Easter devotions: April 20, 2014

April 20, 2014                         Acts 10:34-43

Resurrection of Our Lord          or Jeremiah 31:1-6

Easter Day                               Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

                                                Colossians 3:1-4

  or Acts 10:34-43

                                                Matthew 28:1-10

  or John 20:1-18

Christ is Risen Indeed!

Though I am writing this as there is still much snow on the ground, I am hopeful for spring.  Though the official date of spring has past and we are not sure of the exact day when spring will finally show herself, I am hopeful that she will indeed appear.  I base this hope on past experiences and the promise of the barren trees.

Spring is that visual sign of the resurrection for us.  We tell the story of the empty tomb each year.  We hear the doubts and exclamations of Mary, Peter and Thomas.  We look towards the promise of the resurrection on the dead as we proclaim in our creeds.  We know the words, we share the story, but we experience its reality each spring.

The resurrection is a promise.  Not just for tomorrow or on the last day, but is it a promise as each new day dawns.  In proclaiming our belief in the resurrection of the dead, we are pointing not just to the gravestones, but to those places, situations and relationships that are broken, that may seem dead or hopeless. We look at life with hope and promise because of Christ’s resurrection.  In the face of the impossible, we see that in God’s hand, through Christ’s death and resurrection, all is truly possible.

We are assured of this because of the witness of those who first proclaimed it from the empty tomb.  We trust in this promise because we have seen and experienced the power of the resurrection in our world today – from the spring time flowers, the transformed life of Nelson Mandala (prisoner to president), from the death of a loved one that enables another to live through organ donation, from an estranged child and parent, reunited.  These are the signs of the resurrection today – that Christ continues to resurrect the world.  This is not just a past event or a promised future, but the present hope and reality of Christ.

Prayer: With our whole body and soul, we pray that we may reflect Christ’s resurrection power that is at work around us.  Lord, in your mercy; hear our prayer.  Amen.

Pastor Jennifer Boyd

Lenten devotions: April 19, 2014 (Holy Saturday)

April 19, 2014                         Romans 6:3-11

Resurrection of Our Lord        John 20:1-18

Vigil of Easter            

Reflecting on today’s reading, I am reminded of Baptism through which we are transformed. We die to sin and receive new life in Christ, as if we had died and were reborn. We now live in the Spirit and are no longer slaves to sin. Adam’s sin brought death to mankind. Through His death on the cross, Jesus brought forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. How great is God’s love for us!  

Let our prayer be John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Joan Bradley

Lenten devotions: April 18, 2014 (Good Friday)

April 18, 2014                         Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Good Friday                             Psalm 22

                                                Hebrews 10:16-25

  or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

                                                John 18:1—19:42

A day of sadness when Jesus was crucified but not for us who know the outcome is the beginning of our forgiveness. He died for our sins and He was resurrected on Easter.  What a glorious thought!  We remember this day with solemn events but look forward to a future with God.  I can remember as a child not being able to do anything that would be considered "fun" on Good Friday.  We went to church in the evening but had to be quiet from noon to three in observance of the hours of crucifixion.  A powerful remembrance of this day was attending the Passion Play in Oberammagau, Germany in 2000.  This play, performed every ten years, tells the entire passion story in words and music.  All the actors are members of the town and when Jesus is nailed to the cross you can feel the agony in the audience.  How this is done is a mystery but I remember it sure felt real; It was a moving experience and one that I relive many times in my mind. Just think, Jesus did this all for me - what a love.

