21015 Advent Devotions (12/25/15)

12/25/2015 Friday

Isaiah 6:1-8      An Unexpected Messenger

Prophets come to afflict the comforted and comfort the afflicted. Here the prophet Isaiah has a vision. He is brought into the presence of the Lord. He sees God’s glory and majesty and immediately states that he is not worthy. Angels come to him and purify his mouth with a hot coal. Now Isaiah’s sin has been washed away. He is purified and set apart to hold God’s words in his mouth.

Let us keep Isaiah in mind as we contemplate the birth of Jesus on this Christmas Day.

It was a census by the Romans that brought pregnant Mary and her spouse Joseph to Bethlehem, which means the House of Bread. Their son Jesus, our Lord and Savior is to be born there. Mary is the ark of the new covenant, which brings the physical presence of God into the world. You would think that the King of Kings would be born in a wonderful setting but this is not so. Jesus is born in conditions of poverty, humility and even rejection. Since there was no room for them in the inn, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a cave where animals are kept. She laid him in a trough for a bed where animals are fed. Right from the beginning we are shown how one day Jesus will become food for us. It is in this way that Mary goes to the House of Bread to deliver the bread. The bread of life is born to us.

This has been said about receiving communion: “Let us draw near to him with burning desire and let us take hold of the divine coal, the Eucharist, so that the fire of that coal may purge away our sins and enlighten our hearts. Let us be enkindled by touching the great divine fire.”

Communion purifies us. Like the prophet Isaiah, we have been brought into the presence of the Lord. We have been purified and sent on a mission. At the end of service each week, we are told to go out and announce the Gospel of the Lord in our words and actions.

Dear Sweet and Gentle Jesus,

We love you, praise you, adore and glorify you. Isaiah courageously and faithfully took up his call to do your will, now we must do the same. Jesus, you were born among the lowly of this earth to announce your saving purpose, to seek out, find and bring home God’s little ones! Grant us the grace to welcome the Good News of your Gospel and to become people of true peace and goodwill for our brothers and sisters. Amen

Jean Schuff

2015 Advent Devotions (12/24/15)

12/24/2015 Thursday

1 Samuel 16:1-13      David the Shepherd Boy Chosen as King

On the eve of the birth of Jesus we are reminded of the lineage of our Lord. His roots are traced back to Abraham in the book of Matthew but the most famous of his ancestors is King David–son of Jesse. When David was chosen king by God he was the least important person you could imagine. A shepherd, the youngest of seven sons, who was called by Samuel to his father’s house and before the entire family anointed by God to become the king of Israel in years to come. Like David, God chose a young maiden, Mary, to be the mother of HIs son, Jesus. He did not choose a member of royalty or the clergy that all the world would know and recognize but instead chose a meek virgin to become the mother of His son. Did you ever wonder about when God will send His Son to earth again? Will it be someone famous or, as in the past, will it be a poor, unknown individual?

Dear Lord as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, help us to see the needs ofour community and world. Let us rejoice and spread theword of God’s love, goodness and mercy and thank Him for all He does and gives us. Amen. Blessed Christmas!

Deacon Dorothy Kafalas

2015 Advent Devotions (12/23/15)

12/23/2015 Wednesday

1 Samuel 1:1-28      The Prophet Samuel

This reading is about the birth of the prophet, Samuel. For many years, Samuel’s mother Hannah was very sad because she could not bear a child. At one point, she went into the temple at Shiloh and prayed to God, asking Him for a son and vowing to give her son to God if her prayer was answered. The priest, Eli, saw her praying and said to her “May the God of Israel grant what you have asked of Him.” Shortly thereafter, Hannah became pregnant and bore a son she named Samuel, which means “God heard.”

