Pastor Rick's Blog

2010-12-25T00:55:00.000-06:00

Saturday – December 25, 2010

The Word Among Us
Read: John 1:14

As we come to the end of this journey, and to the celebration of Emmanuel, God with us, I think back on the people who have given of themselves to write here. Each has, in their own way, embodied the Word dwelling among us. Each time the calendar rolls around to this date, we celebrate it, even buried under mounds of discarded wrapping; we know Christ’s there. Besides, it’s his birthday, not mine.

Reading through each entry I am more in love with my God and my church than ever, and I thank God for speaking to Fredericktown, and this pastor, through this congregation. Christ has certainly come to live among us, and some times we even let him shine through who we “usually” are.

This world needs a Christ, a Messiah, who will make sense out of our chaotic, self-absorbed, power driven lives. May the Jesus of the manger, and the Christ of our hearts, heal your broken places, dance in all your joys, and give you the voice to share it all with others.

Prayer: Lord, for all the times you break into my life, thank you. Amen

Rick Lasley

2010-12-23T21:18:00.000-06:00

Friday – December 24, 2010

Making Room for the Christ Child
Read: Luke 2:6-7

Christmas has always been a special time for me because of my grandmother. She ran an old fashion country store that was more or less the meeting place for the town. Once Thanksgiving dinner was over we started getting ready for Christmas. First the decorations, then planning for all the “goodies” to be made and anticipating all the calls, cards and visits from family and friends that soon would be coming. Practice for the church Christmas program would begin. Finally, Christmas Eve would arrive and it was time to go to church. As a child I think I thought baby Jesus would really be there.

After our children were grown and married our oldest son and daughter-in-law were expecting their first born just a few days before Christmas. All the preparations at home and the hospital had been made and we anxiously anticipated the blessed event. At that moment I wondered what Mary might have been thinking. It was then I realized it didn’t really matter if it was a hospital or manger because all we needed was our faith. Modern day or long ago, it was all in God’s hands.

Prayer: Dear Lord, regardless of the events in our lives that may require us to wait and wonder, we always know we have you to bring peace of mind and comfort to us. Amen

Nancy Basden

2010-12-22T23:19:00.000-06:00

Thursday – December 23, 2010

The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such As These
Read: Matthew 19:13-15

Christmas is a great season especially for children. They can’t wait for the day to come. The innocence, the sense of anticipation, and the total trust that Santa will remember them and leave a reward for being a good boy or girl; their excitement is contagious. Maybe that is something we as adults need to learn.

Jesus knew His father wanted that same excitement and anticipation from His Children. But Jesus also knew how skeptical and cynical we can be when we grow up and become adults. If only we could turn back the clock and have that childlike wonder that we see in our children and grandchildren on Christmas morning. What a great gift that would be to our Father this Christmas.

Prayer: Lord grant me a renewed enthusiasm this Christmas for your kingdom. Help me to understand what a glorious gift you gave the world with your birth so long ago. And give me a new appreciation for your grace and unconditional love. Amen

Dennis Siders

2010-12-21T22:12:00.000-06:00

Wednesday – December 22, 2010

God Can Do Amazing Things with One Child
Read: Genesis 18:10-13

Sarah laughed when she learned that God’s promise to Abraham would be fulfilled within the year. She laughed in disbelief that it was possible after her child bearing years were over that she would conceive and bear a child. But conceive she did and that one child, Isaac, was a promise (covenant) fulfilled that Abraham’s descendants would be a great nation. Three major religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam – trace their lineage back to Abraham. The first two celebrate the lineage through Isaac. God did an amazing thing with one child!

In the birth of Jesus God did an amazing thing with one child. In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus a new covenant was established. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, God promises to do amazing things with one child – each one of us. That means that we, you and I, need to be attentive to the amazing things God is doing. Where are you experiencing God in your life? What amazing thing is God doing in and through you?

Prayer: Dear God, I am your child. Please do amazing things in and through me. Amen

David Norbury

2010-12-20T21:53:00.000-06:00

Tuesday – December 21, 2010

Jesus is the Only Way to Know God as “Abba”
Read: John 14:6-7

Growing up in a rural Colorado area as a small child into a teenager, I could hear my mother pray at bedtime “Abba” Father and then the Lord’s Prayer. There was nowhere for her to turn to except through prayer. Our lives were threatened often. I would hide under the covers at night and cling to my small Bible praying that Jesus could help us out of our situation.

