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.
“I don’t get it!” My daughter slapped her pencil down on the desk. She was working on a math assignment, and I’d just begun my “job” as a homeschooling mom/teacher. We were in trouble. I couldn’t recall what I’d learned thirty-five years ago about changing decimals into fractions. I couldn’t teach her something I didn’t already know, so we watched an online teacher explain the skill.
As human beings, we’ll struggle at times with things we don’t know or understand. But not God; He’s the all-knowing One—the omniscient One. Isaiah wrote, “Who can . . . instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:13–14). The answer? No one!
Humans have intelligence because God created us in His own image. Still, our intelligence is just an inkling of His. Our knowledge is limited, but God knows everything from eternity past to eternity future (Psalm 147:5). Our knowledge is increasing today with the aid of technology, but we still get things wrong. Jesus, however, knows all things “immediately, simultaneously, exhaustively and truly,” as one theologian put it.
No matter how much humans advance in knowledge, we’ll never surpass Christ’s all-knowing status. We’ll always need Him to bless our understanding and to teach us what’s good and true.
Prayer for Today
Jesus, I praise You as the One who knows everything. Teach me what You want me to learn, and help me to love You with all my mind. Amen.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
-Deuteronomy 6: 4-9 (NIV)
Week before last, Rev. Brian Daoust preached and talked about the Jewish tradition of the Mezuzah (Muh zoo zah). For those of you who might have missed it, the Mezuzah is a parchment called a klaf a specially tanned skin of a kosher animal contained in a decorative case and is inscribed with specific verses in Hebrew from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. It is affixed to the door post according to the Jewish Law. Whenever passing through the doorway, people may touch a finger to the mezuzah as a way of showing respect to God. Many people also kiss their finger after touching it. Brian shared that he had a Mezuzah as a reminder to listen to others upon entry, the Message Bible translation reads “attention”.
Brian’s sermon really peaked my interest as recently in our Monday Men’s group, while listening to a lecture by Rev. N.T. Wright on the New Testament theology of Paul, Rev. Wright made a particular reference to this passage. The verses 4-5 are part of a prayer called Shema Israel or simply known as the Shema. Observant Jews consider the Shema to be the most important part of their daily prayers and teach their children to say it before they go to sleep. Shema is recited aloud beginning with "Hear, O Israel: the LORD is our God, the LORD is One” and continues with the above referenced passages from Deuteronomy as well as with Numbers 15: 37-41.
Rev. Wright as one of the foremost Biblical scholars reasons that Paul’s theology is not an elite activity it is an every-member occupation. He testifies that in his experience of teaching scripture “that once you get into this stuff you will never be bored again”. Rev Wright urges that Paul’s theology has to be reworked for each generation to apply our 21st century circumstances to 1st century Christianity and not the 15th century. In this process, at its center is prayer, as prayer and theology are not two separate things. They have got to flow in and out of everything.
Rev. Wright believes that Paul has taken the Shema prayer and in writing in First Corinthians he has discovered the crucified risen Jesus in the heart of it. In other words the heart of Christian prayer is rooted in the Jewish tradition and is reworked as the heart of Christian theology.
Prayer for Today
Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
When Anita passed away in her sleep on her ninetieth birthday, the quietness of her departure reflected the quietness of her life. A widow, she had been devoted to her children and grandchildren and to being a friend to younger women in the church.
Anita wasn’t particularly remarkable in talent or achievement. But her deep faith in God inspired those who knew her. “When I don’t know what to do about a problem,” a friend of mine said, “I don’t think about the words of a famous preacher or author. I think about what Anita would say.”
Many of us are like Anita—ordinary people living ordinary lives. Our names will never be in the news, and we won’t have monuments built in our honor. But a life lived with faith in Jesus is never ordinary. Some of the people listed in Hebrews 11 were not named (vv. 35–38); they walked the path of obscurity and didn't receive the reward promised to them in this life (v. 39). Yet, because they obeyed God, their faith wasn’t in vain. God used their lives in ways that went beyond their lack of notoriety (v. 40).