While the story of Samuel’s conception reminds me of Jesus’ conception, the way I relate to this reading is how God answered Hannah. There is no indication in the reading that God spoke to Hannah through dreams, angels, prophets, etc. Yet God heard her prayer, and His answer was that she gave birth to a son. I’ve found that God answers my prayers by showing me something or letting me hear something shortly after I’ve made my petition, that I will recognize and understand to be His answer. For example, I know that God has heard my prayer when Pastor Jen mentions something in her sermon that directly relates to it, or when I am taken by surprise in seeing an object, such as a rose, soon after I’ve prayed. A friend of mine calls these experiences “God-incidences,” and like Hannah, I am happy when a God-incidence occurs with me because I know “God heard” my prayer.

Gracious God – As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, please continue to hear our prayers and give us the God-incidences that lead us down the different paths you have chosen for us. I ask this in Your name. Amen

Arnold Schuff

2015 Advent Devotions (12/22/15)

12/22/2015 Tuesday

Exodus 1:8-2:10      The Birth of Moses

We are all very familiar with the movie “The Ten Commandments” starring Charlton Heston as Moses. A male child was set afloat in a small ark, on the Nile River and found by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses was raised with a privleged life in the Court of Pharaoh. He grew up and rejected what he knew in the world to follow the path that the Lord had set out before him. The Book of Exodus was originally called the Book of Names.

In this book two beautiful women are briefly mentioned. Their names are Shiph’rah and Pu’ah. They are Hebrew midwives. Pharaoh commands them to kill all male babies born to the Hebrew women, much like when Jesus was born and King Herod wanted all males two years old and younger to be killed. These midwives loved God and could not do what Pharaoh had ordered. Istead, they delivered, washed and swaddled the newborns. Midwives were in a position to take babies’ lives and never be suspected of any wrongdoing since there was a high mortality rate. God used Shiph’rah and Pu’ah for his ultimate plan to ensure that Moses would grow up to be the leader of his people and save them from the bondage of slavery. Not just physical slavery, but more importantly slavery to sin.

The names of these women and defenders of life are preserved in the Bible and the name of Pharaoh is not! Shiph’rah and Pu’ah had obedience to their moral conscience and that required of them civil disoedience to Pharaoh’s murderous demands.

Dear sweet and gentle Jesus,

As we prepare ourselves to celebrate your birth, please help us to remember you in all the moments of our daily lives. May we find many little opportunities for performing acts of kindness and love each day to honor you. Please fill us with the Holy Spirit to gives us the courage and strength to act in the way Shiph’rah and Pu’ah did when faced with situations that call us to work as your disciples. In this way, we can come to really know and serve you, Lord. Amen.

Jean Schuff

2015 Advent Devotions (12/21/15)

12/21/2015 Monday

Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7      Abraham & Sarah

When I first saw that Genesis was the reading four days before Christmas, I was somewhat puzzled over how this was related to Advent. The reading is about Abraham being visited by the Lord and three angels. After showing them great hospitality, the angels tell Abraham that Sarah will have a son despite her being past child-bearing age. At first Sarah is skeptical, but the Lord kept his promise and Sarah gave birth to Isaac.

When reading these verses, I was reminded of my elementary school days. I went to a Lutheran elementary school in Glendale, New York, and every year the school put on a fairly elaborate play about the birth of Jesus. Starting after Thanksgiving, the entire school would be involved in rehearsals until the night of the show, just before Christmas. I remember the play very well because it was essentially the same each year, with only minor tweaks to introduction and ending. One of the early scenes was the visit of the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, proclaiming that Elizabeth would give birth to a child even though she was past child-bearing age. Zechariah doubted Gabriel’s message, and his ability to speak was taken by Gabriel for his non-belief. Just as happened with Sarah and Abraham, God kept His promise to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and she gave birth to a son. Zechariah’s ability to speak returned when he wrote on a tablet that his son would be named John.

God’s plan was to have Sarah and Elizabeth, both past the age of child-bearing, give birth to sons who played important roles in the development of our faith. With both Isaac and John the Baptist, God demonstrated that He keeps His word, and that with faith, anything is possible.