On weekends I was fortunate to stay with grandmother and attend Sunday School and church in the city. In my mind only Jesus could help us and as it turned out the way to God is only through Jesus because he is both God and man. Trust Jesus to take you to the Father and all the benefits of being God’s child will be yours.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your teachings. Amen

Colleen Metcalf

2010-12-19T22:14:00.001-06:00

Monday – December 20, 2010

Regardless of Age, God Equips Us
Read: Jeremiah 1:4-9

As I write this Advent devotional, I see out my window the glorious foliage of an Oct. day. My thoughts on the scripture are "colored" by God's gift of a beautiful world. Leaves begin small, tender and green; just as Jeremiah says God formed and set us humans apart in the womb, as his special part of creation. I like to believe we are much like leaves. Gradually, as our lives unfold, they are filled with the world and its daily demands. We add play, work, family; just some of the many worldly things that fill our busy lives. Yet, sometimes hidden, we also add growth, the kind that completes us as God intends us to be, as he created us to be. Like the leaves I see, loosing that green chlorophyll stored up over their brief life, and now revealing the marvelous colors within, I hope to have finally revealed those God-like qualities I am working hard to gain. Perhaps we can all feel "God with us", "Not be afraid", and "know that God will rescue us from this world", as Jeremiah writes. It may take a lifetime of Bible study, prayer, the strengthening of faith by the company of a shared church worship, to reveal God's true beauty within us, but like October's leaves, let us strive for that revelation.

Prayer: God, we know you do equip us for each and every day's challenges. Help us to be revealed as images of you at work in your world. Amen

Sharon Robbins

2010-12-18T22:51:00.001-06:00

Sunday – December 19, 2010

The Josephs Among Us; Builders & Workers
Read: Luke 2:1-4

Have you ever done a great job and nobody noticed or cared? This has probably happened to all of us. It takes a lot of “Josephs” to get the work done in our life, home, and church. Joseph quietly took full responsibility for Mary. He raised Jesus into adulthood and received very little recognition.

On Sunday Morning October 31st I walked into the fellowship hall and gazed upon a buffet of delicious breakfast foods and scary Halloween treats like fingers with long red nails! I saw clowns, butterflies, spiders and angels. I saw young and old laughing and having a delightful time.

During worship service I enjoyed a creative display of ghoulish fun, inspirational music and a wonderful sermon on “The Masks We Wear.” I am so thankful for all the helpers in our church. They are the “Josephs”, who are behind the scenes making sure everything gets done, handling difficult situations and not always getting the recognition they deserve.

Prayer: Dear God, I pray that your Spirit will speak to all the members in our church, to help them live passionately and do the work you call them to do. Amen

Leslie Goodman

2010-12-17T22:00:00.002-06:00

Saturday – December 18, 2010

Bringing our Best Gifts to God
Read: Matthew 2:11-12

When I was four years old our Sunday school class was collecting toys for needy children. Our teacher told us that we shouldn’t bring toys with which nobody would want to play. She told us to bring a toy that we would like to have ourselves. I went home and picked out my favorite gift I had gotten for my birthday that year; a “Whee-lo.” I forgot to bring it to Sunday school on the day we were to send the toys to Kingdom House. My mother brought me back to church after lunch and I went back to the Sunday school room and laid the “Whee-lo” on top of the sealed barrel marked “Kingdom House.” The next week in Sunday school all the toys had been delivered, but my “Whee-lo” that I had sacrificed for those needy children was being played with by the children in my class. It had never gotten into the barrel. My childhood heart cried because I had wanted the gift to be so special.

As I think about God’s gift to us of his only Son, that God must have felt even more devastated than a four year old who had given up her favorite toy, only to have such a sacrifice become a joke as the gift was never recognized as special. From the very beginning, people such as Herod tried to do away with this special gift from God. I’m sure God’s heart must have cried too. For God had given us the greatest gift God knew how to give, and God’s Son, the gift, was ridiculed and put to death. But…God’s gift was so special that the nature of the gift was to turn sorrow into joy…and Christ arose to show that even sorrow had no power over God.

Christ continues to turn sorrow into joy in the lives of those who allow God’s gift to be a special one. May the special gift of God, God’s Son, touch your lives this Christmas in such a way that you will never again have a sorrow so deep that you feel God could never reach it.

