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.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
-Matthew 6:6-8
One of the times I was here from Japan, I was complaining about something in my life to my parents and grandmother. I was clearly upset and went back to the guest room where I stay, and a few minutes later, I heard this light knocking on my door. I was still groveling about whatever it was, and so responded with a short, “What do you want?”. A few moments later, the door slowly opened, and there was my grandmother. She looked at me and said, “Take it to your heavenly Father,” and then closed the door and walked away without saying anything else.
Many of you knew my grandmother, Evamay. She was like a third parent to me, going to all my piano lessons, driving me to and from church every week, and picking me up from school all the time. We had a special bond, and she modeled to me what it means to be a committed, active member of a church. Comments from some of you in the past few weeks have reminded me of just how deep and abiding of a faith she had. Her response to most situations was rooted in her faith. Whenever I was mad or upset about something, she would tell me to pray about it. It was never what I wanted to hear at the time, but she was right, of course.
I often get lost in my emotional response and forget to ask God for help. I need to be reminded constantly of what Jesus, and his faithful disciple, Evamay, said. “Take it to your heavenly Father.” We live in difficult times, and on top of that, we are in a time of transition here at JCPC. Add to that our own personal grief, struggles, and injustices, and it can be hard to get through the day. God listens to us when we pray, and comforts us in our pain. I want to follow along the well-worn path my grandmother took before me and live a life of unshaking, firm faith and regular prayer. Let’s all come together as a church, sincerely take every issue and concern to God in prayer, and faithfully work to build a better, stronger, deeper community of faith.
Prayer for Today
Come, Lord Jesus, our guest to be, and bless these gifts bestowed by thee. Bless our loved ones everywhere, and keep them in thy loving care. Amen.
What does the Bible say about new beginnings? New beginnings can be from a range of contexts, entering a new year, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or beginning a new relationship. A new beginning could also be entering a new phase of life.
The Bible offers advice and encouragement for beginning a new chapter by providing strength and support in the Word of God! Embrace a fresh start in Jesus Christ with the words of Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Its February 2022. Many things have transpired for us. We are hopefully coming out of a pandemic; it was so great to see a full church for Gray’s retirement sendoff; and hopefully the start of new beginnings for our world; our country; Johns Creek; our church, Gray’s family!
We have endured the loss of many of our loved ones recently at the church. Ironically, the day Gray retires, Larry Wood passes. We all mourn these losses but hopefully treasure the time we had with those we now miss, as we move forward in our lives…. new beginnings.
Retirement; pandemics; medical challenges; losses of loved ones…all are a part of life. God offers us challenges, like pandemics, to remind us of who we must trust and obey, when perhaps our focus has deviated. I am thinking we are now offered a new beginning. One where we can look forward, remember our lives must be grounded on Christian values and look forward to what God will open for us going forward.
Prayer for Today
Lord, we have been thru so much; we know you have challenged us, reminding us that we must be grounded in our Christian values. Help us to be committed to those values, as we look forward to our NEW BEGINNINGS!
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
-Psalm 127:3 NIV
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
-Proverbs 22:6 NIV
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up. -Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
Today I want to talk about raising children. I know what you're thinking... Heidi doesn't have any children... what does she know??? You're absolutely right, I have no personal experience raising a child, and cats don't count. Many of you reading this have years of experience doing what I have not done. However, I vividly remember my own childhood and first stages of my faith journey, and those adults who influenced me during those years.
Mr. Schmidt taught me everything I know about Martin Luther. (Remember I was raised Lutheran!) One entire year of Sunday School curriculum was devoted to Martin Luther's life, and everyone in my class wanted to be somewhere else. But year after year, Mr. Schmidt gave his time and teaching skills to all of us kids, hoping something would stick! Mrs. Reid was another Sunday School teacher and my confirmation mentor. She told me in no uncertain terms that she prayed for me every day, and I could feel her prayers, and I had absolutely no doubt that God answered her prayers regularly! She was also the loudest singer in the congregation, and her faith could be heard by everyone!! Mrs. Kitzmann led the children's choir, and gave me my first big break accompanying the choir while still being of age to sing in it! And when the youth choir disbanded while I was in high school, Mrs. Zehnder (the organist and adult choir director) gave me the opportunity to attend rehearsals and sing in worship as a member of the adult choir. The support I received from these people forever changed my life and helped me become who I am today.
All of us in the church, whether we have children of our own or not, are part of this family of faith, and all of us have a part in sharing in the lives and formation of the children who walk through JCPC's doors. They may not always be visible in worship, but we have a LOT of children walking through JCPC... preschool children... AFA students... Scouts of all ages...
