THE ORIGINAL HOME ALONG

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:43-45

After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.

THE ORIGINAL HOME ALONG

Well, guess Joseph and Mary will not receive the Parents of the Year Award. How could they not know their son was not with them? Didn’t they help him pack for the trip home? After all, he was only 12! Didn’t they make sure he was with them? Didn’t they check on him at noon to make sure he had something to eat? After all, he was only 12! He was not 13 yet. He was not ready to be a man. Not yet!

Okay, it was a bit hectic. There would have been many groups of people heading home after the Feast of the Passover. And I am sure there were family members traveling with Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Maybe, just maybe, they thought he was with a cousin. Maybe they thought he was somewhere close.

Can you picture Mary and Joseph when they realized Jesus was not with them? When they realized he was not with friends. Or family. Can you sense Mary’s panic?

“Where is Jesus? Where can he be? Oh, Joseph, what are we to do? God help us!”

Jesus, on the other hand, was perfectly calm. This 12 year old was exactly where he was supposed to be.

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

One year is ending and a new year will soon begin. We will stop writing 2011 and begin writing 2012. Endings. Beginnings. Change!

But not all things change. No matter what day. No matter what year. We will always know where to find Jesus.

Jesus is right there. In his Father’s house!

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Hello Jesus, Well, I have made it through another year. There has been good and bad during 2011 and there will be good and bad during 2012. The peace I feel is knowing You will be there, right there in your Father’s house. You are right there for me to pray to, talk to. During 2012, my prayer is for ______________________ . Amen

BE WISE: GET THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

The snow falls. The fog rolls in. The rain pours. The roads are ice covered. Would any of these keep you from going to church? What reasons do you find for not going to church?

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2:1-2, 10-11

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

BE WISE: GET THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

How did you answer the questions of the day? Ice might keep me home. I love winter but I hate walking on ice. Honestly, I have found other reasons to stay home, but they are always good reasons. “I wouldn’t want to give my cold to anyone else.” “Just this Sunday I want to keep my feet up, have another cup of coffee and read the whole paper.”

What reasons do you find? “The big game starts early and I would miss the kick-off.” “I was up late last night.” “Man, I just did not get my lesson read.”

The Magi came a long way to find the king of the Jews. Apparently, they could find no good excuse to stay home. Riding a camel miles and miles and miles -- Can do. Using early GPS (aka star) -- Can do. Asking for directions - Can do. Finding the right home - Can do. Those were mighty determined Magi. They found no excuse. What they did find was Jesus.

Christmas is two days away. I pray you find no excuse. I pray you find your way to the Christ Child.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

PRAYER TIME

Remember, Jesus likes to hear you talk to Him. Today, please take time to wish Jesus a Happy Birth Day. Tell him about your journey to the manger.

BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE

December 18 is the fourth Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: JOHN: parts of Chapter 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”

Jesus then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE

Matthew began with the information that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures and Mark began by telling us that the baby grew into a man. Luke - Luke investigated and announced: IT IS TRUE! What does John want us to know? A LOT!

I didn’t count them, but the study notes tell me the Book of John uses the word life thirty-six times. This is nineteen times more than any other New Testament book. The first eighteen verses of chapter one are a bit deep (theological) but please read all of them. These verses are like a 2 X 4 whack on the head so we do not miss THIS IS THE WORD MADE FLESH!

John also wants us to know John the Baptist is a great man and has his own calling, but John the Baptist is a man sent from God to be a witness. You have to give credit to John the Baptist. He never tried to steal the limelight or make himself to be anything other than what he had been called to do. “I baptize with water but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” John the Baptist came to proclaim: This is the Son of God.

This chapter closes with Jesus talking to the disciples. But what is the main objective of the Book of John?

John 20:31 -- BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BY BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME.

Matthew, Mark and Luke informed, investigated and confirmed that Jesus, the fulfillment of the Old Testament, is the Son of God. John wants us to believe! Because, by believing, we - THAT WOULD BE YOU - can have life. Eternal life!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you get confused by the first few verses of the Book of John? Or other verses? If so, let me assure you are not alone. Do not let that stop you from reading the Bible. Sometimes the Bible uses complicated words to say: Do you believe in my Son, Jesus?

This week, think about Advent a time of expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come. What do you expect to come? Now take time to talk to God.

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I rarely do a series so the last four weeks have been a stretch for me. It has personally been a challenge because I usually have an idea and then know the scripture to go along with it. And I am not a “deep” writer. I write everyday stuff. This has been a stretch and not as much fun to read, but it has been good too. It has shown me that I can get in a rut about what I write and what I read. It has shown me that I need to read Psalm 139 (my favorite) but that I also need to read John 1:1-18. Thank you for hanging in there while I tried something new. -- Mary

CAREFULLY INVESTIGATED

December 11 is the third Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE: parts of Chapter 1

Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you so you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The angel Gabriel told Zechariah: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

The angel Gabriel told Mary: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

Mary visits Elizabeth and, upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Mary sang: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.”

Zechariah spoke: “No! His is to be called John.” And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

CAREFULLY INVESTIGATED

Matthew Chapter 1 contained 25 verses and Mark Chapter 1 contained 45. Then along comes Luke. Luke Chapter 1 contains 80 verses! Luke must have had a deal with the local office supply because 80 verses would require a lot of ink. Luke is one windy guy. Or is he?

Luke wanted this one special friend to know “the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

What a friend Luke was. He wanted to make sure his friend had no doubts. He wanted his friend to know Gabriel himself came to Zechariah and to Mary. He wanted his friend to know - to know IT IS ALL TRUE! Everything his friend had been taught was CERTAIN! Can you see him smiling as he sent this wonderful news to his friend? Can you imagine the joy his friend felt when he read the news Luke had for him?

Matthew began with the information that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures and Mark began by telling us that the baby grew into a man. Luke - Luke investigated and announced: IT IS TRUE!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you know for certain that Jesus is true? Do you have a friend that could use a letter telling them about Jesus?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear God, Thank you for the Gospel of Luke. One friend writing to another to help him understand that everything he had been taught was real. When I am having a rough day or a number of rough days, may I remember that everything I have been taught has been carefully investigated and is true! May I remember that Jesus and the lessons he has for me are true! Amen

PREPARING THE WAY

December 4 is the second Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: MARK: parts of Chapter One

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”-- “a voice of one calling in the desert. And so John came, baptizing and preaching. And Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan.

• Temptation - 40 days in the desert
• Disciples - Come follow me
• Be gone - Jesus drives out an evil spirit
• Healing - Jesus heals many
• Prayer - Jesus prayed in a solitary place

PREPARING THE WAY

Now hold on, what happened here? Do you ever compare stories with your sister or brother and wonder if you grew up in the same house? How could these two believers have such a different starting point for their writing? Matthew began with the genealogy of Jesus but Mark skips right over the background, even the birth of Jesus, and starts with John the Baptist. Did Mark not consider the birth important? Or ---

I think Mark was a meat and potato guy. Or a ‘just the facts’ man. Mark wanted those that read his Gospel to understand quickly who Jesus is. Mark wanted the reader to be ready for what was coming. He wanted the reader to be ready for the ministry of Jesus. Let someone else give you the “Once upon a time” version. Mark began quickly in verse 11 telling us: And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Wow! No genealogy. No long prelude. Just the facts: Listen up folks. The Son of God is here! The disciples were ready to help and by the end of the first chapter Jesus had cast out an evil spirit, healed many and prayed.

Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. I do not think Mark was an Advent guy. Mark wanted us to know that we no longer had to wait or prepare. Mark wanted us to know that the reason for advent was all grown up and ready to serve!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When you think of Jesus, do you picture him as a baby or as an adult? Or do you see Jesus as a baby at Christmas and an adult the rest of the time?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Father of Jesus, Christmas comes and goes quickly as I prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. First I spend all my time getting ready and then I spend time putting it all away. This Christmas I want to slow down and understand what I am celebrating. This Christmas I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the man Jesus became. Amen

FAMILY TREE

November 27 is the first Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1: parts of 1 - 17

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Jesse the father of King David, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

FAMILY TREE

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I tell a story, I start with, “Let me tell you about…” or “Have you heard?” or “A long, long time ago…” No, Matthew starts with, “A record of the genealogy…” Doesn’t that just grab you and make you want to read more? How many people do you know that say, “Let me introduce, Susie. She is the daughter of, the grand-daughter of, the great-granddaughter of --?”

Okay, I will admit I am not big on genealogy so I would, most likely, just skip this part. Or should I? Is it important? Does it matter what Jesus’ family tree looks like?

Actually it does and Matthew realized that. If Matthew was going to write a book for me, he would have started, “Mary, let me tell you about this man I knew. His name is Jesus.” But Matthew wasn’t writing to me, his readers would have been Jews. Matthew wanted them to realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. Matthew knew his audience.

The Jews had been expecting a Messiah. They had waited a very long time: Fourteen generations + fourteen generations + fourteen generations. They were expecting and they were waiting, but something happened.

Romans 1:16 and 10:12-13 - I am not ashamed of the gospel (proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus), because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Matthew tried to give his Jewish readers the facts. He tried to help them make the connection from Abraham to Jesus. Somehow, the Jews missed that Jesus is the Messiah. The Son of God. They missed that their wait was over.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you missed Jesus?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord of All, Christmas is coming and it is coming like a freight train at full speed. I feel like -- Advent: Expecting? Waiting? Preparation? Lord, I do not want to be so busy that I miss Christmas. Lord, I do not want to miss you! As I prepare to celebrate Your birth, let me not forget that Abraham was the father of Isaac, Jesse the father of King David, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. .… Amen

GIVE THANKS

Thanksgiving is almost here so, of course, this will be on giving thanks.

SCRIPTURES

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

GIVE THANKS

We are told to give thanks to the Lord. We are told to enter his gates with thanksgiving. We are told to give thanks in all circumstances. Give thanks - oh, this could be fun!

MY THANK YOU PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for ice cream. Don’t know how ice cream was first thought of. Guess I could Google that, but I just want to thank you for ice cream. I especially like vanilla because it has such possibilities. Vanilla is good on pie and cake. It is good with root beer poured over it. It is good with chocolate, caramel and marshmallow crème on top. Yes, Lord, thank you for ice cream.

Lord, thank you for mud. There is just nothing like squishing my toes in mud after a nice summer rain. And it makes the neatest sound when I pull my feet out. Yup, mud deserves to be on the list. Thank you.

Lord, thank you for knee high nylons. What a pleasure to put those on, under slacks, instead of fighting with a pair of panty hose. And, if my skirt is long enough and I watch how I cross my legs, those knee highs will work just fine. Bless you for giving someone a creative mind and that mind coming up with knee highs.

Lord, I so enjoy magnets. Have you gazed upon my refrigerator and freezer? Or the door in our office? Or the file cabinet behind me? Magnets! The pictures of our grandchildren are on the office door. (What a treat that is to see them watching me work. Do you have my picture sticking around somewhere?) My file cabinet has business cards, a cow, a cross, two angels, a scripture (Do I get brownie points for the angels, cross and scripture?), notes and a calendar. The magnets on the refrigerator reflect where we have traveled or give me good advice. Thank you for magnets.

Lord, when I enter your gates with thanksgiving, I am absolutely going to say thank you for toothpicks. You just have no idea what it is like to have a tiny, tiny seed caught between your teeth. And that seed is always stuck where my tongue cannot get to it! What a relief when a tooth pick is handy! Thank you that someone looked at a sliver of wood and thought, “Wonder if that would get that seed out of my back tooth?”

Lord Most High, I am thankful for family, friends, home. But Lord, I thank you for all the little joys you place in my everyday life: Ice Cream, Mud, Knee High Nylons, Magnets and Toothpicks. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you and Amen.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Relax. Take a deep breath. Smile. Now: WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

LETTERS - A DAD I NEVER KNEW

(Brief background: At the time dad was drafted, he had a wife, a son and a daughter. I am the ‘I-am-home-from-the-war’ baby and a few years later another daughter joined the family. November 11, 2010 blog was also about these letters and how my hubby’s name was in them.)

LETTERS

They had always been there in mom and dad’s closet, but we never looked at them. And dad never talked about the war. Dad died in 1972, mom died in 1998 and the letters just sat there - unread until the fall of 2010.

As I began to open and copy the letters, a strange thing happened. I received a glimpse into an enlisted man’s life and I found a man I never knew.

Dad was in basic training in Camp Wheeler, Georgia. Dad, prior to service, was a mechanic, truck driver and had bad feet. Guess where the army placed him. Yup, in the infantry. His letters told about walking. And walking. And walking. And very, very sore feet.

Dad tried to explain what basic training was like and told about new friends, skunks in their barracks and KP duty. When dad arrived in Germany, his letters contained fewer details, because he could not give specific information. Dad did tell about meeting children, being lucky enough to have a heating stove and having his buddies shot. Dad mainly asked about mom, Kenny and Jean. Dad’s letters used the word love. And that is the dad I never knew.

Worlds and worlds of love, dearest, love you millions and love written big and bold were in each letter. And yet, I have no memory of ever hearing my father tell me that he loved me. I always thought that was a generalization thing until I read these letters. He knew how to write that word! What happened between putting that word on letter after letter after letter and speaking it when he came home?

I have always wanted to hear my dad tell me that he loved me. In a way, the reading of these letters has accomplished that. How? Not sure. I just know that somewhere between unfolding the first letter and now, I found a dad I never knew. A dad that did love his family whether he could say it out loud or not. Somewhere, while putting a letter back into its envelope, I heard my father say, “And I love you too.”

Today, as I think about these letters, I want to thank and honor all VETERANS and THEIR FAMILIES.

SCRIPTURES

He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. 2 CHRONICLES 32:6 - 8

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. PSALM 144:1

What a world this would be if the word war was never heard again! What a world this would be if no son or daughter, no husband or father, no wife or mother, no sister, brother or friend was ever sent to battle again!

