Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

-Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

-John 16:33 (NIV)

“The only constant in life Is change” is a quote attributed to Heraclitus a philosopher who predated Socrates in 500 BC.  Many of you may recognize it, or if you had not can surely relate to it. How our lives and the world we live in can change so quickly, one day it looks like the two year pandemic is finally receding and life can return to normal, yet the next day, a totalitarian dictator can bring the world to the edge of disaster waging an unprovoked war on a sovereign nation and his Slavic brothers and sisters. While the US and government and NATO are helping by providing aide, we are not able to help as much as we should for fear of a wider war. With all our modern communication technology and social media, it almost seems like we are there with the Ukrainians in their suffering. After 20 years of our own wars in the middle east, we all yearn for peace.

In the Wednesday Shepherds Men’s group, we have been reading and studying a book by Max Lucado titled “You were Made for this Moment”. Max’s book is about Esther in the Bible, a story of two Jews: Queen Esther and Mordecai saving the Jewish nation while exiled in Persia from a madman. Max in his book shares an interesting story. In 1892 the boll weevil arrived in Alabama from Mexico, by the 1920s, the pest was destroying most of the cotton crop in the south and could not be eradicated. In 1916 on a trip through Virginia and South Carolina a seed seller by the name of H.M. Sessions learned that peanuts were impervious to the boll weevil. So, he came home and sold the seeds and by 1919, Alabama became the largest producer of peanuts in the nation. Max makes the observation, had there been no boll weevil there would have been no peanut harvest.

Sometimes we tend to forget that God is for us, not against us. God is near us, not away from us and lives within us. We have to try and not be done in by bad news. We have a good God, that has a good plan, and it is revealed in his good book. We all want peace in this world, but the only true peace comes through Jesus. Jesus is the only constant in life and as prophesied in Isaiah 9:7, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit. Help us to always remember that trust in you is all that matters. Although we often do not trust you in all things, we are forgiven for our doubts, and we should never forget that you are the only constant in this world and our lives. Help us always to remember that you will make things right, whether it is boll weevils or dictators. Help us always to remember that through your Son, that all things are made right it in this world and that we never forgot your promise of everlasting peace and justice. Amen.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Коли я піду хоча б навіть долиною смертної темряви, то не буду боятися злого, бо Ти при мені, Твоє жезло й Твій посох вони мене втішать!

-Psalm 23:4

“Yea though I walk…” Familiar words we recite in times of great loss and fear, funerals and times that feel hopeless. It’s being uttered repeatedly in earnestness and hope in bunkers throughout Ukraine currently. The pictures above are from a mass being celebrated this week. This week, we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. We receive the mark of the cross in ashes and a reminder that we come from dust and to dust we shall return. It reminds us of our mortality and marks a season of reflection, sacrifice, and penitence. And we are reminded that in life and in death, we belong to Jesus Christ.

Our brothers and sisters in bunkers in Ukraine this week will be keenly aware of their mortality, surrounded by death and the ashes of their own cities and homes. As we enter these next 40 days, we will reflect, and we will respond as a nation and world, perhaps requiring sacrifice as we place sanctions or see a rise in prices of fuel and goods and so forth. It will be hard for us and harder for them. We will watch the news and worry for them and for the world.

And in the midst of this chaos and tragedy and mortal danger, we as believers have hope with our believer brothers and sisters in those bunkers. We trust in the words of our Ash Wednesday traditions and services… in life and in death, nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. Let us remain connected, aware, and in solidarity with all who suffer and pray for peace. This week and for the Lenten season, remain vigilant and prayerful. Do not become overwhelmed by the news, but informed and compassionate, so we may lend our help and resources as we see need.

Prayer for Today

Lord, make me neither complacent, nor overwhelmed. Send your spirit to keep me hopeful and helpful to all in need, trusting you are with us. Amen.

How To Cross A River

I was contemplating what to write for the Reflections devotion, and randomly came across the article “How to Cross a River Safely." (Disclaimer - all the survival advice given as to crossing a river, or attack by crocodile or bear is not assurance of survival.) The advice on how to actually survive crossing a river or an alligator/ bear attack is followed by a relevant and reflective scripture. Only God’s wisdom is without error.

1.   Look for a safer crossing if the water is fast and knee-deep or more (Duh!). Always ford a river at its widest point, the water will be shallower and slower.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it. -Isaiah 30:21

2.   Wear sandals or water shoes to improve footing. Move across the river with shuffling sidesteps. You're less likely to fall since you don't lift your feet as high when shuffling.  

You've made room beneath me for my footsteps, and my feet didn't slip. -2 Samuel 22:37

3.   Face upstream, lean into the current, National Parks Service recommends keep your eyes on the far shore. You may become dizzy if you look down at the swirling water.