Gracious God – Thank You for gift of faith and the knowledge that with You, nothing is impossible. We look forward with joy to celebrating the birth of Your son Jesus, and continually thank You for all that You have given us. Amen

Arnold Schuff

2015 Advent Devotions (12/20/15)

12/20/2015 Sunday

Luke 1:5-13, 57-80      Zechariah’s Song

Zechariah and Sarah were faithful to God. Both of them came from priestly families, those who were appointed to enter the holiest part of the temple to offer prayers and sacrifice on behalf of all the people. I imagine that over the years, Zechariah prayed for many things, both for the people and quite possibly for himself. He and his wife lived righteously and yet, they had never been blessed with the gift of children. This would have been a significant stigma in his day. Now an angel has appeared to him and told him that his wife will indeed bear him a son, and many will rejoice at his birth. This is great news! But if we read beyond verse 13, something interesting happens between the Gabriel’s announcement and Zechariah’s beautiful song of praise. What makes Zechariah’s song even more amazing to those who heard it is that it followed after he had been struck mute from before the time of Sarah’s pregnancy until the day that the baby was to be named. His tongue was silenced because at the moment that the angel delivered the news that Zechariah’s prayer would be answered, Zechariah doubted. He asked “how can this be so?” Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth! This story, with all its parts speaks to us of the balance between our faith and our doubt. How difficult it can be sometimes to imagine that through God something can happen that we ourselves believe is impossible. As we prepare for the amazing birth of Jesus, may our hearts be open to the possibilities with God that are beyond our own imaginations.

Lord, your ways are often a mystery to us. As we approach the celebration of Jesus birth, help us to resist the temptation to limit the possibilities that are in you because of our own limits. Open our eyes and our hearts to move in the world ready to be surprised by your presence among us. Amen.

Dawn Morello

2015 Advent Devotions (12/19/15)

12/19/2015 Saturday

1 Peter 2:4-10 (NT)      God’s Cornerstone on Which We Are Built

Talk about an appropriate topic for me. The Property Committee Chairman! During the past two years I have been responsible for our building...THE CORNERSTONE of our Church Lives. So many positive things have happened to me since this position was granted to me. Our Church is the Cornerstone of our lives. In my opinion it is the best thing that God has blessed us with. Recently there have been a lot of changes and much needed improvements to our Church and there have been a lot of folks responsible for these changes. We are so very blessed and I am feeling wonderful.

God’s Cornerstone on which we are built is just like our church. Each day we have things to do that are either really important or not so important. No matter what they are they need to be done. Either by the husband, wife or the children. It is important to do those things to keep our “Home” a safe and a great place to live.

Thank you Lord for the vision of looking at what needs to be done and doing that which is important in our daily lives. Bless our family and help us to work together to make you proud of our CORNERSTONES! Amen...

Ken Mongold

2015 Advent Devotions (12/18/15)

12/18/2015 Friday

Psalm 127      A Song of Building a House

This reading tells me that a life without God is a very shallow existence. If we trust and believe in God we will be able to achieve whatever we set out to do. We all need God in our lives and I need him as well.

Thank you, God our Father, for your love. Let me be worthy of your guidance, patience, and your compassion. Amen.

Ursula Merolla

2015 Advent Devotions (12/17/15)

12/17/2015 Thursday

Psalm 126      A Song of Being Restored

Psalm 126 is one of a collection of poems (Psalms 120-134) known as the “Songs of Ascents.” Many scholars believe the title indicates that these psalms were sung by worshippers as they ascended the road to Jerusalem to attend the three pilgrim festivals.

In this Psalm, the Jews’ returning to their country is a picture for us. One can make an analogy between the ancient pilgrimages that Israelites made to Jerusalem and the modern preparations that we Christians make during Advent for Christmas.

As God made his people free, (from exile in Sennacherib or Babylon), so God has made us free through our love and obedience to Jesus Christ. This is the New Covenant, or as our Bible calls it, the New Testament.

