Hi, We will be moving next week and part of the move is being off line. So enjoy this weeks post and I will post a new blog on June 13. Remember to celebrate each day, Mary

SPOONS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11

Please look this scripture up and read the whole text. Quoted are verses 1, 4, 5, 7 and 11

1. Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 4. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 7. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 11. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

SPOONS

Before you read this, I want you to go into your kitchen and get as many different spoons as you can find. Go ahead. I will wait.

Good you are back. Now lay those spoons out in front of you. Look at them. Really look. Are they all the same? Do they all have the same purpose? After all, they are all spoons.

I can see you shaking your head. Maybe wondering why in the world you bothered to get the spoons. You know they are spoons. You know they are different. Pick up a spoon from your best silverware. What do you use it for? Now pick up a slotted serving spoon. How do you use it? Did you also get a big cooking spoon? You know, the one you use to stir noodles with. Did you grab a measuring spoon? A wooden spoon? Did you pick up specialty spoons: Sugar? Soup? Grapefruit? Iced tea?

Lay the spoons all out again. Look at them. They are all spoons. But they each have a different use. You could not use that little teaspoon to stir a big pot of soup. The big cooking spoon would not fit in the neck of a spice jar to measure 1/4 teaspoon. And you could not use the slotted spoon to put gravy over the mashed potatoes. Those spoons, each different, are like Christians.

God has a special and unique purpose for each of His children. Some Christians are specialist. They know how to pray. Really good prayers. Or they can run the sound system, without one tiny squeal. Or they are powerful preachers or teachers. Some Christians can handle big projects like building churches. Organizing the retreats. Raising money. Some Christians can go into homes and help cook and clean, when someone is ill or needs extra help. Some Christians sit in the pew on Sunday morning. Some Christians celebrate Sunday morning by sitting in the woods. Some are on committees. Some go to Bible Study and some read quietly at home. Some Christians have time to volunteer and some Christians are busy guiding their families on God's path.

Here's the thing -- Each spoon has a use. How would you work in the kitchen if all the spoons were the same? Each Christian has a use. How would God's work be done if all Christians were exactly alike?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you ever feel like you are less important than someone else because they seem to do "big" things? Do you ever feel uncomfortable when the Christian work you do is used as an example to others? As you put the spoons away, do you realize that God has a special use for you?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Father God, Thank you for trusting us to do your work on earth. Give us the wisdom to accept the talents and gifts you have given and use them as YOU want them to be used. Help us to put aside our human condition of comparing ourselves to others and follow your path for our lives. … Amen

THE NEXT GENERATION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 3:14-15

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, "The Lord, the God of your fathers -- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob -- has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation."

THE NEXT GENERATION

Our local library is celebrating 100 years. The library stated small, on the back porch of a member of the Women's Club. Small, but a beginning. The library moved to a larger building and then, thanks to an extremely generous gift, to the spacious building we have now. I am on the committee planning the events to celebrate these 100 years of serving the community.

As part of the celebration, we are featuring various patrons and I interviewed three generations of a family that reads. And I do mean read. Two brothers started keeping track of the books they have read since they retired. Gene, 90, has read over 500 books and he does not count magazines. Max, 86, has read 2,119 books. Gene's daughter Cathie and grandson Cory, each say they have read thousands. I told you this family likes to read.

I figured each interview would take 15-20 minutes. Was I ever wrong! Each lasted for over an hour. As I compared notes, from the different interviews, the thread between the generations could clearly be seen. Although Gene and Max were not read to as children and, admit they did not read to their children, they both told about reading to their grandchildren. Cory talked about the influence of seeing a grandfather read. Cathie read to her children every time they had a spare minute and now Cory has widened the reading circle to include his wife.

Gene and Max both served in WW II and they read about the war. Some things should never be forgotten and those books remind us that our freedom to read comes with a price.

I am glad I had the opportunity to interview three generations. Then I got to thinking. What am I passing on to the next generation? And the next? Our scripture says, "I AM WHO I AM. …the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What have you received from and what are you passing on to: The "older" generation? Those your own age? The next generation? (Remember, generation includes everyone, not just your family.)

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear I AM, From generation to generation, You are. You are the God of my faith fathers. The God of the generation before me. You are my God and You are the God of the generations after me. Give me wisdom and direction so I can pass the blessing of knowing the great I AM to all generations. …… Amen

(You are not confused. I posted this Thursday evening instead of Friday morning. Have a great weekend.)

ADDING IT UP

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 2:19

(To the church in Thyatira) I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

ADDING IT UP

As I write this, it is a very dreary day. Rain. A little foggy. Cold and damp. I wonder where spring is, but we have not had extreme, devastating weather conditions so I am not going to complain. I cannot imagine what it is like to see your home blown away, washed away, reduced to rubble from an earthquake or covered with volcanic ash. My prayers go out to each person that, in an instant, now faces unexpected challenges in their future.

