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.
Have you ever had to unlearn something? It seems almost harder to unlearn information and behaviors than it was to learn it. For instance, for years I learned to use Apple computers and iOS , but when I had to learn Microsoft for a new laptop I was given, my brain just couldn’t grasp the new info. I kept trying to navigate this new situation, using the old information.
In keeping with our Lenten Series on Seeking: honest questions for deeper faith, by Rev. Sarah A. Speed, our question for today is “Where did you see God today?” The question I have to ask myself is, “Was I intentional about seeing God today?” I have to answer, “No, I honestly wasn’t looking for God today.”
The disciples had just heard Jesus explain “things that cause people to trip and fall into sin.” Jesus says we are to “Watch ourselves!” And we are to warn our fellow followers of Jesus to stop sinning and to forgive them and to forgive when they change their hearts and lives, even up to seven times a day! No wonder the disciples thought this was an impossible task for them,
Imagine you are one of Jesus’ disciples and you see a large crowd of people headed your way, tired and hungry. Jesus says to you, “Where will you buy food to feed these people?” In response, most of us would think that feeding upwards to fifteen thousand men, women and children on the outskirts of a town would be an impossible task.
Anxiety? We all have a lot to worry about! Whether it’s health, money, disasters or relationships, everyone has worries. Anxiety keeps us up at night, our social media feeds and those “breaking news” alerts keep us in a constant state of worry during the day. It seems the more we worry, the more we seek to control our lives.
Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy” and nothing will kill your joy faster than scrolling through social media. It’s probably because we are comparing our worst moment, to someone else’s best moment, because in comparing ourselves to others we aren’t playing on a level field. While we want to be happy for our friend’s successes
Where would we be without God’s faithful love in our lives? I know I can’t imagine my life without God’s love! God’s love is undeserved, eternal, unconditional, unfailing, patient, kind, loyal, merciful, compassionate, steadfast, generous, grace filled, and life giving. The psalmist in this psalm calls on us to meditate on God’s faithful love in our lives
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