Father we give You thanks for the sacrifice of Your Son on this day thousands of years ago.  We ask that You help us to always remember the true meaning of love and forgiveness that has been given to us especially on this very holy day.  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Dorothy Kafalas

Lenten devotions: April 17, 2014 (Maundy Thursday)

April 17, 2014             Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

Maundy Thursday       1 Corinthians 11:23-26

                                    John 13:1-17, 31b-35

                                   

Bonaventure (1221-1274)

The Tree of Life

Among all the memorable events of Christ’s life, the most worthy of remembrance is that last banquet, the most sacred supper. Here not only the Paschal lamb was presented to be eaten but also the immaculate Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world… In this banquet the marvelous sweetness of Christ’s goodness shone forth when He dined at the same table and on the same plates with those poor disciples and the traitor Judas. The marvelous example of His humility shone forth when, girt with a towel, the King of Glory diligently washed the feet of the fishermen and even of His betrayer. The marvelous richness of His generosity was manifest when He gave to the whole Church and the world, His most sacred body and His true blood as food and drink so that what was soon to be a sacrifice pleasing to God and the priceless price of our redemption would be our viaticum (provisions for a journey) and sustenance. Finally the marvelous outpouring of His love shone forth when loving His own to the end. He strengthened them in goodness with a gentle exhortation, especially forewarning Peter to be firm in faith and offering to John His breast as a pleasant and sacred place of rest.

O how marvelous are all these things, how full of sweetness, but only for that soul who, having been called to so distinguished a banquet runs with all the ardor of its spirit so that it may cry out with David:

                As the stag longs for the springs of water,

        So my soul longs for You, O God.

Lenten devotions: April 16, 2014

April 16, 2014                         Isaiah 50:4-9a

Wednesday in Holy Week       Psalm 70

                                                Hebrews 12:1-3

                                                John 13:21-32

Thomas a Kempis is best-known for his imitation of Christ. We are all simultaneously saints and sinners. As such we find salvation through God’s grace and forgiveness. I connect immediately to the prophet’s statement that the Lord has given us the tongue of a teacher. Our great model is the precious Savior who is our brother as well as our teacher. When I began as a public school teacher I found it a tremendous culture shock. University teaching was far different. There was no conflict, no day-to-day backbiting, nor obstacles between you and the disseminating of information. In the public arena, many positioned themselves against me almost at once. Experiencing despair, I relied heavily on my relation to Christ and prized His guidance and support. Within a relatively short time, friendships turned into spiritual support. I encountered the great cloud of witnesses Paul speaks of who ministered unto me and held me up in my spiritual crises. Two sisters from the Adventist Church were, and are, great allies and their prayerful support during my illness was a tremendous comfort. The Lord our God is always at hand, even in our darkest hours and even when the betrayer clouds our vision of the prize, the Holy Spirit is there to guide and uplift us, delivering us from the darkness.

Dear Lord, Jesus, thank you for being my teacher, my guide, and my comfort in times of trouble.

Franklyn Commisso

Lenten devotions: April 15, 2014

April 15, 2014                         Isaiah 49:1-7

Tuesday in Holy Week             Psalm 71:1-14

                                                1 Corinthians 1:18-31

                                                John 12:20-36

The lessons from 1^st Corinthians and John struck a very strong chord with me.  1^st Corinthians discusses the wisdom of man versus the wisdom of God, and states that no man, regardless of how wise they are, can begin to understand God’s wisdom.  John’s lesson ends with that fact that if you do not walk in God’s light, you will be walking in darkness without knowing where you are headed.

In 2001, within a little over a month’s time, I lost two members of my family.  Both of these losses occurred through terrible circumstances.  For many years, I tried to understand God’s reasons and wisdom behind the loss of my family members.  At one point, I even fell away from God because I could not understand why he let these things occur.  However, over time I began to realize, as John says, that I was walking in darkness, not knowing where I was going.  I came to understand that I will never understand God’s reasons, and that I would be lost in the darkness if I continued down the path I was on.  I realized that I must always walk in God’s light, no matter what the circumstances are.

God – Please give me the strength to accept what I cannot understand and allow me to always walk in your light regardless of the circumstances.