Until that happens, let us honor those that serve and appreciate the families that support them.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord, today I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the men and women who are willing to defend and protect our freedoms and our country. I pray you give them strength, courage, safety and Your power as they face evil around the world. Lord, I ask that you give comfort to the families as they maintain a home. Lord, never let me take for granted the freedoms I have or ever forget those that protect and defend me. Amen

HARVEST 2

Last week this blog was a prayer for our farmers and the fall harvest. Bill works each spring and fall for a farm family. In the spring he prepares the ground and in the fall he hauls grain from the combine to the trucks.

While doing this, Bill has to be close to the combine and he must keep pace with the combine so the grain cart is under the auger.

Then he makes his way across the field to the trucks. Sometimes he has to go around obstacles – tile holes, rocks – and he always has to be careful that the auger, on the grain cart, does not hit a power line. Yes, he has to watch where he is going as he approaches the truck.

Bill has to be under the auger of the combine or the grain would end up on the ground. When he unloads into the truck, he has to be sure the grain auger is over the truck. Grain on the ground is of no value.

Then he heads back into the field for the next load.

SCRIPTURE: Parts of EPHESIANS 5:8-10, 15-20

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord. Be very careful then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. Understand what the Lord’s will is. Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

HARVEST 2

Our lives with God are like Bill hauling grain.

Bill has to go to the combine to receive grain. We have to go to God to receive the Spirit that will guide us.

Bill has to stay close to the combine or the grain will spill to the ground and be of no value. We have to stay close to God to learn what pleases Him and to learn His will for our lives. If we are not close to God, His words are just words on a page and will have no value in our lives.

Bill must have an empty grain cart so it can receive the grain. We have to empty ourselves so God can fill us.

Bill must travel away from the combine, watching out for obstacles, and unload the grain. We travel through life, watching out for obstacles, and unload/share the Word of God with others.

And when the grain cart is empty, Bill takes it back to the combine to be refilled. When we are empty, because we have encountered numerous obstacles or have given of ourselves to help others, we must go back to God to be refilled.

There is one big difference between our lives with God and Bill hauling grain. When the combine finishes the very last row, it is put away and it just sits there. It is of no use. There is no reason to take the grain cart near it. It is empty.

The difference? You can ALWAYS go to God. He is never empty. He is not put away, sitting around being useless. GOD IS! And God is always willing to fill you up!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you close to God? Are you trying to get past obstacles? Do you feel like you are empty? Do you know where to go to get filled again?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

God, have you ever thought of yourself as a combine? The amazing thing is that your hopper is never empty. My wonderful God, let me always stay close to you so I can be filled. Let me always please you and know your will. And when I feel empty, let me have the wisdom to return and be filled. Amen

HARVEST

SCRIPTURES

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22

…. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and the joy will be complete. Deuteronomy 16:15

HARVEST

When I hear that word, I see fields waiting – corn, soybeans, wheat – waiting to give back what was planted, tended and given a chance to grow. I would like to offer a prayer for all those farmers that are in the fields. A prayer for all that harvest the crops that feed us.

Lord, thank you that there will always be a seed time and a harvest time. Your farmers are in the fields. Protect them. The equipment is so big and accidents can happen so quickly. Let their minds not wander from their task. Prosper them. Let their yields be high and prices remain stable. Give them strength. Let their bodies be strong during this harvest so they can work the long hours and, when the opportunity arrives, allow their bodies and minds to rest. Give them perseverance. Farmers are true stewards of your earth! Let them have the vision and wisdom to move from planting to tending to waiting to harvest to waiting and then to planting. Yes Lord, your farmers need perseverance.

Lord, thank you for all involved in agriculture! Send a special blessing that they will know their effort, their work, their calling is directed by you.

Amen

SCRIPTURE

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest fields.” Matthew 9:37

HARVEST

Lord, your church is to have a different type of harvest. We are to harvest souls! Instill in us the desire to be farmers for God. Let us plant the seed of your word. Let us each tend and nurture all believers. Let us have patience, as we wait for the spiritual growing that only your Holy Spirit can give. Let us be prepared for the harvest as believers unite in worship.

Lord, instill in each disciple the desire to be farmers for God, so that when the final harvest begins, not one “kernel” will be lost in the field.

AMEN AND AMEN

Today – no questions and no final prayer. Today your job is to thank the farmers as you enjoy your next meal.

NEVER ALONE

(CASA – COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE – The voice of the child)

Naomi Haines Griffith was the keynote speaker at the 2011 CASA State Conference. What a speaker! First of all, she is from the south and I absolutely love her accent. Second, she sure could make you laugh and then immediately hit you with a zinger.

One minute we would be laughing as she described the real way to cook green beans and her dead family members. She said she grew up thinking all families were just like hers.

Just like hers until – Until she realized no child is ever alone. Every child has their family with them; it is just that we cannot see them. Every child grows up thinking the world is like their family -- Kind/Cruel, Chaos/Calm, Loving/Distant -- and to understand the child we have to understand the family.

This is a lesson I am learning as I work with children and families. Sometimes it is hard to understand why they just don’t get it. (Look at the family.) Sometimes, I wonder if they will ever get it. (Look at the family.) Sometimes,

Sometimes – No, always, I have to look below the surface and ignore the obvious. Always I have to realize they are a part of a unique family – their family – and that is how children see the world. Always I have to ask, “Tell me about your family.” Then I have to listen with my ears, my eyes and my heart.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you remember being asked, “Whose child are you?” Were you proud to answer? Did you answer with your head held high? Or did you look to the ground and quietly give your answer? Knowing you were going to be judged unkindly.

Do you judge the way others live against the way you live? (And the answer to the last question is yes. We all do that.)

NEVER ALONE

Just as no child is ever alone because they carry their family with them, you are never alone. Our earthly families may be a long way from perfect but when asked the question, “Whose child are you?” you do not need to hang your head. You can proudly hold your head high and proclaim to the world:

SCRIPTURES:

I AM A CHILD OF GOD (How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1)

AND MY FATHER IS ALWAYS WITH ME. (“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 and Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ….. even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:8-10)

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children, no matter their age. Some children come from families that are hard to understand and some families do not treat their children the way they should. Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children. Surround them with your arms and give them comfort. Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children. Send into their lives someone who will listen with their ears, eyes and heart. Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children. Amen

AM I INVISABLE?

Picture this: I drive a red - a very red - Envoy. Not a BIG vehicle but big enough. Big enough YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE IT!!

It happened again this week. Just driving home, down the main street of our small town, and, "WHAT?" A pickup pulls out and across the lane I am in! It was a good thing I was not changing channels or using my cell phone.

"CAN HE NOT SEE ME? AM I INVISABLE?"

One day, after driving to our daughters, I asked Terri to look out her window and see if she could see anything in her driveway. "Your car." she said.

I came back with, "If you can see my red, four wheel, SUV why couldn't the milk truck that came around the curve in my lane, the black car that pulled out in front of me and the -----

"AM I INVISABLE?"

Do you ever feel invisible? Like no one knows you are there? Like they cannot see you? Or hear you?

SCRIPTURE

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth -- he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Psalm 33:13-15

"AM I INVISABLE?" You are not invisible to God!