February 6th is Scout Sunday. February 13th is Youth Sunday. For the next two Sundays, we have a unique chance to worship with these specific groups of our children, show our support for them, and consider how we can help them on their journey. If you want to know how you can join in support of these groups of young people, come to worship and ask an adult wearing a scout uniform (this Sunday) or ask Brian how you can support the youth! There are many ways to do it!
Prayer for Today
Holy God, we thank you for all the people you have lovingly placed in our lives to help us grow and to teach us about you. Help us to continue to show your love to your children, and may our prayers strengthen them in their journey. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
-Matthew 5:16
Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to Shabbat services at our neighboring house of worship, Congregation Dor Tamid by my friend, the Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein. He had invited all of us from the Johns Creek Interfaith Clergy group. After the hostage situation that week. The message was a powerful reminder of our important call to stand for justice. But the highlight for me was the children.
On my row, there was a family I’d met before. They have three younger children. They attended the Rosh Hashanah service in our JCPC parking lot during Covid when they couldn’t meet inside. They had then peaked out of the sunroof of their car to worship and sing. And this night, they danced in our aisle as the music played and we sang. They were fully aware of the tragedies of the week and the way their community was targeted. They listened to the message and the prayers. But they trusted that it was still ok to be joyful and dance when we sang.
It was a powerful reminder to me then that even on the midst of the stress, the chaos, the transition, and the incredible challenges of this world, we are not called to live in fear, but in love. I was inspired by their joy and their courage. I was moved to be joyful too and to work hard to make their world safe enough to dance in. I hope that this week, you’ll find both the time and courage to dance. And I hope you’ll feel the call to help build the world a little better, to stand up to people who make the world scary and dark, and shine your light where it’s needed most.
Prayer for Today
Lord, help me to dance in your presence. And help me to bring your presence to places of hatred, violence, and darkness. Amen.
“Keep your hands behind your back. You’ll be fine.” That’s the loving admonition Jan’s husband always gave before she ventured off to speak to a group. When she found herself trying to impress people or seeking to control a situation, she’d adopt this posture because it put her in a teachable, listening frame of mind. She used it to remind herself to love those before her and to be humble and available to the Holy Spirit.
Jan’s understanding of humility is rooted in King David’s observation that everything comes from God. David said to God, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:2). He learned to trust God and seek His counsel: “Even at night my heart instructs me” (v. 7). He knew that with God next to him, he’d not be shaken (v. 8). He didn’t need to puff himself up because he trusted in the mighty God who loved him.
As we look to God each day, asking Him to help us when we feel frustrated or to give us words to speak when we feel tongue-tied, we’ll see Him at work in our lives. We’ll “partner with God,” as Jan says; and we’ll realize that if we’ve done well, it’s because God has helped us flourish.
We can look at others with love, our hands clasped behind our backs in a posture of humility to remind us that everything we have comes from God.
Prayer for Today
Creator God, You’ve created the world and all that’s within it, and yet You love me and want to use me for Your glory. Help me to look to You for help and strength. Amen.
I sat on the pier during a vacation, reading my Bible and watching my husband fish. A young man approached us, suggesting we use different bait. He glanced at me as he fidgeted from one foot to another and said, “I’ve been in jail.” He pointed to my Bible and sighed, “Do you think God really cares about people like me?”
Opening to Matthew 25, I read aloud that Jesus talked about His followers visiting those in prison.
“It says that? About being in prison?” Tears brimmed his eyes when I shared how God considers kindness toward His children a personal act of love toward Himself (vv. 31–40).
“I wish my parents would forgive me too.” He lowered his head. “I’ll be right back.” He returned and handed me his tattered Bible. “Would you show me where to find those words?”
I nodded. My husband and I hugged him as we prayed for him and his parents. We exchanged contact information and have continued praying for him.
At one point or another, we’ll feel unloved, unwelcomed, in need, and even physically or emotionally imprisoned (vv. 35–36). We’ll need reminders of God’s loving compassion and forgiveness. We’ll also have opportunities to support others who struggle with these feelings. We can be a part of God’s redeeming plan as we spread His truth and love wherever we go.
Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and giving me opportunities to share Your truth as I love You by loving others. Amen.
I want to say thank you for the wonderful recognition of my retirement that took place yesterday after worship. To everyone involved in planning and leading such a wonderful event, I want to express my appreciation and let you know how much it meant to me and to my family. Each speaker said something meaningful and heartfelt. The many gifts were unexpected and much appreciated. I will treasure them. The monetary gifts that I know so many of you shared were so generous. Thank you! And the honor of having the church library named after me was truly inspiring.
