Monday, April 6

Postlude

John 20:19-29

 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Matthew 28: 16-20

 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Hallelujah! Amen

Easter Sunday, April 5

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve… and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 8

Paul was not there. Paul was not at the empty tomb. Paul was not in the garden when the women saw Jesus. Paul was not in the upper room when Jesus appeared to the disciples…with or without Thomas. Paul was not there when Jesus appeared by the sea and Peter leaped out of the boat to swim to him. Paul was not there at all…yet in the end, Paul claims that Jesus appeared to him.

People have argued over the years about when Jesus appeared to him. Some suppose that Paul is referring to his “Road to Emmaus” experience. Others have different ideas. Yet in some ways I am not sure that it matters. All that matters is that Paul had an experience of the risen Christ…a fact which ought to give all of us hope. It ought to give us hope because if Paul could encounter Christ alive, then so can we.

On this Easter morning that is the claim that we make; that all of us can have an experience of the risen Christ, because Christ is risen. Christ is not dead. Christ lives. So as you head off to church, or out to visit family, remember that the risen Christ is present now and always, ready to meet you wherever you are.

Loving God, we give you thanks that you raised Jesus from the dead and that in his new life he is present for all of us. Amen

Rev. Dr. John Judson

Saturday, April 4

My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won’t grieve over them and be like people who don’t have any hope.

I Thessalonians 4:13 CEV

When I pass by a cemetery, I think of those who are grieving the loss of each person interred there. When I visit the columbarium, I remember those who have chosen niches for loved ones.

I speculate that those who have already died know that we grieve and mourn. It is said that the hardest loss of all is one’s own child. I can testify to that. According to the Apostle Paul, if we believe, we will have hope, and we won’t grieve like people who have no hope.

“Faith, hope, and love—these three . . .” are gifts of God.

When grief and sorrow seem to overwhelm us, may we remember and take hold of these gifts, with a prayer for the will and strength to place our hope in Christ, who will take us to himself when he comes again.

Thank you, dear God, for Jesus who has been raised to life and will raise us to life, according to the scriptures. Let us be encouraged by these words. Amen.

Ginnie Spurr

Good Friday, April 3

So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Matthew 27:24-26

The Blame Game

Where there is conflict, there is blame.  The last days of Jesus’ life were filled with conflict and the accompanying finger-pointing. Judas’ betrayal.  The disciples’ abandonment.  Caiaphas’ megalomania.  Pilate’s cowardice.  The mob mentality.  Roman occupation.  Who or what was ultimately to blame for the death of Jesus?  Who truly has blood on their hands?

If we must point fingers, if we must find someone to blame, there is only one who is finally responsible.  And that One is God, creator and ruler of the universe, Alpha and Omega, All-Knowing, All-Powerful.  God set up the rules of the game.  God is the only one with the power to intervene.
 God knows every move every player will make.  God determines the winners and losers.  So only God can take the blame.

And only God can shoulder such an accusation.  God, who created the world in goodness and sustains it by grace.  God, who rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land.  God, who gave up the throne of heaven and took on the frailty and pain of human existence.  God, in the garden – let this cup pass, but Thy will be done.  God, self-forsaken on the cross – Eli, Eli, lema sabach thani?  

Yes, God is responsible.  God is to blame.  God is to blame for the death of Jesus, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.”

Let the blame game come to an end.

Thank you, God, for taking on the weight of this world’s blame, for taking upon yourself our sin.  Help us to turn to you in times of conflict rather than turning on one another so that we might grow in our love for you and our neighbors.  In the name of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.  Amen.

Rev. Amy Morgan

Maundy Thursday, April 2

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me. ’Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

John 13:1-17

The Royalty of Service.

In this passage we have the moving story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus follows the humble and loving act with a command: “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done unto you." (v. 14, 15)

This passage has special meaning to me since I grew up in a denomination that practiced foot washing. But whether we take this command literally or more symbolically, I think we must agree that a powerful statement is made. In the words of William Barclay in The Daily Study Bible Series; “Few incidents in the gospel story so reveal the character of Jesus and so perfectly show his love. When we are tempted to think of our dignity, our prestige, our rights, let us see again the picture of the Son of God, girt with a towel, kneeling at his disciples feet."