If you feel discouraged about the seeming ordinary state of your life, remember that a life lived by faith in God has an impact throughout eternity. Even if we’re ordinary, we can have an extraordinary faith.
Prayer for Today
Faithful God, please help me to trust and obey You always. Amen.
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.
-I Peter 3:15
For most of my life, autumn kicked off with the sales of Scout popcorn. We still have that season with the boys. It’s not just a time for the boys to learn how to be entrepreneurial, to learn sales and goal setting, but also to learn how to approach and speak to adults, be respectful, keep commitments, and be trustworthy with the money and goods of others. But perhaps one of the most important skills they must hone is crafting a good sales pitch. Scouts have to learn to describe the products, and... the cause. They have to find a way to share their passion about Scouting. With so many alternative options for much better prices or less hassle, they have to convince folks of the worthiness of their organization and movement. And so do we.
Peter is telling us that we have to be prepared with our own sales pitch, in a way, a far more personal and profound one. He says we need to be ready, prepared like Scouts, to give a defense for the hope we have. Like a Scout explaining the value of Scouting for all the Scouts and the families and communities it serves, we must be prepared to explain how the Church, our faith, and our Lord and Savior give us hope, our families, and the people we serve. We learn skills and receive nurture. We receive love. And we learn how to share that love with all in need. But Scouting doesn’t provide a generic sales pitch. They encourage Scouts to personalize their ask. And here, Peter encourages us to do that too.
As believers, we are called to be a witness. A good lawyer helps a witness prepare, but ultimately, they must speak to what they’ve seen and heard and experienced. Each of us must reflect on our lives, the love and discipleship we’ve received, and the hope we have. It’s vital we be ready to share that with those who ask. It’s far more important than a sales pitch. We have the hope of eternal life to offer. Today, when you finish reading this, find a friend in the faith, text or call them. Tell them you want to share your hope, your faith story. Tell them you want to boil it down to a short story you can tell a stranger when asked or a fellow believer in times of struggle. Practice. Offer to be a listener for them to do the same. Perhaps they’ve practiced their own. And be prepared to share it.
Prayer for Today
Lord, help be prepared to share my story of hope. Amen.
I am reminded of the story of three military recruiters who showed up to address some high school seniors. Graduation was only a few months away, and the military men were there for the obvious – to articulate to these graduating young men and women some of the options and benefits that military service would provide them. The meeting was to last forty-five minutes. Each recruiter – representing Army, Navy, and Marine Corps – was to have fifteen minutes. Well, the Army and Navy recruiters got carried away. When it came time for the Marine to speak, he had two minutes. So, he walked up with two minutes to make his pitch. He stood utterly silent for a full sixty seconds – half of his time. Then he said this: “I doubt whether there are two or three of you in this room who could even cut it in the Marine Corps. I want to see those two or three immediately in the dining hall when we are dismissed.” He turned smartly and sat down. When he arrived in the dining hall, there was a mob of students interested in the Marines.
Last Sunday, we began receiving elder nominations. We will be accepting names for the next three weeks. There will be a bulletin insert you can use if you attend worship on campus. However, you can also go to our website (jcpcusa.org) and click the button that says “Elder Nominations” to do it all online. On both the nominating form and the website is a description of what an elder should be.
But I have a little secret to share with you -- in recent years it has become progressively harder to get individuals to serve as elders. When asked, many say “no.” In my experience, it used to be that most, if not all, of those asked to serve said “yes” -- but that has changed.
Friends, I believe we are in need of strong, wise, Christ-centered leaders who have demonstrated faithfulness to God's work through Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. I think the challenges for all churches are only going to increase in the near future, so we need our “best and brightest” to step up and serve at this time.
So, I'm asking two things: First, that you would take time in the near future to nominate women, men, and youth, who have demonstrated mature Christian faith in service to God's work through JCPC -- especially during this challenging time of the pandemic. Second, if you are asked to serve, that you would say “yes.” We need you now! I think many of us today are looking to make a difference with our lives.
