BEING PRESENT

 

FEBRUARY 1, 2024



As you have likely noticed this week, I have the theme of generosity on my mind. Often when we think about the word “generosity” we think of $$$. Being generous with our finances, our money. Generosity is defined as the quality of being kind. Other words we use for a generous person are words like “Big-hearted”, “self-sacrificing,” “kind,” “benevolent,” or “unselfish.” Those words cover many areas of generosity giving a broadness to the term. Not just $$$.

As I have been thinking about the methods to show generosity it occurred to me that being generous with our time was an important way of generosity. What do I mean? Well I am thinking about the time offered to others for “being present for someone”. I know that “being present” has found a place of over use in our culture, for you it might evoke images of therapeutic chats and tissue boxes. Not that this is a horrible image, but if “being present” becomes attached to just one context we miss something rather important.

“To be present”, simply means, I believe, to be intentional about putting ourselves in the presence of others, for their benefit. It’s giving the best of your time and the best of your attention to make someone feel valued.

If you have ever been in need of comfort, wouldn’t you agree that there is nothing better than a deep and meaningful chat with a friend, old or new.? Having a safe space and a safe someone we trust where we can discuss our life story for a while, with someone who gives us the gift of their time. Sharing stories and life experiences with someone who will listen without judgement and pray with us is something to be highly valued.


Galatians 6:2

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”



“Bear[ing] one another’s burdens” as this Bible text call us to do, involves a cost. This invites us away from being focused on self preservation and moves us toward an others focused mindset. People who are hurting aren’t always capable of giving us their best. Fact is when I’m the hurting person, I can be rather unbearable to be around. I’m so glad that I’ve had people in my life who stuck it out with me.

As a body of believers, as the Body of Christ, we know that if one part suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). Helping others through suffering involves understanding where they are and walking with them to carry the weight of it. Ya, It might feel daunting at times, we may feel inadequate, but, now hear this please its powerful, we can bring those burdens with our friends to Jesus, who understands everything we go through and carries all our sorrows. We can entrust circumstances to him, knowing that he loves and takes care of our friends far better than we ever could. Jesus takes care of us too when the roles are reversed. 

You know, in recent years there has been this movement in our society that encourages cutting negativity out of our life, more directed towards getting rid of “negative people” who as they say,

“bring you down”. Of course, that’s healthy in cases where someone’s hurting you, constantly gossiping or putting you in danger. But this cultural advice of dropping people who drain you goes completely against the Bible’s teaching about how we look after each other.

Our verse today says, giving the gift of time to others and listening to their story is actually to “fulfill the law of Christ.” What does this mean? What is the law of Christ? I believe the answer to that is the law of love, “love your neighbor as yourself.” To bear one another’s burdens is to practice Jesus standard as described in the words he spoke “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

TWO THINGS OUR WORLD NEEDS

 

January 31, 2024



Ephesians 5:19b-20

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.





I was thinking after yesterday's devotion on generosity how one of the best triggers for generosity is gratitude. When we are thankful, we generally are in the frame of mind to want to share the blessings with others.

Who would have thought that two little words could have so much influence for change, hope and transformation! "Thank you" may just be two of the most powerful words in our vocabulary because they unlock hope and positivity even in the most complex situations, two things our world desperately needs.

We live in a world where it's all too easy to be overwhelmed by difficulties, our personal challenges, or the news of a world that is wounded, broken, limping along, crying out in desperation for help. Thankfulness produces in us a gratitude for what we do have. The more we practice an attitude of gratefulness, the more I believe God inspires us to be generous and to live for hope, choosing to defy the pessimistic and discouraging messages we frequently hear, and believe that a better today and tomorrow is possible.

Dot Tyler tweeted every day for two years something that she was thankful for. She said she started to do it because life had become tough, and she was finding it harder to keep a generous spirit. Her thinking was by engaging in this activity it would connect her more intimately with God and help her to be thankful even on the most ordinary of days. Dot writes, “what I found was the habit of thankfulness led me to thinking of others more, being generous with my words and encouragement of others helped me to see glimpses of hope every day.”

Today's not just another day; today is an important opportunity to invest in thankfulness and to be pursuers of hope and positivity. With this in mind let us join together to spread some gratitude.

Write an update on social media with #ThankfulTodayfor (you fill in the blank).

Perhaps something else you could do instead of the social media posting would be to take some post it notes, jot down some things that you're thankful for today and attach them to your refrigerator or bathroom mirror or on your vehicles dash just so you take notice of reasons for thanks.

Maybe another option would be to send someone a quick text message or e-mail letting them know why you're thankful for them.

How about doing something really strange and write an old-fashioned thank you note drop it off in a friend’s mailbox or better yet actually mail it to them. I know I'm stretching things aren't I.

Another option might be to write a thank you note to someone different every day this week, or longer if you choose. I read of someone who during the 40 days of lent sent a different thank you note each of those 40 days to 40 separate individuals.