LET US PRAY: Psalm 121

Lord, I lift up my eyes to the hills and there find You, the Maker of heaven and earth. To You I am not invisible. Thank You for helping me during the day, by giving me shade from the sun and keeping my feet from slipping onto the wrong path. Thank you for keeping me safe during the night. To you I am not invisible. 24/7/365 You see me. Thank you for always watching over me no matter where I am.

"AM I INVISABLE?" NOT TO YOU!!! Lord, when I feel invisible, as if no one knows I am here, allow me to look up and know you are looking back. Amen

DID YOU EVER WONDER?

Why do you not see the dust on the TV until someone un-expectantly comes to visit?

Why is the 12 and less lane closed when you have two items and open when you have 13?

Why does it rain really hard until you call off the picnic and then the sun comes out?

Why is the blouse to-die-for only available in a size smaller or one size larger than you wear?

Why, when people tell you your kids are so sweet, do you wonder if they are confused as to which ones belong to you?

Why does it sound like there is a cup of salt still in the box but when you cut the top of there is only a few grains?

We all have questions and things we wonder about. We ponder the oddities of everyday life. We contemplate the universe.

Asking questions is nothing new. The Bible is full of people asking questions.

What is the greatest commandment?

Why didn't Jesus' disciples fast?

Will you give us a sign from heaven?

Should we pay taxes?

Why do you speak in parables?

WHO WOULD HAVE THE AUDACITY TO QUESTION JESUS?

SCRIPTURES

Mark 2:18 - some people

Mark 8:11 - Pharisees

Mark 12:18 - Sadducees

Mark 12:28 - teacher of the law

Luke 20:21 - spies

Matthew 13:10 - disciples

DID YOU EVER WONDER? As you can see many people wondered about what Jesus said and about what Jesus did. Know what that means?

It is okay to ask questions. Know what else? The Bible has the answers.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever felt guilty because you questioned God?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

It is me again, Lord. Today I want to ask you, "Why did you make the sky blue? Why did you make birds fly? Are you real? Is Jesus your Son? Does the Holy Spirit really live in me? How can I be sure?" "Why did you make me?" See, that is my big question. Why did you make me? Is it okay to ask that? Amen

CONFIDENT AND BOLD

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How do you worship? Do you worship with your head bowed? Sitting quietly? Is it good to worship in more than one way? Is it okay to dance? Be confident? Bold? Courageous? Fearless?

SCRIPTURES

David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 2 Samuel 6:14

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:3

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Philippians 1:14

CONFIDENT AND BOLD

I do not think there is one set style to worship God. Sometimes our worship is quiet. Peaceful. Using songs that bring memories of tradition. At other times our worship uses songs set to drums and guitars. Is convicting. A bit noisy.

Today I would like to encourage you to be CONFIDENT and BOLD. David was confident and bold when he danced in the streets. Danced with shouts and trumpets. David was so excited to be bringing the ark home that he could not wait until he was home, within the confines of walls, to praise the Lord. No way! This worship demanded dancing! And shouts! And trumpets!

The scriptures tell us to be bold as a lion, to speak with great boldness and to be more courageous and fearless.

Do you want to sing: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Or do you want to boldly and with confidence sing: JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY, ALLELUIA!

Do you want to ask: Father forgive me. Or do you want to courageously (Because it does take courage to admit you have sinned) ask: FATHER FORGIVE ME.

Do you want to tell: For God so loved the world. Or do you want to fearlessly tell: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD!

Spending quiet, prayerful, personal, listening and study time with God is extremely important. We each need these times of worship, but do not limit the way you worship God.

Be bold!

Be confident!

Be courageous!

Be fearless!

As you spend time in worship, shout to God, "ALLEULUIA!" And, if you are really fearless, dance in the streets.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Bold. Confident. Courageous. Fearless. Lord, these are new terms when I think about how I worship. Can I just sorta be over in the corner and watch? Can I just think bold? Can I --My dear, loving God, give me boldness and confidence when I sing. Making each word important and each song a statement of my faith. Give me courage when I pray. Making each prayer honest, holding nothing back. Give me fearlessness when I tell others about you. Making each statement a truth from your Word. Amen

TAKING THE LONG WAY

Men might not understand but women will. I am tired of our dishes. I did like them when I bought them probably 15 years ago, but they say farm fresh and we no longer live on the farm. They also have apples and, well, I just am ready for some new dishes.

I looked and I looked. I knew I wanted Corning Ware so I checked every pattern they had. Then there it was! Just what I was looking for so I began watching their sales. Would they put that design on sale? Could I get a really good buy?

I am a Wal-Mart shopper only when I can not find something locally, but I went online and there were my dishes. And for less than I could get them from Corning Ware. Even with a 20% off coupon! I ordered the dishes September 14.

It has been fun tracking my dishes. I am not exactly sure where they began, but they arrived in Greencastle, Indiana on the 18th. They left Greencastle on the 19th. They arrived in Coldwater, Michigan on the 20th and they left there on the 21st. Hopefully the next stop will be Wabash, Indiana.

Just for fun, get out a map. Find Greencastle, Indiana. Now go north into Michigan to Coldwater. Now come back south into Indiana to Wabash. My dishes have had quite a journey!

Now, get out another map. A map of your journey with God. What would your journey be like? Would it be a straight line from your birth to God? Or did your journey begin later in life? Has your journey been by the most direct route? Or, at times, has your journey taken you right past your destination?

SCRIPTURE: Please read Psalm 139

Psalm 139:8-10 -- If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

This is my favorite Psalm. I have not always known where my dishes were, but it reminds me that God always knows where I am. God knows where you are. God knows because God holds fast to each of us with His right hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you want to know a secret? God loves you when you take the most direct route to be with Him, but God loves you even when your journey to Him takes the long way home.

ACTIVITY OF THE DAY

Yes, there is usually a question but today there is an activity. Get a piece of paper. Write GOD at the top. Write your name at the bottom. Now track your journey. Be honest and mark those side trips that you wish you hadn't taken. But be thrilled to mark the times when you stayed strong, with your destination fixed in your heart.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

I can see you smiling, God. You have been tracking me since the day I was born. If my journey was marked by push pins and yarn, it would look like a jumbled mess. It would look like I did not know where I was going. My God, even when my journey took me in the opposite direction, in my heart, in my soul I knew my journey would lead me to you. Thank you for tracking me. Thank you for knowing where I am when I feel lost. Thank you for holding me fast in your right hand. Amen

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

SCRIPTURES

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. -- Ephesians 2:22

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

One simple idea, a quick flash in the brain – But it is a small thing. Is it really worth the trouble? I only have two coupons and it takes five.

That is the way my mind worked one morning as I looked at the coupons our local grocery gave away. When you spent $50 at one time, you received one coupon. Then, when you had collected five, you would receive a $10 gift card. The problem is I only had two tickets and knew there was no way to get three more. What to do? What to do?

Then I thought, “By themselves, my two coupons are worthless, but what if other people at church had one or two they could not use? By themselves mine are no good, but if I could put them with others, we could use them in to help the local food pantry.”