Prayer: O God, above all, let us remember the gift you gave to us! During this Christmas season, help us to find a way to share your special gift through our giving, touching each person with the wonder of Christ’s birth. Amen

Wendy Goodwin

2010-12-16T21:18:00.000-06:00

Friday – December 17, 2010

Many Flocks, One Shepherd
Read: John 10:14-16

Who would have ever thought about moving from Arkansas to Missouri for a job…certainly not me.

However, that was what the Lord had in store for me after I recovered from cancer and was again ready to go back to work. I hated to leave the sleepy little town in SW Ark. Twenty years there had let me make a lot of friends and find a church we enjoyed.

One of the great things about moving from one place to another is that it doesn’t have to be long before you are welcomed back into a new fold, with new friends. That’s the way it was for me when we came to Fredericktown United Methodist Church. Even though the faces were new and ya’ll have a funny accent, we felt at home. Though we had moved almost 400 miles and joined a new flock, it’s really a comfort to know that the same shepherd (Jesus) is watching over all of us whether in SW Ark or SE MO.

Prayer: Lord I’m so glad you are always there – and the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen

Bob Lewis

2010-12-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

Thursday – December 16, 2010

Sharing Christ in “Teachable Moments”
Read: Acts 8:30-31

Jana was an 8th grade student with a first grade reading level. Raised in a loving Christian home, it was easy for her to put her faith and trust in God. As her teacher, I had no doubt that Jana had a direct line to God. When Jana prayed, it seemed God listened extra hard. For most of her life, Jana relied on others to read the Bible for her, but now, she had other ideas: “I want to learn to read better so I can read the Bible for myself,” she told me. Her reading became our focus that school year, and for her all that summer. When she came back to school in September, her reading had improved dramatically, so much so that she wasn’t just reading the Bible; she understood its message. It’s amazing what we can do when God fuels the desire.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for the moments when we place our trust in you. May we always trust you to be the heart of our desires. Amen

Nena Baird

2010-12-15T01:35:00.002-06:00

Wednesday – December 15, 2010

Caring for One Another Along the Way
Read: Ruth 1:15-16

These two verses in Ruth are talking about a very close relationship between Naomi and Ruth who also had a close relationship with God. They worshiped him and were committed to him and he in return blessed them.

In our daily lives we should have a close relationship with God and follow where ever he leads.
When my brother, sister and I were growing up we had a loving relationship with my mother and aunt. We went to church and especially enjoyed our Sunday School classes, as my mother and aunt were our Sunday School teachers. Through these women both of us accepted God as our Savior. Later in life I married and now have five children of my own. I know that ability to love one another, as I have experienced their love for me a thousand times over.

The bible story of Naomi and Ruth is a wonderful story. We should follow their example and keep God in our everyday lives. God loves us and will bless us if we follow him.

Prayer: Lord, continue to lead us in your way through those you have placed in our lives. Amen

Joan Whitener

2010-12-14T05:17:00.002-06:00

Tuesday – December 14, 2010

To Know Jesus as the Christ
Read: Matthew 16:13-18

To follow Jesus is to do things that are right and help others as Jesus did. Call others to follow Jesus and ask them to attend church to learn about him and enjoy being with others. I try to follow Jesus and pray that I am doing all of the right things. The ones in the Bible were attached to him because he cleaned the unclean people and healed them. You always pray for healing for you or someone that is ill, because he is the one that can heal even with the help of others.

I try to attend church all of the time. I really enjoy the singing and the pastor’s sermon. I also enjoy visiting with other people. I come home to eat, visit with the family and wait for the call from our out of town son who calls every Sunday.

Jesus can see the good that we do and we can always pray to him for help when we need it when there is something we can’t do on our own. He is always there for us if we are there for him.
We can all know Jesus, and he will know us if we attend church, prayer meetings and bible studies, and always pray for those that are ill or have lost a love one or need our prayers in any way.

Jesus is the light of the world. We should pray and have faith and be able to see him through the darkness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to allow Christ to be the greatest influence on our lives so that his light may shine through us. Amen.

Margie Pippin

2010-12-12T22:37:00.000-06:00

Monday – December 13, 2010

God Gives Us Strength for the Journey
Read: Exodus 3:9-12a

Few of us will be asked to do the amazing things that Moses did, but we are all asked to trust that God will not forsake us, for he walks with us always.