Just some ideas to spread some gratitude and generosity around.

 

THAT'S MY FAVORITE!!

 

January 30, 2024

2 Corinthians 9:11–12

“You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.”


I read the story recently of eight-year-old Hannah, who constantly gives her stuff away. Her parents say, “Seriously, we can’t stop her.”

Here is an example of a conversation, "Hannah, where is the new dress Mum got for you last week?"

"Oh,” she replies, "well, Mom, Rileigh really loved it and I’d already worn it once and I’m thankful that you got it for me. Really. But Rileigh just looked so pretty in it, and, well, see… I gave it to her."

This is what this little girl does, she gives away anything and everything: to friends, church members, and… in spite of some bewildered looks, has even happily given things to total strangers in the past, totally unaware that this is awkward for the recipient.

The interesting thing is that many of the friends that are recipients of this child's generosity don’t really need her clothing, toys, jewelry, and whatever. They just like them, or look pretty in them. Hannah recognizes this and acts accordingly with a “here you go, you have it”.

That’s amazing isn’t it for an 8 year old? I mean I have been annoyed at my wife giving away coffee mugs that I hardly ever used.

Here is the part that impacted me that Hannah’s generosity started to catch on and spread. Her friends started reciprocating. Clothes, jewelry, shoes, you name it. You see generosity is contagious.

I think as grown ups, we can think about generosity purely in terms of money. Yet, I think we know generosity is far deeper and more personal than that. Certainly, 8 year old Hannah and her friends are learning that, and I dare say teaching that.

On the same day, I read this other story of a woman who had been given a “Giving Key” necklace, she treasured this necklace. The purpose of the necklace was to pass it on to others. The woman said “but I love it. I’d rather buy a new one for someone than part with my own. The WHOLE POINT of this jewelry is to GIVE it away. It’s IN the actual name. Selfish much?” she concludes.

The fact is that God enriches us in many ways to be generous, that's what our Bible verse today teaches, we just need to respond. “You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion . . .” and the outcome of such generosity is that “this ministry overflows with many thanks to God.”

As I compared these two stories, I believe I know what 8-year-old Hannah would do with the necklace.

That little girl’s generosity brought some questions to my mind. I invite you to answer some of these for yourself today. What are your favorite things? What are the things you love and cherish? Favorite coffee shop? Favorite chair? Favorite view where you go to be alone?

What would it take for you to give a personal favorite treasure away. Give away the book. Pass on the boots, or shirt, hoodie, Team sweatshirt or blouse or “necklace”, you think someone would look fantastic in. How about that game console, the extra set of wrenches, tickets to the game? Rarely used coffee mugs? What would it take to share the peaceful hangout spot where you are re-energized?

Next Step, are you ready? It going to fly in the face of what is for many of us at least is our normal impulses. Give them away. Ok not all of them at once, maybe this week you could do some act under one of these categories:

Share a favorite.

Share an experience.

Share sacrificially.

“You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.”

ONE GREATER THAN MOSES?

JANUARY 29, 2024

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 

[Moses said,] "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, 'Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.' And the LORD said to me, 'They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to My words that he shall speak in My Name, I Myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My Name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.'"

Moses was talking to the people of Israel on the day before he died, and he reminded them of a moment from their past. God had brought them to the mountain of Horeb (Sinai), and they heard God's voice speaking directly to them—and it was too much for them. They freaked out. And they begged Moses to ask God to stop it, and to talk only to Moses from then on, so they wouldn't have to be exposed to God in all His power and possibly die.

So now, Moses, says, remember what you asked for, because God has promised to do it. God will send someone else like Moses to speak the words of God to all the people, so make sure you pay attention.

So when did God keep this promise? 

He kept it when He sent Jesus. Matthew’s gospel points to Jesus as the promise fulfilled, as one like Moses, but greater than Moses. 

In Hebrews 3 we encounter this testimony,

3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Jesus is a prophet like Moses—and yet, so much more than just a prophet. The New Testament teaches us that Jesus is God Himself, come down from heaven to be involved in the human experience just like us. He was born, grew up in a village, and grew to adulthood doing much the same work we do. And then He went out into the world to do the work that only God could do, to speak God's Word to the people, to teach, preach, heal, forgive, and welcome.

But it didn’t end there. At the completion of His earthly ministry, Jesus willingly surrendered His own life for the sake of each person. Here Jesus speak about this himself in John 10:

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

It is overwhelming to me, that Jesus allowed Himself to be betrayed by a friend, and was arrested, mocked, whipped, and crucified. How could God let things like that happen to Him? Only for love, Only for love — love of all. 

Did you notice Jesus' words in John 10? "I am the good shepherd; .... and I lay down my life for the sheep.... I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15

UNFORGETABLE and COURAGEOUS

 JANUARY 26, 2024

Exodus 1:8-22

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.

15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”



Shiprah and Puah courageously defied a Pharoah’s decree and chose instead to obey God’s higher laws and purpose.