Prayer: Loving God, if you call me to an act of service this day, may I do it with the love and humility displayed by your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lois Massanari (1994)

Wednesday, April 1

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. 

Philippians 2:5-8

HUMILITY

As Christians we often speak of humbling ourselves one to the other. Just what are we saying? It is not difficult to put others first, to humble ourselves in so many of our daily pursuits. In fact, we rather enjoy doing this because it makes us feel goad. Humility in this sense benefits both the receiver and the giver. Sometimes we have an opportunity to serve others, to humble ourselves, in a situation which is not an everyday event for us. A chance spent working with youth at a mission site would be an example of our humbling ourselves both to those we serve and those with whom we serve. Once again, we feel good about what we are doing and are rewarded psychologically, even though in these instances we may struggle with physical or emotional stress. Thus, we see humility requires generosity, courage, and sacrifice.

Jesus manifested the ultimate humility in becoming the sacrifice for all mankind's sins. Even though He was God, He humbled Himself as a man and became obedient to death.

How great a sacrifice are we willing to make? Have we the courage to humble ourselves, to yield whatever we must as God's witnesses in the world today?

Dear Lord, thank you for your Son – He who humbled Himself and made the ultimate sacrifice of obedience for our sins. As we continue our journey through the Lenten season, we ask for your help in keeping our focus on Jesus and His life. Give us the courage, the generosity, and the obedience necessary to be witnesses to His resurrection and Your glory. We pray in your humble Son's name. Amen.

Sarah Krug (1994)

Tuesday, March 31

Coventry Cathedral Prayer

Written on a plaque on the altar of the restored Cathedral near Birmingham, England which was bombed during World War II – 1964

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,
Father Forgive.

The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own,

Father Forgive.

The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,
Father Forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

Father Forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee,

Father Forgive.

The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children,

Father Forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,
Father Forgive.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

O God, our Father, may we, by Thy Grace, receive forgiveness, and show by our words and actions, Gods love and mercy for all people. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Mary D. Clark (1993)

Be kind to one another

Monday, March 30

... he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.

Isaiah 53:3-5

Alas! And did my Savior bleed, And did my Sovereign die!Would He devote that sacred head For sinners such as I!
Was it for sins that I have done He suffered on the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace Unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut its glories in,
When Christ, the great Redeemer, died For human creatures' sin. But drops of love can ne'er repay The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away; Tis all that I can do.

Isaac Watts (1707), The Presbyterian Hymnal, #78

This hymn speaks to me as bearing one of the essential messages of Christianity, in that through whatever forms I choose to worship our Lord this Lenten season, I must involve and offer nothing less than my entire being.

Gracious God, You know me better than I know myself, and still you love me. Help me to understand what I must do with my life, my time, my energy and my talent. When I come to you asking for understanding, grant me the gifts of consideration, gratitude, attention and inspiration. When I am overwhelmed with responsibilities, pressures, and fears of failure, let your presence remind me that you deemed me to be worthy of the life of your own son. Be with me in these journey days, as they are filled with self-examination, penitence, fasting and prayer. Merciful Lord, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior, I give myself to you. Tis all that I can do." Amen.

Sue Delpup (1994)

by His bruises we are healed

Sixth Sunday, March 29

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

 ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:22-34

Saturday, March 28

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

This verse has been floating around in my head since I started thinking about working on this year's Lenten Devotional. And to me, that verse sounded so much better written like this:

In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may … give glory to your Father in heaven.

Do you see what is missing?

I really don't like being in the limelight. I prefer working behind the scenes. I never wanted to be a cheerleader!

And then I began receiving your devotions. And I found myself looking at this scripture from another point of view. In those devotions, I saw the light shining in the beautiful people I know (and have known) in my life in this congregation. And I found myself thanking God for you. I realized that God really does speak to me through you, through your faithfulness, your kindness, your support, your sharing of yourself.

It is a big responsibility, modeling faithfulness for someone else. But then I remember Paul's words from another scripture passage:

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

I Corinthians 3:6-7

Thank you, God, for giving me work to do and people to inspire me. Amen.

Charlotte Fischer

Let your light shine ...

Friday, March 27

I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness.