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. -Hebrews 12:2

4.   If you're with a group, link arms and cross together. This creates more contact points with the streambed, gives everyone more solid footing.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend

themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:12

Then I thought what if there are alligators in the river? 

1.   If you happen to lock eyes with an alligator on land, run away as fast as you can in a straight line. If a gator grabs you in the water, don’t give up. Fight and fight hard!

I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. -Revelation 3:11

2.   Crocodilians are most active and most dangerous at dusk and at night.  Best advice is to learn where crocodilians live and stay away. The only sure way to survive an encounter with an alligator is to never meet one in the first place.

Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7

Then I wondered about how to survive a potential bear attack: 

1.   Not to worry- take off your hiking boots, put on your tennis shoes and run faster than the other hikers. Wear a bear bell to warn off the bear. Firing a gun doubles your chance of incurring serious injury as compared to using bear spray.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. -2 Timothy 4:18

After reading all the advice on survival I decided to up the definition. The most succinct definition was “to continue to live or exist, especially despite danger or hardship.” Our life journey with God will most assuredly include “crossing” challenges. So we need spiritual survival skills. A recurring theme of survival was Learn.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned

and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it. -2 Timothy 3:14

Timothy admonishes us to remember what we have learned to continue. We are to honor both the lessons and our teachers. Israel crossed the River Jordan to the Promised Land. 

As believers we are symbolically crossing the Jordan River. In Christ we are freed from the bondage of sin and granted access to forgiveness. At our life’s “crossings” God will never abandon us.  The first verse of the poem At the Crossing Over Jordan written 1897 by Charles Bentley brings clarity to this devotion-

When we near the river Jordan,

With its rushing, swelling tide,

Let us put our trust in Jesus as we go;

We shall hear his gentle whisper,

“Fear not, I am by thy side,”

At the crossing over Jordan he’ll be there.

Finally, let us remember God is faithful to provide protection, and a future for each of us:

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.

They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

-Hebrews 10:23

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to trust You with an unwavering and courageous faith. Help me to remember you will never depart from me thou art ever with me. I praise You Lord for you are ever faithful to lead me safely across all rivers. Amen.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

-I Thessalonians 5:11

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

-Hebrews 10:24-25

Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.

-Romans 15:2

I keep my finger on the pulse of what’s trending and consequently follow a variety of folks across various social media platforms. One of my favorites is active on Instagram and TikTok as a storyteller, comedian, and professional encourager. This week, she told a story of her college days. She was, in her words, “volun-told” to work at a women’s conference and assigned the duty of being the “atmosphere” committee. Her job? She was to be a plant in each talk that would shout affirmative things about the speaker, nudge people around her to take notes and be in general agreement. This inauthenticity offended her sensibilities. But the mission to be positive and encouraging felt important. In a world in need of both authenticity AND encouragement, what is one to do?

Well, this young woman started by finding bright green caution vests. Then she recruited others. When asked their job, she said that they’d been asked to join the Awareness team. Their function? They would walk up to people and make them aware of things… “are you aware your dress is fabulous? I am aware your dress has pockets! Are you aware your entire vibe is incredible and your haircut is trendsetting?” In other words, they made everyone aware what a special and wonderful quality they brought to the conference. Was the atmosphere enhanced? Guaranteed.

The world can be discouraging. And the world can be full of lies. We are called to be encouraging and truthful. And we can be both. Even at the same time. That calling is not just “feel good” propaganda, but the life and light and goodness of our calling as followers of the Way. Scripture is full of this message, and it’s especially prevalent in Paul’s letters to the early Church. We shine a bright light in a dark world when we choose to be bearers of encouragement in discouraging times. This week, compliment a stranger, encourage a coworker, be extra kind to a friend or family member going through a rough patch. Make someone aware that they matter and you notice.

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me make others aware that they are a gift from you, and we love them for it. Amen.

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.  As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”  

-Matthew 7:1-9 NRSV

This Sunday is the day of the church year where we hear about the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is always the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The transfiguration account is one scripture reading most of us don't claim to understand. We know there is a lot of bright light, confused disciples, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, and the voice of God. I have always had some questions about this. First, how did they know Jesus was talking with Moses and Elijah? Peter at least must have had a clue since he referred to them by name. I feel like we have received the truncated version of this story and are missing some details.

Or maybe that's not the point at all. Poor Peter. This must have been a very confusing time for the disciples. If you read the previous chapter, first the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to test Jesus, but he wouldn't be tricked by them. He then warns the disciples to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Peter then declares Jesus to be the Messiah, and in the very next paragraph tries to correct Jesus and say he won't suffer and die, to which Jesus famously replies, "Get behind me, Satan!" to the same disciple who had just declared him to be the Son of the living God.