As we wait for Jesus in this time of Advent, we are making a pilgrimage of our own. Just like this Psalm is a song of restoration, we too, are reflecting on how the spirit restores us, how our faith renews us and shines a light in the darkness. As we anticipate the glory of our coming Lord, we rejoice in the knowledge that through the power of Jesus Christ, we are saved from exile. Amen.

Lynn Byrnes

2015 Advent Devotions (12/16/15)

12/16/2015 Wednesday

Psalm 107      A Song of Being Saved in Times of Trouble

How many times have we been in a situation when all we feel and hear are the troubles of those around us and how we will never survive? For some of us it is a daily routine. We think of only the bad things in our lives.

We don’t look around to notice our family and the house we live in or the wonderful pets we are blessed with. I know I have been there many times. Recently things have changed. I notice how much I love my family, my friends, and the pets of many of my friends. It is a wonderful feeling and I have truly been saved from those times of trouble. It is such a wonderful feeling knowing that I have lived for all this time and I am so blessed with all those things which I had not been paying attention to. My granddaughter just turned 16, Wow! That is awesome. My grandson plays soccer and runs in cross country races and I had the opportunity to recently attend some of his events. Again I am truly blessed. Talk about being saved in TIMES OF TROUBLE! My troubles are so minor compared to what I have been able to witness.

Thank you Lord for being there in my Times of Trouble. Watch over us all so we might see beyond the bad things and truly see all the good things in and around our lives each and every day. God’s Blessing on us ALL! Amen!

Ken Mongold

2015 Advent Devotions (12/1/5/15)

12/15/2015 Tuesday

Nehemiah 1 & 2      Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem

Because God’s greatly blessed/chosen people had greatly sinned and angered God by having forsaken the ‘orphan and widow’ (i.e. the poor), God finally removed his hand of protection and Israel was taken captive by their Babylonian enemies. The 50,000 largely middle class and higher Israelites lived in exile until such time as the Persians defeated the Babylonians. Then King Cyrus issued a decree granting Israel’s return back to Jerusalem. Note that not all wanted to return after the edict, some having assimilated into Babylonian life and maybe forsaken God altogether.

But in Nehemiah (name meaning, “Yahweh has comforted”) we see a man who greatly loved God and missed his now chaotic homeland and disintegrated people. Distraught after hearing from Hanani (et al) the shape that Jerusalem was in (“Jerusalem” representing so much more than a physical place, but instead where God is with them and among them acting for them and for the world!), he deems it all the more necessary to seek God’s face. He mourns, he prays and he fasts, and he cries out to God. Most of all he reminds God of God’s own past promises which Nehemiah reassures himself and others God will surely even now keep: “…but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them….” Nehemiah sets his sights on rebuilding Israel’s wall of protection (God). He seeks to restore God to and with God’s people.

Israel, by their sinful actions and inaction of continued inhospitality had left God. Not even the strong warning of the Prophets could stir them. Perhaps now God had their attention?

There is a reason our first act in worship is confession. In this season of God’s promise to come, what have we to confess as individuals, as a church, and as a nation? Does the sky seem like it’s falling lately? Nehemiah was afraid of the work he was called to, yet he also knew that if he remained faithful, God would be his and their God, come what may. In actuality, God would be their God no matter what, but God can feel abandoned when we stray away. Let us pray to be a Nehemiah in our world (and even sometimes our church) in turmoil. Let us, yes, admit our fear, but then stay faithful and courageous too. Surely God is always with us! Amen.

Michael Boyd

2015 Advent Devotions (12/14/15)

12/14/2015 Monday

Isaiah 57:14-16      A Command to Build Up

This passage from Isaiah reminds us that God is “the high and exalted One”. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:16, God “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.” It’s not possible for us, on our own, to ascend into heaven and appear before Him. Instead, God chose to come to us, in Jesus, to bridge the gap between God and us. God came to us in Jesus, not for judgement, but to comfort and revive us, and to empower us to be God’s hands and feet on earth to “prepare the road” and “remove the obstacles” for all people to see the goodness of God and receive His love and blessing.