John 12:46

An Alphabet Of Spiritual Inspirations From The Bible (#6)

Y	Young	Ps  37:25	I have been Young and now am old;  Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken.
Z	Zealous	Titus 2:14	...our great God and Savior Jesus Christ who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us for Himself His own special people, Zealous for good works.

Rejoice in the Lord  always.  Again I will say rejoice!

Philippians 4:4.

Rejoice in the lordAnd let the joy of jesus shine through

For seven reasons:

His Word
His Birth
His Miracles
His Suffering
His Resurrection
His Gospel
His Spirit

I can't thank You enough for all You have done, are doing, and will be doing. I promise to do my best to follow Your pathways.  Amen.

Sheryl McCristal

Thursday, March 26

The angel said to them (the shepherds), ‘Do not be afraid … I bring you good news of great joy for all people ...’

Luke 2:10

Fear

What is it that causes one to be fearful? Is it because of what we don’t know? In scripture, there are many references to FEAR … which have different meanings.

Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?

Of whom shall I be afraid?

Deuteronomy 6:8 ~ The Lord your God you shall fear!

Reverence

Psalm 23:4 ~ Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.

I will not be afraid.

Philippians 2:12 ~ … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Humbly and with dependence on God’s help

1 John 4:18 ~ There is no fear in love; love casts out fear for fear has to do with punishment; whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.

Mark 5:36 ~ ...Jesus said to the leaders in the synagogue, “Do not Fear, only believe”

Revelation14:7 ~ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give God glory …”

Gracious and Loving God, cast out my fear of evil, allow me to believe.

Patricia Lindroth

Wednesday, March 25

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

"You who are heavy laden" – What a morning! Calls from three dear friends, each sharing events that have brought them worry, frustration, doubts and fears – events and feelings that are not common in our daily lives today – real fears and concerns with no ready or easy answers.

As a child I was taught to “take it to the Lord in prayer” and to believe and trust in God's promises. This Lenten season is a good time to look at our own relationship with God. Do we truly believe and trust in God's promises? Are we secure in God's love and guidance in our lives? Are we thankful for what God has already provided and continues to offer each of us?

Gracious God, Open our hearts that we may be truly aware of Your constant and abiding love for each one of us – that we may know you have already taken the heaviest burdens from us-that we are Yours, redeemed through the life, death and resurrection of Your precious son, Jesus Christ. Help us to share that knowledge and Your love with all whose lives we touch. Amen.

Marg Thoms (1993)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden

Tuesday, March 24

Beloved, let us Love one another; for Love is of God, and he who Loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not Love does not know God; for God is Love. (RSV)

1 John 4:7-8

Love is All We Need

During the Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation on January 18, 2015 the message was delivered by The Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Director of PC(USA) office of Public Witness, Washington D.C. Dr. Nelson gave a passionate message on Love that struck a chord with me.

One of Webster’s definition of Love is: “a deep and tender feeling of affection for or devotion to a person or persons.” This is only one definition, there are many more along this line. We can show Love in a kind word, a kind gesture, seeing the best in a person, giving support in a difficult time.
Love is a positive, caring feeling. Love is a gift from God. It is the only gift that costs us nothing but can make all the difference in a person’s life. Love can be as simple as: making a meal for someone, giving items we no longer need to someone who can use them, going out of our comfort zone to help someone we do not know very well, but needs someone to care. Love can be challenging and difficult. With a Loving heart, God can use us.

God calls us to be Loving: using our hands to help someone up, using our feet to walk with them through a difficult time, using our mouths to speak kind words, to let them know they are not alone, and using our ears to LISTEN and hear what they are saying. Love is all we need and sometimes it’s the only salve to heal wounds so deep nothing else will do.

Heavenly Father, Help us to be instruments of your Love today. Help us to share the Love you give us to a world of confusion. Help us to be more Loving in our thoughts and deeds to everyone we meet. In Jesus Christ, your Loving Son Amen.

Kathleen Sleder

Monday, March 23

There is the one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through and in all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

When a composer composes a great musical work, he uses three essential elements to create his work. These elements are rhythm, melody, and harmony. God is the composer and creator of our lives. We are each one of his masterpieces. Like the composer, he provides our lives with a sense of rhythm, melody, and harmony.