When I started to write, I could not think of anything. Then I looked over and saw my adding machine. Don't know what I would do without that machine. I use it for our office work, keeping books balanced, and I use it at auctions, keeping track of how much bidders have spent. I enter numbers. The numbers are printed on the tape and then, when I press that total key, the adding machine gives me a balance. Just like that, I can see if the balance is good or bad. If it is a positive balance or a negative balance.

Little bit like our faith life. Can you picture one of God's office workers adding up your deeds? Your love? Your faith? Your service? Your perseverance?

As I look at the adding machine, I wonder how my faith tape will look. What will show when the total key is pressed?

I can almost hear the office worker telling God about my week, "She was doing pretty good. As you can see, we added in a few good deeds, some love and service. Then she fell behind in her Bible Study and I had to subtract one. I did add in one for faith because she believed your word instead of what a newspaper article was saying. But then she lost her temper, again, and I subtracted three. Yes, God, she is asleep now, so I will keep a sharp eye on her tomorrow. And I will say a prayer for her. She needs it."

My favorite part of today's scripture is "and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Faith is like that. As faith grows, you do more. You just want to!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Think about this last week. How do your deeds add up? Your love? Faith? Service? Perseverance? When you add all your positive actions and subtract all the oh-my-gosh-I-cannot-believe-I-did-that actions, what will your balance for the week be?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Hello God, I come before you with a grateful heart. Grateful that I have opportunities to do good deeds, in your name. The opportunity to show love to others. The opportunity to stand firm in my faith. I will persevere. I will do more as my faith continues to grow. ……………… Amen

MOTHERS -- YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood - two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Exodus 37:1-3

(At the evening meal) so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:4-5

MOTHERS -- YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Can you imagine being picked to make the Ark of the Covenant? Last week I told you about the simple cup I painted and the Lord gave Bezalel the skill to build the ark. Out of acacia wood and gold. Wow. I would have said, "You want me to do what?"

Other workers were given the skill to sew priestly garments. Ephod made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn. And of gold. They hammered thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the yarn. Now that is talent. I would have said, "You want me to do what?"

There were specific men who were in charge of recording names. I know why, today, we have simple names like Mary. How would you like the job of recording all those names and genealogical records?

We learn, in the Old Testament that God had a job for everyone. All those men with those strange names had assigned job. Some were priests. Some were temple musicians and some were gatekeepers. Some were carriers of the tent poles and some were in charge of the oil. Some kept track of the flour, the spices and some kept track of the wine. Some were responsible for counting the 5,400 articles of gold and silver. All very important jobs.

Since this weekend is Mother's Day, I want all mothers to look at the work you do. Do you enjoy the big jobs where you get the pats on the back: Directing the class play? Hosting the most amazing birthday parties? Always being the highest seller on those way-to-often fundraisers? Do you like that part of being a mother?

What about changing diapers? Washing the clothes that seem to multiply in the never-find-the-bottom hamper? Fixing macaroni and cheese, again? Repeating, for the nine millionth time, "Get down from the top of the cabinet."?

Mothers -- not everyone can direct the play. Not everyone can afford those elaborate birthday parties for two year olds. And not everyone can come in first. AND IT DOES NOT MATTER.

As a mother, the most important work you can do is to take care of the day-to-day needs (not wants) of your children. Find a way to realize your worth. Understand that a clean bottom and fixing macaroni and cheese are important. Understand that you might never receive a standing ovation for doing laundry or making sure that your child does not fall from the top of the cabinet.

By the way, Bezalel built the ark, but Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Whose name do you remember?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What do you consider the most important part of raising children? Are you a mother who wants to be noticed? Or are you the mother cleaning up the mess made by the tree who got nervous right before she went on stage?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, So often I say, "You want me to do what?" And I get tired of doing laundry again. And again. And shopping. And cleaning. And reading that one favorite book over and over. Sometimes I would just like to yell, "Wake up kids. How do you think that clean laundry got in your drawer? And yes, I found your other shoe after you went to bed. Can you be more responsible?" Being a mother is so day-to-day. Everyday. But then a small hand is placed in mine. Or I see the twinkle in their eyes. Or I hear the laughter. Thank you God for allowing me to be a mother to your children. Teach me to read the Bible to find strength and inspiration. Enrich my faith so, with wisdom, I can tell your story. I am blessed. My name is Mother. ……… Amen

PAINTING POTTERY

Before you read today's blog, I have a question. Did you read the blog for last week and then try the exercise? Did you take a newspaper or magazine and then use your Bible to find scriptures that fit the article or ad? Let me know how it turned out. --- Mary

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 64:8

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.

PAINTING POTTERY

Last Saturday, Nathan and I painted pottery. We went to a pottery shop and looked at all the items on the shelves. Did we want to paint a bowl? Or a plate? How about a trivet? Picking something to paint almost takes as long as painting the piece.

Finally, Nathan decided on a bank for his daddy. Not a piggy bank, but a kitten bank. I picked out a coffee cup. A tall one, with a big handle that my knuckles will fit through. (Bless my mother. She left me restless legs and arthritis in my knuckles.) We then picked out colors and began painting.

We sat across the table from each other and put on the first coat. Then two more.