We must not feel that we are insignificant in God’s plan to bring love and peace to the world. We must not feel that “anyone could do it.” As a created child of God we have been given a special place and special mission in fulfilling God’s plan. Each of our contributions is unique and individual and we must work hard to recognize the places where God is calling us to act in the world. We must know that, in working to fulfill that mission, God is always there to revive our heart and spirit to give us the strength and skills needed to fulfill God’s mission for us.

Restoring God, keep us ready to act on your behalf to bring your love, healing, forgiveness and mercy into this suffering world. Amen

Mary Beth Commisso

2015 Advent Devotions (12/13/15)

12/13/2015 Sunday

Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13      Rebuilding the Wreckage

God chooses us as part of his plan to fulfill the Kingdom of His righteousness. Gentile or Jew, bond or free, male or female, adult or child – all have a specific role in His grand design to bring His saving Grace to full fruition. Isaiah 60:3 tells us “Gentiles shall come to Thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” And so in our reading from the prophet Ezra tells us that as unlikely an instrument as a gentile King of Persia, Cyrus is the instrument of God to free His people Israel from the bondage in Babylon. God has made Nebuchadnezzar to bow to him in the grass and his son Belshazzar to lose his kingdom to Cyrus’ army. Cyrus fulfills God’s promise of redemption by freeing his people that they might return to Jerusalem. The holy city is restored and Ezra and Nehemiah rebuild the wall. The city foursquare is a symbol of God’s presence with us and His promise to prepare a dwelling place for us. Isaiah 58:12 tells us “Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” Jesus later tells us He goes to prepare a place for us. God’s places are sacred sanctuaries. Paul speaks of our body as a temple in which to dwell. As we await the arrival of our Redeemer as a little child, let us shore up the breaches in our hearts and minds that we might be a fitting dwelling for the Christ Child.

Franklyn Commisso 

2015 Advent Devotions (12/12/15)

12/12/2015 Saturday

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NT)      Old Things Made New

Paul intends for us to see the world in a completely new way, so that our actions stem from this new understanding, not from trying harder. He wants us to become so thoroughly transformed that we become members of a “new creation.” The mention of creation refers us back to Genesis, the story of God’s creation of the world. God intended that we work together, with Him as a reality of our existence.

God brings the new creation into existence by sending his Son into the old creation to transform or reconcile it. Those who follow Christ are ambassadors for Christ to all the world. Our work every day is that of evangelism, discipleship conflict resolution, and providing goods and services that meet genuine needs and improve the quality of life and care for God’s creation.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, as we walk with You, help us bring You praise in the choices we make, the people that we influence, the words that we speak, and the actions we take in this coming year. We know that we are not guaranteed a single new day, but we want each day that we live to be a day we have lived for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Joanne Icken

2015 Advent Devotions (12/11/15)

12/11/2015 Friday

John 14:1-7, 27-29 (NT)      Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled

Here is one way to look at this passage. It is not the traditional textbook way, but it frames it in such a way that you can easily wrap your mind around it. The answer comes first and then you wonder, what is the question?

The answer is, God is the answer and Jesus is the way.

What is the question? What is the answer to why is there life? Or. Why do I have consciousness? Or. Why do I exist? Or. Is there a reason for all this?

The answer to all the big questions is God.

God created us, to be his companion. God guides us, towards him. God gives us gives us a reason to move forward, to be closer to him. And since we lost our way a long time ago, he gives us a guide, Jesus, to help us back to the path he set us on so long ago.

