  Tears flooded my eyes as I read the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion for the first time.  At that moment I knew I wanted to be a Christian. 

            Today being a Christian for me can be summed up in two words—Faith and Love.  Believing deeply in God and loving Him above all else gives me strength to live each day as the Lord grants me.  Being a Christian also allows me an opportunity to open my heart to life around me.  By putting God in my life, I try to take time to enjoy the MOMENTS—being a listener and open to the ways God touches my life.  It might be something simple as watching an eagle flying over the river in winter, seeing a robin hopping in the yard in springtime, getting a card from an unexpected acquaintance, a phone call from a friend, or just a smile from a passerby.  There are so many gifts around us that we can value, if we choose to live as a Christian. 

 

 “I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show another human being, let me do it now and not defer it.  For I shall not pass this way again.”  (Taken from a newspaper clipping several years ago)

 

Dear Lord, Please guide me to be a Christian in your eyes and help me to lead others to the Christian life.  In Jesus name I pray.    Amen.

 

Contributed by Colleen Meyer

 

March 21, 2005 John 12:9-19

 March 21, 2005                                                                                  John 12:9-19

 

John 12:10-11, 17-19 “So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus… So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify.  It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, "You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!"”

 

Have you ever tried to halt a blizzard?  How about a thunderstorm?  Not possible is it?  I imagine that the Pharisees must have felt the same way when Christ rode into Jerusalem.  Here is this upstart prophet, who does everything but blaspheme in public and the people love him!  No wonder the Pharisees felt so helpless.  I suspect they felt like Don Quixote chasing windmills without a hope of stopping one.

Christianity, the religion that grew from the followers of Christ, has always been able to stand tall in spite of obstacles, even today.  In the Soviet Union, religion was outlawed for nearly 70 years and yet it thrived.  More recently, Christian efforts in Pakistan, and other countries that consider it illegal to evangelize in the name of Christ, have shown great promise.  How and why is this?

Personally, I believe it has to do with some of the truly distinctive aspects of Christianity.  First, Christianity stresses care for the less fortunate.  Mother Theresa, Father Damian, all the great missionary figures we can think of found their calling reaching out in practical ways to those in need.  And that outreach was always one on one and personal, even when at great physical risk to the caregiver.  All these things and the comfort we find in Christ can be quite troubling to those in power.

Governments find it unsettling when a religion teaches suppressed peoples that, “In Christ there is no male, nor female, no slave, nor free…”  This becomes especially troubling when the barriers to freedom such as: poverty, illiteracy, poor nutrition and lack of health care are removed by folks reaching out in Christ’s name.  It must be down right frightening in the midst of this change to find people praying for their leaders – even when it is those very leaders who oppress them!  Such behavior defies all human logic.

Shortly after Christ died, Peter and the apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus.  The body wanted to punish them but a wise Rabbi Gamaliel spoke and urged the Sanhedrin to let them be.  He reasoned that if the followers of Christ were but a flash in the pan, Christianity would die.  If not, they would be fighting God almighty!  As believers, we know how wise that rabbi was.  Perhaps his wisdom may someday be apparent to the world.  Maybe we can follow the example of the apostles, “every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.”

 

Loving God, when your Son entered Jerusalem, the Pharisees recognized his rule in the world.  We pray for the leaders of our world that they too may come to know Christ as King of kings.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Anonymous

March 20, 2005 Palm Sunday Matthew 22:12-17

 March 20, 2005                                  Palm Sunday                           Matthew 22:12-17

 

Matthew 22:14-16 “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?"”

 

Today is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week.  I’m always amazed at the wide range of emotions Jesus and the disciples must have felt during this week.  The week begins with Christ’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and ends with the Resurrection next Sunday, but the time in between is an absolute roller coaster of emotion.

The reading from Matthew is but one example of the turbulence the week holds.  After the entry into Jerusalem, Christ clears the temple.  A moment of triumph was followed by moments of anger and outrage.  I’m not sure if it was the human or the divine aspect of Jesus that was angry.  But I don’t think I would have liked being on the receiving end in either case. 

