The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
Have you ever had to unlearn something? It seems almost harder to unlearn information and behaviors than it was to learn it. For instance, for years I learned to use Apple computers and iOS , but when I had to learn Microsoft for a new laptop I was given, my brain just couldn’t grasp the new info. I kept trying to navigate this new situation, using the old information.
I made a cruel assumption that literally challenged the way I justify bad things happening in this world. It was a hard lesson in prejudice, compassion, and the need for reflection on my assumptions.
There are approximately 30 mentions of “thirst” in the Bible. Sometimes it is literally being physically thirsty, as when Jesus suffers on the cross and cries out “I thirst.” However, “thirst” is used more often metaphorically to represent a deep spiritual longing particularly for God’s grace, as exemplified in Jesus’ words and actions,
As a 22-year-old female tattoo artist in a small, conservative town in New Jersey, I stand out. With over forty visible tattoos, a lip piercing, eyebrow piercing, and nose ring, people are often shocked when they find out I’m religious and attend church regularly.
It took me a long time to figure out my path in college. After changing my area of study a whopping seven times and feeling like a fish out of water, I went to my Advisor to seek her counsel on what I could do to finish a degree and start the “productive” era in my life.
For me, our Isaiah 58 scripture is extremely meaningful because it is so clear. God really cares about all of humankind and caring makes it necessary to set out standards for us to follow.
We may think we are worshipping in spirit and truth but there is a reason these verses are in the Bible. There’s a big difference in worshipping in spirit and in truth and worshipping in spirit or worshipping in truth.
I’ve always believed that anything worth doing is worth doing… better. It doesn’t take much effort to become decent at something. But to truly excel—to reach a place where skill becomes second nature—takes time, discipline, and experience.
Have you ever been working on a project, when you realized about halfway through that you skipped a crucial step that will most certainly affect the outcome? How easy was it for you to make the decision to start over? Did you begin again?
This question really had me go in a lot of different directions. My first thought was, “Well, I tried a new pizza place on my way home the other day.”
I have been a confirmation mentor for several years here at MUMC and it has been a very rewarding experience. I hope that the youth who have taken part in confirmation have learned as much from me as I have from them.
In keeping with our Lenten Series on Seeking: honest questions for deeper faith, by Rev. Sarah A. Speed, our question for today is “Where did you see God today?” The question I have to ask myself is, “Was I intentional about seeing God today?” I have to answer, “No, I honestly wasn’t looking for God today.”
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
