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.
What does self-care mean for you? In the midst of our current circumstances, we are still managing some everyday responsibilities as well as facing new challenges each day. Most of us may have found new routines or each day has its own rhythm. As we continue to navigate this unusual time, I would invite you to consider the question, how can I find rest in the Lord? Mentally? Physically? Emotionally? Spiritually?
For me I am connecting with an old rhythm from my childhood years of dance and taking barre classes virtually. I am taking walks with my dog through our neighborhood. I am talking to friends by phone or video chat. I am finding space (even if it's brief) for quiet time and prayer. I am joining with a group of JCPC women for six weeks in an online Bible study about women who encountered Jesus. I'm not sure what works well for you, but I wanted to share a few resources that are available and may be meaningful for you.
Great Shepherd, help me to let go of the lead for a bit and to actively follow where you lead me. I trust you, God, to care for me and lead me to the right place, down the right path, in the right time. Amen.
During our weekly Solace Zoom meetings we have been exploring what is called the 6th stage of grief. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross popularized the 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance in her groundbreaking work. Of course, anyone of us knows through our own personal grief the stages don't proceed smoothly or seamlessly. Recently grief counselor David Kessler suggested a sixth stage of grief; meaning to help us develop hopefulness within the grieving process.
One of the quandaries we face with Covid 19 is what to make of it all. We live in a peculiar dimension where we experience that everything has changed while each day seems like Groundhog days so that each day seems to resemble the other. What a strange paradox; everything has changed and nothing seems to change!
In order to cope with our current new normal of sheltering in place our Solace groups have explored how to make meaning in our daily activities. Not everything is terrible, the Solace participants are finding. More family time, parent and children less rushed and looking forward to phone calls, Zooming or Facetiming are spawning a sense of hopefulness. Sharon Shuler mentioned that on Easter she and Rich Zoomed with their family members who live in a different state and country. Without the pandemic this Easter reunion wouldn't have taken place. New meaning arose within our crisis.
How we think about life's challenges makes all the difference. Victor Frankl who was a Holocaust survivor and one of the great minds of the 20th century teaches us "everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
When we make hopeful meaning in our circumstances, we often discover our why in our daily living. Frankl says, "those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'."
For Christians the resurrection brings meaning to our grief. For the disciples, their sense of awe brought new meaning to lives. Yesterday, I shared this picture to bring awe to life. Enjoy!
Prayer for Today
In the light of resurrection bring new meaning into the darkness of our days, O God of new life, so that as we sense the awe and wonder of the good news that Christ is risen, our days will be filled with joy, peace, and the assurance of faith that stands firm in the belief that you work for the good for all who love you. Amen.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist . . .
- Ephesians 6:13-14a, NIV
Have you ever tried to stand firm in the ocean when the current is strong and the waves are high? As a kid I can remember vacationing at the beach. Every now and then, there would be a storm at sea and the waves would be unusually large. We created a game where we would dig our toes deep into the sand on the ocean floor, so we could try to stand in the same place when the waves tried to knock us over. Sometimes it feels that way now as we are knocked around by the storms of this pandemic.
So, how do we try to stand firm in the storms of life? The words above are from one of Paul's letters to the early church. As we can see, trying to stand firm in life is not a new challenge -- nor is it easy. But Paul's words from scripture may give us some practical wisdom and encouragement to do just that. This Sunday we are starting a new series of messages called "Stand Firm" which are based on these words of Paul. Each week we will look at one pillar of the Christian life that helps us to stand firm. This week we will be looking at truth. What is truth? And what is the best way to speak the truth?So, plan to join us this Sunday online as we go deeper into these questions and discover God's word of grace and love for us all!
P.S. - This past week someone told me they liked everything about the online service except the small picture. While you cannot go full screen from the JCPC website, you can click to the top of the picture where it says "Johns Creek Presbyterian Worship 4/19/20" and it will send you to the YouTube page where you can go full screen by clicking the lower right corner. Also, by connecting an HDMI cable from your TV to your laptop -- you can make it even bigger!