They were Hebrew midwives during Israel’s slavery in Egypt. As the Biblical story tells us it seemed the more harshly Pharoah oppressed Israel, the more the Hebrews multiplied. So, Pharaoh gave a command to the Hebrew midwives: kill every Hebrew baby boy on delivery.

But Shiprah and Puah were worshippers of God and they refused to carry out Pharaoh’s evil command. As you noticed in our reading, when Pharoah demanded to know why, these women claimed Hebrew women had their babies too quickly for them to intervene.

Here is what I believe we should notice in this Old Testament story of two strong and brave women, Shiprah and Puah, is that despite the potential serious consequences they might face, they chose to stand for life!! Even if it cost them their own. Their courageous faith to honor God’s will and not the will of Pharoah allowed a young mother to deliver a baby boy whose name would be Moses, whom God would use ultimately, to deliver His people from Pharoah and their slavery.

Notice, that such a decision to stand for life, pleased God, and we read that “God dealt well with the midwives,” Shiprah and Puah. . . “because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.”

Now we do not live under the oppression of Pharoah like our reading today describes, but I wonder where in our society we have the opportunity and the choice to stand for life. I invite you to think about that.

I feel that when we take a stand against homelessness, food insecurity, support shelters, backing pregnancy centers that offer the choice of life over death, when we join with others and push back against harmful Government policies that thrust citizens into greater poverty, We stand for life. When we seek to live out the New Testament words of Galatians 6:9 that say, "Do not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Go Ahead add to the list the things you thought of.



Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

WHAT AN INHERITANCE

JANUARY 25, 2024


2 Timothy 1:5

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

2 Timothy 3:14-15

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.



I know many of us get worried about raising children in the present culture that seems at odd’s with God’s intention for his world. Sometimes the challenges of living, the temptations or distractions that can easily divert attention away from our creator, the realities of struggle for families and in particular single parent families to provide shelter and food and opportunities for their young, then we add wars and conflicts that cause us to wonder what kind of future might there be for our children, and grandchildren. If that is, you today it may be of great value to reflect on Lois and Eunice who are mentioned in our readings above.



Lois was the grandmother of the Apostle Paul’s companion Timothy, and Eunice was his mother and both show us the important influence a mother and grandmother can have. Even in a messy world such as ours, and like the one they lived in.

Acts 16:1 tells us that Eunice was Jewish and a believer in Jesus, while Timothy’s unnamed father was Greek. Many New Testament scholars believe that Timothy’s father died while Timothy was young, and that meant that Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother. I’ll admit we do not know this for certain, but it is certainly plausible.

Paul mentioned these Ladies by name and notes their authentic faith. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

Later Paul emphasized Timothy’s godly upbringing, telling him to remember “what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” The godly upbringing by this single mom and grandmother formed the foundation of Timothy’s faith. Timothy joins in God’s mission with Paul, he pastored the Ephesus congregation and carried on the gospel work Paul entrusted to him.

Inheritances are passed down from generation to generation, whether financial or spiritual. Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, was the first one in his family to believe in God, and she raised her daughter, Eunice, to have the same “sincere faith.” Which in turn Timothy shared also.

God’s word doesn’t go out and return to him empty:

“...from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children” 

(Psalm 103:17).

Because Lois loved and obeyed God, God worked the same miracle of faith in her daughter, Eunice, and in her daughter’s son, Timothy. They followed the teaching in Deuteronomy 11:19, "Teach them (the words of the Scriptures) to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Do you see the picture here? Grandmother Lois left a spiritual inheritance for her family that has benefited countless generations after her. We wouldn’t have 1 and 2 Timothy and God’s instructions for us through Paul without Lois.

So, Mothers and grandmothers, you have an important role. The identity and character of generations of people are shaped by their mothers and grandmothers. Now I am a father and grandfather, I know in that role I have a responsibility in character development too. A responsibility in faithfully living and teaching about God’s love. All Grandfathers and Father’s do. Yet, I know from years of observing my children’s mother, and now watching her as a grandmother, that there is a level of closeness and a measure of wisdom that she offers to children that I do not.

I had a grandmother like Lois, she raised her children as a single mom after the early death of her husband. She loved God and taught her children well, my mother continued to teach us of God’s love ….. well you know I suppose the rest of the story the inheritance of faith continues to be shared.


2 I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
3 things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 78:2-4

A GRACIOUS GIVER

JANUARY 24, 2024





If I asked you to name, the leading women, those who loved and followed Jesus, mentioned in the New Testament who would you name?






I suspect most of us would name, women like Mary, Mary Magdalene, Martha and her sister Mary, Lydia, and maybe Priscilla. These are mentioned in the New Testament as Jesus followers who had an impact in the story of early Christianity, by their obvious commitment to the God. The lives of the women of the New Testament teach us about forgiveness, grace, sacrifice, strength, and devotion to Jesus,

On our little quiz above how many of you named Joanna?

