Lately, I feel like I’m standing in the middle of a seesaw as it goes up and down. I’m trying to maintain my balance and not be pulled to either side. I’m trying to keep my eyes focused on God’s Kin-dom and following Jesus. This is easier said than done
This job assignment is for elder or leader of a newly planted church. Imagine you are heading into a job interview with Titus, the recipient of this letter from the apostle Paul. What would your resume say about your qualifications for the job? Paul has given Titus the seemingly impossible task of finding leaders (elders) to head up the new churches
Acts 7 tells the story of Stephen’s powerful witness to the high priest and the Sanhedrin about Jesus Christ. Stephen’s testimony results in his subsequent sentencing to be stoned to death, and becoming the first Christian martyr. Stephen pointed out that they had made an idol out of the temple in Jerusalem
When I first read this scripture I wondered how I could write a devotion that wouldn’t leave us depressed and despairing. After further reflection it seems that this scripture has much to say to us about the times we are currently trying to navigate our way through. Some days it does seem like we are chasing after the wind
Psychologists claim we make as many as 35,000 decisions in a day. But there are those big decisions, life changing decisions, like changing jobs, moving across the country, starting or ending a relationship, deciding to start a family-that take endless hours to decide. The question we want to ask ourselves is, are we guided by God in the big decisions, as well as the small decisions of our lives?
In today’s scripture, Christians were showing favoritism to the rich and powerful, while dishonoring the poor, a judgement made totally on class and appearance. The writer of James says that when we do this we “deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, we are not acting like followers of Jesus.
To the people of Israel and Judah, conquered first by the Assyrians in the northern kingdom of Judah and later conquered by Babylon in the southern kingdom of Israel, captivity was a daily trial. Enslaved and deported from their homeland and resettled among a foreign population that worshipped many gods, the people of God struggled
Imagine getting an inheritance beyond your wildest dreams! But this inheritance isn’t great wealth, but it is the greatest gift you can ever be given. It is the gift of the grace of God, salvation through faith in Christ, made perfect in love by the Spirit. This is a life of discipleship, following Jesus, and living life in the Spirit.
My Dad, having served in the 101st Airborne Division, would take us out to the smaller airports to watch the skydivers. He would bring along his binoculars to watch them descend. As my sister and I were young children, we were more fascinated with the binoculars my Dad looked through, than we were with the skydivers.
Whenever I’m feeling down or I’m feeling the pressure of holding it all together, I turn to scripture. I know I’ll find the hope and encouragement to power through the tough moments in life, as well as the unending, everyday things that need to be overcome. Today’s verse is one I often turn to
I love when our church sets up the Labyrinth for Holy Week. It offers me an opportunity to come away from the stress and cares of the day, and to spend time in quiet reflection with God. Walking the labyrinth allows me to pray and reflect on what is happening in the world and in my own life.
Today’s devotion asks us, “what lights your soul on fire, what are you passionate about?” These are great questions to ponder and pray over as we discern our call to follow Jesus. And these questions lead us on a life time of seeking and growing on the discipleship journey as we work together in the Kin-dom.
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