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, send us women, men, and youth to serve as elders and lead us to do your faithful and challenging work that will change lives and make a difference in our world. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ, who gave himself for us and for the whole world! Amen.
As Hannah Wilberforce (aunt of British abolitionist William Wilberforce) lay dying, she wrote a letter in which she mentioned hearing about the death of a fellow believer in Jesus: “Happy is the dear man who is gone to glory, now in the presence of Jesus, whom unseen he loved. My heart seemed to jump for joy.” Then she described her own situation: “Myself, better and worse; Jesus, as good as ever.”
Her words make me think of Psalm 23, where David writes, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley [the valley of the shadow of death], I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (v. 4). Those words leap from the page because it’s there, in the middle of the valley of the shadow of death, where David’s description of God turns deeply personal. He moves from talking about God in the beginning of the psalm—“the Lord is my shepherd” (v. 1)—to talking to Him: “for you are with me” (v. 4, italics added).
How reassuring it is to know that almighty God who “brought forth the whole world” (90:2) is so compassionate that He walks with us through even the most difficult places. Whether our situation turns better or worse, we can turn to our Shepherd, Savior, and Friend and find Him “as good as ever.” So good that death itself is vanquished, and we will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (23:6).
Prayer for Today
My Shepherd, thank You for Your perfect faithfulness and kindness to me. Help me to stay near You today. Amen.
Recently, I found an old photo of myself and my sister. As I looked at it, I did not see myself - I saw a little boy... a little boy that had not specific purpose, no responsibilities, nothing to worry about.
I had a home (shelter), plenty of food to eat, and loving parents - nothing to worry about. I look at that picture again and wonder what has changed. Why have I become so obsessed with looking at that picture? What is that little boy trying to tell me? Can it be that we often look to Bible verses about children for guidance and encouragement? Is this what my inner childlike self is telling me?
Galatians 3:2-3
Paul reminds us that we are to continue in Christ exactly the same way we began in dependence, surrender, and the admission that we can't do it, but HE can.
Deuteronomy 1:30-31
The Lord God will lead the way. He will fight on our side, just as He did when we saw Him do all those things to the Egyptians. And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we've been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children.
Psalm 36:7-8
God, your love is so precious! You protect people as a bird protects her young under her wings. They eat the rich food in your house. You let them drink from your river of pleasure.
Psalm 63:7-8
For You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
The kingdom of God belongs to the children. What is blocking you from finding your way into Jesus' arms today? Or not just you, a family member, friend, coworker, even a stranger looking for guidance.
When we sense anyone being hindered from coming nearer to Christ, we must intervene. We must place our trust in God and rely on God.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father,
It has been so easy to get caught up in the "adult" life; with responsibilities and day to day functions. Sometimes we forget to let you guide our life and act as if we are in control. Please remind us, help us to be more "child-like" and remember You have us under your wing. You are in control and guiding us. Remind us constantly to look towards you when we need reassurance and protection. May we learn to take refuge in the shadow of your wings. We lovingly embrace that You are the one that does the heavy lifting in our lives. Amen.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen!" (Revelation 7:9-12 ESV)
I believe this passage from the book of Revelation describes the ultimate worship service. Right now, Christians gather weekly to worship all around the world, and we do our best to praise and glorify God with everything we have. We've all seen some pretty impressive worship services at some pretty impressive cathedrals or mega-churches or revivals.
But can you imagine this scene from Revelation that talks about worship at the actual throne of God? What will that be like??? According to this text, there will be worshipers including Israel (read earlier in the chapter), angels, elders, the four living creatures, and a great innumerable multitude from EVERY nation, ALL tribes, ALL peoples, and ALL languages, falling on their faces before the throne, and praising God with a loud voice!! What an amazing picture!!!
This Sunday, we are celebrating World Communion Sunday. Music will be sung in many languages at both services (come early to hear the extended prelude!). At the 11:00 a.m. livestream/in-person service, our friends from Casa Brasil and Crossings Community Church will be joining us and offering their musical gifts as we worship together. And of course, we will all celebrate communion together as we look forward to the great marriage feast of the Lamb!
