O LORD our LORD, how majestic is our name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens....When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8: 1, 3-4
God placed us - his beloved created ones, in the middle of a beautiful world that pleases our senses and feeds all kinds of hungers. We feel connected to the Earth, because we were made by the same substance in the hands of God
When we consider the beauty God made for us, how can we not be both humbled and grateful that God has provided a feast for our senses? When we see the heavens, the stars that twinkle, the moon that rises full on the horizon like a big yellow ball, how can we not be grateful? When our eyes feast on the beautiful pale green of springtime, the fullness of summer, the baze of riotous colors in autumn, the hushed beauty of winter, how can we not see God's love and care for us, and be humbled.
How do we thank God for theese gifts? We are given dominion over the earth, which means we are stewards, charged with the care and keeping of this beauty. It is both for our pleasure and our care! What are you doing to take care of this beautiful world?
We don't have to be "green" to see the need to protect our environment from needless and useless destruction. God intended all things to work together for good, eventually; but there is a punishment, of natural consequences for the next generation if we fail to be faithful to our role as stewards. What do you think?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Power Perfected
September 22, 2010
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12.9
We all struggle with one thing or another. We may have problems with pride, or prejudice or truthfulness, lust or any number of other areas or human weaknesses.
And we stress and strain to get it right, to get on top of our weaknesses. We get down on ourselves when we give into temptation, and feel like failures. But if we give up the fight, and let God work through us, God’s strength can take us where the strongest can’t even dream of.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t resist our desire to give into weakness. It means that we need to let God do the struggling for us. "Let go and Let God" isn't just for A.A. - it is for all of us. Indeed,His power is made perfect in our weakness. He can do what we can’t do on our own. He can take us where we can’t go by ourselves.
What is your struggle? Have you given it over to God?
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12.9
We all struggle with one thing or another. We may have problems with pride, or prejudice or truthfulness, lust or any number of other areas or human weaknesses.
And we stress and strain to get it right, to get on top of our weaknesses. We get down on ourselves when we give into temptation, and feel like failures. But if we give up the fight, and let God work through us, God’s strength can take us where the strongest can’t even dream of.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t resist our desire to give into weakness. It means that we need to let God do the struggling for us. "Let go and Let God" isn't just for A.A. - it is for all of us. Indeed,His power is made perfect in our weakness. He can do what we can’t do on our own. He can take us where we can’t go by ourselves.
What is your struggle? Have you given it over to God?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Laws of Nature
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6
God’s laws are like the laws of nature. We can’t really break them in the sense of breaking them apart. In reality, we break ourselves against them.
It makes sense in this case that if you are planting a garden, and sow only a few seeds, you cannot expect an abundant crop. So it is with all our lives. When we sow faithfulness, gratitude, respect, love with a meager hand, we can expect little back.
When we sow with a generous hand, when we reach out to others with love, compassion, understanding, helpfulness, if we reach out to befriend some one, we can expect a bumper crop back.
Now, just as with a seed, it changes in appearance from sowing to reaping; so too our harvest may not look like what you sowed. But the laws of nature work here too! If you are generou with others, others will be generous with you. If you are kind to others, others will be kind to you.
You might not get the harvest where you planted, but if you wait for it, it will surely be there in one form or another. What kind of seeds have you been planting?
God’s laws are like the laws of nature. We can’t really break them in the sense of breaking them apart. In reality, we break ourselves against them.
It makes sense in this case that if you are planting a garden, and sow only a few seeds, you cannot expect an abundant crop. So it is with all our lives. When we sow faithfulness, gratitude, respect, love with a meager hand, we can expect little back.
When we sow with a generous hand, when we reach out to others with love, compassion, understanding, helpfulness, if we reach out to befriend some one, we can expect a bumper crop back.
Now, just as with a seed, it changes in appearance from sowing to reaping; so too our harvest may not look like what you sowed. But the laws of nature work here too! If you are generou with others, others will be generous with you. If you are kind to others, others will be kind to you.
You might not get the harvest where you planted, but if you wait for it, it will surely be there in one form or another. What kind of seeds have you been planting?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH
For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all Gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker Psalm 95: 3-6
How can we not be awed? How can we not be grateful? For in the beauty of this earth is a joy that know no bounds. This poem God’s World, by Edna St. Vincent Millay, speaks to that joy:
O WORLD, I cannot hold thee close enough!
Thy winds, thy wide grey skies!
Thy mists that roll and rise!
Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag
And all but cry with colour! That gaunt crag
To crush! To lift the lean of that black bluff!
World, World, I cannot get thee close enough!
Long have I known a glory in it all,
But never knew I this; Here such a passion is
As stretcheth me apart. Lord, I do fear
Thou’st made the world too beautiful this year.
My soul is all but out of me,—let fall
No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird call.
Remember to take in this beauty. There is artistry in creation that shines through even the cloudiest day. It is in the sunshine and clouds! It is in the blue skies and grey!
It is a gift to you from God. And be thankful! Give thanks today, bow before and worship our wonderful Creator God!
For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all Gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker Psalm 95: 3-6
How can we not be awed? How can we not be grateful? For in the beauty of this earth is a joy that know no bounds. This poem God’s World, by Edna St. Vincent Millay, speaks to that joy:
O WORLD, I cannot hold thee close enough!
Thy winds, thy wide grey skies!
Thy mists that roll and rise!
Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag
And all but cry with colour! That gaunt crag
To crush! To lift the lean of that black bluff!
World, World, I cannot get thee close enough!
