We want to teach our children to say thank you for things they receive and for kindnesses. That is a basic rule that most of us follow – saying please and thank you – and we teach children at a very early age to do just that.
When I first looked at my scripture, I thought I would be writing a much different devotion – one in which I was thrilled that God listens to our needs and sees those that are oppressed and how we as fellow humans are trying to help make this a better world for everyone.
As we approach the election, especially being from the “swingiest of swing states” (PA), we have been constantly inundated with commercials – many of which have the same messaging from both sides – that we will be much better off in all ways with the candidate the ad is touting.
We think about tearing down and repairing when we think about building and rebuilding. Usually, we think about building homes or buildings, but as we continue to read the second part of this verse, we can see that it can also be about our relationships.
It is overwhelming to think about how much forgiveness God has given to humankind! Think about our day to day – how many times do we screw up, so we need forgiveness or how many times do we need to forgive those in our lives? Let’s just think about yesterday – who did you forgive and who needed to grant you forgiveness? Every day there is one or many times that we need to forgive or need to be forgiven – small slights or giant mistakes.
Peace – we all want it, but it certainly feels elusive in our own little spaces and throughout the world. Peace can be elusive even within us as we can be anxious about so many things day to day. When I was thinking about peace within myself, I thought about the song “Peace Like a River.” The song says…
Isn’t this the lesson we try to teach our kids – don’t hit back, share, be kind. Do we also teach them that we shouldn’t let others take advantage of us? But where is that line? What is the lesson of this lesson? I’m sure that like me you have heard these verse
In today’s climate, it is a difficult task to try to be a peace maker. What does being a peacemaker look like to you? Are we trying to be peacemakers? That’s a
tough one because no matter what “side” we are on we feel like we are being persecuted for
our beliefs at this point in history.
It is difficult to grant mercy, even though we are given it everyday.
When we think of those who are merciful and pure in heart – we think of the kind of person
who gives others chances over and over again, the person who just knows that other people
are loved by God and should be loved by us too.
We don’t always think of meekness as a good trait, but God will use it to help us. Happy are the meek. Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The CEB says
humble, but I have always read this as meek. I have always felt that being meek is not the way
to be.
We turn to God to give us comfort and hope. Are we feeling hopeless and are we mourning right now? Another translation states “poor in
spirit.” Sometimes we feel that the state of things is rather hopeless and so the only thing to do is mourn what should be.
Jesus tells of the ways to be blessed. Beatitude means blessing, so we should strive to live in a state of blessing or as some
translations put it – happiness. One commentator stated that Jesus is the beatitude of God, and as always, Jesus sets the example for us.
Together we can turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving. Youth group members will be collecting monetary donations at each service this Sunday and will then send the donation to the Turning Point United Methodist Food Pantry in Trenton. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. The link below will take you to our PushPay system. You can select “Give One Time” then use the Fund Selector to choose “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
PEDAL for PROMISE – SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019: Medford United Methodist is fielding a team for the Urban Promise fundraiser “Pedal for Promise.” This year the ride begins and ends at Valenzano Winery in Shamong. You can register to ride, make a donation to the team or register as a spectator to enjoy the party and cheer on our team.
Go to urbanpromiseusa.org/pedal for more information about the event, to donate, or to register as an individual. OR you can go directly to the TEAM MEDFORD UMC page at www.crowdrise.com/team-medford-umc.
Questions or need help? Speak with Pastor Kathleen, Wayne Richards, or Heidi and Mike Polhemus