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, help us to stand firm as we face the storms of life. Thank you for Jesus - the solid rock on which we can build the foundation for our lives. In the strong name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
-Galatians 3:26
Identity is important. Psychologists tell us that our identity influences everything from our mental and emotional health to our physical health, our decision making, and our actions in the world. But people identify themselves in interesting ways. When asked to do so, many people reach for their wallet to show their driver's license. We identify by our ability to drive and what we drive. When asked at a party who we are, the first question is almost always, what do you do? Meaning - what is your profession or occupation? For younger people, where do you go to school? If we delve deeper, there are questions of group affiliations... who do you cheer for in sports? What's your political persuasion? Where are you from? Your family?
I often do an exercise with young people, having them write the words "I AM" in the center of a page and listing all their personal identifiers around it, whatever comes to mind first. I ask them to write as big as possible to start, going smaller and smaller as they have to squeeze more in. It's fascinating to see how many start with the obvious and how often they all write the same things... boy/girl, American, Falcons fan, teenager, athlete, thespian, singer, funny, smart, tall, fast, left-handed. Then, like any good youth pastor, I tease them... What about American? Southerner? Presbyterian? Christian? Son/daughter? Brother/sister? Friend? Child of God? Loved? Why didn't these jump out first? Are they less important? Less obvious? What does your list look like? I often have them use the back of the paper to do it again, making the most important ones the biggest. Those papers usually look quite different. Hung on a clothesline, it's a glaring difference between what first came to mind and what they believe really identifies them.
I've been thinking about this question of identity all week. As you probably know, the census is now out and much of it and its most controversial aspects revolve around how people identify themselves, including questions of race and religion. An article today in the New York Times suggests the disappearance of milestone events like Prom and Graduation may not just be disappointing for seniors this year, but damaging to their very identities and their formation. I'd like to think that's less true for our young people. I'd like to believe that young people who are nurtured in the Christian faith all come to stake their identity in being children of God, brother and sister to anyone in need, neighbor to those who suffer, and a part of nuclear and faith families, primarily. Such young people grow to be adults who identify that way first and foremost, rather than by profession, lack of profession, success in a profession, by what they have or own, or by their social status, health, or group.
It's worth asking as parents, grandparents, adults, teachers, mentors, leaders, elders, and those who have promised to raise our young people in the faith... where do we claim our identity? Is it in Christ, right off the bat? Is that how we relate to and introduce ourselves to others? And if not, how will we teach that to young people? I'm challenged this week to think foremost of who I am and not just what I do or have. In quarantine, how well am I doing as husband, father, and neighbor and not just as pastor? How are we all? When you speak with a senior or college student this year, this summer, stop before you ask how the year went or their grades or what they're studying. Ask them how they are doing as a child of God and remind them that you love them and miss them and care for them. Ask them instead what you can do to support them as a beloved part of our faith family. We are in this together, in the Body of Christ.
Prayer for Today
Lord, remind me powerfully that I am yours and in you, I have purpose and value, and that I find my identity in you and serving you. Amen.
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way. I wrote: 'Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it.'"
How we tell the truth can make a difference in life. As I watch the news, I am moved by true stories told by reporters that enable us to see beauty in life - even in the midst of this pandemic. Now, the beauty does not take away the reality of the suffering -- but often, the acts of beauty are in response to the suffering.
The story above is one I thought about for a while. The man certainly helped the blind boy by reworking the wording of his sign, so others might have more compassion and share some of what they had with him. Maybe the words brought home what it would be like not to have our sight - we could be surrounded by beauty, but never be able to perceive it.
This Sunday we are beginning a new series of sermons called "Stand Firm." The title comes from the words of Scripture Paul writes to help us stand firm in challenging times. This Sunday we will be talking about truth - what it is and how it can help us stand firm, even in the storms of life. Join us online and invite someone who may be facing challenging times to join us, as well!
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, you are the foundation and the rock upon which are our lives are built. Help us to stand firm as we share the good news of Jesus - who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.
As I take some time to reflect this morning, I am reminded of the importance of friendships in the body of Christ. In our friendships, we find comfort in times of grief, we share joy in moments of celebration and we provide support in the challenges of each day. In this unusual time, we are separated physically from many of these friendships. It's challenging when you can't see a friend or loved one face to face to give a hug or share words of encouragement. In the midst of that we still have these words from Jesus.
