1 Corinthians 4: 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly.
Paul is concerned with some people in the church at Corinth. He feels that they are leading followers astray. He lets them know how true disciples act.
It reminds me of Michelle Obama. When they go low, we go high. There is never any excuse for true followers to act in any way except love. I am trying this tactic in our troubled country. I never respond in anger publicly, even when others try to provoke me. It's a start.
Prayer: Lord, I worry about Your people. I pray for them to see each other as You see us. I want to see their fears soothed, not inflamed. I promise to bless when cursed, to endure ridicule if not persecution, and to answer kindly when others slander me. Bless us, every one.
Amen
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
March 13, 2019
Deuteronomy 24: 14 Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
Deuteronomy is full of rules that Moses is giving the chosen people before they enter the Promised Land. There are LOTS of rules, and There are many we don't follow today as per Paul's comments in Galatians. But there are some which still seem relevant. The people are told to pay the poor promptly, because they need the money. There is also a call for justice for the foreigners.
In troubled times like ours, it's easy to wonder how God thinks about xenophobia. People fear and even hate based on nationality (among other reasons) which make some people seem different. Many in our country, past and present, have done exactly what the Scriptures forbid. They profited as a result. That's not ok.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for all Your people who have been taken advantage of because they are different. Make us aware of our unjust behavior. Guide us to be kind to everyone.
Amen
Deuteronomy is full of rules that Moses is giving the chosen people before they enter the Promised Land. There are LOTS of rules, and There are many we don't follow today as per Paul's comments in Galatians. But there are some which still seem relevant. The people are told to pay the poor promptly, because they need the money. There is also a call for justice for the foreigners.
In troubled times like ours, it's easy to wonder how God thinks about xenophobia. People fear and even hate based on nationality (among other reasons) which make some people seem different. Many in our country, past and present, have done exactly what the Scriptures forbid. They profited as a result. That's not ok.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for all Your people who have been taken advantage of because they are different. Make us aware of our unjust behavior. Guide us to be kind to everyone.
Amen
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
March 12, 2019
Galatians 2 : 21 If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.
Galatians 3: 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus
I didn't read yesterday, so I reviewed the chapter. Verse 2:21 was too good to miss.
Paul is explaining his ministry. He reminds us of his Jewish upbringing and his conversion. He explains the contact he had with the original disciples. He explains that Christ died for everyone. The rules were kept in order to have the right place for Jesus to show up. Once that was accomplished, through his life and death, the rules do not apply.
This is so fundamental, and it's also so misunderstood. Rules are the backbone of many people 's faith. They are so concerned with sinners of all kinds, except for people like them. I feel this unity, and I pray that all those who call themselves people of faith would too.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen Your people, that we may resist the powers of wickedness that surround us. Help us to be better representatives of our beliefs. Strengthen me when daily stresses take my eye from You.
Amen
Galatians 3: 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus
I didn't read yesterday, so I reviewed the chapter. Verse 2:21 was too good to miss.
Paul is explaining his ministry. He reminds us of his Jewish upbringing and his conversion. He explains the contact he had with the original disciples. He explains that Christ died for everyone. The rules were kept in order to have the right place for Jesus to show up. Once that was accomplished, through his life and death, the rules do not apply.
This is so fundamental, and it's also so misunderstood. Rules are the backbone of many people 's faith. They are so concerned with sinners of all kinds, except for people like them. I feel this unity, and I pray that all those who call themselves people of faith would too.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen Your people, that we may resist the powers of wickedness that surround us. Help us to be better representatives of our beliefs. Strengthen me when daily stresses take my eye from You.
Amen
Saturday, March 9, 2019
The Mindful Caregiver
As my daughter's chemotherapy began, we dealt with a number of issues. Of course, first and foremost, was her health. Elaine had avoided the signals her body sent her, and she was finally transported by ambulance to the hospital in late August of last year. Severe anemia was her main problem, but her nurse practitioner told us early on the second day that an oncologist had been called. Dr. Chew confirmed the staff suspicions that Elaine had Hodgkin lymphoma. Now she had a leave of absence from work, and twelve treatments were scheduled, each occurring no sooner than two weeks after the previous one.
