Tuesday 5th Week of Lent, By Reverend Christian Dement

Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of

prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth

was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the

temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from

those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go

into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him,

as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on

them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I

have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.’ And he took him by

the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and

ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk,

and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and

praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and

they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at

the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder

and amazement at what had happened to him.

Acts 3:1-­‐10

Many of us have been met with the challenge of wanting to give of

ourselves; our money, our time, our resources, as a Christian

response to the needs we see in the world.  Unfortunately,

sometimes we’re unable to offer these things or may feel

uncomfortable giving.  This passage is liberating for many.

 

As Foothills moves forward in building a new faith-life community

in Otay Ranch we are met with this issue.  As much as we want to

make a “splash” in the community right-away, and provide for all of

the needs we see in the community, we are met with the reality that

we have limited resources.  What we do have to give, and what we

will build Foundry UMC on, is the love of Christ.

 

Jesus calls us to build the foundation of our faith-filled lives on the

greatest commandment:  Love God and love your neighbor as

yourself.  “Silver nor gold have I, but what I do have is the love of

God.”  When all else fails, let us love one another.  That is the

greatest gift we can give, and will be the beginning to providing for

all the needs in the world.

 

Creator God, you have blessed us with so much, a beautiful

place to live, wonderful friends and family, and an amazing

church community.  We have been blessed with so many

resources to provide for our own needs as well as enough to

provide for others.  May we give generously when we can

and when it’s appropriate, but also know that the greatest

gift we can give is free:  LOVE.  Let us love one another as

you have loved us.  This is the grace of God that is the

foundation for all.  Amen.

 

Monday 5th Week of Lent, By Rita Folsom

…walk as children of Light, for the fruit of Light consists in all

goodness and righteousness and truth.

Ephesians 5: 8, 9

 

One of my favorite authors, Annie Dillard, writes, “I cannot cause

light;  I can only put myself in the path of it’s beams.”  Images of

light are important to me.  I am an early riser;  the morning light is

like medicine to me.  I welcome the day with praise for  the healing

morning rays and the opportunities that the new day brings.

 

I have candles stationed throughout our home;  some are prayer

candles for those suffering illness or crisis;  the flames are

reminders of Christ who dispels the darkness in our lives and brings

comfort and healing.  Many times, the flame reminds me to, “let go

and let God do it.”

 

There are those among us who, “walk around shining like the

sun.”  I am drawn to their Light.  Many of these good people have

faced unending trials and adversity, and yet the joy of God is so

deep in the marrow of their bones that nothing can quench the

flame.  When I am with these people, a joy shared becomes a Holy

Fire;  grateful praise – a burnt offering.   My dark moments and

dreary moods are understood and my tired Spirit is rekindled.  My

heart is warmed with gratitude and I say to them, “shine on.”

 

Lord, open our hearts to the healing light of Your Presence

that we may move through our day into all of the places

where Your light is needed.  Amen.

 

 

Saturday 4th Week of Lent, By Sally Osborne

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalm

121:1

 

Consider this passage:

 

Some people’s strength is all drawn from themselves.  They

are like isolated pools with limited reserves.  Others are

more like rivers.  They do not produce or contain the power,

but it flows through them, like blood through the body.  The

more they give, the more they are able to draw in.  That

strength is theirs, but it is not their own.  The strength that

God gives is available to those who care for others, for they

are showing the spirit of Jesus.  The power of God’s spirit

fortifies them.

from The Beatitudes by Hugh Martin

 

 

Oh God of fathomless mercies, make me a river of your

strength.  Help me to care for others as You care for all in

Your earthly and heavenly realm.  Provide for me when I am

weak, not equal to the task at hand.  Let Your light shine

through me as a beacon to those who need to know

You.  In the name of Your Son Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

 

 

Friday 4th Week of Lent, By Tami Eaton

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my strong right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

 

When my oldest daughter was going through the Confirmation class

at Foothills, I was surprised to find out that the parents could select

a verse to have put on the bookplate that would be put into the

Bible. She had received a Bible when she was in fourth grade, so I

was surprised that another would be given upon completion of

Confirmation.