In 2004, with my eyesight failing, I got glasses. I remember looking at the leaves and actually seeing the sharpness of their edges. I hadn’t realized how bad my eyes had gotten until that moment. My walk with God has kind of been like that at times. Though I have tried to keep God as my focus, sometimes my line of sight gets a little fuzzy and the path a little winding.

My dad was close to God at the end of his journey. When he passed I had a sudden panic about where his journey took him. I started to really question who our God is and what happens to us when we leave this Earth.

As the days have gone by and I walk my journey through the grief, I ask, “Where do I go?” and the answer is always the same, “to the Lord.”

With God in the driver’s seat, I find that though I am weak I am made strong. It’s like finding what I was missing, was right there all along. I found what my dad knew; it’s a life worth living in God’s grace.

Prayer: May God walk with you and may you see his footsteps along side you in each step you take. Amen

Cindy Basden

2010-12-11T22:40:00.000-06:00

Sunday – December 12, 2010

The Marys Among Us
Read: Luke 1:46-49

This passage is about the gift that Mary was given from God and her acceptance of the gift with grace not pride. Many times I have questioned what gifts God has given me. Then when I was questioning “why me” I heard loud and clear from God. Recently several former and current students and players approached me to reminisce about why they liked my class, enjoyed being part of the team, or how they missed being part of the school. It is just what I needed to hear. I realized that God has given me a gift of working with students to help them achieve their goals and show someone cares about them. And like Mary, I knew it was not me, it was God who placed me in the places he wanted me to be to use the gifts he has given me to honor him.

Prayer: God, please help us to accept the gifts and talents you have given us and to use these gifts in a way that will honor and glorify your name. Amen

Mary Moyers

2010-12-10T19:33:00.001-06:00

Saturday – December 11, 2010

Seeing Christ in Each Other
Read: Luke 1:39-42

Scripture says the baby leapt in Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s voice. Elizabeth knew Mary was special. This ordinary girl had been chosen by God to be the mother of his son. The bible is full of stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Abraham was quite elderly, but God chose him to lead the Israelites. Moses stuttered and he received the Ten Commandments. Jesus disciples were fishermen and common laborers. Matthew was a tax collector.

How often do we meet someone and dismiss them as not worth our time? We look at them through the world’s eyes instead of with God’s eyes. Our differences make us unique, but every person is special, created in God’s image. How wonderful it would be if we could see the extraordinary in everyone we meet, and think about them as the child of God that they are.

Prayer: Help me to see the extraordinary in each person I meet. Amen

Kim Lasley

2010-12-09T23:17:00.000-06:00

Friday – December 10, 2010

Accepting Christ Deep In Our Lives
Read: Acts 16:13-15

In these 3 short verses, Lydia was listening to Paul’s words and applying them to herself, taking great notice of the word of God. In so doing, not only was her heart touched but her heart was opened for the King of Glory to come in. This reminded me of John, Mark and I attending church on Sunday, taking each precious day together so for granted. Then suddenly finding myself sitting on the ground at Marks grave wanting to crawl in with him. John had returned to work as there was nothing more to be done. We tried to go away for a few days however, there was no running away from what had happened. We were all to be on vacation not at the cemetery. I did not know what to do or where I was to go. The tears would not seem to stop, my heart hurt so badly and I began to pray. At some point I walked back to the car returning home. That day my heart was touched by Christ and forever to be opened for the King of Glory. The day John went home to be with the Lord, after the tears, I knew where I needed to go.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you and praise you each and everyday for the renewing of my heart and your grace. Amen.

Sandy Hammond

2010-12-08T21:16:00.000-06:00

Thursday – December 9, 2010

Being God’s Blessing to Those In Need
Read: Matthew 5:1-12

My scriptures are the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a map of life, a series of directives helping us on our journey to be with God. They are God’s guidelines. Verse 4 speaks to me. "Those who mourn are fortunate for they shall be comforted".

I lost my oldest son to suicide 7 years ago. It was the most difficult time of my life. Before, I had been remiss in my walk with God.. After his death, I had to lean on God to survive. God has become my comfort in getting me through the difficult days and years ahead. I find comfort in the knowledge that I will see my son again and that he’s no longer in pain. As a mother, what more can I ask for? Finding comfort in God helps you let go of that pain and continue on to find happiness in our lives again.