Jesus is trying to tell his disciples the central reason for his presence on earth. The disciples get the first part of it (believe in God and me, and where I am going and you will be with me), but unsurely ask Jesus where is this place and how do they get there. He replies, I am the truth, the way, and the life. (He tells the truth about God, love and salvation.) No one comes to the Father, except through me. (I have shown you the path and what you must do.) If you know me, you know the Father also. (I am the triune God.) From now on you have known him and seen him. (By seeing me and following me, you are seeing God and what he wants from you.)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. (Jesus gives his disciples his benediction of peace and tranquility, and a portending of the future so they will have concrete knowledge of God’s power.)

Don Icken

2015 Advent Devotions (12/10/15)

12/10/2015 Thursday

Psalm 46:1-7      A Song Trust in God

Have you heard and or even said yourself, “God help me!” or today’s favorite expression “OMG” which is asking for God’s help when we are hurting or frightened by occurences in the news. This is the reaction of most people. Even those who claim they don’t believe in God use these expressions probably not even realizing that they are looking to God for answers. God sees us through storms, tornados, hurricanes and other violent weather scenarios but He is also there for our personal troubles. We can and do turn to Him as our refuge and strength. When a family member is in need of comfort and we as individuals or as a church ask for God’s help He is there. Not always giving us the answwers we woud like but supporting us with comfort and the strength to carry on. As a country we acknowledge God’s help and turn to Him when in the Pledge of Allegiance we use the phrase “under God.” We turn to Him when we need strength and He is there, but let us remember to give thanks for all the support we get.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being our refuge and strength as ask that you continue to be there for all who need you, whether they believe in you or not. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Deacon Dorothy Kafalas

2015 Advent Devotions (12/9/15)

12/9/2015 Wednesday

Philippians 4:4-6 (NT)      Rejoice! Give Thanks!

To a musician, the first line of our reading rings forth the sweet assurances of Henry Purcell’s so-called “Bell Anthem.” It begins with the descending peal of a clock tower that reminds us that in this Advent season the bells ring out the message of Christ’s coming and His redeeming love for all of the creation. Paul tells us to “rejoice always” and this recalls to mind that he also tells us to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5) and also to rejoice. Sometimes it seems easier to pray without ceasing than to rejoice always. This means rejoice not only in uplifting times redolent with love and peace but also in times of trouble and trial. But we are admonished to rejoice in our adversity because we have the fast assurance that the Lord is with us at these times as well, holding us up, bolstering our faith, providing the solid rock to which we cling. Rejoice when storm clouds gather. Hold fast to the rock of our salvation. The Lord is at hand, and never more encouragingly as when we meditate on His advent. The King is coming! Our sure foundation is born as one of us, among us, leading us by a star to the place where He abides. Perhaps the Magi sang as they followed that star, rejoicing all the rugged way.

Franklyn Commisso

2015 Advent Devotions (12/8/15)

12/8/2015 Tuesday

Romans 15:7-13 (NT)      A Word of Promise Even to “Outsiders”

Welcoming is the word in my mind that comes to me on reading this text. In this text the writer is telling the Christian Community in Rome that Christ came not just for the Jewish Community but to the Gentiles also. “Praise the lord, all you Gentiles and let all people praise him” from the Old Testament is quoted.

I have been reading Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber. What I am impressed by in the book is how people need to hear that they are loved by God and are important the way they are. The book has many stories of how different individual have come to believe in God and thereby believe in themselves. What brought them to God were people of the Church community listening to them and affirming them.

What I see ourselves trying to do in our church and our lives is to affirm the people we have around us by listening to them and sharing our stories. It is not easy and takes time but that is how God’s love is shared.

Prayer: “May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13

Irene Germain

Advent Devotions (12/7/15)

12/7/2015 Monday

Psalm 27      A Song of Hope & Trust

In Psalm 27, the psalmist is surrounded by his enemies. We are surrounded today with acts of impersonal, senseless violence, and enemies both known and unknown: ISIS; home-grown terrorists; and random shootings. These acts create anxiety, distrust, and hopelessness. I have experienced times of worry and fear–“What if..? What should I do?” Such fears are debilitating and exhausting, but change nothing. Through faith I began to understand the words “In God We Trust.” God’s faithfulness and love for us are steadfast. He is “our refuge and our strength.” We can take action by praying - praying for guidance, security, and for a deeper relationship with God.

