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
An episode of BLUEY reminds us that, “This is what happens when you’re unhappy with what you’ve got! Someone’s husband eventually gets it!”
Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth is one of his first attempts at verbalizing his theology, his understanding of God, and what some 300 years later became known as “Trinitarian theology” (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Gifts of the Spirit is Paul’s attempt at describing the awesome and amazing Lord at work within the community.
I love the book of James. James is very straightforward about how we are to live our lives. It doesn’t make it easier, but it does give us good instruction. Our passage today had me struggling to give good examples because I am feeling like this is a no brainer. The state of our world feels like this is where we are. Those in power seem to be in power only for power.
Most of us are not very kind to ourselves. So, I am fairly convinced that when we only read this one verse, we hear it as an encouragement to believe that we are actually enough. We don’t need to look around and worry if others are better than us because God has already given us what we need. That’s an important message.
Mercy is more than a biblical concept; it is a life principle that can transform relationships and communities
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
When I think about all the things I’ve learned in my lifetime – countless hours spent in books, classrooms, seminars, and on-line courses – it’s obvious to me that I’ve forgotten most of it. I think that’s the nature of most of our learning. It unfortunately goes in one ear and out the other.
Did you set a New Year’s resolution or goal for yourself? How is it going? Have you had a set back? Are you still on track? No matter where you find yourself, the good news is that today is a new day and God is calling you to forget about mistakes made yesterday and look forward.
Where would we be without God’s faithful love in our lives? I know I can’t imagine my life without God’s love! God’s love is undeserved, eternal, unconditional, unfailing, patient, kind, loyal, merciful, compassionate, steadfast, generous, grace filled, and life giving. The psalmist in this psalm calls on us to meditate on God’s faithful love in our lives
Have you ever learned a new word and then all of a sudden it started showing up all the time? That’s a thing!
As I began reflecting on this passage, I looked at the background of the Book of Proverbs to clarify its purpose and origins. It is part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, and it is believed to have been written over centuries. Imagine the amazing amount of wisdom gathered from the time of King Solomon
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