Six months of chemo were coming. I am blessed to have been able to stay with Elaine in Florida throughout the treatment, although it has caused us significant financial difficulties. My husband, Elaine's beloved dad, has come and gone from our house in WV several times. Our son and daughter-in-law, who has just given us our first grandchild, were in WV too.
I have been a snowbird since retiring in 2016. I normally come to Deltona before Halloween and return to WV in April. Elaine works from home, so I would spend my days running errands or doing housework while Elaine worked. I helped at a food pantry one morning a week, and I visited childhood friends and family in Cocoa on occasion. None of that was going on this year. I was pretty apprehensive about how we would handle this emotionally.
I love my public library here (and in Upshur too!), so I noticed the new display of books for caregivers. I looked at several, but none grabbed my attention until I spotted The Mindful Caregiver.
Six months of chemo were coming. I am blessed to have been able to stay with Elaine in Florida throughout the treatment, although it has caused us significant financial difficulties. My husband, Elaine's beloved dad, has come and gone from our house in WV several times. Our son and daughter-in-law, who has just given us our first grandchild, were in WV too.
I have been a snowbird since retiring in 2016. I normally come to Deltona before Halloween and return to WV in April. Elaine works from home, so I would spend my days running errands or doing housework while Elaine worked. I helped at a food pantry one morning a week, and I visited childhood friends and family in Cocoa on occasion. None of that was going on this year. I was pretty apprehensive about how we would handle this emotionally.
I love my public library here (and in Upshur too!), so I noticed the new display of books for caregivers. I looked at several, but none grabbed my attention until I spotted The Mindful Caregiver.
March 9, 2019
Mark 16: 14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
The OT chapters today are about Moses telling the chosen people about the way they should live in the Promised Land. He wants them specifically that their children didn't see the signs in Egypt not on the majority of the Exodus. Here Jesus rebukes the disciples who would not believe what they hadn't seen.
Faith is tough. It is believing in the unseen. The chosen people had trouble believing a God who gave them food and a light to follow in the desert. Who held back the waters so they could cross, but then let the waters go to kill their enemies. The disciples didn't believe their friends telling them that Jesus was back like he told them he would be. I guess it's not surprising that so many today lack faith. "They say Jesus is coming. He must be walking instead of running." Two thousand years of faith. Whew!
Prayer: I praise You, Lord, for the lives of faith that You have created since the crucifixion. It's a fine thing that so many have worshipped for so long. Please continue to guide Your followers. In Jesus's name,
Amen.
The OT chapters today are about Moses telling the chosen people about the way they should live in the Promised Land. He wants them specifically that their children didn't see the signs in Egypt not on the majority of the Exodus. Here Jesus rebukes the disciples who would not believe what they hadn't seen.
Faith is tough. It is believing in the unseen. The chosen people had trouble believing a God who gave them food and a light to follow in the desert. Who held back the waters so they could cross, but then let the waters go to kill their enemies. The disciples didn't believe their friends telling them that Jesus was back like he told them he would be. I guess it's not surprising that so many today lack faith. "They say Jesus is coming. He must be walking instead of running." Two thousand years of faith. Whew!
Prayer: I praise You, Lord, for the lives of faith that You have created since the crucifixion. It's a fine thing that so many have worshipped for so long. Please continue to guide Your followers. In Jesus's name,
Amen.
Friday, March 8, 2019
March 8, 2019
Mark 15: 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
Jesus is crucified. Pilate saw through the plotting of the leafers, but he was weak in the face of the crowds. The people and the leaders mocked him as he suffered. Prophecy was fulfilled in many forms. In the end, Jesus died, but it's not the end after all. The competition's realization is the beginning of Christianity in some way.
I have read all my past posts from this date. Each time I have focused on one of the other players, never on Jesus. It's hard to think of all he endured for us. What was it that the centurion saw? Was it the signs of nature? Was it something in his face or voice? The certainty appeals to me. To never doubt, to know for sure....well, it's not how faith works these days.
