Welcome to the JCPC Daily Reflections Blog. Reflections are daily devotionals authored by JCPC pastors, staff and members and provide insight, guidance and comfort to help you make it through each day. If you’d like to receive Reflections each day via email, provide your email address.
Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
-Matthew 7:7-8
There's no doubt that this is a tough time to be in the world. A pandemic, race tensions, murder hornets, Saharan sand, politics, elections, and more. Every single person I talk to is carrying heavy burdens for their personal and professional lives, stress and anxiety, fear and frustration, anger and disappointment. Zoom meetings, small gatherings, and chance encounters in the store feel heavy with the emotional strain of everyday life.
So yesterday, the softly spoken words of my Irish friend, author and storyteller, Gareth, resonates within my soul. When he leads gatherings and retreats for folks, he almost whispers, in his gentle Irish brogue, the invitation, "Bring what ya have and ask for what ya need." It's simple and profound. When we come to one another as Christians, in small moments of chance encounters and the structured time of small groups, classes, and worship, we bring what we have. Our burdens and our blessings. And we ask for what we need. Forgiveness and fellowship. We are honest, we are vulnerable, we are generous, and we are healed.
For many of us, we have missed all of that from our distance in quarantine. We yearn to gather in small and large groups, to transcend our difficult reality for the peace of those moments where we bring what we have and ask for what we need. As a pastor, as a leader, as a father, and as personality type focused on the needs of others, I often forget I have needs myself. Perhaps you do too. Or perhaps, you forget that we all are carrying heavy burdens just now. We will gather once more on July 5 for drive-in worship, a first phase of a new normal. I hope you'll be there. I miss you. And I hope you'll bring what ya have and ask for what ya need.
Prayer for Today
God, help me be mindful of all I have, the burdens and the blessings, to ask for what I need, and to love those near me. Amen.
Last weekend's Wall Street Journal featured an article on the comeback of the Drive-in Theater. When the pandemic hit this past spring, Drive-in Theater owners lobbied to keep their doors open because it was a social distancing way of watching a movie, while getting out of the house. The article even mentioned Atlanta's Plaza Theater, the oldest and the only independent cinema, that has pivoted to offer drive-in movies in its parking lot. Our session has voted to begin on-campus worship Sunday, July 5th at 9:30 AM with JCPC's own version of Drive-in Worship. Who knew we would be such trendsetters?
Earlier this week, our Worship Ministry Team held a Zoom meeting to prepare for all of this. Our preparation discussion included how we would park, how we would collect the offering, what happens if we filled up the West parking lot next to the ballfield, and many other details. It was a spirited discussion and my sense is that we're all excited to gather again for worship on our campus. All of us want to be prepared so that we can worship together in person (or in cars) because, as we say around here, "Worship is the most important thing we do!"
Preparation is an important part of life. The Scouts have their motto, "Be prepared." This Sunday, our next message in our Living Through the Storm series is called "Preparing for the Storm." When we get word a storm is on its way, most of us make appropriate preparations. What about the storms of life? What can we do to be prepared?
I hope you will join us online this Sunday as we wrestle with those questions. We will be looking at the end of the Sermon on the Mount -- Matthew 7:24-29. Jesus' words remind us that how we prepare prior to a storm makes a difference how we live through the storm. And as we said in last week's message, Jesus promises to be with us in the center of our storms -- never leaving us alone. And that's good news!
Prayer for Today
Loving God, thank you for being with us in the center of the storms of life. Help us to prepare, as your disciples, so that we might weather the storms of life. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Think for a moment about some of the major milestones in your life. Do you ever reflect on what happened the day before this significant day in your life? In many cases you knew the day was coming and you were preparing. The day before your graduation, the day before your wedding, the day before a milestone birthday or anniversary.
In many instances, if it's the day before your child is going to be born, you don't know it in advance. You likely start preparing for their arrival months ahead and in the last weeks, you're mostly ready. You are often just waiting to be surprised by the day when your child will be born. Chap and I are planners in life and in most cases, over prepared and in my case overpacked with any possible item we might need.
On June 20 six years ago, the day before Will was born, we were not prepared. We had moved into a new house the week before. We were finishing up projects, starting to unpack, and enjoying our new surroundings with a month before his due date.
We went to a wedding for two dear friends on the Chattahoochee in Roswell. It was a very meaningful service outdoors overlooking the river followed by a reception inside. We were excited about the delicious food and time to fellowship with friends. Before I could sit down to enjoy our dinner, everything changed. My water broke and we suddenly realized that we were not prepared for a trip to the hospital. There was not a single item set up or in most cases even unpacked for Will, and no hospital bag or car seat installed.
You can imagine our anxiousness that day realizing we were not prepared. God's timing was different from ours and a major milestone in our lives was approaching much quicker than anyone had anticipated. In this moment, we both realized that God was in control and we cannot do this on our own. A whole village of family and friends stepped up in the days and weeks to come to help us prepare for Will to join our us. From his first day on earth, we have felt the prayers, love and support from a great cloud of witnesses that have helped us to raise Will in the faith.