        The Lord is my light and my salvation

         whom shall I fear (27:1)

         The Lord is the stronghold of my life

         of whom shall I be afraid?

Joan Bradley

Advent Devotions (12/6/15)

12/6/2015 Sunday

Isaiah 40:1-11      A People Far from Home

“Get you up to a high mountain, Lift up your voice with strength...” How many times have we been on vacation in a mountainous area and we look out, look down and all around. It is a glorious day and we feel like shouting out to anyone who will listen. Praise God for this wonderful experience and I feel like I could stay here forever!

Then we climb down the mountain or drive down in our car and when we reach the bottom we see nothing but tree limbs and grass and road. We slip back into our same routines and go on with our lives. We forget how majestic the view was and how wonderful it made you feel.

Each and every day we are so blessed with those wonderful feelings, but we hardly pay any attention to them. We have our family around us. Our church family as well. We are not far from home anymore. I was raised in Hershey PA and I am now far from home, but I have the memories of family and friends that will never be forgotten.

Lord we ask you to always watch over us, No matter if we are far from home or just down the street. Remember us in your glory and keep us forever mindful of your presence. In your name we pray...Amen.

Ken Mongold

2015 Advent Devotions (12/5/15)

12/5/2015 Saturday

Job 1:1-22      A Man Who Suffers

Job was a family man and very proud of what he was doing. He was a very wealthy man and set in his ways. He never thought he would have to go through the suffering that he did! We all get caught up in our lives and will forget how important our family is to us. We not only need to remember who our Lord and Savior is and how he suffered on the cross, but we need to remember how important God is in our daily lives. We get so caught up in the small things like doing dishes, taking out the trash, putting gas in the car, and so on that we forget how much our Lord means to us in even those small decisions we will make. During the past two years I have gone through some of the things Job did. Loss of family members and friends and forgetting to ask God to help me in my sorrow. It has been a tough two years for me, but now that I truly trust in God in making decisions and living a life full of joy and thanksgiving. It has taken me a long time to get over the losses but if we just trust in God and talk with Him...He will listen and help you through those tough times. We will never suffer alone!

Thank you Lord for giving me the power to listen and I ask you to look over all of us at Trinity Lutheran Church and give us all the power to listen! In His name we pray...Amen!

Ken Mongold

2015 Advent Devotions (12/4/15)

12/4/2015 Friday

Psalm 119      A Psalm About God’s Faithfulness

We are all on the path of spiritual journey. Sometimes we stumble, sometimes we stray. Yet God is always with us with his steadfast love; always welcoming us back to the path. Each one of us is beloved and unique: “Your hands have made and fashioned me.” (v. 73). The psalmist asks for understanding and writes that “your teaching is my delight” (v. 77). The word “delight” resonates because God’s word is the light guiding us through the darkness and the perils of the journey. Bible study thus becomes more than a critical reading for meaning. It is the recognition of God’s love for us and his desire for a deepening relationship with us, and a call for our undivided loyalty to him. We desire to follow the path of righteous living.

With my whole heart I seek you;

do not let me stray from your commandments. (v. 10)

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law

and observe it with my whole heart (v. 34)

Joan Bradley

2015 Advent Devotions (12/3/15)

12/3/2015 Thursday

Daniel 6      Daniel’s Life is Threatened

This chapter lifts up the familiar image and story about Daniel in the lion’s den. Yet, while this story is very familiar, it is not often that we read the entire episode and what led up to it. The story’s focus is on Daniel’s disobedience to the law of the land (only paying homage to the Persian king) as he obeyed the law of his faith. Through jealousy and trickery, King Darius is set up so that Daniel is punished, though Darius had great respect for him.