Nathan decorated the ears, nose and eyes. He wrote, "Love you" and put on whiskers. He did not think it looked like the colors he had picked out, but the owner assured him that when the piece was fired, it would be bright and the inside of the ears would be a nice pink.

I painted mine a soft cream and then added a vine with yellow and red flowers. I even put flowers inside so when the coffee is gone I will see a bright yellow flower looking back at me. Huh, maybe I should have put an eye, but I am not that good. Believe me; the designs have to be simple.

This is the third time I have painted pottery, with one of the grandkids, and I do enjoy it. There is something about sitting there, painting and talking. Admiring and talking. Helping pick out colors and talking. Did you pick up on the talking part? I cannot tell you what we talked about. We just talked as we painted. Sometimes we just painted, in comfortable silence.

Then we were done. Then it was time to wait. It will be this weekend before the pieces will be fired and ready to pick up. I cannot wait to see how they turned out. Will Nathan like the color he picked out for the kitten? Will the eyes be exactly as he wanted them?

Will I like my cup? Will the vines be the correct shade of green and will those simple flowers make me smile? Will I enjoy holding the cup as I drink my morning coffee or have a cup of tea while reading a good book?

I wonder if that is how God feels as he watches me. God created me to be one of his children. He gave my eyes their color. He knows the number of hairs on my head. As he waits, does he wonder how I will turn out when I go through the fire, through troubles? Will they make me stronger? Will they make me reach for His hand?

As he waits, does he wonder how I will turn out when I go through the good times? Will the good times also make me stronger? Will they also make me reach for His hand?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you artistic? Do you paint? Take exceptional pictures? Scrapbook? Garden? Write? Write music? Sing? Dance? Cook? Bake cakes? Pies? Arrange flowers? Tell intriguing stories? The list of how you can create is unending. As you are creating, do you wonder how it will turn out when you are finished?

Do you realize that you are a creation of God's and that He is waiting to see how you will turn out?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

My Creator, Thank you for creating me. I know that I see my flaws and you see my beauty. I know that I get impatient with life and you are waiting to see if life will lead me to you. Let me travel through the fire and reach for your hand to help me through. Let me travel through the joys and reach for your hand so I can share them with you. … Amen

Greetings, I would like you to know that my computer has the spring flu. Please check back Tuesday as the doctor says there should be a full recovery by then.
Have a great day,
Mary

NEWSPAPER BIBLE STUDY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

NEWSPAPER BIBLE STUDY

Where do you find inspiration? What makes you take out your Bible and look up a Scripture?

Last Saturday, I received a call reminding me I had devotions for our Evening Circle, Monday at church. I hadn't completely forgotten. I just had forgotten that it was April instead of May. I assured Elsie I would have something. But what? As I worked, I thought of this. Then that. Sunday morning I still was not sure. I wasn't sure until I started reading the paper.

Have you ever found inspiration in the Sunday paper? Me neither! Not until last Sunday. I always start with the cartoons and right there, in living color, was a cartoon that made me think of a scripture. Ah, ha -- I would use the paper.

Sunday evening, I took the paper and sat down with sticky notes, pen and scissors. I cut out the cartoon. Then another. Then I turned to the front page. Oh, that article would work. So would that one. The obituaries. The most wanted of the week and an article on war. Even ads. I cut. I snipped. Then I reached for my Bible.

Now, if I had a better working knowledge of the scriptures, this might have been a quick task, but as I have said before, God has a sense of humor. "Mary, since I have tried to get you to read the Bible for years and you have put it off, you will now have to look it up."

Look it up, I did. What I thought would take, maybe, a half hour, turned into two and one-half hours in God's word. An amazing time. Know what I came up with? I will not give you all of them, but will give you an idea.

Everyone who comes is fed. This article was on a food pantry. There was also an article on students collecting canned goods and volunteers helping a couple with quintuplets. This scripture was easy: Matthew 25: 35-40.

Crime Stoppers. Active warrants and solving crime - where would I find a scripture for this? Psalm 140:4

New unrest in Iraq. When I read this article, I realized that my generation (those 60-year-old baby boomers) has never known peace. The end of WW II, the cold war, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and many wars until the War in Iraq. Where would I find a scripture for this? Psalm 140:1-2

There was a picture of a baby learning to eat. We are learning: Luke 6:40. There was an ad for a camera to record and relive your memories, your way. We have memories to record: Psalm 79:13.

The cartoon that started this process was Heart of the City. The characters were discussing a "You Tube" video where people laughed when a guy smashed into a brick wall. They wondered when people getting hurt became entertainment. Are we like the world? Do we laugh? The scripture: Romans 12:2.

