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.
And rend your heart and not your garments " Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in mercy And relenting of evil.
-Joel 2:13
"Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "
Return to Me," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I may return to you," says the LORD of hosts.
-Zechariah 1:3
'I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will
return to Me with their whole heart.
-Jeremiah 24:7
Let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the LORD.
-Lamentations 3:40
Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually.
-Hosea 12:6
Rabbi Leizer survived the Holocaust and returned to his hometown of Czenstockchow, Poland after the war. For many years, he wandered the streets playing his hand organ. Mostly, he would play familiar secular tunes. But he would occasionally play the Kol Nidrei, a tune set to the words of a sort of liturgical rite or prayer in the service for Yom Kippur - the day of atonement. He would look for a glimmer of recognition in the eyes of the children who heard him play. And by this, brought many children back to their people. In worship, this familiar tune and the Aramaic words bring the people back, to recognize and return.
Our own weekly worship in the Christian church is filled with a specific order and familiar words that invite us back. The earliest followers of Christ, a devout Jew, steeped in tradition, were called Followers of the Way. Our way, like our Jewish brothers and sisters is marked by signposts lived by Christ, righteous living through forgiveness, kindness, grace, and humility. We are called to return to our people and to the Way each week in the ritual calling of worship.
I attended Yom Kippur services at Congregation Dor Tormid on Tuesday at the invitation of Rabbi Jordan, a friend from our interfaith clergy group. He recognized me and a few others at the start of worship, including a WWII veteran. He didn't recognize him by age, but by the words, "celebrating his 97th Yom Kippur." How wonderful would it be to mark our lives by our faith, our commitment, our returning on High Holy Days? This will be my 97th Christmas or Easter? I hope to say that one day. Even war could not keep our brother from returning again and again. What shall keep us from returning each high holy day? Each Sunday? Let us hear the call and keep returning to God and the people of God.
Prayer for Today
Lord, help me to hear you, and I'm hearing, return to you and your people. Amen.
One of our church members just shared with me that world-renown scholar and author N.T. Wright will be speaking at Peachtree Presbyterian Church the evening of Sunday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. Many of you may recognize his name from how often I refer to him. I think N.T. Wright is the most influential Christian thinker of our generation - as was C.S. Lewis in his time. Wright is often quoted in magazines when a Biblical or historical perspective is needed. He is an Anglican priest who has served in England as the Bishop of Durham, in addition to his teaching duties. We will plan to get a group from the church to go hear him, so keep your eyes open for more details as the date gets closer.
One of my favorite podcasts is called "Ask N.T. Wright Anything." I wholeheartedly encourage you to check it out. Listeners send in many of the more challenging questions those of us who are pastors often hear. Tom Wright always gives what I think are helpful, accessible, and even practical answers to every question.
So, I want to try to take a different approach with my "Reflections" blog each week. I want to make it an opportunity to "Ask Gray Anything." I will try to answer questions you give me if they are appropriate for this column, and if I can do that in about 350 words - which is our limit for this blog. I want to invite you to think of those question you want me to try to answer and I will do my best. If I don't get a question each week, I will try to answer one of the many I have been asked before. Now I do not mean to suggest that my answers will be the final word on anything. More than likely, they will be merely my first word of an ongoing discussion which we may get to continue later in another setting. My email is grayn@jcpcusa.org and my phone is 770-813-9009, ext. 224.
Prayer for Today
I want to close today with a prayer from William Barclay:
O God, help me all through today to do nothing to worry those who love me, to do nothing to let down those who trust me, to do nothing to fail those who employ me, to do nothing to fail those who are close to me. Help me all through this day to do nothing which would be a cause of temptation to someone else or which would make it easier for someone else to go wrong; not to discourage anyone who is doing his or her best; not to dampen anyone's enthusiasm or to increase anyone's doubts. Let me all through this day be a comfort to the sad, be a friend to the lonely, be an encouragement to the dispirited, be a help to those who are up against it. So grant that others may see in me something of the reflection of the Master whose I am and whom I seek to serve. Amen.
I was recently considering how we share our story as Christians with those around us. When I read John 13:1-17 and think about the message Jesus was sending to the disciples through the experience of foot washing, I have some clarity for one way we can share our story. While foot washing is unusual today, it was customary in the days of Jesus, a common way of greeting your guests. However, it was not something that the "master" of the house performed. Foot washing was a service usually reserved for the lowest household servant. Jesus washed feet to show his love.
The message Jesus is sending here is clear. The way to be happy in this world is not to "Lord" over the world, but to serve the world. Think about what Jesus said: Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. -John 13:16-17
Jesus was teaching us about the importance of humility. Think about it. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords washing the feet of those who knew him for the Lord He was. Humility was one of the Lord's greatest qualities and one that we should want others to see in our lives. Finally, Jesus taught us about the importance of sacrifice. The Bible says that when Jesus washed His Disciples' feet, he laid aside His garments. (John 13:4). He said, What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this. (John 13:7)
I don't know just when John came to understand the importance of what Jesus was trying to teach us, but there's no doubt that at some point in time, he realized what Jesus meant, and it really had nothing to do with foot washing at all. It was all about serving others, which as Christians we are not just called to do, but told that it will lead to true happiness.