I will continue to pray for Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, giving thanks for our time together and praying for God’s guidance as you select your next pastor. May God bless you all!
Finally, you may have already heard that the Rev. Dr. Larry Wood -- founding pastor of this church, died on Sunday afternoon. Larry did an excellent job getting this church started. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. Please keep his wife Helen and all of his family in your thoughts and your prayers.
The baby wasn’t due for another six weeks, but the doctor had just diagnosed Whitney with cholestasis, a liver condition common in pregnancy. In a whirlwind of emotions, Whitney was taken to the hospital where she received treatment and was told her baby would be induced in twenty-four hours! In another part of the hospital, ventilators and other equipment needed for the onslaught of COVID-19 cases were being put into place. As a result, Whitney was sent home. She made the decision to trust God and His plans, and she delivered a healthy baby a few days later.
When Scripture takes root in us, it transforms the way we react in trying situations. Jeremiah lived in a time when most of society trusted in human alliances, and the worship of idols was prevalent. The prophet contrasts the person who “draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5) with the one who trusts in God. “Blessed is the one . . . whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that . . . does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green” (vv. 7–8).
As believers in Jesus, we’re called to live by faith as we look to Him for solutions. As He provides the strength, we can choose to fear or to trust Him. God says we’re blessed—fully satisfied—when we choose to place our trust in Him.
Prayer for Today
Dear God, thank You that I can trust You in all situations and come to You in prayer. You’re right there in the midst of my struggles, and You give me strength. Amen.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
-Proverbs 3:27-28
“I’m stuck.” It’s the new phrase from the toddler. He will race around the living room pushing his car or wagon and when he encounters an obstacle, he calls out that he’s stuck. We usually let him pause and try to solve it himself and then ask if he wants help. He’s learning. Last week was tough for our brothers and sisters of the Jewish community after the hostage standoff in Texas. My rabbi friend from nearby Dor Tamid (who held their Rosh Hashanah service in our parking lot just two years ago) had lived and worked just ten minutes away and is dear friends with the rabbi who was held captive. When we asked at our clergy meeting what we could do to support them, his invitation was simple, “join us for worship this Shabbat.”
On Friday night, I attended the service with seven other clergy from our group, the Johns Creek PD chief and captain, the mayor, and other civic leaders. Rabbi Jordan shared the prayer from Rabbi Charlie that they’d prayed that week, and his own message about how we respond to continued tragedies, violence, and bigotry. He asked us if we feel stuck in fear or helpless, to move forward, and encouraged us to do our part. He asked us to speak up when we hear and see bigotry, hate, and antisemitism. He reminded us we can be targets for our faith and that we are together when any person of faith is attacked, ridiculed, or demeaned. In other words, when we feel stuck, ask for help or offer it.
We are God’s children, and we face challenges each day, and so does everyone around us. We have a God who hears us when we call out, and who calls us to reach out when others need our help getting unstuck. We cannot take a day off. When our neighbor says they can’t imagine a way forward after a tough week, we can offer to pray with them, listen, go with them to their house of prayer, and pledge to speak up for them. And do it. This week, it would be easy to let this story pass by with a simple, “it could have been worse,” or, “it happens too much.” But we are called to denounce such evil and work to build a better world.
Prayer for Today
Lord make me courageous to speak up, step up, and build up a better world with other people of faith and empowered by your spirit. Amen.
Since this is my last “Reflections,” I found myself remembering how it all started. Soon after I arrived, a church member emailed me and suggested that it would be good to hear from the pastor more often than just on Sunday morning. So, we decided to start a daily “Reflections” blog and I invited some of the staff members to join me in writing one per week. We set a 350-word limit, thinking that would be about the right length that people would read. I have enjoyed the different voices of staff members and church members over the years. No one wrote “Reflections” the same way as anybody else, and that was good! From time to time, someone will comment in an email or a text, how a particular “Reflections” spoke to them that day.
When it comes to “Reflections,” these words that we write are usually our reflections on something in our journeys of faith that we have discovered and want to share. Today, I was thinking about how we are like reflecting mirrors. We are to reflect God's love, grace, and light out into the dark places of the world in need of such things. We are also called as Christ followers to reflect the praises of the world back to God in worship – which, as we say, is “the most important thing we do.”
I am reminded of the passage from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in chapter 13, often called “the love chapter,” in which Paul writes these words: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part: then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” So, keep reflecting the faith, hope, and love of Christ into your world!
Prayer for Today
Thank you, God, for your love and grace. Enable us to reflect that love and grace into our world today and as long as we live. In the strong name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.