Jesus is crucified. Pilate saw through the plotting of the leafers, but he was weak in the face of the crowds. The people and the leaders mocked him as he suffered. Prophecy was fulfilled in many forms. In the end, Jesus died, but it's not the end after all. The competition's realization is the beginning of Christianity in some way.
I have read all my past posts from this date. Each time I have focused on one of the other players, never on Jesus. It's hard to think of all he endured for us. What was it that the centurion saw? Was it the signs of nature? Was it something in his face or voice? The certainty appeals to me. To never doubt, to know for sure....well, it's not how faith works these days.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
March 6, 2019
Deuteronomy 3: 22 Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.
It's a banner day in the readings, as this account of the final days of the exodus gives us lasting advice from Moses, who knows he will die soon. God has forbidden him to enter the Promised Land, but he allows Moses to view it in the next set of passages. Then there's a great Psalm from David and Jesus's prophecies about the Temple, as the church leaders pick apart everything he says, looking for justification to kill him.
It all comes down to faith. The fig tree is back, this time it tells us, by its leaves, that summer is here. That's happening right outside my window. The lack of faith of his people handicaps Moses, making it impossible for him to finish the great task God gave him. The Psalm is divided between a warning to the wicked and singing God's praises. It ends with a plea for strength, like we see here. It's just a matter of faith. It's that simple, and it's that hard.
Prayer: Lord, I struggle to understand people of faith. I know some whose faith seems very strong, but they don't follow You on the ways that I do. It's tearing my own church apart, and I pray for some kind of reconciliation. Your people need Your guidance. Please, I pray, show us how to lift Your name up in this hostile climate.
Amen
It's a banner day in the readings, as this account of the final days of the exodus gives us lasting advice from Moses, who knows he will die soon. God has forbidden him to enter the Promised Land, but he allows Moses to view it in the next set of passages. Then there's a great Psalm from David and Jesus's prophecies about the Temple, as the church leaders pick apart everything he says, looking for justification to kill him.
It all comes down to faith. The fig tree is back, this time it tells us, by its leaves, that summer is here. That's happening right outside my window. The lack of faith of his people handicaps Moses, making it impossible for him to finish the great task God gave him. The Psalm is divided between a warning to the wicked and singing God's praises. It ends with a plea for strength, like we see here. It's just a matter of faith. It's that simple, and it's that hard.
Prayer: Lord, I struggle to understand people of faith. I know some whose faith seems very strong, but they don't follow You on the ways that I do. It's tearing my own church apart, and I pray for some kind of reconciliation. Your people need Your guidance. Please, I pray, show us how to lift Your name up in this hostile climate.
Amen
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Mark 12: 38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces,
Jesus is nearing the end of his ministry. He has many lessons yet to impart, but he focused a lot on this theme. The leaders enjoy their power and authority. They forget the greatest commands...to love God and their neighbors. They strut around in pride and entitlement.
Well, I never finished this post. I had my wisdom tooth removed, and I was out of it. I was just preparing to finish when Ron called. I listened to his conversation with Elaine, and I went to bed early.
I did mull over this passage all day. I wondered about the leaders of my church, the UMC. The recent passage of the Traditional Plan leaves many uneasy, and the clergy must be devastated to see what is happening to an institution they have dedicated their lives to literally. I have been saying extra prayers for thrm.
Jesus is nearing the end of his ministry. He has many lessons yet to impart, but he focused a lot on this theme. The leaders enjoy their power and authority. They forget the greatest commands...to love God and their neighbors. They strut around in pride and entitlement.
Well, I never finished this post. I had my wisdom tooth removed, and I was out of it. I was just preparing to finish when Ron called. I listened to his conversation with Elaine, and I went to bed early.
I did mull over this passage all day. I wondered about the leaders of my church, the UMC. The recent passage of the Traditional Plan leaves many uneasy, and the clergy must be devastated to see what is happening to an institution they have dedicated their lives to literally. I have been saying extra prayers for thrm.
Monday, March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
Mark 10: 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves
Jesus has come to the temple for the final time. He is not the meek and mild Jesus. He is a man with a mission. He says that the place of worship has become a place for robbers.