Joanna is not as familiar to us as those listed above, yet what we can uncover about her is inspirational and moving. Joanna was a person with gifts and resources that she offered in service to Jesus’ Mission.



The first encounter we have with Joanna is in Luke 8:1-3:



After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.



Here we learn that Joanna is one of three Jewish women mentioned by name. These women had personal, life-changing interactions with Jesus and lived to show the depths of their love and gratitude. There were “many others,” our passage says, but the three women mentioned must have been known in the early Jesus community, as those who had been transformed by Jesus’ healing touch, and known for their contribution and influence to the way of Jesus.



Joanna had a "front-row seat" to the unfolding story of Jesus. She was there, in person. She witnessed miracles (including her own  healing) and she heard the teachings of Jesus firsthand. Can you imagine? 


Joanna was a woman of wealth, privilege, and influence. In contrast to many of Jesus’ followers, and because of her husband Chuza’s position in the household of Herod Antipas, as household manager, Joanna lived a life of wealth and privilege. Even so, her status could not heal her physically or spiritually; only Jesus could. Joanna’s unique position in society may also have resulted in opportunities for ministry and the Gospel, as a Jesus-follower she had direct ties to a ruler’s household!



We also learn that Joanna helped to support the ministry of Jesus with her personal means and finances. She didn’t simply follow, listen to the words of Jesus; she put her faith and gratitude into action by providing for the needs of Jesus and his disciples as they traveled “from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.” Somehow that seems fitting as the name Joanna means God is a gracious giver.



There is only one other mention of Joanna, that is in Luke 24:1-10, this passage mentions her as one of the first witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.



On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

We see from this account that Joanna was there, on the scene, as a witness to the risen Jesus! She was one of the women to discover the empty tomb, to experience the initial despair, to bow in fear at the “two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning,” and then, to remember Jesus’ words that he would be crucified but would rise again on the third day.



Overwhelmed with Joy, Joanna is among the first to tell the “Good News” of the resurrection to Jesus’ disciples. Talk about a significant role in furthering the work of Jesus.



Like Joanna, we are called to share the Gospel from the abundance of our joy we have because of our experience of New Life, liberating love and grace given to us through Jesus. Our response of gratitude results in our offering ourselves and all that we have to bring honor to the one who set us free. We, like Joanna, are “all in” as Jesus followers, offering our gifts, abilities, and finances to advance the message of hope found in our risen Jesus.



True enough our story and journey take a different path than, Joanna, yet as Jesus extends the profound gift of grace to each of us, He also says “Come follow me." Jesus gives us a sacred calling, the honorable task of sharing the incredible news that “God is for us, not against us … that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8) 

RISE UP, DEBORAH!!

 

JANUARY 23, 2024

JUDGES 5:7 and 12a

the highways were abandoned;
travelers took to winding paths.
7 Villagers in Israel would not fight;
they held back until I, Deborah, arose,
until I arose, a mother in Israel.

‘Wake up, wake up, Deborah!
Wake up, wake up, break out in song!





As I was writing yesterday’s devotion, on the influence, example, and challenge of the life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, I kept thinking of a woman in the Old Testament that receives little attention but should garner more. She was someone that God raised up and whose role in the story of God’s people was significant.

I am talking about Deborah. How many of you remember her story? It is found in Judges 4 and 5. Deborah lived during the period of the Judges, when Israel was not united as a nation under one leader but rather existed as an alliance of tribes. Periodically, God would call a leader, in one of these tribes and anoint them with His Holy Spirit, and that leader (Judge) would rise to rally God’s people together to face a common threat.

We first are introduced to Deborah in her “day-job” as judge over all the people of the land. The Bible tells us that Deborah was both a prophet and a judge, in other words a wise woman: "she used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment" (Judges 4:4-5). But hearing about the oppression of the two tribes in the north, Deborah the prophet stepped into a different leadership role. In her hill country safety, she could have ignored the plight of the Israelites in the north under Jabin's occupation. Jabin king of Canaan oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. We are told he had a mighty army with "900 chariots of iron" (Judg. 4:1–3), which was likely the most advanced military technology available at that time.

God used Deborah to rally the Israelites against Jabin. At the human level, on paper, Israel didn’t stand a chance, and everyone knew it. Deborah commanded Barak (a northerner) to raise an army of 10,000 armed men whom God would use to defeat King Jabin. Remember, Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots and Israel had none; Israel's soldiers were at a serious disadvantage.

The text tells us that Barak was unwilling to call the Israelites to battle against their Canaanite foes without Deborah at his side. (4:4–8). Deborah says I’ll be with you. Over in Judges 5:7 in Deborah's song it says, “Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.” The Israelites were beaten down by 20 years of slavery. They were too tired and discouraged to fight. They needed someone to inspire them, and the Lord chose Deborah. Even though his army was  inferior to Jabin's, Barak's force of 10,000 Israelites was able to defeat the Canaanite army. The Lord kept His promise to save His people, a woman Judge and Prophet named Deborah, would receive the credit for the victory (vv. 9–10).