Cliff Notes version: We asked for coupons. We donated $40 to the food pantry. $40 they did not have.

Ephesians tells us we “are being built together” and Acts tells us that we “must help the weak.” As one I could not help, but together we could help the weak. We could help those struggling to make ends meet and in need of assistance with food.

Was this a big help? Not really. $40 will not go far but together, with donations from others, small contributions add up.

I am very thankful that we do not need assistance with food. But there are times I need help. Times when I am weak and when those times arise, I am thankful I know just where to go for help.

Romans 8:26 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where do you turn when you are weak? When you need help? Do you have ideas that could help others but think they are too small?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Together. Lord thank you for the opportunity to help others when they are weak. I pray I never think an idea is too small to help.

Together. Lord that is such a comforting word. It means I do not have to go through life alone. I can go through life together. Together with family, friends and sometimes with strangers who want to help me.

Together. Lord that is such a powerful word. It means I do not have to go through life alone. I can go through life together. Together with you. When I am weak, the Spirit knows how to intercede for me. Intercede when I am too weak to even pray.

Amen

POLITICALLY INCORRECT

If after reading this title you choose to not read my blog this week, I will understand. But this week I have decided to take a stand. I fear too many are being politically correct. I fear this will be the downfall of many faiths and our country.

SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 2:12, 14-16

From The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson

Write this to Pergamum, to the Angel of the church. The One with the sharp-biting sword draws from the sheath of his mouth – out come the sword words:

“But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don’t you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel’s holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing?

Enough! Don’t give in to them; I’ll be with you soon. I’m fed up and about to cut them to pieces with my sword-sharp words.

POLITACALLY INCORRECT

As the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001 approached, I found myself having many, many questions. The main question: Why are we not speaking out? Why are we not taking a stand?

A stand for our beliefs. Are we willing to weaken our faith in the name of unity? Are we willing to remain quiet because we might offend someone?

A stand for our country. Are we willing to allow the values of our country to be lost because our elected officials have become entrenched in words like Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Conservative and Independent?

A STAND FOR WHAT I BELIEVE – FAITH

I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Do I know how to explain this? No. What I do know is that God the Father comforts me, encourages me and has prepared a place for me when I leave this earthly body. I do believe God the Son came to cleanse me of my tiniest sin. Because I am cleansed, God the Father will remember my sins no more. I believe I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

I do not have the right to force my beliefs on others, but I do not have to water down my beliefs or integrate what I believe just so everyone is happy. God warned the church in Pergamum. They were allowing people to compromise with the world and with pagans. This is what I see our churches doing today.

I am instructed to be a good neighbor and love my enemies. I have no problem working beside and with individuals of other faiths, races or nationalities. I do not want anyone to suffer and my heart breaks when I see hungry and mistreated people wherever they are. But I do not have to agree with or approve of other beliefs just to present a unified front.

I do not have the right to kill someone because they do not agree with my faith. But I do have to right to speak out against a religion that will not censure, stop funding and remove from the Muslim or other faiths the “radical” faction that wants to kill anyone that does not believe the way they do. The shooting in Norway, the bombing in Oklahoma City, the Westboro Baptist Church protesters and the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001 are all wrong. Radical factions are not limited to one faith nor one country, but no faith should continue to support and defend the radical factions. And when a faith continues to do so, they should not be asked to hold hands in unity, they should be held accountable.

A STAND FOR WHAT I BELIEVE – COUNTRY

I am first a Christian. Second a wife. Third a mother and grandmother. Then I am an American, but I am very concerned for the country we are handing to our children and grandchildren. I may be politically incorrect, but I believe:

I believe we need to return to strong family values. Parents need to be parents and not friends. They need to set boundaries. They need to teach their children values instead of allowing them to learn from the street, television, computer games and overpaid athletes. We need to teach our children about responsible sex, that love lasts more than one night and being there at conception is the beginning of being a parent not the end. The education of our children needs to be a priority. This education must begin in the home and continue in the schools, with the parents being involved in reading and math instead of just the Friday night ball game.

Every citizen is as important as any other and should be treated equally. Until we quit checking a box for race, sex, income and nationality, this country will be divided.

I am proud that our country has opened its arms to people, although I am also sure the original Americans wonder if things might have been better if they would have sunk those ships instead of welcoming and feeding the strange new people. I am proud of a country where people choose to live. Where individuals and families run to escape persecution, starvation, torture and death and wish to make this their home. Their country. Who bring their dreams and hopes of a better life. But we are one country and we need to be united under one flag and one language.

I welcome all who enter this country legally but I refuse to be labeled unchristian because I support the enforcement of illegal immigration laws. I honor the office of President but refuse to be called a racist because I do not support the agenda of our current President. Neither of these have a thing to do with race or nationality. It is my right to support laws and disagree with agendas.

Laws should be applied equally whether you are employed by a private or public company, self employed, unemployed, retired or working in the government. Our rights cannot harm others. Being mad at someone does not give you the right to shoot them. Having a rough time does not give you the right to rob someone. And nothing gives you the right to physically, mentally or emotionally abuse children.

As much as anyone, I hate to pay taxes but the only way this country can survive is by everyone contributing at the same tax percentage without deductions and exemptions. This is not a new idea, but it is fair.

I believe companies should either keep manufacturing in the USA or be forced to build overseas facilities equally compliant with USA environmental regulations and wage scales. The USA does not make anything anymore. We can blame this on strict environmental regulations and union demands for extreme benefit packages. I believe in a days pay for a days work but our citizens cannot work if the companies receive tax incentives and then leave the country once those incentives expire.

Our elected officials have passed so many laws no one knows what they are. They pass laws without reading them. They pass laws to get their name on a bridge. They pass laws – Our elected officials have forgotten the foundation upon which this country was founded. They are so removed from living they do not understand being without a job, being homeless, being broke, or living a normal life with shopping, cooking and paying their own way. They are so removed from living outside Washington that the only thing they do know is how to listen to lobbyist, exempt themselves from the laws they pass and spend our money. It must stop.

Our country is extremely blessed in compassion, patriotism, a call to duty and resources. But we are also at a crossroads. We no longer have the funds to finance the world. We have assisted in wars to protect the freedoms and lives of strangers. We have given medical, financial and other forms of relief following natural disasters. And we are told, by the very countries we assist, that we do not do enough. We purchase products from other countries that can be found within our own borders. We are willing to have the landscapes in other countries destroyed, to drive our cars, but unwilling to create jobs and develop less expensive energy on our own soil.

Do you know what I just realized; I have written much more than I had planned, but there just didn’t seem to be a stopping point. Also, I have written more about what I believe about our country than what I believe about my faith. I wonder why? I know my faith is solid because the foundation is solid.

Is the USA still solid? Are we standing on a solid foundation? My fear is that we are not and an even bigger fear is that our country is like a snowball, rolling down a mountain, getting bigger and bigger. Rolling away from its foundation so fast no one will be able to stop it.

No one? Oh, yes. There is one.

