The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
Peter’s question reveals something deeply human: our desire to place limits on grace. In ancient Jewish culture, forgiving three times was often seen as generous. So when Peter offered “seven times,” he probably thought he was going above and beyond.
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.
I have to laugh when I read that Jesus said, “this is a new commandment.” This is NOT a new commandment! It is the very epicenter of Love One Another. Both the Old and the New Testaments refer to how we should treat others. As a Jewish boy, we believe that Jesus went to worship with his parents
Villains have origin stories, even real life ones. My grandfather would make sure I consider it before passing judgment.
There isn’t much difference in the spelling of selfish and selfless. But what a difference those few letters make.
When we abide in Christ, our prayers are effective, we glorify God in our fruit bearing, we show our discipleship, and our joy becomes full through experiencing Christ’s own joy within us.
If both are not possible, do you think it is better to do good or to follow the rules? It can be a very difficult question. Jesus tended to break a lot of rules while helping others.
When my grandmother died in 1998 and I offered to speak at her funeral, this scripture leapt to mind. I guess you might say this was the first Bible passage I ever preached.
So, have you ever gone apple picking on a Sunday afternoon? Have you ever gone to the grocery store on a Sunday? Have you ever gone out to eat or gone to a concert or sporting event on a Sunday afternoon? How about to a festival in the park?
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.
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