In the book of Judges, Deborah is the model leader, equal to the greatest leaders of Israel. No other judge was also called a prophet, indicating how closely Deborah resembles leaders like Moses and Joshua. As a prophet she had an unshakable faith in God, which gave her strength to lead her people. She knew that it was the Lord who overcame the enemy. She was merely God's instrument. Her story concludes with these words “Then the land had peace forty years.”

Most of us would consider ourselves just ordinary people. From a human perspective, we may not seem or think ourselves all that "great" or “special.” Yet from God's perspective, ordinary is what we want to be. I find both in the Bible and in life, that God brings about His will through the service of ordinary people making ordinary decisions such as the best way to teach their children the Bible or how they can love their next-door neighbor, how they can make a difference in their workplace. Yes, it is true that God uses ordinary people to do the extraordinary.

I wonder if it is time for you and me to be bold and courageous and do the unique and amazing things God is calling us to do. Wherever the Lord has placed us, will we accept the challenge to be a light, to shine the glory of God everywhere we go! We carry the hope this world needs with us, the hope of Jesus Christ. Let’s believe and trust God and follow him to where he is working today.





Prayer

I thank you, God, that you love to do extraordinary things through ordinary people like me. Release me from any limitations that have kept me from the amazing plans you have for me, so that I might arise to shine the glory of the Lord! Amen.

 

 

STILL, STILL, WITH THEE

 

JANUARY 22, 2024

Psalm 139:17-18

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
. . . when I awake, I am still with you.


This was the phrase that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe as she meditated one morning on Psalm 139 verses 17 and 18. In the middle of a full and productive life as a writer, and a passionate champion against worldwide slavery and as a mother of six, it was Harriet Stowe’s daily routine to rise at 4:30 each morning to see the coming of the dawn, hear the singing of the birds. and to enjoy the overshadowing presence of her God.

Out of the experience of the overwhelming sense of God’s Presence, she wrote these words, a hymn, called Still, Still with Thee.

1 Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
Dawns the sweet consciousness I am with Thee.


2 Alone with Thee amid the mystic shadows,
The solemn hush of nature newly born;
Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

3 Still, still with Thee! as to each newborn morning
A fresh and solemn splendor still is given,
So does this blessed consciousness, awaking,
Breathe each day nearness unto Thee and heaven.



4 When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,
Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer;
Sweet the repose beneath Thy wings o'ershading,
But sweeter still, to wake and find Thee there.



5 So shall it be at last, in that bright morning,
When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee;
O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,
Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee.



Harriet was an amazing person, a devoted mother and the wife of a Biblical Studies seminary professor Calvin Ellis Stowe, she managed to find the time to write numerous hymns, a volume of religious verse, and approximately 40 books dealing with various social problems of her time. Her best-known novel, I'm pretty sure you've heard of, is UNCLE TOM'S CABIN which had a strong compelling influence against slavery just before the American Civil War. When published, in the first year over 300,000 copies were sold. Did I mention the year was 1852? That’s impressive sales!!

In her later life as Harriet looked back over the many difficulties, struggles and problems she had experienced in her busy years of raising a family while engaging in many pursuits, Harriet wrote “I thank God there is one thing running through all of them, from the time I was 13 years old, (this was when she put her faith in Christ) and that is the intense unwavering sense of Christ’s educating, guiding presence and care."

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
. . . when I awake, I am still with you.



Let us live Today with a fresh awareness of God's beauty in nature, and of his companionship in your life. Let the story of Harriet Beecher Stowe inspire you and remind you, of God’s overwhelming and abiding presence that daily speaks the words “I am with you!”

Psalm 5:3

“In the morning oh Lord, you hear my voice,
in the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation.”

 

 

 

 

WE NEED THIS TOO!!

JANUARY 19, 2024


John 10:27

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”



Jesus gives us a graphic picture in this verse, showing us that He is the Shepherd, and you and I are His sheep. 

The job of being a shepherd is not glorious. That is one of the reasons the Angel announcement of "Good News of great Joy” to the  shepherds in the Christmas story is so profound. Shepherds are outside with the sheep almost nonstop, in every season and every kind of weather. They lead their sheep to food and water, they lead them to safe places to sleep, they pull burrs out of their coats, they rescue them when they fall or get lost. Shepherds are even known to sleep outside with the sheep. There’s nothing glamorous or comfortable about being a shepherd.

So it is interesting, that this is how Jesus sees Himself in relation to you and me. He reaches out to embrace us and care for us. In John 10:11, He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” In love he has given His life for us, just like any good shepherd who lives to protect, guide, care for, and give his life for his sheep. Then in John 10:27 we are told that the “Good Shepherd” speaks to us, and we hear Him!