And then came those who needed Christ’s help in the here and now.  The blind and the lame, those who always seemed so near at hand, came to Jesus seeking a cure. Christ’s anger turned into compassion for those in need and he cured them to the sounds of children crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

It’s hard for me to imagine what Christ went through.  I know it was something he had to do, for no one else could.  Even so, I pretty sure the disciples were overwhelmed by everything they saw during this one week.  After all, this is the week when we all learned that Jesus, the Christ, was, is, and always shall be the Son of the Living God.  The One who was crucified for you and me but was raised on the third day!  To God be the glory for the things He has done!

 

Loving God, we are not worthy of your gifts.  We marvel at the events of Christ’s last week before the crucifixion.  We stand in awe of your power in his resurrection!  Lord, we pray our confession of faith brings honor and glory to you in the name of Christ.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Anonymous

 

March 19, 2005 Romans 11:13-24

 March 19, 2005                                                                                  Romans 11:13-24

 

Romans 11:17-18, 23-24 “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you…. And even those of Israel, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.”

 

            About two years ago, I was flying to St Louis from a conference in Dallas.  A young lady sat beside me on the plane and the book I was reading caught her attention.  As we talked I learned she was visiting relatives in St. Louis and the subject of professions came up.  I mentioned I was a Presbyterian pastor and if she could have run away at 30,000 feet she might have.  However, I was on the aisle and she was stuck.

After a moment or two she composed herself and continued, “I’m sorry, but I’m Jewish and I have to know, are you one of those Christians who swear we’re going to hell because we don’t believe in Jesus?” 

My jaw dropped.  How would you answer this question?  Sure I believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through him.  But that is not what I was asked about.  So I asked her to explain some more while I composed an answer.

“My aunt lives in St. Louis and from time to time supposed Christians come knocking on the door and browbeat her for killing Jesus.”  She continued, “Then they start in about us going to hell and it just isn’t right!”

Needless to say the rest of the trip got very interesting. I assured her that not all Christians were like that.  Yes we believe that salvation is through Christ.  And yes, we believe that at some point in time, Jews will come to accept Christ as well.  For we believe that God’s chosen people, are still chosen.  God doesn’t abandon us, ever!

We parted ways after the plane landed.  But I think of that conversation now and then.  I was reminded of it when I read the passage before us.  We sometimes forget that Jesus was a Jew first and foremost.  The disciples taught in the synagogues for the most part.  And if not for the Jewish Diaspora, Paul would have not found many converts outside of Israel.   

Perhaps we, who know Christ, should avoid treating other religions with disdain or suspicion.  God might be better served if we view them differently.  Maybe we should think of the situation as a family split by divorce or natural disaster, longing for a time when all the branches are rejoined as one by God’s love.  Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

 

Merciful God, we are all branches and you are the vine.  We pray, O Lord, for the day when all are engrafted to you.  May our words and deeds be used to bring this about, in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Rev. Andy O’Dowd

 

March 18, 2005 Jeremiah 29:1-14

 March 18, 2005                                                                                  Jeremiah 29:1-14

 

Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.  Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.  When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the LORD…”

 

I have moments when I wonder, “What’s next, Lord?” I think I can handle most anything but it is uncertainty I can’t stand.  I want to know what is next.  I need to know so I can figure out how it will all fit into the schedule.  And what calamites lie ahead so I can head them off or make arrangements to minimize their impact.

Consequently I can have some difficulty trusting someone who has “plans for my welfare and not for harm,” but hasn’t let a whole lot of the details be known. I’m always preparing for the worst that can happen and here is God saying, don’t sweat it. Sometimes I don’t know whether to be relieved or feel cheated some how.

Ultimately, I find it comforting for not only am I assured that God has my safety and welfare in mind, but I have room to hope and to dream.  In actuality, knowing that God has my life in hand is freeing.  For in trusting God, I know with greater certainty that He hears my every prayer and knows my needs before I do.