What I found interesting in re-reading this story is actually the role and faith of Darius. Though he is “forced” by the law to punish Daniel, he does all he can to forestall this act. Then when that doesn’t work, he offers words of blessing before the den is sealed, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” After the den is closed, Darius spends a sleepless night fasting. Darius, though a foreign king, prayerfully intercedes for Daniel. He is a different model of faith than one would expect.

So often in scripture, we find that God works in the least likely people and in the most unlikely places. While we may see many of these biblical figures as heroes, they are still less than perfect and very human. Yet God works in wonderful and marvelous ways where we least expect it.

Who have been unexpected examples of faith in your life?

  Where have you seen God at work in unexpected places?

Prayer: O come, though long expected Jesus in unexpected ways. Open our hearts and eyes to see you in new ways. Move our lives in ways beyond the conventions of the day so that Your gracious love may rise unexpectedly through your people. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor Jennifer Boyd

2015 Advent Devotions (12/2/15)

12/2/2015 Wednesday

Daniel 3      A Command to Worship a False God

Our God is amazing and what He teaches us NEVER goes to waste. He wants us to share the “AH HA” moments–when the Holy Spirit reveals something we hadn’t “seen” before–with each other thus encouraging each other as well as helping our faith become “Furnace Ready.”

I say this with full assurance. I had just returned a couple weeks ago from a Women’s Retreat where the Pastor and his wife both spoke re: this particular Bible passage. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego lived a life of “CHOOSING GOD.” Because it was evident in both who they were as well as their actions, they were persecuted (like millions still today). However, they stayed the course. When given the option, they CHOSE GOD, knowing full well the consequences of said choice. They had “FURNACE READY FAITH.”

Now, there’s another part that was especially profound. It’s Daniel 3:17-18, especially verse 18. In verse 17, they extol God saying that He’s able to deliver them. The eye-opener, so to speak, came in 2 words in verse 18, “…even if…”God’s able to deliver them, but “EVEN IF” He didn’t, they still CHOSE GOD!

So, what’s our “EVEN IF”–family, finances, employment, health, etc.? There are many “EVEN Ifs”, but only ONE GOD! Will we, like the friends in Daniel 3, have “FURNACE READY FAITH?” Will we CHOOSE GOD “EVEN IF” (whatever our personal “Even If” might be)?

Dear God, I pray as we study Your Word and read the story of these friends in Daniel 3, that our spirits become encouraged. May we stand firm like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in whatever our “furnace” may be and CHOOSE YOU! May our hearts be at peace as we come to the place of KNOWING You can deliver us, but “EVEN IF” You do not, we STILL CHOOSE YOU! Thank You, O God, for the testimony of these men of faith.

In Jesus’ Holy and Mighty Name, we pray. AMEN!

Deb Lyon

2015 Advent Devotions (12/1/15)

12/1/2015 Tuesday

Daniel 2      A Harsh King’s Dream

Daniel went back to tell his friends that he had been granted time by King Nebuchadnezzar to determine the king’s dream and its interpretation. At once they began to “desire mercies of the God of heaven.” That’s a long way of saying that they began to pray. Daniel’s confidence was in God, so he immediately sought communion with the Lord. God’s special servants are people of prayer. Daniel could have depended on his righteous character and his gift of interpreting dreams and visions, but he depended on God. He didn’t expect to receive what he needed without prayer. He depended on God’s mercy. He didn’t look to men’s wisdom or in dream books; he got on his knees. God’s men and women in a crisis don’t take their troubles to other people; they take them to God. We may ask other people to pray with us as Daniel did, but we know God is the source.

And when God revealed His secret to Daniel in the middle of that night of prayer, Daniel praised God. Daniel thanked God.

Let us pray:

God of heaven, you rule over all creation. You are wise and powerful, and you are the source of all wisdom and understanding. I will praise and honor you forever and ever. Amen

Lynn Byrnes