Arnold Schuff

Lenten devotions: April 13, 2014

April 14, 2014                         Isaiah 42:1-9

Monday in Holy Week             Psalm 36:5-11

                                                Hebrews 9:11-15

                                                John 12:1-11

Thomas Merton (1915-1968)

Thoughts In Solitude

What is it that has made me evil and hateful to myself? It is my own folly, my own darkness, which have divided me, by sin, against the light which God has placed in my soul to be the reflection of His goodness and the witness of His mercy.

Shall I drive evil out of my soul by wrestling with my own darkness? This is not what God has planned for me. It is sufficient to turn away from my darkness to His light. I do not have to run away from myself; it is sufficient that I find myself, not as I have made myself, by my own stupidity, but as He has make me in His wisdom and remade me in His infinite mercy. For it is His will that my body and soul should be the Temple of his Holy Spirit, that my life should reflect the radiance of His love and my whole being repose in His peace. Then will I truly know Him, since I am in Him and He is truly in me.

Lenten devotions: April 13, 2014 (Palm/Passion Sunday)

April 13, 2014                         Matthew 21:1-11

Sunday of the Passion             Isaiah 50:4-9a

                                                Psalm 31:9-16

                                                Philippians 2:5-11

                                                Matthew 26:14—27:66

  or Matthew 27:11-54

“Hosanna in the highest heaven” (Matthew 21:9)

“Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:23)

It is this contradictory cries that most confront me every Palm Sunday.  As we move from that glorious welcome of Jesus into Jerusalem to the harsh treatment of the one who was once hailed, I am shaken again by their reactions.

Yet, how often do we see this in today’s world?  Maybe with not the same kind of lasting or powerful effect, but it is nonetheless here.  From those on the public stage – be they athletes, entertainers, or politicians to those with whom we live daily - even our family, friends or neighbors.  When have you seen or experienced this kind of changed behavior or reaction to another person?  Was it when they did not fulfill a promise?  Broke a trust?  Failed their task?  Hurt us?  Or something else?

Jesus continued to be who he promised to be.  He came to fulfill his purpose in revealed both the depth of God’s love for us as well as how that same love can overcome the power of sin and death in our world.  He endured the brutality of this world on his body that we might see with our own eyes the strength of God.

Our cries may fluctuate, but it is the steadfastness of Christ that is lifted up this day.  In our wavering, we see the certainty of God.  It is not our words that we cling to this day, but the Word made flesh.

Prayer: God of steadfast love, be with us as we watch from the sidelines this journey of grace.  As we trace your steps, may we look to you as the One who never wavers from his love for the world.  We pray this in the name of the Christ, the crucified and risen one.  Amen.

Pastor Jennifer Boyd

Lenten devotions: April 12, 2014

April 12, 2014                         Psalm 31:9-16

Saturday                                  Lamentations 3:55-66

                                                Mark 10:32-34

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

A Reflection on the Cross

The cross teaches us to believe in hope even when there is no hope. The wisdom of the cross is deeply hidden in a profound mystery. In fact, there is no other way to heaven than taking up the cross of Christ. On account of this we must beware that the active life with its good works, and the contemplative life with its speculations, do not lead us astray. Both are most attractive and yield peace of mind, but for that very reason they hide real dangers, unless they are tempered by the cross and disturbed by adversaries. The cross is the surest path of all. Blessed is the man who understands this truth.

It is a matter of necessity that we be destroyed and rendered formless, so that Christ may be formed within us, and Christ alone be in us…Real mortifications do not happen in lonely places away from the society of other human beings. No! They happen in the home, the market place, in secular life… “Being conformed to Christ” is not within our powers to achieve. It is God’s gift, not our own work.’

He who is not crucianus, if I may coin a word, is not Christianus: in other words, he who does not bear his cross is no Christian, for he is not like his Master, Jesus Christ

Lenten devotions: April 11, 2014

April 11, 2014                         Psalm 31:9-16

Friday                                      Job 13:13-19

                                                Philippians 1:21-30

“Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27a)

I remember a time when we had to dress up before we flew on a plane to my grandparents in Texas.  I never quite understood it as a child – since we were just going to be sitting there for a few hours and as soon as we got to Austin, we would be putting on our play clothes.  Yet, that is what people did then.  The same could be said – or even more so – when people attended worship at church.  Many would never think of wearing jeans or sneakers or to go without gloves or a tie.  This is what was expected; this was considered living our lives in a certain way and manner that was worthy of attending church.