 

Most of the verses I have learned have been through singing in the

choir and hearing verses used in anthems.  But we didn’t really

learn the references, the songs simply made the verses in the bible

have a special place in my heart.  However I couldn’t say which

books in the Bible they came from.  So I went through the bible, I

looked up verses on the internet, I looked at the list of suggested

verses from the Confirmation instructors, looking for the verse that

would express what I hoped she would discover in her spiritual

growth as a Christian.  Isaiah 41:10 said what I want her to know in

her heart and her head.

 

I would like each of us to remember that we do not need to be afraid.

That we do not need to be discouraged.  That the Lord our God is

with us every hour of every day, helping us and carrying the

burdens that we turn over to him. My hope for my children is that

they learn that very important lesson and keep these words with

them throughout their lives.

 

Dear Lord, help me to remember that you are with me, that

you are my God.  Help me to rely upon the strength you give

to me and look for your hands to take my burdens from my

heart.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

Thursday 4th Week of Lent, By Jeanette Ham

A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

When I was growing up I was fortunate to have several really good

friends, at least one or two I knew I could count on to share what

was on my heart.

 

I was 12 when Sherri moved to the next street from the house where

I grew up.  I remember how she and I literally beat a path in the

dirt over the years running over to each other’s house to play.

Later when we were in high school we would often walk over to

share our disappointments, our fears and our laughter with one

another.

 

I realize how lucky I was and still am to experience deep friendship.

To share in one another’s joys and burdens of life is a tremendous

gift.  Scott Walker in his book Glimpses of God, shares that as

Christians, we each symbolically represent the presence of God to

one another.  Walker writes;

 

There is something holy about sitting in silence by a fireside

with a good and enduring friend.  It is an experience

different from worship.  But somehow the presence of

someone bigger, someone ultimate, is felt.  There is a feeling

of being at home, of being connected though friendship to a

Source that is grander than human minds can comprehend.

Friendship is a catalyst that can lead to an awareness of the

presence of God.

 

Lord, thank you for the friends that have come into my life.

Help me to actively love and nourish those friendships, and

continue to weave new and old friends into the fabric of my

life.

 

 

Wednesday 4th Week of Lent, By Barbara Roach

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as

the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be

afraid.

John 14:27

 

Maintaining a peaceful, untroubled spirit is hard to do!  I seem to

spend far too much time questioning what I’ve done in the past and

should do in the future, when I could may better use of my time and

energy concentrating on doing the best I can in the present.

 

The following passage by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)

serves as a gentle reminder that living today fully and looking with

hope toward tomorrow hold the best chance for attaining and

maintaining a peaceful spirit.

 

One day At a Time

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what

you could.  Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in;

forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day;

begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be

cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is

good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations,

to waste a moment on yesterdays.

 

Dear Lord, may your peace calm my anxious spirit and

allow me to share love and peace with those around me.

 

Tuesday 4th Week of Lent, By A. J. Adams (provided by Marilyn Honea)

I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

 

THE SUN ALWAYS RISES

I walk on ahead, looking for the sunrise.

Knowing soon it will appear before my eyes.

For never has the sun set across the skies,

But what morning breaketh to see a new sun rise.

 

The path may lead through the night and grow black.

But this we know, we will not turn back.

For if we are following the way of His will,

His strength and His wisdom will help us still.

 

There will be friends to help upon the way.

There will be renewed faith with each new day.

There will be peace and comfort from above,

To remind that He keeps us in His love.

 

If only His will we are willing to do,

This we know, He will see us through.

For following the setting of each sun,

We shall see the sun rise and a new day begun.

 

I was in McCurtain, Oklahoma to go on to meet Harry in Shawnee.

I knew I was leaving him, and on this early morning was walking

the dirt road to his sister’s farm to tell her and say “goodbye”.  We

were very close; she was the only one who knew we had problems

and what they were.  I would not destroy him in the eyes of his

townspeople.  The day had just started and I walked alone into the

sunrise when this poem came to me.  When I got to Ethel’s, I asked

for a scrap of paper to write it down; this is the only copy I still have.

Somehow I felt surer about my decision made totally alone after this

walk and poem.  It was a long time before I felt this “night” starting

to end, and a “new day begin”—but it did and it does!

