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Reflections

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.

Thursday, August 16 2018

Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children.

-Deuteronomy 4:9

 

Although we often read on scripture about parent-child relationships, we can often forget how frequently grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins appear as well. One of the blessings of living in our modern world and this country is that life expectancy allows most children to grow up knowing at least some of their grandparents and great grandparents. Our sons have half a dozen great grandparents in their life. However, that same modernity and technology has taken many of us far from family. Children with large extended families rarely live near them all.

 

I mention this because as believers, our understanding of family is much fuller. We are all an extended family of faith in Christ and through baptism, we are welcomed to that family. When we have a birth or baptism, often family members of those at JCPC travel from around the country or world to visit. But these occasions should also be for us a reminder that we are all surrogate aunts and uncles and grandparents for the children, youth, and young parents in our midst. The youth and children of our church have very few biological extended family to support them and the family ministries, which means we all get the opportunity and responsibility to step in.

 

As we begin the new school year, the children and youth ministries of this church are also getting started and extending an invitation of family. Typically, youth parents take turns serving the dinner on Sunday night for the youth group. This year, once a month, we will have an informal gathering for the youth parents concurrent with youth group. We would love to have folks who are grandparents, empty nesters, surrogate aunts and uncles, or maybe a small group prepare a meal on that night. We will have a sign up list. It will give parents a night off to gather and take sabbath, and give more of us the chance to support our families and young people. I hope you'll sign up for a dinner this year. There will be perhaps seven of them. And thank you.

 
Prayer for Today

 

Lord of all generations, we give thanks for the blessing of so much family, more than the stars of the sky. Help me be as family to all your sons and daughters as they have need. Amen.

Posted by: AT 08:27 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, August 15 2018

This morning I was reading through Psalm 39 for my devotions. Even after being a pastor for many years and a Christian for many more years beyond that, I will read a passage from the Bible and something new jumps out at me. I have probably read the passage numerous times over the years, but as I read the words one more time, there is something I have never noticed before. This verse from Psalm 39 was like that for me this morning: "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days . . ." (Psalm, 39,4a, NIV)

 

The Psalmist appears to be praying to God -- asking to know how long his life will be. It started me thinking about whether I would want to know how many days my life would last, if I had the chance. What would that be like to know exactly how long you will live? Now aside from the obvious and very practical concerns like whether or not you would need life insurance or funds for retirement, I wonder how it we might approach life if we had that knowledge.

 

If we had a shorter time to live, would it make us focus on those things in life that are really important, or would we just "grab for all the gusto" in life and think only about ourselves and having a good time? Or, if we found had we were going to live an unusually long time, would we make plans for how to live each day -- reflecting the values we thought most important? Or, would we live only for ourselves most of the time, and then try to change our ways as we approached the end of life? Finally, where would we see God at work in all of that?

 

Those are a lot of pretty deep questions. However, since we rarely know the actual number of our days, I think we can take insight from the Bible that encourages us to live each day as if Jesus were coming back soon. Live that way each day and I believe things will be okay.

 
Prayer for Today

 

Thank you, God, for the gift of life and for the gift of this day. Help us to live each day reflecting the same love to others and you have shown us. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

 
Posted by: AT 08:31 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, August 14 2018

As we begin a new school year, these days are often filled with making new commitments and promises. How many commitments do you think you make in the course of one day? How many people have you promised your time, effort, gifts, or service?

 

The scriptural meaning of covenant is to make a lasting agreement with God. Covenants are always centered in God. Covenants are never broken by God. Covenants are always permanent. They cannot be adjusted or amended, only broken.

 

Throughout scripture we see the story of God's faithfulness in covenanting with us. God remained faithful to the covenants made with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17), Abraham (Genesis 12:1-9) and Moses (Deuteronomy 5:1-21). Even when God's people were disobedient, God offered a lasting and saving covenant through Jesus Christ.

 

What does it mean to you that God loves you so much that God would make a covenant with you to provide both salvation from sin and peace in life?

 

One way that we continue to grow into our covenant with God is through our study of God's Word. Each year we take time to share about the many opportunities where you can connect and grow in this relationship at JCPC.


Join us this Sunday as we gather for breakfast and fellowship in the Great Hall starting at 10:00 a.m. and then connect with our Sunday School teachers and small group leaders for all ages. This is a time of year when we make commitments to grow in our faith through the Education ministry at JCPC. At our 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship, we will commission all of those who have made the commitment to teach and lead this year in many of these Education ministry groups and classes.

 

Take some time not only to make new commitments and promises, but to renew our covenant with God.

Prayer for Today

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew my spirit. Guide me into your presence and lead me each day to remain true to our covenant. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Posted by: AT 08:33 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, August 13 2018

What's in a name? The answer to the question could be explained as meaning and purpose. When we named our first child Katherine we did so because we thought it was a strong name and we dreamed that she would be determined. She is both strong and determined. Each year parents name their newborns and hope that their given name will provide both meaning and purpose to their child's life.