Now each year the day before Will's birthday, I think about this experience and it reminds me that God has a plan and God provides. I would invite you today to be open to God's plan for your life. Listen for ways that God is teaching you through unexpected or unplanned experiences.
And he will prepare the way for the Lord. He will have the same spirit and power that Elijah had. He will bring peace between parents and their children. He will teach people who don't obey to be wise and do what is right. In this way, he will prepare a people who are ready for the Lord.
-Luke 1:17
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, Help us to be open to your guidance and planning. Prepare our hearts to receive unexpected news and situations. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Eternal eyes, that's what my friend Madeline prays her children and grandchildren would have. Her family has gone through a tumultuous season that ended with the death of her daughter. As the family grieves from this horrific loss, Madeline longs for them to be less and less nearsighted-consumed by the pain of this world. And to be more and more farsighted-filled with hope in our loving God.
The apostle Paul and his co-workers experienced great suffering at the hands of persecutors and even from believers who tried to discredit them. Yet, they had their eyes fixed on eternity. Paul boldly acknowledged that "we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Although they were doing God's work, they lived with the reality of being "hard pressed on every side," "perplexed," "persecuted," and "struck down" (vv. 8-9). Shouldn't God have delivered them from these troubles? But instead of being disappointed, Paul built his hope on the "eternal glory" that supersedes momentary troubles (v. 17). He knew God's power was at work in him and had complete assurance that "the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus" (v. 14).
When our world around us feels shaky, may we turn our eyes to God-the eternal Rock that will never be destroyed.
Prayer for Today
I lift my eyes to You today, O God. Give me a glimpse of the security I have in You.Amen.
"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: 'He is good; his love endures forever.' Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud." - 2 Chronicles 5:13, NIV
The Bible often talks about music with trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, offering fervent praises to God, though at JCPC, we often use piano, organ, and other somewhat less boisterous instruments. True to the many references in the Bible, this week, we'll be praising God together online with the sound of a trumpet, played by our very own Victoria Melin. Despite the uncertain storms we face, may the sounds of the trumpet open our eyes to the rays of light shining through the clouds.
It's fitting that Gray's new sermon series is titled, "Living Through the Storm." We are certainly living through today what seems like a prolonged series of storms. The scripture for this week's service is the familiar account of Noah's ark - certainly the flood to end all floods! Do you remember how it ends? God sets his rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the covenant between God and the earth. It's a symbol of his promise to never again send a flood to destroy all life. It's helpful to us as this time to remember that we can trust in God's promises. One of the ways to remember God's promises is through music.
If you came to the Drive-Through Offering a few weeks ago, you received a CD from us and hopefully had a chance to pass it on to someone in need. Even when we're physically apart, our belief is that the power of music to offer hope and comfort can be one of many ways for us to both connect and reach out to those in need. Surely the author of Chronicles did not know about SoundCloud when they wrote, "the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud", but it's fitting that we are sharing music that reaffirms God's promises on this platform. As we add more songs, please take some time to find someone who needs to be reminded of God's promises and send them the link so we can join, "in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord" - even as we are physically distanced for the common good.
Prayer for Today
God of the Ages, we believe that you are good, that your love endures forever, and that we can trust in your promises. Help us to sing your praises, even during the storms of life. Amen.
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
-Hebrews 13:1
There seems to be a cultural tradition which ties Mother's Day to church attendance. Sadly, not so with Father's Day. It's as if the stereotype is that mothers want their children all dressed up and at church, while fathers want to be left alone to sleep in. My home church even played into this growing up. But scripture tells us that parents, and perhaps especially fathers, should lead the way to worship and serving others. I've been especially inspired in recent years by dads who choose to spend this second Sunday in June getting up to take their kids with us to the shelter to serve breakfast to the homeless. What a lesson in faith and service.
Typically, our 8 year old rises with the sun, and them wakes me for breakfast. His 13 year old brother sleeps much later. So I was stunned to be awakened this Sunday morning by the teenager. His only request wasn't food or video games or his phone. It was a request to make breakfast for his little brother. He wanted to serve him and bring him joy. Two things occurred to me in that moment of pride. One, was that he found greater joy in serving someone else than a few more minutes sleep. And the second was that he found joy in it because he had a relationship with his brother and loves him.
I know that not all of you reading this are fathers or have kids at home, but neither does my teenager. What we can all learn from that example is that there is more joy in serving than sleeping, and that to find the real joy in serving others is about forming relationships. I encourage you to be in worship regularly (online with your family) or in person when we can again, and to join us in service. The relationships you will form with those you serve and those who serve with you will become your greatest joy. The kids and moms and dads who go with us every month have discovered that joy. And I'll tell you a secret... we'd love to share it with you.
Prayer for Today
Lord, make me an eager servant, leaping from the mattress to mission. Amen.
"I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the LORD."