The authorities don't appreciate this one bit. Everything they have worked for is in jeopardy. They begin to plot to kill Jesus.
It's compelling to consider this Jesus in light of the UMC and our problems with sexuality. I know many Christians who say that homosexuality is a sin. They know that, because it's in the Bible. They find it outrageous that anyone would consider having a same sex marriage in the church, much less to ordain homosexuals. They picture Jesus outraged at these things, overturned tables would be a bare beginning of where they think he would take it. Others, like myself, see the potential outrage directed towards those who would exclude other believers from the full bounty of faith.
Prayer: Lord, we fail You every day. Help us to see how we can strengthen the bond between Your people. I pray for Your church and Your clergy in particular. Guide Your church to strengthen the faith of believers and to show Christian love to nonbelievers.
Amen
Jesus has come to the temple for the final time. He is not the meek and mild Jesus. He is a man with a mission. He says that the place of worship has become a place for robbers.
The authorities don't appreciate this one bit. Everything they have worked for is in jeopardy. They begin to plot to kill Jesus.
It's compelling to consider this Jesus in light of the UMC and our problems with sexuality. I know many Christians who say that homosexuality is a sin. They know that, because it's in the Bible. They find it outrageous that anyone would consider having a same sex marriage in the church, much less to ordain homosexuals. They picture Jesus outraged at these things, overturned tables would be a bare beginning of where they think he would take it. Others, like myself, see the potential outrage directed towards those who would exclude other believers from the full bounty of faith.
Prayer: Lord, we fail You every day. Help us to see how we can strengthen the bond between Your people. I pray for Your church and Your clergy in particular. Guide Your church to strengthen the faith of believers and to show Christian love to nonbelievers.
Amen
Sunday, March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
Mark 10: 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is [b]for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!
Jesus and his disciples are headed for Jerusalem. His time in Earth is nearly over. They still don't get it. Along the way they meet a rich young ruler. He asks Jesus how to get into heaven. Jesus cites the ten commandments. He says he's good with those and always has been. (Not likely) Them Jesus asks him to sell his things and follow him. He's sad, and he leaves, because he can't do that. This quote is Jesus's summary of the situation for the disciples. He follows that with the camel going through the eye of the needle analogy.
It's been a rough week. My UMC is ripped apart over same sex marriage and ordination of gays. Ron has been held hostage through the end of hunting season with a multi-day migraine. Elaine is weakened by 10 chemo treatments and doesn't rebound from it like she used to. Dan and GG are up in the air with a major decision. And we got other devastating family news...a family member is an addict. These words being me back to the essence of my faith. If anything, ANY thing, is more important than my faith, it is wrong. Even if it's a good thing, a pleasure bringing thing, it can't be something that I would not drop in a second for Jesus if he asks.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the things that separate me from You. Guide me to eliminate them from my life. Don't let me become the rich young ruler, so proud of my accomplishments, so distant from You.
Amen
Jesus and his disciples are headed for Jerusalem. His time in Earth is nearly over. They still don't get it. Along the way they meet a rich young ruler. He asks Jesus how to get into heaven. Jesus cites the ten commandments. He says he's good with those and always has been. (Not likely) Them Jesus asks him to sell his things and follow him. He's sad, and he leaves, because he can't do that. This quote is Jesus's summary of the situation for the disciples. He follows that with the camel going through the eye of the needle analogy.
It's been a rough week. My UMC is ripped apart over same sex marriage and ordination of gays. Ron has been held hostage through the end of hunting season with a multi-day migraine. Elaine is weakened by 10 chemo treatments and doesn't rebound from it like she used to. Dan and GG are up in the air with a major decision. And we got other devastating family news...a family member is an addict. These words being me back to the essence of my faith. If anything, ANY thing, is more important than my faith, it is wrong. Even if it's a good thing, a pleasure bringing thing, it can't be something that I would not drop in a second for Jesus if he asks.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the things that separate me from You. Guide me to eliminate them from my life. Don't let me become the rich young ruler, so proud of my accomplishments, so distant from You.
Amen
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