So if you are coming to drive-in worship (9:00 a.m.) or in-person worship, come early! And if you are worshiping with us online, get your bread and juice (or wine) ready, and celebrate with us this Sunday!
Prayer for Today
Salvation indeed belongs to you, Lord, and to the Lamb! Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen!
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; the faithful God, keeping the covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love God and keep God’s commandments.
-Deuteronomy 7:9
Psychologists say there are nine critical minutes for children. The first three minutes after they wake up, the three when they return home from school, and the three before bed. I’d add the moment before they leave for their day. Like many parents, we try to establish routine and schedule for our boys. They thrive in stability and familiarity, especially with the chaos of this past two years of pandemic. I used to drive our oldest to school most days and had a list of little affirmations and reminders I’d rattle off as he jumped from my jeep like a paratrooper. I would say some version of, “Be good, do your best, be kind, we love you.”
Now, he takes off for the high school bus with even greater speed as I clean up in his wake and look for items he might be forgetting. But I still try to remember to say those things as he departs. Some mornings are busier than others, or I’ve already begun to check emails. Yesterday was such a day. He paused in the doorway. “You have to say it!” I looked up from my Gmail confused. Then I realized. So I said it. He beamed. Then he fled. Ready for his day, the battle of high school.
It occurred to me how important those reminders are to him. He knows them by heart and there’s nothing new. But the reminder centers him, prepares him to learn, to do his best, and to be kind... and that he’s loved. As a Presbyterian, I always hope I’ll learn something new in worship from scripture, the music, or the message. But as a disciple, it’s just as important that I’m in worship every week to be reminded what I’m called to do, who I’m called to be, and that I am loved. I know all of that. But being in worship, hearing those reminders, that is my doorway to the week, before I rush out into the chaos. Hope I see you there. And I hope you hear God say, “be good, do your best, be kind... I love you.”
Prayer for Today
Lord, remind me of your hope, your call, your expectations, and your love for me today. Amen.
This past Sunday we honored Allison Shearouse and celebrated her time with us as Director of Christian Education. We wish Allison and her family the best as she senses God’s call to serve First Presbyterian Church in Savannah. So, what's next for JCPC? How will we find the right staff to lead in the area of Christian Education in the years to come?
Our Personnel Committee has already met with the elders and members of our Christian Education Ministry Team to seek their input on what is needed, both in the short term and the long run. Our Christian Education Ministry Team is committed to stepping up and supporting the most important ministries that need to continue. We are also considering the idea of an interim, or perhaps a seminary student, to help in the short term. However, there is also a desire to take enough time to discern what we need in the way of Christian Education in the years to come. While we do not want to waste any time, we also do not want to hurry the process in order to find the right person.
In recent years, the field of Christian Education has gone through significant change. Traditional ways of education, such as Sunday School for children and youth, are experiencing decreased participation in almost all churches. So, how do we continue to teach learners of all ages in this changing world -- changes that were taking place even before we were hit with a pandemic? During the pandemic, we have adapted our methods of education using things like Zoom and online resources. Some have actually found these better suited to their way of learning. However, in looking for the right person to lead us, there may be new skill sets needed now and in the coming years. Our overall goal of making Christ followers of all ages remains the same. But the strategies, methodologies, and leadership skills required to make that happen are changing.
Our Personnel Committee will soon create a Search Committee to find the right staff member to fill these roles. We plan to survey the congregation and ask for your input on what you think we need now and in the coming years. So, please respond when you see the survey. Also, if you could offer some of your time to help our Christian Education Ministry Team during this time of transition, I know it would be appreciated. Feel free to contact me so I can connect you with the right person. Above all, please be in prayer for those on our Search and Personnel Committees as they seek to discern God's will for JCPC in the years to come!
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, as we seek to fulfill your Great Commission -- to go make disciples and teach them all that you have said and done -- we ask that you would guide us to the right staff person to make this happen now and in the years to come. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ, who taught us to love you and one another, and who gave his life for the whole world! Amen.