The Evening Circle seemed to enjoy the fruits of my work. I know I did. Those two and one-half hours flew by. Those two and one-half hours guided me from the Old Testament to the New. Those two and one-half hours proved - once again - that God is everywhere!!!!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Where do you find inspiration? This week I would like you to try this. Take a newspaper. Or a magazine. Find articles. Stories. Cartoons. Ads. Then find a scripture that celebrates good news or helps you understand bad news. Or use a word out of an ad (A word like path or door.) and find scriptures with that word in them. Use the concordance and have an amazing time in God's word.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Giver of the Word, What comfort and peace I find in your word. I find guidance to help others and I find words to call upon for protection. I find words to set me free and words to make my heart sing. Oh God, let me walk in your word. Let me feel comfortable with the Bible. Comfortable so that when I hold the Bible in my hands, I feel a desire to discover more about you. Instill in me a desire to learn and read. A desire to understand. A desire to ………… Amen

BLOWING BUBBLES

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:1-2

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. Revelation 8:3-4

BLOWING BUBBLES

The sun is shining today. Thank you Lord! The rain and dreary skies were getting depressing. I just hope this is a sign that spring is finally here. I know one thing -- It is a sign that I can get out the bubble stuff.

When the grandchildren come to visit, they head straight for the bubble-blowing bucket. It is full of different sizes of bubble wands. We can blow big bubbles and small bubbles. We can fill the sky with bubbles. All reflecting the light in every color imaginable. I enjoy blowing bubbles as much as the kids, maybe more. And bubbles have been good therapy.

I can remember when our children were small and they had behaved less than admirably. Or days that were less than perfect. Some days were downright lousy. Or times when things broke, like the washer, just when I needed them. Or times when -- You know what I am talking about -- Stress! Pressure! Frustration! On days like that, out came the bubbles.

Bill used to say that if he came home and I was sitting on the step blowing bubbles, he knew he better go around the block a few more times.

Bubbles as therapy? You bet. I would put that ole bubble wand into the bubbles, take it out and blow. At first, I would blow hard. Bubble after bubble. Those bubbles would race toward the sky. Up. Up. And then it would happen. I would blow slower and watch. The bubble would drift up and float away. Then another. And another. I would suddenly realize that I was no longer stressed. It was if the bubbles carried my troubles with them. I would always blow a few extra. Then I would put the lid on, tight, so there would be no chance of spilling my therapy. I would take my new attitude, get up off the step and face life again. Bubbles as therapy? Yes.

I am 61 and I still blow bubbles if I have had a really rough day. The scripture tells us "smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand." The bubbles are my incense. I first blow hard and send my frustration upward. I send up my concerns. I watch the bubbles rise. Taking my stress with them. Then I lift my hands high as I blow more bubbles and watch them slowly ascend. A calm, peaceful rising toward heaven.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How do you relieve stress?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

My refuge and my strength, Sometimes life just doesn't go as smoothly as I would like. People will just not cooperate. And the phone keeps ringing. And now -- If only. If only. Oh, Lord, help me when I get frustrated. When I feel stressed. When I feel pressure. Teach me how to send up bubble prayers. Prayers that will rise to you. Prayers for calm to come into my life. Prayers to be understanding and patient. And when I finish my prayers, allow me to arise and face life. Face life full of the knowledge that you are my refuge and my strength. …… Amen

OUR DOG FINDS A NEW HOME

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 16:3, 11-12

(The Lord said to Samuel) "Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate."

So Samuel asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest (David)," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."

OUR DOG FINDS A NEW HOME

In June, we are moving from the country into town. This decision has been a long time in the planning, but when things began to fall into place, everything happened at once. The one thing we did not consider was that our dog would not be going with us.

Gretchen, a Rottweiler, is used to watching cars, trucks and tractors go down "her" road. She is used to watching the cows. She is used to having the barn to roam in and has her favorite spot in my flowerbed. She is used to being our office assistant. (Sleeping by our desks.) She is used to an invisible fence keeping her in "her" area.

One day we were looking at what would be our new home. My husband turned to me and said, "We cannot bring Gretchen to town." Yes, we could put in an invisible fence to keep her in the yard, but as loving as she is, Gretchen is not used to having close neighbors. Or other dogs wondering in and out of her yard. We could not take Gretchen to town. We had to face it -- Gretchen is a country dog.

What would we do? Could we find someone to take Gretchen?

Yesterday, a fine young man came to meet Gretchen. Know what? I think Gretchen knew. I think she realized her life was about to change. She went right to him. She sat and let him pet her. Gretchen has always ridden in the back of a pickup but, when it was time for her to go; she got right in the car. Along with her favorite rug, her dog biscuits and toys. She got right in the car. She knew she was leaving.

We hope Gretchen is happy in her new home. With a new family.

Life constantly changes and we really have no idea what tomorrow might bring. When Gretchen got into the car, she had no idea how her life would change. But she got in. When he was summoned, David had no idea how his life would change. But he went.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Is your calendar filled out for the year? Do you know what you are doing this evening? Tomorrow? Fifty-seven days from now? Do you really know? Or do you just know what you have planned? Are you open to change?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord of yesterday, today and tomorrow; I admit I have my time planned. I know what I want to watch on TV. I know what I want to wear to church Sunday. I have written my life on a calendar. Let me change. Let me be open to your calling. Let me be willing to change my life when the opportunity comes. Let me be willing to …… Amen

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 6:22

Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK

In this part of Indiana, we are having our share of rain. We now have water standing on water. And it is raining again. I wonder if it is time to build another ark.