 

Lord, when we seek you we find a friend, a confidante, a lover, who seeks nothing more than faith.  I pray, Lord that we grow in faith and trust you more with each passing moment.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Arnold D. Mouse

 

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March 17, 2005 Psalm 55

 March 17, 2005                                              Psalm 55

 

Psalm 55:12-13, 22 “It is not enemies who taunt me-- I could bear that; it is not adversaries who deal insolently with me-- I could hide from them. But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend… Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved”

 

(Editor’s note: This piece came via email to one of our members.  While the author is unknown, it has a great lesson for us all and so is included in our devotionals.)

 

“This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician.... “I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a warm spot to wait for the tow truck. I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked as if she had been overcome by sobs; she was young and looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.  At that moment, everything came into focus: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked if she was okay and she just kept saying, "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I wasn’t crazy and said, "He heard you, and sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling I walked to the McDonald's next door and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee.  She gave the food to the kids, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking. 

She told me her name, and that her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she couldn’t make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent and finally in desperation called her parents in California.   She packed up everything she owned in the car and told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there. 

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?" This made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible and you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.  Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings.”

 

Father, bless your children. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

March 16, 2005 John 10:1-18

 March 16, 2005                                  John 10:1-18

 

John 10:2-4; 7-10 “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice… So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

 

Have you ever considered the function of a gatekeeper?  It’s not a job we find in common practice today.  However, we are all familiar with the term.  Common meaning has come to suggest that the job of the gatekeeper is to keep undesirable elements out.  But gatekeepers have another function as well, protection of those within the pen and that involves more than determining who is, or is not, fit to enter.

Recently, the United Church of Christ aired some television ads which illustrate the negative aspects of gate keeping very well.  In the ad a large bouncer type is standing outside of the church with a velvet rope.  He inspects each person who desires to come in and rejects one couple for race, another for age, still a third for their sexual orientation. Now is Christ claiming to be that type of gatekeeper?  Or are we missing something?

We know Christ said he is the way, the truth and the life and in this passage identified himself as the gatekeeper.  Elsewhere, Jesus referred to himself as the “narrow gate.”  But nowhere does Jesus say anyone who enters via the gate (Christ) will be turned away as undesirable.  In fact the message of Christ is just the opposite.

Christ taught us that we are all the same in God’s eyes - sinners in need of grace.  He also showed us that God sent him, not to condemn but to save.  We are granted passage through the gate (Christ) purely based on our faith.  And entry through the gate (Jesus) is the only sure way we know to salvation.  We also know that it is not what shows on the outside which gains us entrance, rather a faith that seeks a life with Christ.  Regardless of who or what we are, an encounter with God will change us.

Jesus the Good Shepherd invites us to join the flock and trust Him for the protection of our soul.  We come in faith and are changed by the encounter from what we were (sinners) into what God would have us be (heirs to salvation).  Talk about shearing some sheep!

 

Gracious God, we are lost sheep without your Son.  Guide us, Lord.  Lead us to the gate of Christ that we might find eternal salvation with you.  This we ask in the name of the Good Shepherd, Christ the Lord.  Amen.

 

Contributed by the Branches Class

 

March 15, 2005 John 9:1-41

March 15, 2005 John 9:1-41

John 9:2-3 “His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him.”

One of the most commonly asked questions in the face of adversity is; "What did I do to deserve this?" I know I've asked myself this very question a time of two in life. Usually, in the midst of despair and a situation that is totally out of my control.
Jesus was asked the same question when he cured the man born blind. He could have agreed with his questioners and said the man was blind due to his own sin - but he didn't. He could have agreed with the theory that the man was blind because his parent's sinned - but he didn't. Instead Christ identified the man's condition as an opportunity for God to be glorified before the many people present.
Do we make that same observation when we face calamity? Or do we try to find a way to place blame? How often when we hear that someone has cancer, is our first question; "Did they smoke?" When we hear of someone with a heart attack, stroke, or other ailment do we first ask, "What did they do to bring this on them self?"
We have all heard the expression; "Stuff Happens." In essence that is what Jesus says. Stuff happens not so we can point fingers and assign blame. Stuff happens so God can work in the situation and make His presence readily apparent to one and all. What stuff has happened in your life? What questions do you have to rethink? Can it be God with an opportunity for glory to be proclaimed in the midst of calamity? Perhaps we need to pause and rethink. God may be working to open our eyes to His glory in our midst.