I am certainly glad that this has changed – I can’t imagine having to be dressed up to fly, especially as there is less and less comfortable space.   And it seems that for awhile church attire became far more important in some congregations than faith itself.

Living our life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ is not about outward appearances.  We do not live our lives in this manner to prove anything to ourselves, others or certainly not to God.  It is not so much about fulfilling expectations, but rather it is about the Gospel of Christ – Christ himself.

Christ came in love, welcoming all.  Christ came offering grace and forgiveness because of this love.  Christ came to lift up hope in the face of the impossible.  Christ came and transformed that which was dead into something wholly – and holy – new.  This is the Gospel of Christ.

We are called to live in love, offering grace, lifting up hope and seeking to offer the transformation of Christ to the world.  This is living our lives in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Prayer: Christ of grace, as we continue through this journey of Lent keep us steadfast in your gospel of grace.  Help us to embrace the gospel not just for our own lives, but to share it with all whom we encounter this day.  We offer up this prayer in the name of Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Pastor Jennifer Boyd

Lenten devotions: April 10, 2014

April 10, 2014                         Psalm 31:9-16

Thursday                                 1 Samuel 16:11-13

                                                Philippians 1:1-11

How easy is it to see something through someone else's eyes?  Not an easy question to answer.  When we look at the world, we tend to judge it from our own perspective.  Our perceptions form our reality.  In the readings today, we hear that it is not our eyes and our perceptions that we should trust but rather that we must strive to see things in God's light.   In Samuel 1, we hear how Joseph is anointed by Samuel.  God speaks to Samuel telling him to resist the urge to judge by what Samuel sees with his human eyes and to wait for God to reveal the chosen one. Joseph is not the biggest, strongest or most lIkely candidate by human standards, but God sees in his perfect light who and what Joseph can be.  In the Psalm, David is in a time of turmoil but his song is one to remind himself to trust in The Lord to lift him up and show him the path.  In Phillipians, Paul addresses one of his beloved communities and his prayer is that their love may abound and reveal to them what God intends.  

Lord, let me not hide in the darkness of my own vision, seeing others and the world through my own damaged and imperfect human lens.  Let me allow your light to wash over me and shine through me so that I can begin to see the world as you intend.  Amen

Dawn Morello

Lenten devotions: April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014                           Psalm 143

Wednesday                             Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41

                                                Matthew 22:23-33

How willing are we to give control of our lives to someone else?  For me the answer is quite honestly, very little.  I like to know what is happening, plan what will happen and anticipate the details along the way.  However, as a person of faith, I have to resist that urge to control and be willing to let go and let God reveal to me his plan and call.  I don't think that God has every one of our days planned in detail but I do believe that he is calling us to help fulfill his kingdom here on earth.  We just have to listen, see, and allow him to reveal our path.

In Jeremiah, we see a prophet imprisoned in a land of exile.  Israel has been in exile for some time and things are about to take another negative turn.  Yet God tells Jeremiah to buy a piece of land, deep in the land of Israel's exile.  Why would anyone do such a thing?  It seems crazy.  But when we look closely we see that it is an act of faith.  Jeremiah is asked to resist his human conclusions about what makes sense and follow a radical path.  God knows what he is asking - he has promised to deliver Israel and knowing that he will fulfill that promise - it makes perfect sense for Jeremiah to put down some roots and invest in a piece of land.  In Matthew, the Pharisees are testing Jesus but also revealing their need to know all the details and control the rules.  Jesus has to remind them that they cannot know what heaven will be like.  All their human planning will pass as God's kingdom is fulfilled.

