Solomon tells us, God has created time in such a way that it cannot bring fulfillment. Instead, it reveals a vacuum in our hearts that can only be filled by the transcendent—through the Lord.
Hear my prayer, Lord! Listen closely to my cry for help! Please don’t ignore my tears! I’m just a foreigner— an immigrant staying with you.
Most of us, even preachers, spend very little time with the prophet Haggai. So you wouldn’t be blamed if you need a little orientation to what’s happening in this passage. Haggai was a prophet who ministered in Jerusalem in the 6th century BC. At that time, the leaders and nobility of Judah returned to Israel’s capital after enduring several decades of exile in Babylon. They were able to come back after Babylon fell to the ascendant Persian Empire under Cyrus.
This coming Sunday, February 2nd, is Ground Hog Day, and I am hoping that Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow and does not see his shadow so that spring comes early. Whether you believe in Phil’s forecast or not, it’s already been a long and cold winter and I am looking forward to warmer, sunnier days!
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
An episode of BLUEY reminds us that, “This is what happens when you’re unhappy with what you’ve got! Someone’s husband eventually gets it!”
Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth is one of his first attempts at verbalizing his theology, his understanding of God, and what some 300 years later became known as “Trinitarian theology” (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Gifts of the Spirit is Paul’s attempt at describing the awesome and amazing Lord at work within the community.
I love the book of James. James is very straightforward about how we are to live our lives. It doesn’t make it easier, but it does give us good instruction. Our passage today had me struggling to give good examples because I am feeling like this is a no brainer. The state of our world feels like this is where we are. Those in power seem to be in power only for power.
Most of us are not very kind to ourselves. So, I am fairly convinced that when we only read this one verse, we hear it as an encouragement to believe that we are actually enough. We don’t need to look around and worry if others are better than us because God has already given us what we need. That’s an important message.
Mercy is more than a biblical concept; it is a life principle that can transform relationships and communities
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
When I think about all the things I’ve learned in my lifetime – countless hours spent in books, classrooms, seminars, and on-line courses – it’s obvious to me that I’ve forgotten most of it. I think that’s the nature of most of our learning. It unfortunately goes in one ear and out the other.
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
