The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
The disciples had just heard Jesus explain “things that cause people to trip and fall into sin.” Jesus says we are to “Watch ourselves!” And we are to warn our fellow followers of Jesus to stop sinning and to forgive them and to forgive when they change their hearts and lives, even up to seven times a day! No wonder the disciples thought this was an impossible task for them,
This was the first real birthday party my daughter was going to experience. The event planner in my brain wanted to do so much more than my tired mom-body could really accomplish. My intentions were good, but a naughty little cat taught me just how little the fluff and stuff really matters.
The theme for worship at Medford UMC this past Sunday was “The Secret of Contentment.” Today’s scripture reflects that theme as well. This verse is what we commonly call an “if-then” or a “conditional” statement. We cannot have one thing without the other. It is a logical grammatical construction that expresses a relationship between two ideas,
I’m pretty sure you have seen the phrase “no Jesus, no peace, know Jesus, know peace.” I was struggling with what I wanted to write because I have to admit, I have been struggling recently to feel peace.
Has anyone ever told you “Do not worry?” Did it successfully keep you from worrying? Yeah, me neither.
Anxiety thrives on uncertainty—our need to control outcomes, to secure our future, to make sure everything turns out “just right.” Yet Jesus calls us to a different way of living. His way is marked by trust rather than fear. He calls us to rest in contentment now rather than continually chasing the thing that we perceive will lead to contentment tomorrow.
Jesus’ words are not meant to forbid our providing essentials for life.
We aren’t supposed to hoard our gifts. We are supposed to use them to benefit our fellow Christians or non-Christians.
The way I read today’s passage it seems to me that immediately after being called by Jesus, the twelve disciples are sent out to the mission field. Their mission was urgent and they didn’t have time to waste. Their mission was also not easy.
Imagine you are one of Jesus’ disciples and you see a large crowd of people headed your way, tired and hungry. Jesus says to you, “Where will you buy food to feed these people?” In response, most of us would think that feeding upwards to fifteen thousand men, women and children on the outskirts of a town would be an impossible task.
I was chosen to speak at a national conference for character education. I still can’t believe I did that. I still can’t believe I get to put that in my resume. As I write this, I still feel like I only got there by luck and people in the audience were just being polite.
When Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, Potiphar, Pharaoh’s chief officer, the commander of the royal guard and an Egyptian, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man and served in his Egyptian master’s household.
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