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:12-15
Jesus Christ sought out friendships on his journey here on earth. He reminds us of the importance of these bonds in times of joy and sorrow. Take some time to lift up in prayer those that have been your support through challenges, shared in your joy, and provided comfort in your grief.
Throughout my life, I have found connection and comfort in times of deep joy and great sadness through music. I grew up with a Dad who loved to play music for all kinds of occasions. He would write songs for special milestones. I grew up playing music and dancing to music. Movement and music have been two things I can go back to find connection with God and with others.
Many people are sharing some beautiful music to provide us a place of comfort and connection during these challenging days. Last week Heidi and Christian provided some very meaningful music to invite us to reflect on Holy Week. One of the things I missed most about Easter was the full church and the sounds of voices and instruments proclaiming this Good News together.
Gracious God, Open our eyes to the friendships we have in our lives. Help us to turn to you as our example for how we can care for one another. In Christ's Name, Amen.
I received an email from the Director of Spiritual Health at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Tim Park, on Monday of Holy week. The hospital is facing an uphill battle with Covid-19 and they need masks, hundreds of them, to fight the good fight. Tim asked if our Knit Wits would consider making masks for EJCH. I reached out to Brenda Thompson, a member of the Knit Wits and an elder on our Session with the request. Within minutes Brenda responded. By Thursday a group from JCPC made and delivered 25 masks and promised more were on the way. I delivered them to EJCH.
During our Solace Zoom meeting on Easter morning we examined two of the resurrection stories; one from Matthew and the other from John. Working together as a group we discovered the dynamics of fear, grief, and the hope of starting over. In times like these where fear and grief seem to be ever-present, the gospel speaks of hope, the hope of starting over through the resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord.
As a group we discussed what we were missing this Easter and we spoke of what we hope for going forward in our starting over resurrection faith. Sharon Shuler mentioned that she hoped that we would be more kind and helpful to each other. I mentioned how JCPC Knit-Wits and others were already doing just that by making the masks. In fact, groups from Johns Creek United Methodist Church and Johns Creek Baptist Church are making masks. Also, I posted Tim's request on the Montvale Ladies Facebook page, my neighborhood, and immediately women were volunteering to make masks.
Could it be that the hope shared through the making of masks is spreading faster than the virus?!!
In light of the empty tomb, I wouldn't look past this possibility. God is working to make all things new.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
Prayer for Today
God of hope and new beginnings, we praise you for the gift of the Risen Lord, and ask that you bring his hope in our lives, our community and our world. Amen.
Recently, I came across a sermon I preached 20 years ago on Easter Sunday. Part of it went this way:
Last week, one of our church members sent me an email and an article from The Silicon Valley news, an informal newsletter. The article appeared last Monday morning right after the major stock market drop of last Friday. The subtitle of the article read, "Battered by market plunge, valley shareholders find solace in church, [and] core values." The article began by saying, "With today's market opening many hours away, Silicon Valley residents, over Sunday scones and cappuccino, were taking stock of their portfolios -- and their lives." The article went on to describe those who were considering their net worth beyond their financial gains. According to one source, there was a remarkable increase in church attendance last week. One person commented, "It's a reminder that I shouldn't get caught up in material things. . . . It's a good reminder to me of where to keep my heart." To sum it, the article said, "In this go-go-go valley, some are beginning to conclude the sum of their lives is not equal to the sum of their portfolio. Another person said, "It's just money. On our deathbeds, we're not going to think about how much money we have in the bank."
This Easter Sunday, some twenty years later, some things have changed, but some remain the same. Because we must shelter in place, there will not be "a remarkable increase in church attendance" - at least not in person, but I wonder how many will be looking for some kind of online worship service to give meaning to life in the face of this pandemic and the wild stock market fluctuations?
This Sunday's message is called "How Will This Change Us?" "This" refers both the pandemic and Easter. I hope you will plan to worship with us online -- and have some bread and grape juice or wine on hand as we will celebrate communion. My hope is that you will be changed - in a good way!
Prayer for Today
Loving God, we remember that on Good Friday, Jesus gave his life on a cross for the whole world. Thank you for the depth of your love for each one of us. May we live this day as faithful followers of the Risen Christ, whom we will worship this Easter Sunday. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus, the Risen Christ. Amen.