Sheep Ranchers will tell you that the sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice because a good shepherd is always with his sheep, leading, helping, and guiding them. They spend a lot of time together, and the sheep trust the Shepherd. There could be other shepherds around, but when the sheep hear the voice of their own shepherd, they recognize it, and they follow. That is the way it is for us too, isn't it, we hear the voice of our Good Shepherd - Jesus, and we recognize the voice and we follow.

This “Shepherd” image is a very comforting image, don’t you find? Jesus as our shepherd is with us nonstop, in every season, in all kinds of weather, joyful, painful, hurtful, or confusing, our shepherd is with us, to lead us to the food and water that nourishes our souls, to safe places for rest, and yes, even when things get messy, and we lose our way, Jesus is our rescuer. Love does that!!

Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd' and so we pray:

Good Shepherd, watch over us today In all we face and experience.
Never leave us or forsake us and journey with us always.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know us as no-one else knows us.
Guard us and keep us,
As you guard and keep those whom we love.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, we pray for the sick and the lonely;
For the anxious and the bereaved;
for those whose pain is beyond our comprehension.
We stand with them and commend them to your care.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, we pray for the caregivers in hospitals and in homes and for all who serve the needs of others.
May the example of living compassion Inspire us in our care for others.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know the depths of our heart and the fears which are ours.
Speak into the depths of our heart and calm our fears.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know us by our name and our identity is not hidden from you.
Gather us to yourself as a shepherd gathers the sheep, that we might know your Name.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Amen.

(A Prayer from the Church of Scotland)

WE NEED THIS

 

JANUARY 18, 2024

John 6:32-35

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.



Jesus understood that we as humans have an impulse to survive and that we need nourishment, food and water to live. Jesus uses this basic of human instinct to capture a necessary and powerful picture of our dependence and reliance on something beyond ourselves for survival. By calling Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35), Jesus reveals to us who He is, Jesus exposes what we need, and then declares “I AM” the answer to your need.

We all have two kinds of hunger, physical and spiritual, and both must be sustained for a fulfilling life. In our reading today, Jesus announces that He is the bread of life, the one who satisfies us daily and for all time. He is the foundation for our ultimate satisfaction in life.

“I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me will never go hungry,

and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Let us all come to him today, our Bread of Heaven, and find our soul's satisfaction.

"I SHALL NOT HATE"

Above is a picture of the "separation wall" 

between Israel and the West Bank.

JANUARY 17, 2024

John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Luke 6:35

"... love your enemies, do good to them"

1 John 4:8 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

We are in the season of Epiphany in the Church calendar. Epiphany means a sudden manifestation or appearance of God, or the sudden realization of God’s presence. The experience of the Wisemen who travel a great distance to find the Christ child is an example of Epiphany. The sudden manifestation of a Star drove them to be seekers of God’s presence. This appearance of God that they travelled to witness, you will recall was not found in the Kings palace in Jerusalem, but in a house in Bethlehem. There they offered gifts “most rare.”

Where do we find epiphany?

Where do we meet God?

Epiphanies can come amid terrible pain.

I read about Izzeldin Abuelaish, a physician from Gaza who has a noteworthy story. He wrote a memoir with the title “I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey”. He grew up in terrible poverty, a refugee in Gaza, but the kindness of people, both Arabs and Jews, encouraged him to become a doctor. As a doctor, he dedicated his career to nurturing life. Nurturing the lives not just of Palestinians, but also Israelis. During one of the uprisings in Gaza a few years ago, three of his daughters and his niece were killed in a tank attack on his home.

Abuelaish’s story is both dreadful and inspiring. The fact is he lived through so much violence, he was surrounded by a cloud of hatred and revenge. Yet he chooses not to hate. He has become an ambassador for peace. In his own words, “I understand down to my bones that violence is futile, a waste of time, lives and resources, and has been proven to beget more violence….There’s only one way to bridge the divide, to live together, to realize the goals of two peoples.”(p. 174 of “I Shall Not Hate”) His work involves trying to get people to put themselves in their enemies’ shoes. To feel their pain. To feel their fears.

Abuleish, somehow, can get a glimpse of the larger meaning of things. His faith, the love of his family, his community, his friends, and colleagues, both Arabs and Jews, help him to keep his eyes on the power of love.

I think that’s an epiphany that the world is ready and waiting for, longing for, I believe desperate for. Some days, would you agree, that it feels like anger, hatred, and revenge are the most powerful forces on earth? But in fact, it’s the power of love which triumphs.

You see, I believe that our calling as Jesus followers, is to be ambassadors of the power of love, right where we are. Most of us won’t have a story and experience like Izzeldin Abuelaish but I feel deep in my spirit if he can live in his context with love triumphing over hate, then surely we can too, right where God has us placed.

Jesus came to earth to tell us about that love, the power of that love. At the beginning of his life, and at the end, amid murder, (Herod; Pilate) an epiphany. God is with us. Love wins. Love is stronger than anger, hatred, and revenge, and other such wickedness.

