The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
Has this ever happened to you?… You’ve been in conversation with someone, perhaps some tension is building, then you or they say some fact that causes the other party to become defensive, accusatory, and lose all sense of reason?
As I reflect on this Psalm it occurs to me that God and the people of God are in the activities of this world together and always have been. We cannot accomplish anything without the inspiration of God, and God cannot accomplish anything until God’s people get on board to make it happen.
I am always struck when I read this passage that there is a striking contrast here between the disciples’ mountaintop experience, and the real suffering they are immediately met with in the valley below. There is a tension here, reminding us that our spiritual highs or moments of personal faith aren’t enough – we must be willing to carry Christ’s presence into a hurting world.
All of us have experienced the pain of being an “outsider” at some point in our lives. We move to a new job, or a new school, or a new neighborhood where we don’t have any connections. We’re unfamiliar with the “way things are done here.” Sometimes we break the rules without even knowing it!
Let faith be your anchor, guiding you to transform conflict into opportunity through love and understanding.
Have you had those times when you feel God is so close, then other times you struggle to feel God’s presence?
Social justice is an important issue for Christians to address; but it is not the only issue. John Wesley believed that social holiness encompasses all aspects of the Christian life.
It’s serious business to seek and find God. But it is so worth it.
We are right in the heart of graduation season. In fact, tomorrow is Shawnee High School’s graduation — a particularly meaningful milestone for me, because my son is among the graduates. In just under two weeks, he’ll take the next bold step in his journey: reporting to the United States Military Academy at West Point to begin cadet basic training.
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.
Historically, some have described the U.S. as a melting pot, referring to how other cultures blended and conformity reigned. However, with a new generation and a food revolution, we are trading in our fondue pots for salad bowls.
The Letter of James begins chapter 1, verse 1 by greeting the “Twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” It addresses both the first followers of Jesus as well as those Jews of the first century who found themselves outside of Palestine. This passage also resonates with those of us in the twenty-first century.
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
