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.”
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,
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.
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.
Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy” and nothing will kill your joy faster than scrolling through social media. It’s probably because we are comparing our worst moment, to someone else’s best moment, because in comparing ourselves to others we aren’t playing on a level field. While we want to be happy for our friend’s successes
I love Advent! There’s something so moving when we light the first candle on the Advent
wreath, it reminds me of the unimaginable possibilities of living in God’s Kin-dom. It’s as if that flame on the candle focuses our attention on all the things we crave and wait for in our lives-hope, love, joy and peace
God is also calling out “All aboard!” to each of us in every moment of eternity, offering us salvation through God’s love and grace. Because God is eternal, divine time is all about what’s happening right now, at the right time and now is the time for salvation!
There are only two questions that really matter on our spiritual journey. The first is: Where am I? The second is: What time is it? There is only one answer to each of these questions: Here and Now. The only time and place one can encounter the
Divine is here and now – not in the past or in the future. We don’t get to know WHEN something is going to happen.
This weekend I was at the Caregiver Renewal Retreat held at our church. Our retreat leader, Rev. Shawn Callender Hogan, set up a series of prayer stations where we could pause for reflection on where we are in our caregiver journey. One prayer station caught my attention because it was about time.
The Psalmist begins his cry for help with acknowledging his guilt. Psalm 51 is attributed to King David by some and alludes to the story of David and Bathsheba, in which David broke at least half of the Ten Commandments. The anonymous writer of Psalm 51 was well-acquainted with God’s compassion as he confessed his own guilt and shortcomings. Humanity is filled with people who have done things they are not proud of and yet we keep finding new ways to do harm to others and to God’s creation. I am proud to be a United Methodist who tries very hard to live by Three Simple Rules: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.
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
