Saturday, March 22

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Matthew 35:36-37.

Living in the Moment

Were you taught by others to ignore a poor or homeless person on the street?

For most of my adult life, I’ve “walked the other way,” avoiding certain people on the street because they might be drug addicts looking for their next fix or assumed dangerous, or “just lazy”. This past year though, I experimented with living in the moment when these situations arise.

There was Darrell, sitting in a wheelchair in 15-degree weather, with a cup out. He mumbled a plea for help that I could barely understand. He needed money I gathered. I decided to buy him food instead. I went inside to the restaurant nearby to get his food and returned to deliver it, but soon realized he had no way of feeding himself since he was unable to grasp the bag. Upon further evaluation, I could see he was a paraplegic. So, we went inside together and I fed him, one bite at a time. We talked, he told me his story. He was born this way, lived in Detroit, had one best friend and no family. He asked about me and then the meal was over, but not really. My encounter with Darrell would likely stay with me forever. On that day I fed Darrell, I had been lamenting my challenging recovery from shoulder surgery the week before. It would take months to maybe get full range of motion back. Darrell had no working limbs, no family, and not much of anything else, except a warm and grateful spirit.

Living in that moment with Darrell gave me pause. It allowed me to, yes, help someone in need, but also to reflect on all that I have with a heavy heart. Darrell has so little, not even his health. Yet, his heart was filled with gratitude and a quiet spirit that was strangely comforting to me. Suddenly, my shoulder was not really a problem, nor was I worried about whatever else was on my mind that day. It didn’t matter. I was filled with the mystery of God’s grace and healing. Living in the moment allowed that to happen; Darrell, who had very little, was the catalyst.

 

Dear Lord, open my eyes to those in need. Help me to stop and listen to the poor and homeless. Let me share a small part of my blessings and time with a stranger in need. Help me to value each and every human being regardless of circumstance.

 

Laura Fogelman (2014)

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[The following appears only in the print version]

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Matthew 14:22-33

I've always been intrigued by Jesus' walking on the water. He did it with confidence, knowing he could. To me, it is a test of my faith; some goal I wish to achieve, some fear I wish to conquer. If I sink - there you go - come back another time. If I succeed and accomplish my goal, I am elated of course, the waters grow wider and the challenges deeper – but you will not die; I'll tell you why, because the Lord is there to save you then and always.

Bea Street (1990)

Friday, March 21

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8

Gifts That Give Back

Recently I rediscovered a poem that had long been hidden in the “archives” of our house. This time reading this poem again was most reflective in helping remember the time it was given. But it cast a new enhanced light on its pertinence to our lives at this present time.

Building Bridges For Others

An old man going down a lone highway,

Came, at the evening cold and gray,

To a chasm vast and deep and wide,

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,

The sullen stream had no fear for him;

But he turned when safe on the other side

And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old Man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,

You are wasting your time building here;

Your journey will end with the ending day,

You never again will pass this way;

You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,

Why build this bridge at evening tide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head;

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said

“There followed after me today

A youth whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm has been as naught to me,

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be,

He too, must cross in the twilight dim;

Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”

~ Anonymous

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to learn how to build bridges for our loved ones and make us ever cognizant of the bridges that were built for us. Amen.

Carol Morrill (2014)

Thursday, March 20

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, Which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121: 1-2

Just for Today

Just for today I will try to live through this day

only and not tackle my whole life problem at once.

Just for today I will be happy and agreeable.
I will be courteous, not criticize and not find fault.

Just for today I will do someone a good turn.

Just for today will I enjoy what is beautiful and believe that
as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind.

I will turn my mind to the heavens and lift my eyes unto the hills.

Seems to be based on a poem that was first published in the Boston Globe by Frank Crane in 1921

This keeps me in touch with God and fills me with peace.

Lucille Curry (1991)

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He has showed you, O Man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 5:8

Prayer: Dear God, You have heard our prayers, for you know our needs before we ask. Make us strong to handle each day's tasks, one day at a time. Make wars to cease and bring the day long-promised, when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as waters cover the sea. May we walk your way of peace with a sure hope, trusting in Jesus Christ, the hope of the world and the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Lois Poston (1991)

Wednesday, March 19

The glory you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:22-24

Glorify and Enjoy God Forever

At key points in many athletic events, we see the successful athlete pointing to heaven, kneeling or saying give glory to God, at these points of apparent personal success there is a union with God. The challenge is how do we continue to feel that joy and union with God and want to glorify Him the rest of the time -- through practices, everyday work, relationships with family and others, sorrow, joy, and everyday existence.

The first question in the Shorter Catechism in our Book of Confessions is "What is the chief end of man?"

And the answer given is "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever." We all can try to do this on occasion especially at the high points (if we can let our egos go) and realize that we are blessed by God at our moments of triumph and that it is his grace that has allowed us to succeed. But the real question is what are we trying to succeed at. Is it to achieve some personal accomplishment, goal or victory? If it is we may be triumphant in that narrow goal, but what about the rest of the time (the vast majority of time.)

I believe that most of us are too focused on achieving small victories ( and if we are thankful, giving some glory to God.) But, I believe that we should place the real emphasis on enjoying Him forever. To achieve this, we need to reorient our lives to focus on acknowledging that we are and want to be in the presence of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) at all times. Christ has welcomed us into this unity if we will only take it.

