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.
Paul is reminding us that the center of our faith should always be Jesus.
Our Devotionals thus far this week have talked about what can we do to love. Today and tomorrow let’s, look at Christ’s power in our lives to empower us.
Spiritual practices work the same as physical practices. For most of us, when we are in crisis, we seek out a deeper connection to our higher power and then as life improves, we become more lax about our practices.
As sure as the magnetic pull of the earth causes a compass to point north, the magnetic pull of God’s love at work in your heart will always point you to others who need love.
The scriptures that you will see in Devotionals, this week, are hopefully ones that will be interesting to think about, and lead us to expectations that are positive, exciting, energizing and compassionate and allow us to recognize God’s love more fully.
Paul was a great letter writer. He used his communications to teach and guide his fledgling churches as they wrestled with the challenges they faced. He wrote letters that included inviting himself to come for a visit in his travels. His letters were requests for money to fund his travels
Success does not always look like what we imagined it would. One of the paths we took probably looked like a failure to some folks and yet in my heart I can see that the hand of God guided us safely into the future.
As you have journeyed through life Success does not always look like what we imagined it would. One of the paths we took probably looked like a failure to some folks and yet in my heart I can see that the hand of God guided us safely into the future.
As you have journeyed through life
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