Six days later, Jesus and his inner circle of friends are going up on a high mountain, and WOW what's going on??? Peter assesses the situation and approaches Jesus, trying to be hospitable to their special guests, it suddenly gets a lot brighter, the voice of God comes from the cloud, and the disciples fall to the ground, scared to death. Then the scripture says, "Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."

I think we're a lot like the disciples. We mean well. We try to follow. Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes we are given a glimpse of God's glory and are not sure how to respond. Sometimes we babble on until the voice of God tells us to stop and listen. And when we are finally face down flat on the ground, we feel the touch of Jesus and hear the words, "Get up and do not be afraid." He is there with us. Do you remember the end of Jesus' Great Commission? "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b NRSV)  Always!

Whom can you touch today? Whom can you encourage? Whom can you console? Whom can you strengthen? Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Prayer for Today

Holy God, open our eyes to the needs of those around us. Help us to take the love we have received and give it away to others. Help us to follow the example of your son, in whose name we pray. Amen.

If ever there was a picture that illustrates being born again, this would be it! Casting off the old, revealing the new life within. We each have the opportunity to start each day new. Let yesterday go, there is nothing you can change about it! Call on the Holy Spirit to guide us through the new day, our thoughts, our words, our intentions, our actions; place ALL in His Holy capable hands, seeking His wisdom…not the world’s wisdom.

We hear less and less about being “born again” in today’s world! But Scripture clearly states the importance of this intentional action. In the words of Jesus…John 3:6-7 “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again.” And in 1Peter1:23, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living Word of God. And then again in 1John 4:7, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

All believers belong to God, who loves us more than we can ever comprehend! What JOY in knowing that fact. What PEACE in living in that fact. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the pressures, and worries of the day, but we have an Advocate in the Holy Spirit, who gave us new life when we first believed. Hold on to that truth, no matter what mountain you face….He is with you and will never forsake you. Isaiah 41:13…For I Am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” 

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for the new birth we were given in Jesus Christ. We thank You for the forgiveness of sin in our lives. We thank You for the love You shower on us. Show us how to love others as You do and strengthen each of us to live a life that reflects Jesus. In His Holy name, Amen.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

-John 15:13

This Sunday was Youth Sunday. There were a lot of moments that were great examples of how our youth have learned to walk in what ancient people called “followers of the Way,” being disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. They took special care in their preparations, wrote beautiful prayers and liturgy, practiced music, and studied scripture to give sermons that led us to think and learn and grow. The creativity and camaraderie of the young women who prepared our children's message was evident. But one moment caught my eye. Even with the years I’ve spent in leading worship and preaching, I’m always nervous to do it and bring God’s word and not just my own thoughts. It can be daunting.

Our first youth preacher, a senior, finished his superb message and turned to sit back down. Our second preacher, a junior, stood and touched him on the arm and smiled. He whispered what a good job he’d just done. It was a small gesture, but deeply genuine. I was so proud to see my youth encouraging each other. We hope they will each do their own best and not discourage each other, the model they see too often in school and this world. But actively encouraging one another is truly walking in the Way.

Courage comes from the word for heart. To discourage someone is literally to take the heart out of them. And to encourage them is to give them some of your own. It is life-giving. Taking a moment to set aside your own worries and struggles and prioritize the life of someone else and honor their struggles, their work, their joys, is laying down one’s life for another. And we are told that is an act of love and that there is no greater love. This week, find moments, hours, or days to lay down your life for others in moments where you can give them a piece of your heart. As someone wise once said, “This is the Way."

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me walk in your way, laying down my life for others, in small ways and large. Amen.

So I’m Not Perfect

I have a book entitled “So I’m Not Perfect, A Psychology of Humility” by Robert J. Furey. I found the title intriguing and bought the book... only $1.79 at a used bookstore. The first chapter is “Why Humility?” Remember now, I’ve got $1.79 invested in this book so I want some insight into humility. So three pages into the first chapter is a quote by Rabbi and theologian Samuel Dresner:

“The sin of which modern man is most frequently found guilty of is ‘self-sufficiency.’ It is the belief that man is sufficient unto himself and needs no divine authority and guide. It is a certainty that man is capable of fathoming all secrets, of controlling all events, mastering all situations, even achieving a utopian society of peace and prosperity which would endure until the end of time.”

After reading that quote, I began to think about humility as mental and spiritual reckoning with reality. Just because you stand in a garage doesn’t make you a car. There is a place for pride in its proper form... that is acknowledging our self and our accomplishments as blessings. God created YOU and gifted you with abilities and talents, and opportunities to be a blessing to others.  

Humility is one trait that can easily be faked... I looked up “false humility” and found out that there is indeed an English word;  Humblebrag - an ostensibly modest or self-deprecating statement whose actual purpose is to draw attention to something of which one is proud. Think the Wizard of Oz smoke and mirrors to garner a sense of importance. All of us have been guilty of wanting some excessively unmerited attention for one thing or another. Or being upset we received not even a smidgen of attention.   