LET US PRAY

We pray that our lives would be filled and overflowing with the power of your love so we can make a difference in this world and bring honor to you.

Lord thank you that your love is patient.
Help us show patience with those around us.

Lord thank you that your love is kind.
Help us to extend kindness to others.

Lord thank you that true love is not jealous.
Help us cast aside feelings of jealousy or hatred towards others.

Help us to love as you love.
Fill us with your Spirit so that we can choose what is best.

Thank you that you equip us to face each day with the power of your love, your forgiveness, and your grace.

We love you Lord, and we need you today, and every day,

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

 

THE KNOWLEDGE THAT BRINGS PEACE

 

January 16, 2024



Isaiah 55:9

"For as the heavens are higher than the Earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”



One of the teachings that we encounter throughout the Bible is that God is unlimited in knowledge, and humans, not so much. Our verse today says that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than any human ways and thoughts. This reality though does not keep us from an unquenchable, almost ravenous desire for knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and information. That is a good thing.

Here is the thing, when I was younger, as a young graduate, I lived by an assumption that the more learning, the more knowledge, that I acquired would result in a peace of mind. Yet, that is not what I experienced. Psychologists have concluded that with more information comes what they’ve coined “information overload”. “Information Overload” rather than bringing peace of mind, they say it brings irritability, sleeplessness, shortened attention spans, and it diminishes our ability to concentrate and make decisions, among other negative effects. Any of those sound familiar?

I believe we all know this to be accurate, think of the information that was daily bombarding us during the pandemic, or presently the information coming at us from “War Zones” in our world, or from politicians who advocate their economic or environmental policies are the only way forward, or doom awaits. I do not know what it is like for you, but for me, wading through the deluge of opinion, information, and knowledge, creates a genuine lack of peace deep in my spirit.

Here is what I have found in my pursuit for knowledge, that what does bring peace of mind is, rather than seeking to know more, I moved toward a pursuit, a seeking to know more of the One who knows all, whose ways and thoughts are higher than mine. Do not misunderstand me, I still have a thirst for knowledge, I am a student to the core, but when I reordered things to pursue the one who knows all things, I have found a "quickening of my mind" and  I have experienced the fulfillment of the beautiful words of promise in Isaiah 26:3 that "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

So, I wonder what it might be like for us if we were to trade our insatiable desire for human knowledge, a listening to the voices around us, to a hungry and thirsty desire to know God. Proverbs 9:10 instructs us that: “The fear (awe, "holy Wow") of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

"Now this is eternal life that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."  ---- Jesus 

John 17:3

MERCY for ALL

JANUARY 15, 2024


Psalm 145:9

 “The Lord is good to all, 

and His mercy is over all that He has made.”

Our verse for today reminds us of truth that God’s mercy isn’t reserved just for us humans, but that God's mercy extends over all created things; the earth and all that it is in it.

Psalm 104 gives a beautiful recounting of God’s creative work and many examples of His goodness and mercy. Here are some excerpts:

“He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.

He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.

The trees of the Lord are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the junipers.
The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.

How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
There the ships go to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

All creatures look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.
When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.
When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.
When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground. 

Psalm 104:10-18, 24-30

REFLECTION

Give thanks to God today for His creative and sustaining work in this world.

THE QUIET YEARS

 

JANUARY 12, 2024

Luke 2:39-40, 52

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him ... And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.



The above passage really grabbed me this year as I read the various texts for Advent and Christmas. Think of the scriptures we have read, Angels appearing to Mary and Joseph with news that Mary was with child by the Holy Spirit’s action, being told “Do Not Fear.” Then there was this whole census thing, where a late in pregnancy Mary, travels with Joseph to Bethlehem, Joseph’s hometown, and the best accommodation they can find is a stable with the animals. I have often wondered if Joseph was from the Bethlehem region, was He and Mary not welcome because of her pregnancy among his family? Where was I, or yes, a stable and then the birth of Jesus and resting him a manger, a feed trough. Yet, things are not over yet, are they. Angels appear to Shepherds, Shepherds come and see that a Saviour is born, in David’s City. Then there is the Wisemen who show up, and the stir caused by their presence in Jerusalem, and ole King Herod gets enraged, and then orders the “murder of the innocents,” young boys in the region. Then we have the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, become refugees to escape Herod’s killing spree. Now go back and read our verse for today.

What really impressed me with this verse is that it describes, as one writer put it, “the quiet years of Jesus' life,” years when the most unusual thing that happened was the time that Mary and Joseph misplaced Him in Jerusalem for a couple of days and found Him again (see Luke 2). Other than that, a normal life for the Son of God. Learning basic life skills from His mother and carpentry skills from His father. Praying with His parents. Going to school with His classmates at the local synagogue. Learning to read and write. Learning to know the Bible expertly.

And throughout this time that our verse describes, there was also the world around Him, from which Jesus drew so many of His parables later. Harvest and planting. Shepherds with their sheep. Men out on fishing boats. Builders who did their job well—or poorly. Families and their disagreements.