When you start living in the knowledge of this presence you start seeing the world very differently. You become very thankful You become aware that you don't need to let the world consume you and dictate what you do. You see opportunities to work with others, help others, share with others. Your life becomes much brighter as you experience the light of the Lord and you shout "Glory to God in all that I do and all that I am."

A friend of mine died yesterday. In the later part of his earthly life he started chasing the " wild goose" (or the holy spirit) that we don't know where it will lead us, but the Spirit will be present and there will be opportunities for us to share our blessing. Bruce has chased the "wild goose" right into the Kingdom and is with Jesus forever. Why don't you start chasing the "wild goose" or walking with Jesus and enjoying God forever?

Prayer: All glory to you dear Lord, let me live to enjoy you forever and always. Amen

Dave Zimmer (2014)

Tuesday, March 18

They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh’; for she was afraid. He said, ‘Oh yes, you did laugh.’

Genesis 18: 9-15

WORD - FILLED

This day holds no promise.

Between yesterday and tomorrow,

Tired with worn-out dreams,

We bend to break

Until ....

This empty day is filled

With the Word

To wipe away all weariness.

Abraham and Sara

Rubbed their eyes In dusty disbelief

When Strangers poured out the Surprise!

So our impossibilities are filled

When sojourners bring expectancy -

God's hovering Promise

To Be in the midst

Of our wanderings -

A seed of Life.

So we laugh!

Jane Perdue (1990)

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From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

When I recognized my own emptiness, barrenness, powerlessness – surrendered all of my personal expectations -- the Living Christ filled me with himself, giving me new life where there was none.

To be specific, I first found the fullness of Christ in the midst of childlessness, enabling me to see the blessings of God that already surrounded me – and to live expectantly.

Linda Knappenberger (1990)

 

Monday, March 17

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:1-11

DIFFERENT BUT DEPENDENT

When I was growing up my father always planted a huge vegetable garden – enough to feed the entire neighborhood. Much of the produce grew on vines – grapes, squash, string beans, pole, limas, etc... a wonderful variety of tastes and textures! But all of that good eating was dependent on the close relationship of the productive smaller branches to the rooted parent vine.

Jesus compares our relationship to Him, to the reality of the growing garden. We are all different - in appearance, skills and personality. A church can be a fascinating mix as we grow to respect and enjoy our differences. However, we can only bear fruit for God's kingdom as we return regularly to the True Parent Vine for regular worship, learning and fellowship together. Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing."

Prayer: Creator God help us to value our differences just because they are your gifts. Keep reminding us that you are the source of all life and as we stay close to you our gifts will bear fruit.

 

Jean Perkins (1990)

Second Sunday in Lent, March 16

 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 19:20 (English Standard Version)

Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 (English Standard Version)

 

Wisdom and Inspiration from an Old Friend

I have known Mary Lewis since I was three years old---well over half a century! My parents met Mary when they moved into a rental house in Detroit while my Dad did his residency at Henry Ford Hospital. Mary worked for their landlord. Whenever Mr. D. visited Detroit to check on his various properties, he stayed at the house on Narden Park...and my mother and Mary worked side by side to prepare the house for his arrival. I can still hear my mother complain about venetian blinds, the bane of their existence--such a chore to clean off the city soot in those pre-AC days!

My parents eventually moved to a tiny house of their own and when Baby Number 3 arrived, my grandparents arranged for Mary to come a couple of times a month to help out. So began a decades-long friendship and close bond between Mary and my family. When my father started his own practice, Mary became a more frequent fixture in our busy household. She had charge of us four kids and was given full rein to direct and admonish us. And we loved her dearly.

Mary was born in Arkansas, the fifth of six children. Like many others, she only attended school until about eighth grade. When a first unfortunate marriage ended, she met and married a fine Christian man, Robert, and helped raise and support his son. Though Mary never had children of her own, she counted us as hers...and continues to do so to this day!

Mary continued to work for my parents, loving and helping with my elderly grandparents too, until a move north of Pontiac put them too far from her home. And then a few years later I called to see if she knew any friends who might be interested in helping me with my two young babies. She insisted she would come out of retirement..and she was my right arm for the next dozen years.

Over the course of our long friendship, Mary has been a constant support, a confidant, and a real blessing. While she watched her "families" prosper and grow, she never expressed resentment, only pride and satisfaction. While Civil Rights protests and riots crashed through our society, we learned about Justice and Respect and Equality and Love from Mary. My siblings and my own children experienced her strong faith in God, her fierce love for us. Never could we harbor feelings of superiority or prejudice: we knew Mary Lewis and we loved and respected her. Now my children return to visit her, presenting their fiancés for her approval, placing their babies in her loving arms. She possesses a wisdom and a peace we can only hope to achieve. No matter the state of our world, our city, our family, her life or health, her blessing and conviction never wavers: "God is Good."

Mary will be 95 years old this March 16. We will rejoice and celebrate her wonderful life, a life full of hard work, love, and praise for her God. Thank you, Mary!

Prayer: Thank you, God, for Mary Lewis and for all who help guide us and shape us, your lights in this world. Amen

 

Diane Falconer (2014)