 

In 2018, the top five names for girls are reported to be Emma, Charlotte, Sadie, Violet, and Kennedy. These names seem to me to be filled with character.

 

I began to think again about the power of naming after a trip to the kitchen at JCPC. Here is what I saw that was the catalyst for my thoughts on the power of naming.

 

I hope you are laughing right now because this picture still gives me a belly chuckle. There is no doubt to whom this cooler belongs. Thank you choir for making my day!!! What really struck my fancy was the transformative power of naming. This is the first and perhaps only time I will see a Styrofoam YETI cooler such as this!!!

 

Naming this cooler a YETI opened up an entirely new way of relating to the cooler. It is now distinctive and determined to greatness.

 

In the Bible we witness the power of naming. At the very beginning of the book of Genesis we see that God grants humankind the gift of naming:

 

The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. -Genesis 2: 18-19

What if we took the transformative power of naming more seriously in our daily lives? How could it transform our lives? Rather than naming the day as awful we might name it the day that the Lord has made and perhaps rejoice and be glad in it. What if we changed the name of the driver on Hwy 141 from jerk (this Reflection is rated PG) to neighbor who wants to get home to his family? If a Styrofoam cooler can become a YETI...What if?!!

 
Prayer for Today

 

Each day grant us the knowledge that our words matter, O Lord, and teach us the power of naming our day as well as the wisdom of graciously naming others, so that your glory is reflected through our words. Amen.

Posted by: AT 08:35 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, July 27 2018

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. 
-2 Corinthians 9:11

On our wedding anniversary, my husband, Alan, gives me a large bouquet of fresh flowers. When he lost his job during a corporate restructure, I didn't expect this extravagant display of devotion to continue. But on our nineteenth anniversary, the color-splashed blossoms greeted me from their spot on our dining room table. Because he valued continuing this annual tradition, Alan saved some money each month to ensure he'd have enough for this personal show of affection.

My husband's careful planning exhibited exuberant generosity, similar to what Paul encouraged when he addressed the Corinthian believers. The apostle complimented the church for their intentional and enthusiastic offerings (2 Corinthians 9:2, 5), reminding them that God delights in generous and cheerful givers (vv. 6-7). After all, no one gives more than our loving Provider, who's always ready to supply all we need (vv. 8-10).

We can be generous in all kinds of giving, caring for one another because the Lord meets all of our material, emotional, and spiritual needs (v. 11). As we give, we can express our gratitude for all God has given us. We can even motivate others to praise the Lord and give from all God has given them (vv. 12-13). Openhanded giving, a lavish expression of love and gratitude, can demonstrate our confidence in God's provision for all His people.

 
Prayer for Today

Lord, please help us trust Your abundant love and generosity, so we can give to others as You so faithfully give to us. Amen.

Posted by: Daily Bread AT 07:42 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, July 26 2018

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

Paul's Defense to Felix

-Acts 24:14
One of my greatest simple pleasures is being awake when much of the rest of the world is asleep. Sometimes, it's intentional when I stay up late to read or watch a movie, or up early to head to the shelter to serve the homeless. Being up early every day to wake the teenagers always has my body in a very specific rhythm by summer's end, so I'm awake early and writing this overlooking Myrtle beach and listening to the waves. As I scan the beach, I'm reminded of a moment earlier this week. 


My family and I are taking a little sabbath break. The boys are loving it. We took them for a walk a few days ago, and because they like to be busy, they brought their little sand shovels. On the way back, our oldest began dragging his shovel to make a line in the sand. He was careful to avoid most of the obstacles in his path. His legs are long and dinner was the destination, so he got well ahead. Our youngest trailed behind... following his line with dedication and precision, his eyes on the line he knew his big brother had made.
The earliest believers were known as "followers of the way." Like our Jewish forebears, we were known for a way of life, a life set out to us by way of example in Christ and his teachings. Our youngest looked up now and then to collect a special sea shell and admire the birds and the waves, but his path was clear and the way was marked. Our best walk as disciples of Christ is on the path. The early Church was known for generosity and compassion. They followed the Way. If we are to be known for those characteristics, our daily lives must more closely resemble following the line in the sand, even as we wander now and then.
 
Prayer for Today
Lord, help me to see the long line in the sand and to find it again and again as I wander the shore. Amen.
Posted by: Rev. Brian Daoust AT 07:45 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, July 25 2018

"For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" - Romans 1;17, NIV

"I don't believe in coincidences anymore!" Those were the words one of my seminary professors, Dr. Ben Johnson, said to me once. I can't remember exactly why he said it or what it was in reference to, but I do picture him saying it with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I also remember him explaining that over time, he began to see the fingerprints of God at work in what he used to think were coincidences in his life. Now he believed that most of those "coincidences" were actually the handiwork of God. The only thing that changed over time was that now, with eyes of faith, he saw those coincidences differently.