During this time in Nazareth, Jesus was being prepared and made ready for the heart of His mission. He would teach, preach, heal, and ultimately embrace the Father’s loving will in His own suffering and death on the cross, the demonstration of God’s desire to save, restore, and lead us to abundant life, resurrected life, opening everlasting life to all of us who would love and follow Him. What Love!!

All of this has had me reflecting on my messy story, and the difficult struggle in our Church family in the past few years. So, I wonder what has, and is, God making you prepared and ready for from the hard places on your life? What has, and is, God preparing us for. as his community, to embrace the mission that is our calling?

Messy Years + Quiet Years + Preparation = God’s Loving Mission in the world.

Count me in!! You Too?

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE BURNING?

 

JANUARY 11, 2024



1 Kings 19:19-21

So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”



“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you” So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.



In our reading today Elisha is showing his nothing-held-back commitment to follow Elijah and become his servant, which meant ultimately being God’s servant. He took the oxen that enabled him to make a living and used the plowing equipment to offer them as a sacrifice to God. Essentially Elisha’s actions indicated there was no turning back for him. And he did this publicly, sharing the meat with his people, declaring his intent to follow God’s invitation, and becoming a disciple of Elijah the prophet.

What we discover is Elisha’s commitment to Elijah and to God resulted in him also becoming a great prophet in Israel. He witnessed Elijah being taken up into heaven in a whirlwind, and then followed in his footsteps. He was one who performed miracles, advised kings, and through God’s Spirit defeated armies.

When you commit yourself to God’s calling in your own life, you have no idea what God will do with your discipleship and your life. What you can know, and this is a promise, God will honor your commitment and work in and through you to accomplish His purpose. “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

In what ways has God called, or is God calling you, to be fully committed to Him?



I have decided to follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus

No turning back, No turning back.

AMEN

 

 

GIVE THE KING YOUR JUSTICE

January 10, 2024

 

Psalm 72:1

Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King’s son; that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice.




Last week as I was preparing for Epiphany Sunday service, I read through Psalm 72, a suggested Psalm reading for Epiphany worship. We did not read it in our service but its words have been on my mind. Today, I saw a headline that said most Canadians think our Prime Minister should step down before the next election, I saw another headline that called into question the US President’s competence, then there were headlines about other world leaders, Netanyahu, Putin, Kim Jung Un, and others. Most articles were pointing out the flaws and inabilities of these world leaders. Remember, I had the words of Psalm 72 floating around in my mind, so I found myself comparing these articles to this Psalm.




Psalm 72 is an earnest prayer for a leader. I wonder how often we pray for our political leaders. The leadership blueprint of Psalm 72 is clear.

· Lead with God’s justice.

· Defend the needy among the people.

· Rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

· Deliver the poor who cries out in distress and

· the oppressed who has no helper.

Outcome of such a leader is that,

· The righteous shall flourish, and

· there shall be an abundance of peace

· Enemies and foes will bow down.

· lives will be redeemed from oppression and violence.

And nature, the mountains, the hills, the abundance of grain, and elements of gold shall bring prosperity to the people.

This is God-shaped justice according to Psalm 72.

This is a Old Testament leadership model

that I think we all could get behind.


What does justice look like for you today?

How can we, in all that we do, wherever we are, lead and live with this kind of God-shaped justice?

How might we incorporate some of Psalm 72 in our prayers for national leaders and international leaders? What if we just prayed that our Country’s leaders would lead with God’s justice? What might God do in their lives? and our national lives?

Give the King your justice, O God, 

and your righteousness to the King’s son; 

that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice.

Read all of Psalm 72 below.

 As you do consider how you can incorporate 

its words into your life?

Endow the king with your justice, O God,

the royal son with your righteousness.

2 May he judge your people in righteousness,

your afflicted ones with justice.

3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,

the hills the fruit of righteousness.

4 May he defend the afflicted among the people

and save the children of the needy;

may he crush the oppressor.

5 May he endure as long as the sun,

as long as the moon, through all generations.

6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,

like showers watering the earth.

7 In his days may the righteous flourish

and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

8 May he rule from sea to sea

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

9 May the desert tribes bow before him

and his enemies lick the dust.

10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores

bring tribute to him.

May the kings of Sheba and Seba

present him gifts.

11 May all kings bow down to him

and all nations serve him.

12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,

the afflicted who have no one to help.

13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy

and save the needy from death.

14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,

for precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live!

May gold from Sheba be given him.

May people ever pray for him

and bless him all day long.

16 May grain abound throughout the land;

on the tops of the hills may it sway.

May the crops flourish like Lebanon

and thrive like the grass of the field.

17 May his name endure forever;

may it continue as long as the sun.

Then all nations will be blessed through him,

and they will call him blessed.

18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,

who alone does marvelous deeds.

19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;

may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Amen and Amen.