Don't worry about this Philistine," David told Saul. "I'll go fight him!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Saul replied. "There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth."
I Samuel 17:32-33
When David showed up and offered to take on Goliath, he didn't look like the hero they were hoping for or expecting. It didn't matter that he'd tended his flock and kept them safe. It didn't matter that he was the hero they needed. He didn't have the look. He looked even sillier when they put the armor on him. They mocked him and called him foolish. He went out to face certain death, even as they discouraged him. He was just from a little town called Bethlehem. But he was a direct descendant of Abraham - 14 generations removed. And as we know, God had plans for David.
So when we read the story of Holy Week, we shouldn't then be surprised. A man of the house and lineage of David, 14 generations after him, in the city now known as the City of David, the Great King, the Giant slayer, the once shepherd, comes to the Holy city of Jerusalem to face certain death, riding a donkey. And the praises of Palm Sunday turned quickly to mockery. He wasn't the King they expected or wanted. They couldn't see that the Great Shepherd calling to his sheep was the hero and King they needed. But God had plans for his son and for us.
So we shouldn't be surprised that while we hail heroes of the sports arenas and political stage, of silver screen and fame, we often fail to recognize the real heroes among us, the ones we need. We take little notice of our first responders and healthcare workers, our grocery clerks and drive-thru cashiers, our truckers and other essential workers. At least until they face the giant pandemic that we face in fear, until they are willing to walk toward death for us to be servant leaders who risk it all. Heroes rarely look like we expect. We often don't recognize them till after the fact. Ours are serving us each day in this crisis. They are the hands and feet of Christ. They head to work each day like David did, saying, "If no one else will face the giant, I will. God is with me." Let us pray for them, support them by staying home, and following the recommended precautions they give us, and let us thank them.
Prayer for Today
Lord, thank you for the essential workers, the heroes we need. Help us to see them and support them fully each day. Amen.
Yesterday, I was reading a column by sportswriter Jason Gay about the spring baseball ritual for little leaguers -- Opening Day -- that's been cancelled. He also talked about his new ritual with his two children - a 7-year-old and a five-year-old. They found a place for batting practice on a little concrete strip behind their building. He's got a bucket of foam balls that he hopes won't break any of the neighbors' windows. He describes it this way:
We look like lunatics, a father and two small children back in this alleyway, foam baseballs bouncing all over the place, but it's my favorite part of the day. It's our ritual. Everyone has rituals now. . . . The thing about these rituals is, they're comforting. . . . For now, we make do with rituals, along with strange new habits. . . . I have a feeling it's going to be a good long while for us to return to normal. I wonder what the normal will be -- if life will forever change after this. (The Wall Street Journal, April 7, 2020, A16)
Jason Gay touches on two things I'm thinking about in preparation for Easter Sunday. The first has to do with wondering "if life will forever change after this." The title of this Sunday's message is "How Will This Change Us?" It is a question I find many of us are asking. I hope we can find some guidance, and maybe even some answers, from scripture this Sunday.
Jason Gay also talks about rituals -- that everyone has them now, in part because they are "comforting." One person talked about the importance of ritual in worship, saying that ritual is what we rely on when we run out of words to say.
This Easter Sunday we will be celebrating Communion or the Lord's Supper. In the church we call it a sacrament, but it is also a ritual. And yet it is a ritual that is not simply "made up." As Christians, we believe this ritual is connected to something very real that took place in history. We believe Jesus not only celebrated a Last Supper with his disciples the night before his arrest, but that he died on a Roman cross for the sins of the world. This was God's way of entering into the suffering of the world in order to save it from the sin and brokenness. It was God's way of making things right -- the way they're supposed to be.
Our sacrament of Communion or the Lord's Supper is not a ritual that ends with the death of Jesus from crucifixion. No, it also looks forward to a time when we as believers will come "from East and West and North and South" and gather at the table in the Kingdom of God. It looks forward to the time when God will set everything right, in the new heaven and the new earth, where there will be no more tears, or death, or pandemics. So, plan to have some bread and grape juice or wine on hand as we celebrate Communion together online this Easter Sunday.
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, we thank you for the sacrifice Jesus made for us all up on the cross, and for the resurrection hope we have in Christ. May we live into that resurrection hope. In the strong name have God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