Loving creator, you formed us from the earth and continually show us that trusting you will bring us joy and help us to thrive.  Help us to let go and take the paths that you reveal, even when we can't see where they will lead so that we may flourish in the way that you intend.  Amen.

Dawn Morello

Lenten devotions: April 8, 2014

April 8, 2014                           Psalm 143

Tuesday                                   2 Kings 4:18-37

                                                Ephesians 2:1-10

The second Scripture reading tells the story of a Shunammite mother whose son dies. When she decides to visit the "man of God," her husband questions her choice.  She declares, "All is well."   When she arrives at Mt Carmel, where the "man of God" is, he has his servant greet her.  This servant questions her, and again she replies, "All is well."  She has NO clue what, if anything, will change.  Yet, she CHOOSES TO SEE WITH EYES OF FAITH!  In this particular situation, her prayer is answered.  Her son's "eyes are opened" and she leaves with him.

However, there are times when what we desire is NOT what happens, times when we don't like or even understand why God works how He does.  To me, THAT is when CHOOSING TO SEE WITH EYES OF FAITH is the most critical.  To me, that's the comfort of knowing God's ALWAYS there.  Eyes of faith on the mountain top come much easier than down in the valley and we ALL have the same choice as the Shunammite mother.  Will we "see" what we're looking at with EYES OF FAITH?

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us, especially during the "dead" or "trying" times, to CHOOSE TO SEE WITH EYES OF FAITH and, like the Shunammite mother, declare 

"All is well," knowing how very much You love us.  In Jesus' Holy and Precious name, we pray. Amen.

Debbie Lyon

Lenten devotions: April 7, 2014

April 7, 2014                           Psalm 143

Monday                                   1 Kings 17:17-24

                                                Acts 20:7-12

In today’s reading, God sends the prophet Elijah to the woman of Zarephath  who is facing famine and eventually the death of her son. Often we feel that our spiritual life is under assault by today’s society. It isn’t fashionable to go to church, to have faith in a higher power, to put our future in God’s hands. It is the lack of faith that puts us in the wilderness of unbelief. Yet God our Father is ever faithful and vigilant.

God provides the way out spoken of by Saint Paul. While the mother had given up hope, just as we give up hope about the future of the church and faith, we are assured that God our loving Father will send us a Redeemer who will set us on the path of rebirth into a higher faith, a faith where our lives are restored, our church finds its true mission, and we can live our lives as the beacon of Christ. The “gentiles shall come to the light and kings to the brightness” of our Lord’s rising. Christ is alive, our heart of faith, and we, as God’s beloved children will inherit the life of Christ and live to prosper and glorify our Savior just as the widow’s son was raised to the Glory of God the Father. Praise be to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, for giving us the faith to renew our lives to Thy holy service.

Franklyn Commisso

Lenten devotions:April 6, 2014

April 6, 2014                           John 19:1-16a

Fifth Sunday in Lent                Psalm 146      

                                               

Frederick Buechner (1926)

Life (from Beyond Words)

Life – the temptation is always to reduce it to size.  A bowl of cherries.  A rat race.  Amino acids.  Even to call it a mystery smacks of reductionism.  It is the mystery.

As far as anybody seems to know, the vast majority of things in the universe do not have whatever life is.  Sticks, stones, stars, space – they simply are.  A few things are and are somehow a live to it.  They are broken through into Something, or Something has broken through into them.  Even in a jellyfish, a butternut squash.  They’re in it with us.  We’re all in it together, or it in us.  Life is it.  Life is with.

After lecturing learnedly on miracles, a great theologian was asked to give a specific example of one.  “There is only one miracle, “ he answered.  “It is life.”

Have you wept at anything during the past year?

Has your heart beat faster at the sight of young beauty?

Have you thought seriously about the fact that someday you are going to die?

More often than not, do you really listen when people are speaking to you instead of just waiting for your turn to speak?

Is there anybody you know in whose place, if one of you had to suffer great pain, you would volunteer yourself?