All of this rain got me to thinking about Noah – Now things were not going too great on earth. Wickedness. Evil. All sorts of bad stuff. So God was ready to wipe out everything.

Genesis 6:7-8 says, “So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe out mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth – men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air – for I am grieved that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

“Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” What about in the eyes of others? Can you hear it? I imagine it went something like this --

Mrs. Noah probably said, “You’re going to build what?”

And I am sure he heard from his neighbors. “Noah, what are you doing? If you keep this up, the property values will go down.”

Noah’s son Ham was in for some teasing also. “Ham, your daddy doesn’t have both oars in the water.” And Ham would have come back with, under his breath of course, “Maybe not now, but you wait and see who floats and who doesn’t.”

Then there was the trip to the local hardware. When Noah told the owner what he wanted, the owner would have wondered if he heard the order correctly – “You want how much cypress wood? You need how much pitch? I will have to order that in." Rubbing his hands together and, with a wicked grin, he most likely asked, "Will you be paying now or later?”

Think of the strength of character Noah needed to stand up to the looks. To the questions. To the laughing. And yet verse 22 tells us, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

Noah had courage. He listened to God and had the courage to do just what God commanded. We can learn from Noah. We can have courage.


QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

In a Bible Study, the author pointed out that when Noah shut the door, he would have been leaving family, friends and neighbors to drown. They would have been pounding on the boat. They would have been calling to Noah. Think of the courage it took to "do as God commanded."

Has God ever asked you to do something that made you choose His will over family, friends or neighbors? Have you ever taken a stand and then been laughed at or criticized? Have you ever taken a stand and then wished you had not, because the pressure was so great? Have you ever just walked away and then felt ashamed that you were not strong enough? (Remember, God will never ask us to do more than we are capable of doing. And He will give us the strength we need. We just have to trust Him.)

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Glorious God, I am so thankful that you found Noah worthy. And that he listened to your commands. Let me learn from Noah. Let me first listen and find my strength in you. Then let me do everything you command. I do thank you for being patient with me when I am weak. When I do not listen. I ask courage when I feel you leading me. …… Amen

NOW WE WAIT -- HE IS COMING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: LUKE 21:27-28

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

NOW WE WAIT -- HE IS COMING

Easter is over and now we wait. Jesus went to be with his father, but he is coming back. So we wait.

Have you ever heard the song, The King is Coming, by Bill Gaither? What a powerful picture this song paints. Jesus is coming! He is returning! This song tells us that:

~~The chariots will rumble and there will be a marching throng.
~~There will be a flurry of trumpets and regal robes will unfold.
~~Heaven's choir will sing Amazing Grace.

Do you know who will be waiting to greet Jesus? This song says:

~~Those whose lives have been redeemed.
~~Those whose homes have been mended.

~~Those who from prison have been freed.
~~Those who were crippled, broken and ruined but are now clad in garments white as snow.

The best lines are in the chorus. They are:

~~I just heard the trumpets sounding and now His face, I see.
~~The King is coming
~~Praise God He's coming for me.

Yes, Easter is over and now we wait.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you picture that? Can you imagine what it will feel like to see Jesus coming back? To see his face? To know that He is coming for you?

Did you celebrate Easter? On Monday, did your life go back to the day-to-day routine? Or are you excited and waiting? What are you going to do while you wait? (Jesus does not want you just to sit. He wants you to be busy until He comes.)

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

The King is coming. What glorious words. Jesus, I did celebrate Easter. I celebrated your resurrection. I am now waiting. I will be so excited to hear the trumpets. And your heavenly choir. And to see your face. I am waiting. Dear Jesus, while I wait, guide me. Lead me on your path. Let me be a light for others. Dear Jesus, while I wait, let me …… Amen

LAST MOMENTS FLY BY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:41

Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

LAST MOMENTS FLY BY

In last week's devotional, the two disciples had prepared the Upper Room for Passover. I imagined their last comment to be, "I have a feeling this is going to be a very important evening with Jesus." They had no idea how important.

It seems life happens in slow motion and then, wham, life spins at lightening speed. It must have been like that for all involved in Jesus' life. I bet they thought they had many years with Jesus. Years to learn. Years to help him spread the good news. They thought they had years, when they only had hours.

Lazarus, Martha and Mary did not know they would never again have Jesus as a guest in their home. Those that followed Jesus, to hear him speak or to be healed, had no idea they would never hear Jesus tell another parable or see Jesus perform another miracle. Mary never realized the pain her heart would shortly feel. They thought they had years, when they only had hours.

The Last Supper. Praying in the garden. The betrayal. The trial. The cross. The grave. The resurrection. Life spinning at lightening speed.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How would you live your life if you knew you had -- not years -- but hours? What regrets do you think Jesus' friends had? The disciples? Mary?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Risen Lord, Easter is such a time of emotions. The elation of sharing the Last Supper. A lonely prayer. The chaos of an arrest and trial. The sound of a hammer on nails. The tears shed at the foot of the cross. The confusion of an empty tomb. The joy and triumph of a risen savior. Thank you, God, for sending your Son. Thank you, Jesus, for taking my sins. …… Amen

PREPARING THE UPPER ROOM

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:12-17

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

So he sent two of his disciplines, telling them, "Go into the city and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."