Lord, What power lies in my hands? None. But I do know where the power is. Thank you Lord that the power is in the heavenly realms not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Only you know what is to happen tomorrow. For today, give me patience and understanding. Give me strength and courage to stand on a strong foundation of faith and be loyal to what I believe. Close my ears to those that try to weaken your word. Guard my Spirit. Awaken this country, Lord. Remind them of the values of truth, honesty and justice. You have richly blessed our land, please open the hearts of our people and give us guidance and direction. Amen.

IF IT’S BROKE AND USELESS, THROW IT AWAY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

IF IT’S BROKE AND USELESS, THROW IT AWAY

Yes, I know. We have become a throw away society, but give me a break!

A couple weeks ago at church, Joyce asked, “Did you notice we have a new clock in the kitchen?”

We all looked and sure enough, a new clock and it was working. The old clock would stop at odd intervals so someone was always resetting the time. Joyce finally just bought a new one.

She then said, “But I put the old one under the sink.”

I asked, “Why? If it is not working, why didn’t you just throw it away?”

A few days later, Bill and I left on vacation and the first morning he told me his travel razor quit. We decided we would find a Wal-Mart and get a new one. Bill left for his coffee and it was my turn in the bathroom.

There – sitting in the travel case – was the razor that no longer worked! Were we going to haul it all the way back home?

I met Bill downstairs and asked, “Why? If it is not working, why didn’t you just throw it away?”

Yes, I know we have become a throw away society, but we have also become a society that hangs onto things that are no longer of value. Things that are broken and just clutter our lives.

What broken things are you holding onto? What have you stuck under a sink, broken and useless, but taking up space? What have you left in your suitcase, broken and useless, but carrying it everywhere you go?

Our lives are full of burdens and God is more than happy to bear them for us, but we need to remember: IF IT’S BROKE AND USELESS, THROW IT AWAY.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What broken and useless items, habits and past hurts are you holding onto?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Lord, God and Savior, Thank you for bearing my burdens but give me wisdom to look at my life and see the broken, useless parts I need to throw away. The things I need to throw so far that I can no longer retrieve them. Amen

ALMOST TOO LATE

This has been a week. It didn’t look this busy a couple weeks ago. There was not much written down. Then Monday filled up. And Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday. And – OH NO – It is Friday. How did Friday get here?

I have not written my blog and it is time to post it. How did I forget? Where did this week go? It is Friday and I am almost late.

Almost! Sometimes it is fine to be almost late. It is okay to be almost late to a ball game. Almost late to dinner. It would be okay if I was almost late to church. I wouldn’t miss anything since it was just almost. So, I guess it is okay that it is Friday morning and I am writing this at 8:07 AM instead of posting it. I am just “almost” on time.

Oh, I feel better. I haven’t really missed anything. Or have I?

What if this morning, one person needed to hear about God at 8:07 AM and instead of finding words of encouragement they found – nothing? (No I do not have grandiose ideas that my blog makes a huge difference in the world.) But, what if, one searching soul randomly stumbled on Mary’s Moments and --

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 24:44

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

ALMOST TOO LATE

What if some searching soul almost found words of encouragement? Would they be ready when the Son of Man returns?

What if I am almost ready to give up what stands between God and me? Will I be ready when the Son of Man returns?

What if you have almost made a decision to give your life to God? Will you be ready when the Son of Man returns?

Or will we be standing there saying, “I was almost ready.”

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Will you be too late?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Lord, Slow my breathing. Give me deep breaths as I calm myself. As I take a moment to – A moment to save my soul. I do not intentionally make myself so busy that I forget you. I no not intentionally fill my calendar to the point of breaking. Slow my breathing. Give me deep breaths as I calm myself. As I take a moment to save my soul. As I turn to you and say, “I am ready Lord. Your return is one thing I do not want to miss. I want to live each day so I am ready and will never have to say I almost made it.” … Amen

OLDER SON: “I WANT THE PRODICAL SON’S FATHER.”

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:20, 28

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.

OLDER SON: “I WANT THE PRODICAL SON’S FATHER.”

When I turned the radio on, the minister was giving his take on the Parable of the Lost Son and again I thought, “Wrong.” Can you stand one more time on this subject? I do believe this is the most discussed, most preached, most one sided parable there is. Let’s get the given out of the way: Yes, this is a parable about us coming home to God. Coming home after we have taken his blessings, wasted them, hit rock bottom and hoping we will be forgiven.

My problem is that I think the older brother is getting a bad reputation he does not deserve. I do not think he is mad about his brother coming home. I do not think he is even mad about the fattened calf. He might have been a bit upset about the ring, but who knows for sure.

I think he was upset because he wanted his brother’s father. He wanted a father who was so excited to see him that he would run to meet him. He wanted a father who loved him enough to throw him a party. Not one that said, “My son you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But…” You see, it is the “But” that causes the problem. He wanted his brother’s father. That father did not say “but” to the lost son. That father just showed love!

From the first time this parable was told, the older brother was the bad guy. I just don’t agree, because I know how he felt.

You see, I wanted my brother’s mother. There were four of us and my mother had one child. My brother! He could do no wrong. He could be late for a family dinner and we all had to wait. If he wanted something mother had – even if one of us girls had given it to her – she gave it to him. My brother’s mother showed him love! Love I felt I did not get.

One time I asked mother about this. “Why do you love my brother most?” Her reply was, “There is just something about your firstborn.” When I asked, “What about your second, third and fourth born?” she had no reply.

I know my Creator, my Father, my God loves me unconditionally. He loves all His children equally. But I am like the misunderstood older brother. I did not want the “but”. I just wanted to know that this third born was loved as much as the first.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you the prodigal son? Are you the older brother? What do you feel when you read this parable?

Most children have issues with their parents. Some we leave behind in childhood. Some we carry with us into adulthood.

I no longer carry resentment or bitterness and, when my time comes to go back home to God, I will be thrilled to see my parents and my brother again.

What feelings toward your parents or siblings do you have? Good? Bad? Somewhere in between? Talk to God. Believe me, it works.

And remember: GOD HAS NO FAVORITES! GOD LOVES US ALL! EQUALLY!

AWFUL WORDS TO SAY AND HEAR

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

Judges 10:6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, he became angry with them.

Judges 10:13-14 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!

AWFUL WORDS TO SAY AND HEAR

If you read the history of the Israelites, it is no different from our history. The phrase ‘did evil in the eyes of the Lord’ appears repeatedly. This time their evil was not only worshiping/serving one other god, but multiple gods. I guess you could call it “god of the day” worship.

AWFUL WORDS TO SAY:

We, like the Israelites, continue to tell God no. We refuse to do X, Y or Z. We do over and over things, we know we shouldn’t. Our gods have different names: Money. Pride. Sports. These are all gods we serve by our actions. And by those actions we tell God no! We tell God we will not serve you alone.

But could you:

• Look into God’s face and say, “Sorry, God. I would rather spend my time watching football/sport of your choice than go to church with my family.”
• Shake God’s hand and say, “Thank you for the plan you prepared for my life, but my plan is better.”
• Sit next to God, remember what you have in the bank, put 1% into the collection plate and say, “Well, God. That is better than nothing.”