As you journey through this week, pause for a moment to consider the message Jesus brings to us through the experience of foot washing. How will you go and serve today?
Prayer for Today
Blessed are you, Lord God. The basin and the towel are signs to us of your Son's servant hood. As we go forth, give us grace to count others more important than ourselves, to love our enemies, and to make peace. Send the Spirit of truth to keep alive in us what Jesus taught and did, that our words may carry his good news, and that our lives may bear the shape of the cross of the One who lives and reigns with You and with the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
A week after our Festival of Hymns service I found myself continuing to sing the old classic What a Friend We Have in Jesus in my head. The theme of friendship was resonating within me.
One morning listening to the radio as I drove to work I was awakened to the use of the word friend in several commercials. Tom Shane bellowed, "Now you have a friend in the diamond business." The next commercial followed in line as the host said, "My friend, Mark Spain." The concept of friendship in these commercials in intended to create a good feeling and a sense of familiarity. However, in this use it is really about a transaction of convenience for profit.
Jesus had a different understanding of friendship. Hear what he says to his disciples as recorded in the gospel of John:
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. -John 15: 9-15
Yesterday, on our World Day of Communion we made new friends of Jesus around the communion and fellowship tables. Our friends are members of Casa Brasil, Crossings Community Presbyterian Church and World Healing Ministries. Rev. Lindsay Armstrong preached a sermon entitled Be Open and my prayer is that we remain open to the working of God's Spirit in our lives because we are in the midst of some wonderful friends. Be Open and grow in God's abundant grace!
Prayer for Today
Pour your Spirit upon us, O God of Creation, so that we open ourselves to the friendship you place before us through the sharing of our faith. Surprise us with the gift of friendship and remind us to be friendly and caring disciples. Amen.
Jim was frantically sharing about problems he was encountering with his work team: division, judgmental attitudes, and misunderstandings. After an hour of patiently listening to his concerns, I suggested, "Let's ask Jesus what He would have us do in this situation." We sat quietly for five minutes. Then something amazing happened. We both felt God's peace cover us like a blanket. We were more relaxed as we experienced His presence and guidance, and we felt confident to wade back into the difficulties.
Peter, one of Jesus's disciples, needed God's comforting presence. One night he and the other disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee when a strong storm arose. All of a sudden, Jesus showed up walking on water! Naturally, this took the disciples by surprise. He reassured them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Peter impulsively asked Jesus if he could join Him. He stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But he soon lost focus, became aware of the dangerous and humanly impossible circumstance he was in, and started sinking. He cried out, "Lord, save me!" and Jesus lovingly rescued him (vv. 30-31).
Like Peter, we can learn that Jesus, the Son of God, is with us even in the storms of life!
Prayer for Today
Jesus, thank You that You have the power and authority to calm the storms in our lives. Help us to trust You. Amen.
His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
-Matthew 25:23
As a child, my first introduction to what a Steward is was in reading and watching Lord of the Rings. The Steward of Gondor was intended to watch over the kingdom until the return of the King. Tolkien was fond of biblical imagery, implying we are stewards of the kingdom only until the return of our own King, Christ. And although I started flying often as a young kid, I didn't connect that title and responsibility to Stewardesses. And soon after I began flying, their title was changed to Flight Attendants. And while I appreciate the inclusion intended in that new title, like many modern words, it loses the meaning of the older word.
This Sunday, the youth group tackled the idea of Stewardship, in preparation for our annual giving time in the church. We discussed Stewards and Stewardesses. They care for the airplane, the galley, the bags, the pilots, and passengers. They do not own the plane. They care for it and its passengers. If we are stewards of the earth, its people, and the resources on it, we are not owners, but caregivers. Our students understand well the concept of caregiving. They all have clothes, cars, bedrooms, phones, and various personal belongings. They think of them as their own, but they all voiced that they have clear expectations and rules set forth by their parents about how they use and care for those items.
Stewardship is a relationship of care-giving and nurture, one of trust that is rooted in love and generosity, but also in rules and expectations. What a gift and responsibility to be a steward of an entire kingdom. And so we are, as brothers and sisters in God's world. When seen this way, our care and generosity must be our common and most important purpose as we await the return of the King. Our youth are ready to be generous of their time, talents, and treasures. I hope we will all match their enthusiasm and joy this year.
Prayer for Today
Lord, help me to see my life as service to the King and the Kingdom, a steward who is good and generous and eager for your return. Amen.
"We are the World" was a song from 1985 recorded by many of the most famous pop music artists at the time. It was a part of the "USA for Africa" effort to raise money for famine relief. The song went to number one on the charts and raised $44 million. I think it was one of the highlights of the 80s.