Further, you can’t really say pride is the opposite of humility - in my view that is too simplistic. The belief that any person is completely self-sufficient exceeds any measure of pride. That is a delusion whether overt or covert of the degree of one’s superiority.

Ernest Hemmingway said “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

To believe you are totally self-sufficient is to equate your mortal self with the immortal God who is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnipresence (everywhere at the same time).   We are none of these... we have limited knowledge, power, and we are limited by time and space. It was comforting to be relieved of the pressure to be perfect, to all things to self and others. Humility in its pure form gives the gift of connection. I connect to God in a position of dependence said perfectly in the hymn. “Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” I allow the fruit of love, kindness, and compassion to flow into my life. Really all this comes down to being attentive to the presence of God and attending to opportunities to serve. Knowing your limitation opens you to know the joy of belonging to a church that cares for you.

Prayer for Today

God reveal to me my pride and empower me to honor you with true humility. Amen. 

A New Ending, or Beginning?

God wasn’t afraid to start over and begin again. We must follow his example. Do not fear, as there are no wrong turns, only paths we didn’t know we were meant to walk. As the end of 2021 drew near, I encountered several life changing experiences. I had a choice to make, a path to walk in which I had no idea where it would take me. I could stop and dwell on the new ending. However, I decided after much prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit to take a path towards new beginnings. This path that I never expected to walk or had known I was meant to walk has taken me to a place that I have never experienced. God promises us that he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5.) His word also says that he will go with us (Deuteronomy 31:6.) We do not have to face tomorrow, or our fears alone. As I walked this path, I found out how much I was loved, how many people cared, the numerous friends I had, and the friendships that developed, the relationships, the pure untainted love. This was impossible to just happen. God had helped me walk through the door to my new beginning. To an ending of or a new beginning to a life that I had never experienced. To a life much like what may be “Heavenly.” The best I could ever recall. (Romans 8:28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. God has given me the gifts of my wonderful church family and a very special friend. So much more than I could even imagine. Psalm 37:4-6 (4) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (5) Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him and He will do this (6) He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindications like the noonday sun.

Many miracles have happened in the last several months in my life. Some of you that are reading this have been a part of them. I have prayed endlessly for many years for a certain level of happiness; a relationship unlike most or above average.  An ending that may not have been advantageous to my well-being came suddenly without much warning. No, this was not an ending. This was God answering my prayers. It was the beginning of all I had prayed for. Everything was so perfect it was difficult to believe. 

Look for the endings or new beginnings in your life. Find that happiness that God wants you to have. If you need help walking that path, the Stephen Ministers are here to walk it with you.

Prayer for Today

Lord God of Mercy,

May your love shine upon us like the noon sun. Please hold our hands as we walk the paths we were meant to take. You know our heart’s desire better than ourselves. Please bring endings to any darkness, bitterness, or unhealthy addictions, so that we may have a new beginning. So that we can live the life you want us to live, with much love and happiness. We pray this through your son’s name, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;  and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,  and to walk humbly with your God?

-Micah 6:8

Y’all know by now that when I tackle scripture, the first question I’ll have us ask is, “what is the context?” That keeps us honest. We don’t go cherry-picking verses or misunderstand what God is telling us, finding proof texts for supporting our own views. This is true for quotes as well. One such quote took me on a journey last week in preparing for the sermon. I’d heard the now-popular quote, “Fail better.” It’s a favorite among entrepreneurs, tech startups, and athletes. Folks seem to assume it was meant as a positive self-affirmation to well trying, learning from mistakes and improving. The problem is that rips it out of its context.

Several good articles and papers have put the quote back into its proper context from the Irish poet who was not at all speaking about optimistic tenacity. He was actually advocating a pessimistic final state of being - wallowing in tragedy and suffering. That was when the far more encouraging quote came to mind - “I never lose. I win or I learn.” Although I didn’t know it’s source for sure, I was certain it had to be more resolute and positive. When I confirmed it was from Nelson Mandela and that it was born of a tradition of Methodism and deep faith and justice, I knew that was a proper illustration for us to be encouraged in the words of the prophet Joel and writer of Luke (who recorded the Acts of the Apostles).

The work we do to proceed carefully in studying both scripture and history is not easy and it requires patience and intentionality. We live in a cut and paste age. It’s much easier to post, share, retweet, and forward than to put in the leg work. Perhaps one of the best spiritual practices we can master is to slow down, evaluate, ponder, discuss, and become disciples who study the word and our world carefully. Walking humbly with our God demands it. I hope you’ll join us Sunday as the youth lead worship at 11:00. Their message is on the importance of reading and studying and knowing scripture. And I hope you’ll come ready to reflect on their important words.

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me slow down. Send your spirit to make me intentional in how I absorb, study, and share what I learn. Amen.