The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.

PREPARING THE UPPER ROOM

I like to use my imagination to fill in the gaps. This scripture says that the two disciples went to prepare the room. They were disciples, but they were men. Normal humans. I know when we set up tables, for a dinner at church, we talk. I think the disciples talked too. This is what I think their conversation would have been:

"This has been one crazy week. Could you believe what happened when Jesus entered town?"

"Yes, Jesus told us to go find a donkey. He told us where to look and what to say if anyone asked what we were doing. And the donkey and its colt were right there. Just like he said."

"I have never seen a crowd put their cloaks on the ground for a donkey to walk on."

"And tree branches."

"Did you hear what they shouted?"

"Hosanna, to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord! Hosanna in the highest."

"Do you think Jesus has been different this week?"

"How?"

"Reflective sometimes and like he knows what is going to happen. Just like finding the donkey, he told us exactly where to find this room for our meal. And have you ever seen him get as mad as he got at the temple?"

"I say! Stuff sure went flying when he overturned the tables."

"He called it 'His Father's House.' "

"Did you see the look on the chief priests face?"

"Yes, and the teachers of the law too. I am afraid they will be after Jesus even more now. We must keep our eyes and ears open."

"Have you seen Judas?"

"No, I don't know where he is."

"Another thing. Jesus has told us so many parables the last few days."

"I have learned so much, but he could have left out the part about paying taxes to Caesar."

"I agree about the taxes. Sure wish I didn't have to pay taxes."

"Did you see Jesus' face when he was telling us 'to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'? He was so serious. I felt like he was speaking just to me."

"I was confused when he talked about the temple being rebuilt in three days. I thought I understood what Jesus was trying to teach us until then."

"Maybe, this evening, we can ask him to explain about the temple being rebuilt."

"What about when the woman poured the expensive perfume on his head? He sure set us straight on that. But why would she have been preparing him for burial now?"

"Is that everything? Are we ready for the Passover meal?"

(Judas comes in)

"Oh, Judas. Where have you been?"

Judas replied, "I. I. I had some business to take care of."

"I think we are ready. Let us go and find Jesus so we can come into this room with him."

"I have a feeling this is going to be a very important evening with Jesus."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Does this sound like what might have been discussed during the preparing of the Upper Room? A lot happened between Palm Sunday and the Last Supper. Would you have had questions? Would you have wondered what was going to happen? What would you have asked Jesus to explain that night? Would you have understood why he was washing your feet? Giving you the bread? And the cup?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

My Jesus, How you must have felt during that Last Supper. Thinking about all that had happened - Hearing Hosanna. Clearing your Father's house. Trying to open the eyes of the disciples so they would understand. And all the time knowing that the cross was ahead of you. All the time prepared to do your Father's will. Dear Jesus, give me a tenth of that loyalty and dedication to my Father's will. And when I go to the garden to pray, let my Spirit say, "Thy will be done." ………………………………… Amen

HOSANNA: BLESSED IS HE (3- 7-08)

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Jesus, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." Matthew 21:2-3

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Matthew 21:9

HOSANNA: BLESSED IS HE

How would you feel if you looked out and two men were taking your car? Would you yell at them to stop? What would you do if they said, "The Lord hath need of this car." Would you step back and let them take it?

What a day that must have been when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Riding on the back of a humble colt. No grand chariot. No big army walking in front and behind to guard him. Just riding into town. Just a man -- not quite!

I wonder what the disciples thought when Jesus asked them to get a colt for him to ride. After all this time of walking, why would he want to ride now? I wonder what they thought about what happened next.

Jesus was used to crowds. He was used to people listening to him. I wonder how it felt to listen to the crowd as they called, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Do you think the crowd knew what they were saying or did one person start and the people just got caught up in the moment? What would it have felt like to be in that crowd? To see Jesus? To be so close to Him? To be able to call Him 'blessed' and then see the look in his eyes?

As you prepare for Easter, try to picture Jesus as he prepared for the cross. Picture him being called blessed. Picture him teaching his disciples. Picture him preparing -- preparing to be betrayed. Crucified. Risen.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Would you have allowed the men to take your colt? Would you have laid your cloak on the ground? Would you have been yelling, "Hosanna?" Would you have been weeping at the cross? Would you have been leaping for joy at the empty grave?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

My Dear Jesus, As I prepare for Easter, I feel so many emotions. I want to shout Hosanna. I want to accept the cup and the bread sitting on the communion table. I find it hard to look at the cross. I find it easy to look into the empty tomb. As I prepare for Easter, let me ………………………………… Amen

GOD'S GLORY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 CHRONICLES 29:10-13

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."

GOD'S GLORY

One of our lessons this week, in a Beth Moore Bible Study, was 'Created for His Glory'. We learned that God's glory always has an impact. That God makes Himself known through His glory and that God's glory is part of who He is.