 If your answer to all or most of these questions is no, the chances are that you’re dead.

Lenten devotions: April 5, 2014

April 5, 2014                           Psalm 130

Saturday                                  Ezekiel 36:8-15

                                                Luke 24:44-53

“You are my witnesses”

“Tell me what you saw”, said the police officer at the scene of the crime.   Eyewitness testimony is vital in the solving of crimes.  While perspectives may vary, the sharing of all information allows for a fuller understanding of the events that occurred.

Most days are a blur.  I don’t often pay attention to all the details around me.  What am I missing as I let each day slip by?  What have I failed to witness?

We are each witnesses.  We are given glimpses everyday of God’s love and grace.  Maybe it is in a simple smile or in the sharing of a meal with one who is without a home.  Glimpses of grace can be seen as the love of Christ overcomes the pain of betrayal.  It is revealed as forgiveness is offered and relationships are restored.

We are the witnesses to these glimpses.  We are called to not only open our eyes to see this grace, but to share it with others.  We are Christ’s witnesses. 

What have you seen?  Where have you glimpsed God’s love and grace revealed?  How have you shared your glimpses with others?

Pastor Jen Boyd

Lenten devotions: April 4, 2014

April 4, 2014                           Psalm 130

Friday                                      Ezekiel 33:10-16

                                                Revelation 11:15-19

Read from top to bottom these excerpts from today’s three readings as a single thought on God’s forgiveness and our redemptions from sin.

Psalm 130  A song of ascents

 I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand.  But with you there is forgiveness, . . .

Ezekiel 33:1-16

I take no pleasure in the death of sinners, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation.

Revelation 11:15-19

The time has come for judging the dead, for rewarding your servants . . . and destroying those who would destroy the earth.

Heavenly Father, you are exalted above all else.  Hear my cry of atonement.  Although unworthy, I turn to you for forgiveness.  It is only by your grace, and your only begotten Son, that I have any hope of salvation.  May you take pity on me, and by your mercy, grant me life in the world to come.  In Jesus name, I pray to you.  Amen

Don Icken

Lenten devotions: April 3, 2014

April 3, 2014                           Psalm 130

Thursday                                 Ezekiel 1:1-3; 2:8—3:3

                                                Revelation 10:1-11

           

Take a minute to read the passages for the day. I did, then asked myself, “OK, where do I go from here?”, especially after reading the sections from Ezekiel and Revelation. What meaning can these have for me? Ezekiel dates back to around 590BC when the people of Israel were in captivity in Babylon and exiled from their homeland. Revelation dates from after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70AD. And both Ezekiel and John (the writer of Revelation) are instructed to eat scrolls that taste as sweet as honey (who would have guessed?).

I love honey. I buy my honey at the stand on Route 312 just south of I84. I eat oatmeal for breakfast twice a week just so I can dump big globs of honey on it and enjoy the flavor. Ezekiel and John here literally eat God’s word, and it’s like honey in their mouth. Living among God’s people and hearing his word, part of the baptismal promise. That’s the honey. But it doesn’t stop there. Ezekiel and John were both prophets. Ezekiel was sent to the people of Israel who had a hard forehead and stubborn heart (Ez 3:7). For John, what was sweet in his mouth was bitter in his stomach. Both were sent to what on the surface, seemed to be a defeated people. In exile in Babylon and after the destruction of Jerusalem, the people knew things would never be the same. And so here we are again. In the past 20 years, the number of ELCA Lutherans in the US has decreased by 20%. The average attendance reduced by 52%. The number of young people enrolled in Sunday School decreased by 61%. As in 590BC and 70AD, how we practice our faith will change, perhaps significantly. With hard foreheads and stubborn hearts we resist change. But God is always faithful. Our part is to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

Lord, out of the depths of our despair we cry out to you. Forgive out hard hearts and stubborn ways. Give us confidence in your steadfast love.    Amen.

Deacon Charlie Germain