Prayer: God give us strength on the days that are hard and give us comfort when we need it the most. Amen.

Marilou Lewis

2010-12-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

Wednesday – December 8, 2010

Setting Priorities
Read: Luke 10:38-42

Setting priorities is so important especially in this high-paced world we live in. I have children that are growing up right before my eyes, yet I still think that the house needs to be spotless before I sit down to play with them. Since reading this passage and knowing that I would be writing about it, the Lord has placed in my heart so many areas that I need to take time and prioritize.

My neighbor passed away on Monday, November 8th. I never really got to know him other than the occasional “hello” while visiting with his wife. At his funeral I learned that he was a World War II Veteran. He had survived four years in Europe and four months as a Prisoner of War in Germany. What a missed opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to him. After the funeral, I immediately thought of this scripture. God wants me to slow down. I must pay attention to the people he places in my life and their needs. It is time to slow down, leave the dishes, and visit my neighbors and enjoy my children.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for placing me among such wonderful family and friends. I will take time to love each and every one of them as you have shown me how to love. Amen

Jennifer Gibson

2010-12-05T21:21:00.001-06:00

Tuesday – December 7, 2010

Seeking Justice for Others
Read: Micah 6:8

“God, what do you want me to do?” Micah was a country preacher during the same time of Isaiah. He was answering this question for the princes, priests and people and in the process gave an excellent Mission Statement for us and the church. I like it because it has three easy-to-remember elements: do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your Lord.

DO JUSTICE

If you always do what is right according to God’s law and in God’s name, you won’t have to worry about this world, its rulers or rules. John Wesley founded our faith on this. Wherever the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes, justice appears. In our home, work and church life we are called to do justice and to treat people with kindness and fairness and how we want to be treated. Or better yet, how we want our children or grandchildren treated. One measure of society is how the least in that society are treated.

LOVE MERCY

When given a choice, we should always choose mercy over justice. We should hope that our God gives us mercy, when our time of judgment comes. Mercy goes beyond what is right, good or fair. Mercy is unmerited favor. The father of the prodigal son showed mercy upon his son’s return. Jesus was a mercy merchant. It was his stock and trade. It is what he expects of us. If justice doesn’t cover it, mercy will.

WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR LORD

If you are in the presence of God, you will walk with confidence in your decisions and actions. All prayers and thoughts need to begin with “God’s will be done”. There is extreme power in walking with your Lord.

Prayer: God, help us today and everyday to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you. Amen

Don Goodman

2010-12-05T21:06:00.002-06:00

Monday – December 6, 2010

To Lead Where I Am
Read: Matthew 9:35-38

Verse 37 says, "The harvest is so great and the workers are so few." Each one of us in the Fredericktown United Methodist Church should help others in whatever way we can, to find their way to God. Whatever your talent is, whether it is teaching, helping in the nursery, or just listening to someone who needs to talk, we all have a job to do. By using our talent to help others we are showing our love for Christ and our church. We show others that believing in Christ and serving Him, opens the door to a whole new world. A world that brings peace and joy within your life. Lead where you are.

Dear God, thank you for the joy of being a Christian. Amen

Marilyn McFarland

2010-12-04T22:23:00.001-06:00

Sunday – December 5, 2010

Outcast Shepherds Among the First to See
Read: Luke 2:8-10

The shepherds were amazed at what they had seen and heard and went to see if what the angel had said was true. They found the baby just as the angel had said and they told everyone they met what had happened. The shepherds spread the word of the wonderful thing that happened that night. They were used by God to let everyone know what He had done for all humanity-sent His Son to save the people of the earth!

The shepherds were not very high on the social ladder in their society. Their work was lonely and at times dangerous. They protected their sheep and rescued them from predators and found them when they were lost. Sheep are not the smartest animals so they needed someone to watch over them night and day. They depended on the shepherds to be with them. Sometimes sheep will lie down and not be able to get up, they are unable to get their feet under them, so the shepherd must constantly watch over them. Sheep will not lie down in a pasture even if the grass is green and there is plenty of it. They are so afraid of so many things that they cannot rest. The shepherd must be sure no dangers are present and let the sheep know he is keeping watch.

