Can you name something that lasts forever? I can’t think of anything. Everything we know of has an ending. Even our planet has finite water and oxygen and the Sun, the star we depend on for light, has a five billion year expiration date. So when we read today’s Psalm to the very last twenty-sixth verse,
What could be worse than sitting down at the table and eating with the enemy? Jesus is accused of eating with tax collectors and sinners. Tax collectors were despised collaborators of the Romans who enforced the collection of the very taxes that Rome used to oppress the people of Judea.
Several years ago, six mature maple trees in front of our neighbor’s home were being destroyed by a fungal disease that was killing the crown of the tree. In order to save them, the arborist cut all of the branches off the tops of the trees, leaving just some bare, main branches. It was painful to look at,
What a great image the writer of this wisdom saying paints for us! The life of a person without self control lies in ruins. Imagine living during the time when Jerusalem was under attack by enemy armies. The people sought safety and protection behind the strong, fortified walls
built by King Solomon.
What would a parent not do to have their child healed from a devastating illness? In today’s story from Matthew, Jesus and his disciples have travelled into the Gentile occupied area between Tyre and Sidon. A “Canaanite woman” takes to the streets shouting after Jesus, “Show me mercy, Son of David.
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
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