Gracious Lord, whenever calamity happens, grant us the courage and patience to wait upon you and your work. Help us to recognize your glory in our midst; healing that which is hurting and bringing new life out of the greatest tragedy. This we ask in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contributed by Rev Andy O’Dowd

March 14, 2005 Jeremiah 24:1-10

 March 14, 2005                                                                      Jeremiah 24:1-10

 

Jeremiah 24:5-7 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. I will set my eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.  I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.

 

 

            In a class I once took, we discussed our “comfort zones.” These were defined as those things that we’re comfortable doing, where we feel secure. We all like to be safe in our own little world, doing what everyone expects us to do. It is very difficult to force ourselves outside of this area, to do anything.

            What are some examples of our comfort zones?  Well, most of us sit in the same pew every Sunday, and talk to the same people each week – that’s part of our zone. We get up each day and go to our jobs, and visit with our friends, all within the zone. Does the thought of standing up in front of the church and giving a sermon make you uncomfortable?  Writing a devotional? Teaching a Bible school class? Or reading the Bible and praying with a stranger in a hospital or nursing home? Standing up for what is right, even when the crowd disagrees? Stopping to help some stranger on the side of the road? Walking into a prison and working with the incarcerated? Each of us have different areas and different levels that make us feel insecure. We may even feel afraid of some perceived danger, of being thoughtful foolish, of being ridiculed, of losing our place in society. Those things are outside of our comfort zones.

            But doesn’t God often ask us to step out of our little safe havens?  In this passage, God’s people left their homes, friends, and families.  It wasn’t their choice; I’m sure they thought it was King Nebuchadnezzar who exiled them, but God said it was He who sent them away. They didn’t know what he planned but they went, and by doing so found favor with God. And he promised to watch over them, to build them up, and most importantly to give them a heart to know him. Those same promises are extended to you when you go willingly where he leads you.

            There's only one way to increase your comfort zone - that’s by stretching it. In Christian terms, we call it a Leap of Faith. We may find that the things that are most rewarding and the most life changing are outside the limits that we’ve set for ourselves.

 

Lord, give me the faith every day to trust you to lead my life.  Help me to feel secure and unafraid as I go where you send me.  I know what you need me to do may stretch my comfort zone.  Help me remember your promise and go boldly about your work each day.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Cristy Wheeler

 

March 13,2005 Psalm 139

March 13, 2005 Psalm 139

Psalm 139:1 “O LORD, you have searched me and known me.”

Please take out your Bible and spend the next five minutes reading Psalm 139. Go ahead I’ll wait…

Wow! How do you describe this passage? I thought of words like intimate, humbling, awesome, soothing, and scary! God knows us better than we know our self. He carefully made each member of the human race in His own image. He keeps our lives actions, and thoughts in mind all the time. He is always there!

I heard a “Focus on the Family” broadcast on the Quincy Christian station (88.1 FM at 6:30 PM weeknights if you care to check it out) some time ago. The speaker was talking about science. He stated that God has knowledge and control of every person, animal, and plant in the world. Think of it!

Play this “mind game” with yourself every so often. When I go hiking in Ranacker Park or in Colorado, I try to think of every leaf or pine needle that I can see. Then I think of the ones that are just past the edge of where I can see. THEN the one just past that edge, and so on. God knows every one of those leaves. He knows where it stands, when it falls, what forces are affecting them. And HE CARES!!! How much more does God care for you?

The speaker on that program also talked about breathing. Think of all the air molecules you inhale with each breath. Those molecules can never be destroyed. They have been utilized in countless chemical reactions since before the beginning of recorded time.

Now think about all the people in the world. Think that Jesus breathed the same air we do for thirty-three years. Scientists have calculated that each breath we inhale contains over six thousand (6,000) molecules that circulated through the lungs of Jesus Christ! (I’m not sure of the exact number, but I do know that God knows it!) Breathe on me, breath of God!

Merciful God, the way you know us is astounding. Your love and care for each hair on our head and every molecule we inhale boggles the mind! Breathe on us, breath of God! Conform us to your will this day. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Contributed by Dave Cerven

March 12, 2005 Psalm 5, Romans 9:1-18

March 12, 2005 Psalm 5, Romans 9:1-18

Psalm 5:1-2 “Give ear to my words, O LORD; give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray.”