How loud would your voice be if you had to raise your head, open your eyes, look into the face of God and say, “I pick these things over you. I no longer serve you.”

I no longer serve you. Awful words to say.

AWFUL WORDS TO HEAR:

In these scriptures, the people have turned to God and asked for help. God tells them, “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!” Now that would be tough to hear. Immediately you would know you had really messed up this time. Instantly you would realize those gods could not save you.

These are not the awful words to hear though. The awful words? “I will no longer save you.”

Our Sunday School class studied these scriptures and I asked the class, “How would it feel to have God say he would no longer save you?”

No one spoke. Most looked down at the table. It was as if the air was sucked right out of the room.

One person finally said, “But he didn’t take away his presence.”

Another said, “They truly repented. (Verse 15) They gave up the other gods.”

What reaction would you have? Would it seem as if the world stopped spinning? As if time stood still? Would you --

I will no longer save you. Awful words to hear.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord forgive me for all the times my actions have refused to serve you. Open my eyes so I will recognize the gods that take my time, my resources, my soul. And when I finally see, when I truly repent - please Lord, forgive me.

Lord, I know you will always be present in my life, but I pray that the Holy Spirit stays strong and so fills me, that I never hear you say, “I will no longer save you.” For if I ever turn to other gods and hear you utter those words, I will be lost forever.

Amen

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Okay, so this is one of those days when my mind just goes here, there and yonder. Bill will tell you that is how my mind has always worked. At least, it is still working!

Trying to figure out what to write, I looked in my prayer journal and I thought, “That sounds good. So does that. That is good but short. Great, now what?”

So, today you get random thoughts.

The church building can be beautiful, a work of art, but if the Spirit of God is not there, it is just a building.

I can have a healthy body, but if the Holy Spirit is not there, what good is it?

Seems we always have a good reason for missing a Sunday here and there. Wonder if God thinks they are good reasons.

There are so many ways to thank God for being an ALWAYS God. If you break the word and add an ‘l’, God becomes an ALL WAYS God.

I am becoming older but God is already ancient! Daniel 7:9 calls him “Ancient of Days.” At least no one has called me ancient. Yet!

I am to be a light. Sometimes I feel like I need new batteries!

God, would you consider deleting patience and obey?

Yes, I know we prayed for the rain to end so we could get crops out, but now we need rain.

SCRIPTURES

HEBREWS 4:12 (first part) -- For the word of God is living and active.

Philemon :6 -- I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

FINAL RANDOM THOUGHTS --

God is a verb: I AM! That means HE IS living and active in our lives.

We are a verb: ACTIVE! That means we are to share our faith. Then, not only will we have a full understanding of all we have in Christ, but others will also.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

So what thoughts enter your mind as it goes here, there and yonder?

Now put those thoughts into a prayer.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!

THERE ARE WOMEN IN THE BIBLE?

Did you notice the question mark at the end of the title? I first had an exclamation mark, but decided that most people would ask this as a question. “There are women in the Bible?”

How many women can you name? ------- Okay, times up. How many did you come up with? Mary - 1. Martha - 2. Sara - 3. That other Mary - 4. Elizabeth - 5. Getting harder? Oh - Esther - 6. Ruth - 7. Keep going! You are only thinking of the good women. Bathsheba - 8. Potiphar’s Wife - 9. Come on, you can make it to 10. Yes, Eve - 10.

For a program, at church, I was going to look in the concordance and list all the women. Hit a snag real quick. It is hard to tell the difference between names of men, women and cities. And do you realize how many women are not even given a name? Is Basemeth the name of a mountain or a woman? Noah? Male? Wrong! Numbers 27: 1 - …. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.

When I googled, the list of major women numbered 114. That is only the major names! Time to rethink the title: THERE ARE WOMEN IN THE BIBLE!!!

The big problem is that, when we read the Bible, we so focus on the men that we overlook the lessons the women have for us. It is time to stop skimming over those lessons and READ! Take time to think about what the woman was going through. What her life would have been like.

One of the resources I found was Women of the Bible at www.womenofthebible.com

Anita Gutschick pointed out:

• Lot’s Wife looked back - Are we always looking back and therefore not able to look forward?
• The Woman at the Well - One of those “not so nice” ladies without a name meets the Messiah and what does she do? She left her water jar (essential to her life) and ran to tell others about the good news. From this woman we need to answer the question: What are we willing to leave behind and who are we willing to tell?
• How we behave is more important than how we look.
• There are consequences to our actions.
• The kitchen is a busy place when Jesus and his friends drop in for lunch.
• You can stand up to the Pharaoh.
• We should not play favorites and should not interfere in others affairs.

My favorite discovery? Sisterchicking began a very long time ago.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:39-40, 56

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you imagine the conversations Mary and Elizabeth had? Can you picture Zechariah over in the corner, listening but not being able to join in? Can you picture the women comparing bellies? (Yes, they would have! They were women.) Can you picture them as Mary leaves to return home?

What have you learned from a woman in the Bible?

LET US PRAY

In your own words, tell God how thankful you are for the female role models He has placed in the Bible.

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PS - If you are a man and made it to the end of today’s blog, please let me know. I want to congratulate you.

STONES VERSUS DOORS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

Joshua 7:20, 25b - Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel." Then all of Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.

John 8:7, 9 - When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

Please also read Matthew 7:7, Acts 14:27 and Revelations 3:20. Oh, go ahead. It will do you good to look them up.

STONES VERSUS DOORS

Our Sunday School class was studying Joshua 7 and a comment I made has been on my heart.

Cliff notes: The Israelites defeated Jericho but then got thoroughly trounced. Why? Well, thinking themselves undefeatable after Jericho, they planned the next battle instead of following God. Joshua also failed to notice God was no where to be found. You see, God was more than a bit upset with them. He had told the Israelites to take nothing for their own out of Jericho. As usual, one guy saw a few items he liked so he took them and hid them under his tent. No one knew except God. When they were defeated, Joshua called God and asked, "What gives?" God says, "Did you even notice I was no where to be found? Here is what you are going to do to fix things." Each tribe and person was judged innocent until only Achan remained. The punishment was severe. Achan, his family and everything he owned was stoned, burned and buried under a pile of rocks.

The discussion was great: How would you feel waiting to see if the guilty person was in your tribe? Your family? Why punish the whole family? How does one person's sin cause others to suffer? How would you feel if you were Achan? How would you feel as you threw stones?

It is hard for us to understand much in the Old Testament. One man sinned and the whole family stoned. Why the whole family? Why death? Why did the whole community have to participate? But we are New Testament people and we see sin through the Cross. We like the time Jesus said to throw the stone if you are free of sin. We know no stones will be thrown because we have ALL SINNED. We no longer throw stones or punish a whole family - or do we.

At the end of class, I commented, "Today we do not throw stones, we just shut doors."

We shut the door on:

> the person that has funny colored hair

> the person that doesn't like our style of music

> the person that has really sinned unlike our teeny tiny sins

> the person that has paid the price (jail time, etc.) for their crime

> the family of the person that committed crimes or those really big sins

> the person that doesn't wear the right clothes

Do you get the idea? Do we throw stones? No, we do something worse. We shut the door and deny those we judge, as not up to "our" standards, the opportunity to know Jesus.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Would you shut the door on someone?