This Sunday is "World Communion Sunday." Christians all around the world will be celebrating communion that day as a reminder of our unity as the body of Christ. Here at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, we have the privilege of gathering with the three other churches who worship on this campus each week. These are Casa Brasil (Brazilian/Presbyterian), Crossings Community Church (Korean/Presbyterian), and World Healing Ministries (Indian/Pentecostal). At our 11:00 a.m. worship service, we will have our own "We are the World" moment as we come together to worship God. Our service will be in English, Korean, and Portuguese (our Indian congregation also worships in English.) The Rev. Lindsay Armstrong, Executive Director of the New Church Development Commission of our presbytery, will be bring an inspirational message called "Be Opened." Lindsay has preached here at JCPC before.
Our music will combine songs with guitar from Casa Brasil, a solo from a member of the Korean church, as well as music from our own Chancel Choir. We will also have our 9:00 a.m. service, however the other congregations will only be there at 11:00 a.m.
Not only will we be worshiping together at 11:00 a.m., we will then gather in our Great Hall for a great feast with food from each of our congregations. The church will provide fried chicken, salad, and drinks. We are asking members of JCPC to bring either a side dish (last name A-L) or a dessert (last name M-Z). Food from Brazil, Korea, and India will also be shared. I am already getting hungry just thinking about it. In addition, musicians from Casa Brasil will be sharing some lunchtime music.
So, please make it a priority to be here this Sunday - we need you here! And invite your friends to this unique worship service. I know you will be blessed by coming.
Prayer for Today
Thank you, God, for "so loving the whole world" that you sent Jesus -- your only son, to save us from our sins and brokenness. Thank you for the rare privilege of gathering with those from around the world, who are now our neighbors and friends -- our brothers and sisters in Christ. May our time together be both blessed and a blessing to others - one example to our community of how you intend the people of your world to get along. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
On Sunday, I shared at our Pancake Breakfast about an opportunity for you to share with us during the Advent season. We are assembling a Johns Creek Presbyterian Advent devotional. This booklet will contain brief submissions that can be used to help us all keep our focus on Jesus Christ in the midst of what is always a busy time of year.
I shared this video as a part of our conversation on Sunday as an invitation for how you might share with those in our church and others in our community about the impact that the "Best Night Ever" has had on you over the years.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" -
"a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " Mark 1:1-3
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:39-41
You are invited to create a written reflection with scripture, original art, share recipes from family rituals or traditions, poetry or song lyrics, or family activities to do together during the Advent season. We are asking for all submissions to be turned in by November 1. We will print these booklets and have them available during the Advent season.
Open our hearts to how we can share the message of Jesus coming into the world as a baby and the impact that his life has had on ours. Guide us to how we can tell this story to those around us. In Christ's Name, Amen.
I hope that you were able to worship with us yesterday during our Festival of Hymns. Music can move us to places deep in our souls like no other medium that I know. I thought the choir, Justin, Heidi, and Laura were remarkable in their worship leadership and I want to thank them.
Gray crafted a sermon which highlighted some of the personal tragedies that are the backdrop of our great traditional hymns. I was incredibly moved by the stories of personal loss and tragedy as well as the faith in God which permeate these hymns.
A common critic of Christianity is that it promotes a type of pie in the sky theology that isn't grounded in the hardships of life. On the contrary, our Festival of Hymns witnessed a faith in a God who meets us where we are in order to save, redeem, and sustain us.
The popular author/speaker Brené Brown has something to say about Christian faith that I want to share:
From the sounds of it Brené would make a good Stephen Minister!
I'm looking forward to seeing you this coming Sunday at our World Communion celebration.
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, may peace flow like a river through our souls and throughout our lifetime so that no matter what our lot may be; whether we are heavy with our sorrows or caught in trials that make it difficult to understand the strain, we will catch a glimpse of your amazing grace and in the stillness of clarity profess, it is well with my soul.
I'm inspired by country singer Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying." In it he describes some of the exciting "bucket list" things a man did after receiving some bad news about his health. He also chose to love and forgive people more freely-speaking to them more tenderly. The song recommends that we live well, as if knowing our lives will end soon.
This song reminds us that our time is limited. It's important for us to not put off for tomorrow what we can do today, because one day we'll run out of tomorrows. This is particularly urgent for believers in Jesus, who believe that Jesus may return at any moment (perhaps in the very second you're reading this sentence!). Jesus urges us to be ready, not living like the five "foolish" virgins who were caught unprepared when the bridegroom returned (Matthew 25:6-10).
But McGraw's song doesn't tell the whole story. We who love Jesus will never run out of tomorrows. Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. -John 11:25-26. Our life in Him never ends.
So don't live like you're dying. Because you're not. Rather, live like Jesus is coming. Because He is!
How will you live today like Jesus is coming soon? How does knowing He could return any day affect your choices?
Jesus, I look forward to the day You'll return. May I use the time I've been given to honor You and to serve others well.
Prayer for Today
Lord, make me an explorer. Send me to new places in your word with fresh perspective and closer proximity. Amen.