Who do sheep remind you of? Someone you know very well, I’m sure! We are so glad our God has given us a great Good Shepherd, His Son, our Lord and Savior to watch over us and keep us out of trouble. Even though the shepherds were not the chosen ones of their society, they were chosen by God to be the first to know of the birth of Jesus and let others know what a miracle had happened on that starry night!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your guiding hand in my life. Amen

Dottie Francis

2010-12-04T00:22:00.000-06:00

Saturday – December 4, 2010

Our Weakness Leaves Room for God to Work
Read: 1 Corinthians 2:3-5

In a small rural town, the even smaller country church struggled to keep attendance and spirit intact. Week after week, the pastor also fought his own battle to deliver the sermon. Hours of study and hours of preparation and preaching to the walls did not yield the desired results. The problem had reached such proportions that the deacon board and congregation held numerous prayer vigils and meetings to determine a solution.

The answer came in the form of a traveling evangelist known for his outstanding speaking abilities. The premise being that an example of eloquence would plant a seed resulting in the same. The eventful morning found the guest speaker standing at the pulpit scanning the crowd who waited with anticipation. But when he opened his mouth to speak, to their surprise, he merely said, “I am as empty as a cartridge.” And he sat down. It was then that their own pastor got up and delivered the first of many dynamic, spirit-filled sermons.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I always realize that it’s not by my might, nor my power, but by the power of your Holy Spirit and Word that yield the results that God desires in every situation. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Cheryl Mooney

2010-12-02T21:27:00.002-06:00

Friday – December 3, 2010

Many Ways to Serve
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

I often wished I had a beautiful singing voice, or was a gifted speaker that made listeners hang on every word I said; laugh at every joke, or tear up at each heart-rending story I told. But God did not choose to give those gifts to me.
As Christmas time approaches I begin to think about what gift I want to give my family members to show them how much I love them. I want them to know that I put a great deal of thought into their particular gift. I picked their gift to fit them- to bring them pleasure as they used it. How would I feel if instead of accepting the gift I gave them and enjoying it, they told me they wished I had given them something else? They wished my gift was more exciting, more valuable, or more glamorous? What if they put my gift in the closet and never used it? They would miss the whole point of what giving is all about – an act of Love.

God loves us and has given each of us our special gift because He knows us best. He has given us our gift to make us happy and complete as we use it to serve Him and others.

Prayer: God help me to accept the gift you have given me. Show me the best way to use it to serve You and others. Amen

Vickie Siders

2010-12-01T21:47:00.001-06:00

Thursday – December 2, 2010

All I Am I Owe to God
Read: Psalm 139:13-14

After five years on an eight square mile island, I was ready to leave it behind for the wide open spaces of rural Missouri. The coldest winter in ten years was my first Christmas present; the arrival of my youngest son on December 26 was my last Christmas present. The weeks that followed were full of lessons: how to unfreeze a frozen well pump, how to drive in the snow, and how to master each day away from my best friend and dearest love, Ran. There were blessings in the lessons: with each new task I mastered, I grew stronger and tougher; Juan found a job here and took his first steps toward independence, and morning after morning, across the miles, Ran and I knelt together in prayer.

The days got somewhat easier, and late in January, Ran and I made plans to get married on Valentine’s Day weekend. How were we to know that this was a four-day state holiday, and that the courthouse wouldn’t be open? God sent Bob Mooney to the church office that Friday, just as I was thinking the wedding couldn’t happen. Bob found the recorder of deeds, and she came in on her day off to prepare the license. In March, God sent Julie Pritchett my way with enough sub work to fill in the holes in my dwindling savings, and later in the summer, my sub work led to my current position. In August, just when we couldn’t bear one more minute apart, God sent Ran home to me. There are no accidents, no surprises along the road when we let Christ be our guide. He knows where we can be our best selves and places people along the way to lead us. There is no doubt in my mind that all that I am, I owe to God.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for always showing us the way, even when we think we can find our own way. Amen

Nena Baird

2010-12-01T08:10:00.003-06:00

Wednesday - December 1, 2010

Finding God’s Grace Where We Work
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

God has given us the gift of work. If one allows God to intervene He will also direct that gift to meet the greatest need. In the winter months of 2001 I needed employment. It has always seemed important to me to be God directed in all that I do, but the very thing I did not want to do was to work within a prison population. I applied for state jobs and received an invitation to interview 100 miles away from present location. Since no other offers were forthcoming at the time, I drove the 100 miles to the interviewing, praying to my God, “please don’t let them select me, prison work I do not want to do.” God answered! A letter arrived, thanking me for the interest and time, someone else selected. I was soon to learn a lesson in that the very things we shy away from, the things in life we do not want to become a part of, could be the very thing that God wants for us!