Rhythm gives our lives a beat and a pulse. We sense this rhythm daily as we go about living and doing our tasks. We find rhythm in our energy and emotion. It keeps us moving, living, and feeling. The source of this rhythm is God. We sense this rhythm in changing of seasons, the rising and setting of the sun and day following night. Yes, life has a rhythm and a beat. It is part of us all.

Melody is the song of life. We each have a song to sing and a story to tell. Our melody or song lets the world know who we are. It identifies us as a unique creation – there's no one else like us. God gives us each a song to sing. He loves all of us. We all have a different song to sing, but our song is important to him and our fellow human beings.

Harmony is when all the notes in a musical work blend together to create a beautiful sound. God's creation is his musical work. Each of us are like a single note in his musical masterpiece. But when we blend our note in unison with our fellow human beings we make a beautiful song.

We cannot live alone. Like the notes in a symphony we have to sound together in harmony to complete God's musical masterpiece.

Oh God, grant that we may live in harmony with you and our fellow human beings. Let our song be one of Joy and Praise to you. Amen.

Loraine Piesko (1994)

Fifth Sunday March 22

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

Romans 8:26

I’m busy – sometimes too busy. Aren’t we all?

Somewhere in that busy-ness I was rushing around “working for God” but forgetting to be with God, and my prayers had become rote.

At Rejoicing Spirits services we always sign and sing the Lord’s Prayer, following the direction of an interpreter. A verse is sung and signed, and then we repeat it. Scott is a man from a group home with limited verbal skills, but I could tell one Sunday that he was interested in, yet struggling with, what was going on.

I asked him if he would like me to help him with the movements and he acknowledged “yes.” So I stood behind him, reached over to take his hands, and we went through the movements together. I was forever changed. It was one of the most incredible spiritual experiences I have ever had.

On that evening, I shared a very intimate moment with Scott, and with God, as we slowly and meaningfully prayed.

Scott gave me the gift of intention. He reminded me of the importance of being connected to another, and of staying connected to God. This gift of intention grounds me and calls me to be present in the moment.

Thank you, God, for putting people like Scott in my life to remind me that the words are not nearly as important as the intent. Help me stay connected to you always, so the Spirit can intercede.

Rev. Joanne Blair

The Spirit helps us

Saturday, March 21

And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

John 20:11-18

Our daughter [was] studying in France [at the time this was written]. At the last moment before she left home, she was informed that her travel plans were changed, and her plane would land at a different airport. Previous arrangements were now useless. When she arrived she would know nobody. Now she would have to get to her host family from the airport on her own. We were particularly concerned about these first few hours in a strange country in which she spoke the language only tentatively. Who would help her? How could we insure her safety? As over-anxious parents we felt so helpless. So we prayed fervently for her providential care.

And then, when she got off the plane in Paris, an unknown woman approached her and offered assistance. Sensing our daughter's need, she watched that our daughter followed her verbal directions accurately. When she went the wrong way, this woman even ran after her and reset her course a second time.

This lady was as an angel to our daughter. She was an answer to prayer, and we thanked God for her presence.

Where have you had angels in your life? How has God met your needs at unexpected times? Have you thanked God for these special signs of love and care?

Most loving God, thank you for ministering to us through angels that you place in our lives during our hours of need. I thank you for the life of your Son and am eternally appreciative of the redemption of our sins that was brought about through His death and resurrection. Please let me live my life in gratitude for His love for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Jim Bates (1994)

Angels watching over me

Friday, March 20

I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness.

John 12:46

An Alphabet Of Spiritual Inspirations From The Bible (continued)

V	Valley	Ps 23:4	Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.
V	Virtue	2 Pet. 1:5-7	Add to your faith Virtue, to Virtue  knowledge, to knowledge self- control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance Godliness, to Godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness love.
W	Wisdom	Prov. 9:10	The fear of The Lord is the beginning  of Wisdom.
W	Worship	Ps 99:5	Exalt The Lord our God, and Worship at His footstool (earth).
X	Xmas	Ps 118.24	Same as Christmas (Web. Dictionary). This is the day The Lord has made;  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

And the word became flesh and dwelt among us