Romans 9:16 “So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.”

Have you ever thought about how hard, how long, how diligently you should pray for what you want? Does God not already know what is best for you?

It is difficult to see someone you know and care about go through a serious, maybe terminal illness. It is difficult to see the spouse, parent, or other family member of a terminally ill person go through the suffering the caregiver experiences in such a situation.

The Bible assures us of God’s love in many places. The following are but a few examples:

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him” - Lamentations 3:25

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’” – Luke 18:27

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

“…Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” – James 5:15

What do all these passages say to us as we pray for the healing of a loved one? Are these not God’s promises to us? How far are we to pursue our wishes? Why do we feel that God has et us down when our desires are not met?
If we establish a prayerful relationship with God by praying regularly, we learn that God knows what we need before we ask. God’s compassion does not depend on our desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

“This then is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name, YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE.’” – Matthew 6:9-10

Dear heavenly Father, Help us to pray daily that thy will, not ours, be done. Amen.

Contributed by Anna Nienhueser

March 11, 2005 Romans 8:29-39

March 11, 2005 Romans 8:29-39

Romans 8:28, 35, 37-39 “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose… Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11/01, George W. Bush quoted this passage from Romans. It was impressive and poignant because we were a frightened nation and needed reassurance. These verses from Romans helped us accept and understand a little better what was happening and that God did not desert us. Following the Tsunami in Southeast Asia on 12/26/04, these words again provided a comfort for many people.
Sometimes, just when we think God has abandoned us, He speaks to us and reminds us of His presence. Sometimes it is so subtly that all we can do is quietly smile to our self and say “Thank you.” Other times, God speaks so magnificently that we laugh aloud and say, “Alleluia.”
One evening last spring, just before dark, I was out walking. It had been a dreary, gray, and gloomy day – not very spring like at all. My spirits were pretty low to begin with, and I was probably feeling sorry for myself. The day’s gloominess just added to the misery I was feeling.
As I rounded the corner, brilliant color literally burst open on the western horizon. The whole western sky was aflame in the otherwise grayness. The hot pink, apricot, fuchsia, and orange explosion of color was a hue combination no one could ever copy on a canvas. I gasped in awe at the sudden, unexpected, and breathtaking skyline. It seemed that God was showing me His presence, despite my personal tribulation. He was showing His wondrous artwork and telling me to not despair. He was demonstrating that there are always answers to one’s distress.
God could have called it a day and let the grayness finish and fade out. Nothing more would have been required since night was about to fall anyway. But instead, He colored the sky gloriously. I picked up my gait, stared at that sunset with thanksgiving, and thanked God for His help, His presence, and the answers He provided. This was just one example of God’s love. This was one time it was truly an “Alleluia” thank you. It was saying, “God is for us and we cannot be separated from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We can be assured through Christ who intercedes for us that God is always there.

Dear Lord, help us remember you are always with us, that we cannot be separated from your love. Help us with our everyday personal concerns and catastrophic global calamities. Forgive us for sometimes turning away from you while we are self-absorbed, and help us to see the good in everything you do. In Christ’s name we ask these things. Amen.

Contributed by Amy Foutes

March 10, 2005 Romans 8:12-27

March 10, 2005                                                                                   Romans 8:12-27

 

Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise 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.  And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

 

            Our eldest son, Todd, abruptly broke off all ties with us.  He dropped out of college and we started living our lives without Todd.  It was January of 1999, the second semester of his senior year.  Todd had been home for Christmas break and we took him back to school for what should have been his final semester.  We always maintained an 800 number so that Todd or other family members could call us toll free when needed.  That semester he stopped calling completely.  We’d call and he would never return them.

            Eventually, Todd got a cell phone of his own and gave us the number (this only after Andy made a trip to St. Paul to find him several years ago).  The number still works and we hear his voice mail, but our calls are never returned.  For me, this is always the first sigh, a complete loss for words.  I cried and still cry, but I could not pray.