 

Loving God, thank you for always being there. All we need to

do is remember to call you. Thank you God. Amen.

 

 

 

Monday 4th Week of Lent, By Diane Louise

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets

Matthew 7:12

 

Lately I have become aware of how many people are carrying

around heavy burdens of pain.  Often this pain doesn’t show on the

outside, but it is there nevertheless.  The term “walking wounded”

comes to mind.

 

It’s amazing how people can function as well as they do, while

bearing their loads.  Their pain could be due to any number of

reasons…financial problems, health concerns, broken relationships,

the death of a loved one, and other worries could be weighing down

their spirit.  Yet they manage to go to work, care for their families,

and tend to all the other details of life.  Hurting people are all

around us, but sometimes we don’t recognize them as such.  We may

see them as distracted, somber, or rude, and we may be annoyed by

their apparent lack of awareness or consideration of us.

 

As followers of Jesus, we need to follow His example of caring for

others.  Let us show patience, compassion, and understanding to

everyone.  Silently ask God to bless each person you meet.

Remember that sometimes we too are part of the “walking

wounded” and will be grateful for the kindness that others show to

us.

 

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching us that we are to love and

care for others.  Help us to be aware of people who may be

hurting, and may we be channels of Your love to them.

 

Saturday 3rd Week of Lent, April 2 By Esther Corley

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be

received with thanksgiving

1Timothy 4:4

 

Recently I sent a friend a wonderful photo of a brilliant blue

hummingbird. And, no, I didn’t take it! I also received an email on

“God’s Accuracy.” Let me bring to your attention few interesting

facts from it:

❧ All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and

the Lord specified 30-fold, sixty- fold, and a hundred-fold –

all even numbers.

❧ The waves of the sea roll in on shore 26 to the minute in

all kinds of weather.

❧ Each ear of corn has an even number of rows. Each orange

has an even number of segments.

❧ God’s accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.

For example, those of the canary hatch in 14 days; the

barnyard hens in 21 days; ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;

mallards in 35 days; eggs of the parrot and ostrich hatch in

42 days. (Notice:  they are all divisible by 7, the number of

days in a week!)

❧ The horse rises from the ground on its 2 front legs first. A

cow rises with its 2 hind legs first.

The lives of each of us may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful

way if we only entrust Him with our life. There is no doubt that

there is a loving Creator, whom we can pray to and thank each day.

 

Loving Creator, please help us to love all nature and to act

in its behalf rather than selfishly. Each day of Lent, help us

to focus on another miracle of nature and hold it up for

safekeeping. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Friday 3rd Week of Lent, April 1 By Steve Hable

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and

hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those

who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who

spitefully use you and persecute you.

Mathew 5: 43-44

 

Glimmer of Hope

Recent events in the Middle East show signs of hope in the midst of

death and destruction.  The conflicts between Israel and the Arab

states have lasted for generations, but are not the only sources of

battle.  Prior to the demonstrations to oust President Mubarak in

Egypt, there were several instances of violence between Christians

and Muslims.  The most serious event occurred in January of this

year when a Muslim homicide bomber walked into a Christian

church in Alexandria Egypt.

 

The explosion killed 21 Christians and wounded over 100 more

Christians while they attended worship. During the demonstrations

in Egypt, there were moments that provided a glimmer of hope for

change.  Hundreds of Muslim and Christian demonstrators

gathered together joining hands.  Muslims holding the Koran and

Christians holding crosses.  Then the Christians formed a protective

circle around the Muslims as they kneeled to pray.

 

When they finished their prayers, the Muslims formed a circle

around the Christians so they too could pray.  For a few minutes

these two groups found peaceful coexistence through faith in God.

These moments won’t necessary stop the bloodshed, but they do

offer hope that if we can learn to love and respect our enemies,

peace is within reach.

Gracious God, your people are divided into nationalities,

races and religions.  It is often easy for us to find ways to

dislike others because they do not look like us, speak the

same language, or worship like us.  At times, we know our

very safety is threatened by another person or group.

Heavenly Father, inspire all of us to remember that

regardless of race, color, natural origin or religion, we are

all your children.  Guide us to look for the glimmer of hope

in the similarities between us instead of the differences that

divide us.  Amen