Soon I received an invitation to interview at the Farmington Mental Health Hospital. YES! We are moving back home. Overjoyed! The day of the interview I went to the hospital and was told the interview would take place in the prison compound, enter through the Sally port(?), no clue as to what that meant. Prison work? My thought was: “No(!), the letter stated mental health hospital, you mean I am going to work in a prison after all?” I started the new job on December 1, 1998, counseling prisoners that had mental health issues, 70 a month. The job lasted for 6 months, as I learned within the second month on the job that I was also loosing this job through no fault of my own. All of this took place in my life for several reasons. The very thing we shy away from most likely is the very thing God wants us involved in. God is in control when we allow Him into our lives. Our part is to follow His leading.

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom to learn from the lessons you give me. Amen

Daniel Nicholson

2010-11-30T06:41:00.001-06:00

Tuesday - November 30, 2010

Brought Back to Faith
Read: Luke 1:16-17

When I married the man of my dreams (so handsome in his Navy uniform), I left my family and moved far away. We seemed to enjoy storybook happiness, but we didn’t attend church. I left God out of my life. With the news we were expecting a baby; joy was exceeded only by anticipation. Our little Christmas angel was born December 23rd (we named her Angela). When I looked into the face of our newborn, I was overcome with gratitude and thanksgiving. I knew this was truly a blessing only God can give. The birth of our first child brought me back to faith.

Scriptures told of a coming child, John the Baptist, a special child to lead others back to God. Today, the birth of a child continues to be a miracle; one that can lead us closer to God. We only have to open our hearts and be led by the love that connects us. The love we feel for our children and grandchildren is the same love God feels for all of us.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of children. May we show our love and gratitude to you, through our love and service to all your children. Amen

Mary Walts

2010-11-29T16:33:00.002-06:00

Monday - November 29, 2010

Preparing the Way
Read: Isaiah 40:1-3

How many of us have traveled with one who will not admit that he/she is lost? I can recall one incident in which my husband (then fiancé) and I were on our way to a Cardinal ball game. A wrong turn took us to the “bad side” of town! I can still remember the fear that posed as weakness and trembling in every part of my being. Yet, Bob remained confident that he knew exactly where he was and where he was going. As I rolled up windows, locked doors, and watched for suspicious activity, he reassured me he was in perfect control of the situation. How I rejoiced when we were past that section of the city, and once again going in the right direction. I would like to say that a valuable lesson was learned from this experience and that directions were in place before a journey was ever begun again, but I cannot.

In physical, emotional, and spiritual travels, we often fail to consult the Divine Guide and find ourselves on the wrong path. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Before we were ever born, God established a path to an abundant life through Jesus Christ, His Son. His Word says that before the foundation of the world, He chose us to be His children. All we need do is to confess and believe that Jesus is Lord and abide in and live His word, and we will experience His Salvation every day.

Prayer: Father, may we ever seek the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Your Son Jesus in all that we do. Amen

Cheryl Mooney

2010-11-28T16:38:00.001-06:00

Sunday – November 28, 2010

Announcing the Child Who Will Lead Us
Read: Isaiah 9:2, 6

This time of year we think a lot about gifts. What gifts will we buy? What gifts will we get? Oh, the energy expended, the drama created, the stress caused by this gift exchange! It’s almost enough to wish we could start over with a new tradition.

The Israelites had endured a lot by the time this passage appears in Isaiah. They had lived under unjust and unrighteous kings, bounced back and forth between conquerors du jour, lost their identity, and felt abandoned by their God. They longed for a chance to start over, to wipe the slate clean, to have a future they could look forward to instead of one to dread.

And they received that chance—a new start with a new leader. It was a gift from God.

As we begin our Advent journey, I offer to you this challenge: Every time you think about a gift that must be wrapped and put under a tree, think, too, of the gift of a second (or third, or tenth) chance you have received from God; a gift not wrapped in shiny paper, but in rags, laying in a makeshift crib.

Prayer: God, forgive us when we focus on the wrong gifts. Help us to remember the gift you give us—the gift of a new start, a better and brighter future—the one that came in the most unlikely wrapping. Amen

Sarah Hamilton