Next came a simple activity: Write your own definition of God's glory.

God's glory reaches from the stars to the bottom of the ocean. God's glory wakes us as the sun rises and tells us to rest when the sun sets. God's glory begins with each birth and continues into eternal life.

Personally, God's glory puts tears in my eyes when my Spirit sings and His glory washes my feet when I walk the beach. God's glory makes my heart leap when I see love in another's eyes.

God's glory gives me comfort when I pray and encourages me as I worship. God's glory renews me as I take communion. God's glory refreshes me when I feel a gentle breeze.

God's glory guides me when others ask me to pray for them. God's glory surrounds and upholds me.

Yes, God's glory does make an impact and is how he makes Himself known to us. God's glory - well, God's glory just IS.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Where do you see God's glory?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Glorious God, What wonders you have given me. I see Your glory in the mountains and in the sea and in the birds. I see Your glory in the trees and the flowers and in the dirt surrounding their roots. I see Your glory in my own life as I understand and accept that you created me. Glorious God, plant me in Your kingdom and surround me so I may grow like the trees and the flowers. Let the dirt around my roots be strengthened and watered be Your glory. .………………………………… Amen

DON'T TELL -- YEAH RIGHT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 9:27-31

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

DON'T TELL -- YEAH RIGHT

Picture this: You are blind. You hear a man called Jesus can heal. You think, "Wonder if he would give me back my sight?" Would you sit around or would you try to find Jesus?

The two men did not just sit around. They found him and followed him. I bet they heard many stories as they followed. How Jesus had healed the sick woman and how Jesus went to the house of a ruler. A ruler who's daughter had just died. I am sure the two men heard that the daughter got up after taking the hand of Jesus.

The two men could not see, but they began to believe. They believed they could be healed. They called, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." They said, "Yes Lord." They had their sight restored. They were told not to tell.

Yeah right. Now what person, that could see again, would be able to keep quiet. I would think they would be shouting from the top of the temple. I would think they would be looking at everything, with a smile that would go from ear to ear. I would think they would be running to see the faces of their loved ones. Don't tell -- Yeah right.

Now picture this: You have never had faith or your faith has been lost to the demands of day-to-day living. Then, as a miracle happens, you receive your faith. You understand. You say, "Have mercy on me, Son of David." And Jesus asks you, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" And you answer, "Yes Lord."

Do you tell? Or do you keep the miracle to yourself?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you always believed or do you remember when you saw for the first time? Do you tell others? Not everyone is comfortable talking about their faith. But there are other ways to tell people. Do you tell people by the way you act? By the words you speak? By the way you treat others? How do you help spread the good news?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Jesus, I want others to know about your miracles. The miracles of healing. Healing the body. And healing the soul. Making me complete. I know I am a work in progress, but let my life be an example to others. Let me spread the news about you all over my little corner of the world. ………………………………… Amen

THE LABYRINTH

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

This is he (Jesus) who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " Matthew 3:3

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

THE LABYRINTH

I read an article on labyrinths and remembered the three times I have walked a labyrinth. It is different than walking a maze because, when you walk a maze, you do not know where you are going. When you walk a labyrinth, there is a set path.

Each time I followed the path and headed to the center, I felt as if I was reviewing my life. Following the path out of the center, I felt like I was looking forward and contemplated changes I would like to make. Each walk was an amazing experience and I wish there was a labyrinth close where I could travel the path often.

I said three times, but actually, it was three and a part because one time when a friend, Barbara, and I started to walk an outdoor labyrinth. We did not finish because Barbara started pulling the grass and weeds out of the path. Not to be outdone, I started pulling too.

Barbara passed away, almost a year ago, from ALS. (I wrote about this March 23, 2007.) Pulling those weeds to clear the path was typical for her. She wanted to help make the path easier for others to follow.

We are told to follow the straight path to the Lord. Good news -- Jesus is the light that will shine on your path. He wants to make the path easier for you. Follow the light of Jesus and you will be on the set path of a labyrinth instead of trying to find your way out of a maze.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? How did it make you feel? As you walk the path of life, can you feel the light of Jesus making your steps easier?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

I am walking toward you, Dear Jesus. Each step I take is easier because I am stepping in your light. As I pray and learn more about myself and my relationship with you, I find the weeds disappearing. The path becoming easier to see. Keep your light bright and when I find it difficult to keep my footsteps going forward, stay with me until I can continue. ………………………………… Amen

BUCKET LIST

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MARK 8:31

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

BUCKET LIST

We took the afternoon off and went to see Bucket List. What a movie! As the ads told us, it is about two men who have been given the news that they have only months to live and they make a list of the things they want to do before they die. We laughed and we cried.

Got me to thinking -- If I knew I had only a few months to live, what would I put on my list? To see Paris? To meet an important person? To walk on the beach? To clean house?