            It’s been 6 years now and my sighs have grown deeper.  I know the Spirit prays on my behalf to God with all the pain and emptiness I feel.  And I’ve learned that I am not the only one who sighs during my prayer time, for words can often escape us.  To all who sigh instead of finding words for prayer, I say God’s blessings on you.  Be comforted in the knowledge the Spirit prays for us.

 

Abba, Lord, you and your Spirit have saved many a wretch like me.  Hear the groans of our prayers, as we come to you with sighs to deep for words.  This we ask in the name of Christ.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Rachel O’Dowd

March 9, 2005 Psalm 109

March 9, 2005                                                                                                 Psalm 109

 

Psalm 109:1-5, 30-31 “Do not be silent, O God of my praise. For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.  They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.  In return for my love they accuse me, even while I make prayer for them.  So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love… With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.  For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.”

 

In another devotional of this series, Judy King professed her love for the Psalms.  More than any other book of Scripture, the Psalms encompasses the whole range of human emotion; all the joy, the sorrow, the hurt, the anger, and in this Psalm something not to many folks hear or think about, the frustrations of leadership of God’s people.

There are times in ministry, when no matter what a pastor does, it feels like the whole world (usually just the one congregation) is lined up with paddles ready to take their shots.  Now, I know that more often than not it is just the human insecurities of the minister shining through.  And for the most part we can get through and beyond those moments of panic.

I wonder, did Christ feel this way during his ministry?  After all, here was Jesus, preaching and teaching about God’s boundless love and at every turn, the Pharisees and Sadducees lined up looking for ways to entrap him.  Why bother?  Why waste a prayer on folks like that?

Well, we all know the answer to that question.  We bother, even when it feels like everyone is against us, because Christ told us to.  It is not always easy to love those God entrusts to your care.  Sometimes it is downright hard to do so.  But I think, even in my darkest hour I could never pray for physical harm to come to anyone. 

I might ask God to remember the transgressions of another.  But, I’d like to think my next thought would be for their forgiveness as well as my own.  I’d like to think I could follow the example of Pope John Paul who went to the prison, faced the man who tried to assassinate him, and forgave him while seeking forgiveness for whatever transgression drove the man to shoot in the first place.

 

Merciful Lord, you know our darkest thoughts.  Forgive us the desires of our depression and panic.  Help us to seek forgiveness for all those who cause us distress, even as we seek forgiveness for the distress we cause.  We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Rev. Andy O’Dowd

 

March 8, 2005 John 6:16-27

March 8, 2005                                                                                     John 6:16-27

 

John 6:26-27 “Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.  Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.  For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."”

 

This passage follows Jesus miracles of feeding the crowd of 5,000 plus with two small fish and five small barley loaves and his walking on the water through a storm to the boat where the disciples were.  After reading John 6:16- 27, put yourself in the boat with the disciples and in the minds of the crowd who have been fed.  Jesus, having felt the pangs of hunger we feel, met the human need we have for nourishment.  Being trained in nursing, I was taught to recognize that in order to teach a patient concerning their illness I must first meet, as best as I could, their basic needs.  Public education also follows this philosophy by providing breakfast and lunch to our schoolchildren.  Jesus is asking us as Christians to seek and hunger for his Word as we do for mere food. 

I am left realizing how many times I have felt within me, a restlessness and need for something and sought solace in food instead of the Lord.  The term comfort food comes immediately to mind.  How easy is it to reach for that second or third brownie when we really aren’t hungry but… want something?  What better comfort can there be but that of Jesus?  In John 14:27 Jesus says; “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you… I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  If we can learn to hunger for God's Word, our bodies would reap the rewards of health and our souls would reap the rewards of Life Everlasting! Praise be to God!!!

 

Lord Jesus, thank you for your gift of peace that endures.  We ask you to place in our hearts a hunger for your Word and a desire to seek you in our daily lives.  Forgive us when we seek comfort in worldly ways instead of seeking you, Lord.  Help us to listen for your Spirit before acting on our own human impulses.  These things we ask in your name.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Myrna Trower

 

March 7, 2005 Psalm 148

 March 7, 2005                                                                                                            Psalm 148

 

Psalm 148:1-2 “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!”