Now I do not believe that God causes everything - that is not very sound theology. God alone is God, but the world is not some great computer program with all of the actions predetermined. God is working God's plans out, but there is certainly some degree of freedom in what happens, and in our response to what happens.

Recently I had conversation with a fellow Christian who shared with me some pretty amazing things that had happened in his life - things that he believed were directly related to God. I have to admit that even as a pastor, not many people actually talk that way very often to me. My natural tendency is to look for other more rational and plausible explanations for unusual events, rather than attributing them to God. But in listening to this person share what he believed happened in his life, I wonder if I might be missing something. In fact, I think it might be better to assume God is at work in my world, rather than assuming there is always some other explanation. Maybe that is part of what it means to "live by faith" - that we intentionally live each moment of each day looking for God. So, try it and "see."

 
Prayer for Today
All-seeing God, give us eyes of faith to see you at work this day. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Posted by: Rev. Dr. C. Gray Norsworthy AT 07:44 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, July 24 2018

One way that I grow deeper in my faith is when I take a section of scripture and consider how it may connect with a current season of life or situation I am encountering. I spent the past week with over 120 children and over 65 youth and adult leaders at Vacation Bible School. Yesterday morning, as I reflected on the week and all that God had been doing, I read this passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians. These are words I would share with all who joined us last week during VBS. It was a week of planting seeds and seeing the fruit from many years of faith experiences. 
 

I would also invite you to see how these words connect with your current season or situation.

 

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

 

It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. He knows how much I love and miss you these days.

 

Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does! --Philippians 1:3-8 The Message

 

Prayer for Today

 

Gracious God, May you open our hearts so that your love will flourish and that we will not only love much but well. Help us to learn to love appropriately. Guide us on the path to a life filled with fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. In Christ's Name, Amen.

(inspired by Philippians 1:9-11 The Message)

d to worship. In Christ's Name, Amen.

Posted by: Allison Shearouse AT 07:43 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, July 23 2018

Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord

-Jeremiah 23:24

 

Before he raced out the door to school, I asked my son if he had brushed his teeth. Asking again, I reminded him of the importance of telling the truth. Unmoved by my gentle admonishment, he half-jokingly informed me that what I really needed was a security camera in the bathroom. Then I could check for myself if he had brushed his teeth and he wouldn't be tempted to lie.

 

While the presence of a security camera may help remind us to follow the rules, there are still places we can go unnoticed or ways we can avoid being seen. Although we may evade or trick a security camera, we fool ourselves if we think we are ever outside the gaze of God.

 

God asks, "Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?" (Jeremiah 23:24). There is both an encouragement and a warning in His question.

 

The warning is that we cannot hide from God. We can't outrun or fool Him. Everything we do is visible to Him.

The encouragement is that there is no place on earth or in the heavens where we are outside the watchful care of our heavenly Father. Even when we feel alone, God is with us. No matter where we go today, may the awareness of that truth encourage us to choose obedience to His Word and receive comfort-He watches over us. 

 

Prayer for Today

 

Lord Jesus, thank You that there is nowhere I can go that is outside of Your loving gaze. Knowing You see me, help me to honor You with my words and actions. Amen.

Posted by: Daily Bread AT 07:46 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, May 12 2017

When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.  -John 16:13

As I boarded the airplane to study in a city a thousand miles from home, I felt nervous and alone.  But during the flight, I remembered how Jesus promised His disciples the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' friends must have felt bewildered when He told them, "It is for your good that I am going away" (John 16:7).  How could they who witnessed His miracles and learned from His teaching be better off without Him? But Jesus told them that if He left, then the Advocate - the Holy Spirit - would come.

We who have accepted God's offer of new life have been given this gift of His Spirit living within us.

Jesus, nearing His last hours on earth, shared with His disciples (in John 14-17, today known as the "Farewell Discourse") to help them understand His death and ascension.  Central in this conversation was the coming Holy Spirit, an advocate who would be with them (John 14:16-17), teaching (John 15:15), testifying (verse 26), and guiding them (John 16:13).

We who have accepted God's offer of new life have been given this gift of His Spirit living within us.  From Him we receive so much:  He convicts us of our sins and helps us to repent.  He brings us comfort when we ache, strength to bear hardships, wisdom to understand God's teaching, hope and faith to believe, and love to share.

We can rejoice that Jesus sent us the Advocate.

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son to save us and Your Spirit to comfort and convict us. May we bring You glory as we thank You for Your goodness and love.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

Posted by: Our Daily Bread AT 03:17 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

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10950 Bell Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097
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