Paris? No. Meet an important person? No. The beach? I would want to walk the beach one more time. Clean house? Laugh at me, but I probably would start sorting all those boxes that never seem to do anything but sit in the basement and I would get rid of that dress that is too good to throw out but that I do not like to wear anymore. I would not want to leave things for others to sort.

Other than that -- I would want to spend the time I had left being with my husband. And children. And Grandchildren. I would want to enjoy the comfort that home gives. I would want to look at every picture I have so I could burn each one into my memory. I would want to sing louder in church and not care about the person in front of me having to endure my joy. I would want to celebrate the future and cherish each moment.

I am glad I do not know when my last day will be, but Jesus knew. What would be on his bucket list? Give physical and mental healing. Help the disciples understand so they would be able to establish His church. To clear the temple and make it a place His Father would be proud of. To pray in the garden. To die. To be risen.

Jesus' bucket list can be summed up in one idea: Fulfill the plan My Father has for me.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What would be on your bucket list?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, You came to earth for one purpose - to fulfill the plan your Father had for you. Thank you for doing that. I pray that this is my goal also - to fulfill the plan my Father has for me. ………………………………… Amen

HOLEY OVERALLS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

(Jesus is speaking) "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Farther will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26

HOLEY OVERALLS

A long time ago, when I was a fairly new bride, I washed Bill's bib-overalls and hung them up to dry. It was winter, so I hung them in the basement. When I put the last clothespin on, I thought, "What a good day's work you have done. The laundry is finished. Everything is put away, except for that one pair of overalls." Yes, there they hung. All clean and just waiting to dry. In the basement, where our new puppy slept.

The next day, I went down to get the overalls. I was sure they would be dry. OH NO. They were dry, but they were full of holes. And under the overalls sat the puppy.

I was really mad at that dog. "Look at this. Do you know how much a new pair will cost? Do you even care? Did you have fun chewing all those holes? Wait till Bill gets home and I show these to him."

Bill did get home and I did show him the overalls. It was then that Bill said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you that I got battery acid on those. The holes didn't show up until you washed the acid away."

The dog smiled.

Our lives are a lot like those overalls. Our sins do not show up until they are washed by Jesus. Then there are many holes. Empty places where sin used to be. BUT never fear. Unlike the overalls, which were no longer of any value, the Holy Spirit moves into all those holes in our lives. It just wiggles and wiggles, until it fills our entire body.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Is your body full of holes where Jesus has washed the sin away? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to fill you up? Clear to the top and running over.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, How can I ever thank you for washing me clean? For taking my sins upon yourself. Then to send the Holy Spirit to fill me. To fill the holes in my life. To teach me. To remind me of you. Thank you. ………………………………… Amen

PICK ME

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:28-30

Then all the people of the region of the Geraseners asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. Luke 8:37

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. John 6:66

PICK ME

Have you ever watched the movie Sherk? I love the scene where the donkey is jumping up and down, yelling, "Pick me. Pick me." Boy do I know that feeling!

I can remember in grade school, not being picked for the basketball game. I can remember in middle school, not being picked to sing with a group for a talent show. I can remember in high school, not being picked for any number of things. And it hurt.

I can also remember, just a few years back, not being picked to receive a rock. I was to attend a workshop and, because of other commitments, could not get there for the first night. You know, the night when everyone gets acquainted and shares their story. I missed that. When I did arrive, I had to tell something about my name and then was given a rock and told to keep it until the last day. On that last day, we were to give our rock to someone who had inspired us. I gave my rock to the other lady from our church and I meant it. I did admire her. I admired her energy and excitement. Her deep commitment to children. BUT -- Yup, you guessed it. No one gave me a rock. I stood there and watched as most of the people crowded around one or two, who had shared their stories on that first night. The night I missed. I felt left out and I felt hurt.

I tell this for a number of reasons. One is to confirm that we never outgrow the feeling of wanting to say, "Pick me. Pick me." And we can be hurt when we are not picked, even when we are in our 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's or 90's. Or older. We want to be picked. We want people to like us enough to want us on their team. In their group. As their friend.

Another reason is to give you two assurances about Jesus. When this happens to you, Jesus does know how you feel. Go back and read the scriptures. The people in his own hometown did not pick Jesus. They wanted to throw him over the cliff. Another time, people told him to leave and then some of his disciples left him. Wow, Jesus does know how we feel when we are on the outside. When we are not picked. When we are not included.

I have great news for you -- Jesus picks you. He picks each of us. He wants us on His team. He wants us in His group. He is handing you His rock.

Now the choice is yours -- Do you say yes?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been the one picking a team or a group? Did you feel funny about watching as each person was picked and others left standing there? Have you ever been the one left standing? The very last one? Are there better ways to handle dividing a group than "picking" sides?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Pick me. Pick me, Jesus. I want to be on your team. Pick me. Let me play on your team. I will play whatever position you put me in because I know you will equip me. You will give me what I need to be on your team. Pick me. Pick me, Jesus. Pick me to be a disciple. Pick me, Jesus, because I pick you. I pick to be in your group. I will be a trusty disciple and will not turn and walk away. Pick me. Pick me. Thank you for inviting me to join you.………………………………… Amen