- Psalm 122:1, KJV
Truer words have never been spoken! For many weeks we have been worshiping online. I'm grateful for those of you who have watched the service, and for our team that has worked so hard each week creating this way to worship God. Heidi and Christian, our Co-Directors of Music, have accompanied, sung, composed, arranged, and recruited other musicians to inspire us all. I am not sure how we would have done this without them. Brian and Neal have both preached and helped in leading worship. Our behind the scenes team members include Jeff Arnold and Greg Frangipane, who have posted the sermons each week on social media. And my son, Mason, has edited together all of the video clips every Saturday and loaded them up on YouTube for us all to enjoy. I want to express my deepest thanks to each one of them!
On Monday night, our Session voted to begin worshiping on campus July 5th at 9:30 a.m. Our "Drive-through Offering" experiences have felt a little like worship. So, on July 5th we will begin with what we are calling "Drive-in Worship." A number of churches are already doing this. Our Session is concerned about both the safety of our members of all ages, and our need to gather together in worship. "Drive-in Worship" will allow us to watch safely from our cars while hearing the service, either through PA speakers or on our FM radios. We plan to do this in our West parking lot next to the ballfield.
Our next step will be outdoor worship on the front lawn. We've had online worship services, so now we will have "On-lawn" worship services! Our plan when we do this is to practice social distancing using large circles drawn in the grass where people can sit in chairs or on blankets, wearing masks, as we worship together outdoors in God's beautiful creation. If it rains, then we would use "Drive-in Worship" as our backup. We chose 9:30 a.m. to avoid the heat. Our plans are to do this until our Session thinks we can safely return to worshipping indoors. More details will be shared as we get closer to July 5th. Also, we will continue a weekly online worship service for those who need to worship that way.
Prayer for Today
Loving God, it is good to gather with sisters and brothers in Christ to worship you. We need to do this, and we have missed each other. Bless our plans to honor you through worship in the coming days. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ . Amen.
I think the "why" questions are at the heart of our searching as human beings. We are constantly searching for the meaning and purpose in the experiences of our life. These last few months, I have been asking a lot more "why" questions.
Our pace of life may have changed since March, but it still may be difficult to find the rhythm that helps you be open and connected to God throughout your day. I would invite you to take a moment today to listen for God.
Be still. Feel your heart beat. Sense the life that is running through you. Take a deep breathe. Then listen to the words of Psalm 46.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Be still and know that I am God.
May the words of Psalm 46 travel with you today and in the coming days as you listen for God's comfort and respond to God's call.
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer. Amen.
We have been venturing out of our homes as of late and I must say that the past few evenings have almost felt Fall-like. It is good to be outside in nature and experience the blessings of God's creation. On Friday night my cul-de-sac neighbors shared an evening cook-out with the appropriate spacing between us. As the sun was setting God blessed us with a spectacular sunset!
I must say that there is nothing like a beautiful sunset to heighten the senses to the blessings of God.
Jesus' teachings have an extraordinary knack for awaking our senses to the blessings of God; however, often through experiences other than sunsets. Read through the section of The Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5: 1-12 which we call The Beatitudes. These blessings beckon us to look in places we might not look to see God at work. Here are a few examples:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Do these examples of blessings sound like they have a place in our world with all its strife, injustices, and death? I sure think it does especially because Jesus is speaking of the Kingdom of Heaven and how it breaks into our lives. It is in the broken places that God's light shines the brightest. Jesus call this/us blessed.
Prayer for Today
Shine your light, Gracious God, through our brokenness. When our lives crack, shine within us your mercy, your forgiveness, your comfort and your peace. Amen.
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:"
- 2 Corinthians 5:18, NIV
This past Tuesday, the weekly Bible study I lead did something different. Instead of looking at the Bible passage for the upcoming Sunday sermon, we looked at last week's adult Sunday School lesson from "The Wired Word." This excellent resource looks at a very current event in light of scripture. Last week's lesson was about racism. Our Tuesday Bible Study looked at four passages from scripture that guide us in thinking about the challenges of racism. Talking about such issues is difficult, but our Bible Study struggled well with these four texts. Given all that is going on in our world and our community related to issues of race and racism, as Christians we need to lead the way in talking about this and providing guidance for our world.
I want to invite each of our Bible Study/Small Groups to break from what you're doing presently and find a time in the near future to look at this lesson from June 7th. You can find it on our "Church@Home" web page and in the sidebar here under "Quick Links". It provides an excellent resource to consider what the Bible says, to ask insightful questions, and to discover what we as Christians need to do. It also provides many other links and resources for anyone who wants to continue going deeper into this issue.
Because talking about these kinds of things is difficult, I also want to include a link here to a resource I have shared before from our Presbyterian Church called Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement. It focuses on how we talk about difficult issues constructively. It is one of the best resources our Presbyterian church has created.
Many of you know that I am part of an interfaith group of religious leaders here in Johns Creek. We have been meeting for a little over a year and have come to know, respect, and trust each other. Last week, we created a joint statement focusing on racism. It was published last Friday in the Johns Creek Herald Newspaper. I have included the link here if you would like to read it. My prayer is that each one of us would take the next step as followers of Christ and enter into God's "ministry of reconciliation." Through God's grace, I believe we can make a difference in our world!
Prayer for Today
Thank you, God, for reconciling us to you through Jesus. Help us to be agents of reconciliation in our world by bringing your just peace to all. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