(As you are thinking on this, I want to make a further comment. Please do not think I have some better-than-thou attitude. I am very guilty of judging people and am sure I have shut doors. My goal today is to help us see that we do not have to throw a rock to injure someone. We can shut the door to our church, to our compassion, to our understanding of God. When we do that, the person on the other side of the door will never learn about God's love and forgiveness.)

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Forgive me Lord. Forgive me when I feel smug because I do not throw stones, but feel it is fine shutting the door on people who do not live up to my standards. Move through me and be the force that gives me the courage to open doors in my church and in my life. When I see someone that has sinned, let me open the door of forgiveness. When I see someone that doesn't look quite like me, let me open the door and invite them in. When I see someone who is suffering because of the actions of another, let me open the doors of understanding and compassion. When I see someone looking for you, let me open the door before they even have a chance to knock. Amen

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #4

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: John 4:6-14 (Please go back and read the entire scripture. Here is a bit of those verses.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #4

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

Welcome to week four of The Gifts of God. Nine gifts down and one to go. Have you given thought to those nine gifts? Trials. Gentleness. Hiding Place. Delight. Tears. Called. Warning. Rest. Walk with head held high.

What gift could be in the box for us to open this week? What gift could top resting in God?

FOREVER

Now what can that mean? I know I'm not going to live forever? I know that nothing lasts forever. What kind of a gift is forever?

In the beginning God Genesis 1:1

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Forever - Thank you for the gift of knowing YOU are forever.

God wants you to know HE is forever. He will never abandon you. That is a gift. He wants you to know that you may have no family here, but he has adopted you. He has adopted us all. We are God's children. We belong to God. That is a gift. God has given us the gift of an advocate. God is on our side. That is a gift.

God wants you to know about all his gifts not just those "normal" gifts that we can name so easily.

So many gifts. So many blessings. There. Right in front of us. Really so many no altar is big enough to hold them. So many gifts. Waiting to be taken. Waiting to be opened.

And there is no one gift limit. God's gifts just keep coming and coming.

Everyday comes bearing its own gifts and God has prepared wonderful, amazing gifts for each of us. We do not have to wait for Christmas. We do not have to wait for our birthday. We do not have to wait.

God does offer the gifts? He does offer them, but he does not make us take them. God offers. But we have to accept.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

What gifts has God prepared for you? Will you accept them?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Thank you God for all you have given me. Thank you for the unique gifts you have prepared, because only you know what I need.

Lord, take away my hesitation. My fears. My doubts. Let me humbly accept your gifts. Courageously unwrap. And joyfully celebrate each one.

Amen & Amen

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #3

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: John 4:6-14 (Please go back and read the entire scripture. Here is a bit of those verses.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #3

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

Welcome to week three of The Gifts of God. We have learned about the gifts of Trials, Gentleness, Hiding Place, Delight, Tears and Called. Some of these just didn't fit into our usual idea of Gifs of God, but have you thought about them? Do they make sense now?

What will this week bring? Three more gifts! Oh, the Gifts of God just keep piling up and up and up and up and up and up!

WARNING: This is an unusual gift but one I should have opened. More than once. What a blessing it is when we receive a warning that something just isn't right. That feeling in our stomach. Those times when our conscious kicks in. The warning that makes us stop. A warning that makes us stop and think.

(speaking of Israel's history) Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11

The Bible is so full of lessons on how we should live, but it is also full of warnings that tell us what not to do.

REST: A gift we can all use. So busy. Work. Family. Too many phone calls. Too many committees. Too many times of saying yes. Too many -- Too many demands on our time. And each comes with -- Tired. Not enough hours. Not strong enough.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-29

Where can we find rest? In God!

WALK WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH: As I searched the scriptures to find those unusual gifts God wanted pointed out, I found this one. That's a gift I didn't understand. Why wouldn't we walk with our heads held high?

Maybe because we are sinners. Maybe because we are afraid of something in our past. Maybe because we feel unworthy. Psalm 44:15: My disgrace is before me all day long, and my face is covered with shame.

(God speaking to the Israelites) I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. Leviticus 26:13

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

We are forgiven children. Walk with your head held high. What a wonderful gift!

Nine gifts. Although God's gifts are unending, I only one more to tell you about. Come back next week to find out what it is.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been ready to do something and had a warning? Have you ever been so tired you just didn't know what to do? Have you ever had trouble holding your head high?

LET US PRAY: Today, please talk to God about his warnings. Thank him for breaking the bars of your yoke. Thank him for rest.

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #2

TODAYS SCRIPTURE John 4:6-14 (Please go back and read the entire scripture. Here is a bit of those verses.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #2

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

Welcome to week two of The Gifts of God. Last week we learned that sometimes the gifts of God are not what we expect or what we really want. The three gifts mentioned last week were Trials, Gentleness and Hiding Place.

This week I have three more. What gift might God give you? Or me? When the gift is opened, would you smile, laugh or worry?

DELIGHT: Delight is defined as something that gives great pleasure or enjoyment. And are you ready for this? GOD HAS A WHOLE RIVER OF DELIGHTS!

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:7

Think about it. God has a whole river of delights! A river just waiting for us to drink from.

When I gave my message, I held up a little drinking glass and told them I was not taking this to the river.

This is the cup I am dipping into the river of delights.

I don't know about you, but I want to take a very big glass, a super duper size glass to that river.

TEARS: Tears? Tears from laughter? From joy? Well, of course we all want that gift. What feeling is there like laughing so hard the tears run right down your cheeks? Or the sweet tears of joy? This is a great gift. This is a keeper!

Yes, but also God has given us tears to help us when we are grieving. When we are scared. Tears help us deal with pain. We must remember though, tears are not permanent.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

CALLED: Oh, my. Here is another gift we do not like to open. Called -- Our first question is, "Called to what?"

When we receive this gift, we begin to bargain with God. Can I do it tomorrow? Surely, you meant this gift for someone else. I don't know to teach. Africa? That is so far away. What about someplace not so hot. With indoor plumbing? I know. After the kids are out of the house. After the bills are all paid. After -- . But called is a gift.

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4: part of 14

Some ladies had just finished a study on Esther and understood that Esther was called to be a Queen. Called to save her people.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Of course, there is only one answer when we receive the gift of called. The Lord came and stood there, calling, "Samuel! Samuel!" We must be like Samuel. Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Take time to think about these three gifts: Delight. Tears. Called.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Three new gifts this week. Which would you be thrilled to open? Which gift have you received? Would you like to open the gift of called?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

More gifts! Lord, your gifts are never ending. I thank you for the gifts I welcome with open arms: joy, peace, love. And I thank you for the gifts I receive but do not understand until later. I so do want to drink from your river of delights and will dip into that river with the biggest container I can find. Tears have come with laughter and tears have come when life had no laughter in it. Called? Lord, when you give me that gift, make sure it is wrapped in strength and tied with your guidance. Called? Speak, your servant is listening. Amen