The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
There’s no doubt—we are living in a politically charged time. Almost every issue seems to spark more division than dialogue. Leaders on all sides often appear more interested in shouting past each other than in solving real problems. Tragically, this toxic political climate has even cost human lives. I find myself wondering: Will things ever calm down?
Have you ever heard someone say, “Never meet your heroes”? It’s a strange warning, but it holds some truth. We often place people on pedestals. Maybe athletes, celebrities, even people in our everyday lives. We admire their talents, their achievements, and the way they seem to carry themselves. But sometimes, when we look closer…
In John 17:24–26, we get a glimpse of something deeply personal: Jesus praying not only for His disciples, but for all who would one day believe in Him, including us. Right before the cross, when he could have been focused on His own suffering, He turned His eyes to the Father and prayed for our future.
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
As we read through today’s scripture passage we cannot help but ask “who was Melchizadek?” Let me share briefly what I have concluded in my exploration of this fellow named Melchizedek. The Hebrew Bible, aka the Old Testament, contains the first mention of Melchizedek in Genesis 14, followed by a mention in Psalm 110.
Some things are inevitable: death, taxes and … sneezes? Time to embrace the sneeze as soon as you feel it coming.
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
There are a million things that we can participate in! Start with prayer and let the Sprit lead!
We live in a world that places heavy emphasis on physical fitness. Gyms are full, diets are trending, and self-improvement is a billion-dollar industry.
First Timothy is the first of the “Pastoral Letters” written by the Apostle Paul to guide his delegates, like Timothy, who have been left to “pastor” churches. Throughout 1 Timothy, Paul addresses the character of Christian leaders and emphasizes the church’s critical role in shaping the moral and spiritual life of the community.
While I was in seminary, I was invited to help teach an adult VBS in a Baptist Church, and Psalm 1 was our guide through the week. I had never taught adults at VBS before, and so this was a brand new experience.
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