Long have I known a glory in it all,
But never knew I this; Here such a passion is
As stretcheth me apart. Lord, I do fear
Thou’st made the world too beautiful this year.
My soul is all but out of me,—let fall
No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird call.
Remember to take in this beauty. There is artistry in creation that shines through even the cloudiest day. It is in the sunshine and clouds! It is in the blue skies and grey!
It is a gift to you from God. And be thankful! Give thanks today, bow before and worship our wonderful Creator God!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Using Good Judgment!
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7: 1-2
We do need to have good judgment about our own actions, but Scriptures cautions us about judging others. It is so easy to judge the “others” who are different from us. They claim to be Christian, but it doesn’t show in their lives, and we judge. They make a great deal of money, and yet are stingy, and we judge. This could go on and on, but I am sure you get the picture.
Why is it important that we don’t judge others? First of all, we will be judged by God with the same measuring stick we use against others. If we show respect and understanding, that is what will be given to us by God. If we judge harshly and rashly, so will we be judged!
An even more compelling reason not to judge is because we are far from being perfect ourselves, and we can’t see all that lies behind a person we are judging. We are not God! When we judge others, we put ourselves in the place of God, violating God’s first commandment.
Is this an area you struggle with? Try understanding rather than condemning Try getting to know them, looking for God’s image in them, remembering that every one of us is one of God’s precious created ones.
And remember, we don't have to like what people do, only respect the fact that they too are know and loved by God's - and it is God's job alone to judge them.
We do need to have good judgment about our own actions, but Scriptures cautions us about judging others. It is so easy to judge the “others” who are different from us. They claim to be Christian, but it doesn’t show in their lives, and we judge. They make a great deal of money, and yet are stingy, and we judge. This could go on and on, but I am sure you get the picture.
Why is it important that we don’t judge others? First of all, we will be judged by God with the same measuring stick we use against others. If we show respect and understanding, that is what will be given to us by God. If we judge harshly and rashly, so will we be judged!
An even more compelling reason not to judge is because we are far from being perfect ourselves, and we can’t see all that lies behind a person we are judging. We are not God! When we judge others, we put ourselves in the place of God, violating God’s first commandment.
Is this an area you struggle with? Try understanding rather than condemning Try getting to know them, looking for God’s image in them, remembering that every one of us is one of God’s precious created ones.
And remember, we don't have to like what people do, only respect the fact that they too are know and loved by God's - and it is God's job alone to judge them.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
You Are Here For a Reason!
"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen." Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)
At times, it is hard to grasp that God has a plan for good for our lives. Times of crisis, times of chaos, even the grey days can make us feel like God is nowhere around! But of course that is not the case. God uses everything that happens to us, to bring us closer to Him and to his purpose for our lives.
Believe this, and your stress level should diminish. Walk in Him, knowing that no matter what this day looks like, you will find His goodness is overflowing! Former Senate Chaplain and Presbyterian pastor Richard Halvorsen was fond of quoting this benediction”
Remember, you go nowhere by accident,
Wherever you go, God is sending you.
Wherever you are, God has put you there,
God has a purpose in your being there.
Christ Who indwells you has something
God wants to do through you where you are.
Do you have times when the world seems so dark that you can't see God at all? Remember we walk by faith and not by sight (or feelings!). God's hand is on you - in all times and all situations. And He is doing a work in you and through you, right where you are, whether you can see it or not!
Where are you today? What is God doing in you and through you?
At times, it is hard to grasp that God has a plan for good for our lives. Times of crisis, times of chaos, even the grey days can make us feel like God is nowhere around! But of course that is not the case. God uses everything that happens to us, to bring us closer to Him and to his purpose for our lives.
Believe this, and your stress level should diminish. Walk in Him, knowing that no matter what this day looks like, you will find His goodness is overflowing! Former Senate Chaplain and Presbyterian pastor Richard Halvorsen was fond of quoting this benediction”
Remember, you go nowhere by accident,
Wherever you go, God is sending you.
Wherever you are, God has put you there,
God has a purpose in your being there.
Christ Who indwells you has something
God wants to do through you where you are.
Do you have times when the world seems so dark that you can't see God at all? Remember we walk by faith and not by sight (or feelings!). God's hand is on you - in all times and all situations. And He is doing a work in you and through you, right where you are, whether you can see it or not!
Where are you today? What is God doing in you and through you?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
A Feast for Your Eyes and Heart
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19.1
Take a look around you on a beautiful summers day; the farmers fields bursting forth with good food from the earth, the flowers on the road side painting a picture rich with color and sweet aromas; the azure blue sky a canvas for the clouds pillowed and billowing; the breath taking sunsets; the soft velvet nights with fire flies putting on a light show.
.
How can we not be grateful to our Creator God? How can we not feel loved, and special as the world rolls out this beauty and goodness? Yes there are clouds and storms. Yes there are hard times and draught. But, the sun is always shining behind the clouds, and when the dark times are over the beauty returns and our hearts are filled once again with the love God has poured into us.
.
Take the time to smell the roses and notice this rich beautiful world. And then say a breath prayer of thanksgiving, to the One who created it.
We are so busy, busy busy, that we need to be reminded to stop and smell the roses, and reflect on the beauty of this creation! Everything in this world has a purpose; the purpose of beauty is to make glad our souls, and humble our hearts. What brings you to this place? What makes you stop and let your soul absorb beauty?
Take a look around you on a beautiful summers day; the farmers fields bursting forth with good food from the earth, the flowers on the road side painting a picture rich with color and sweet aromas; the azure blue sky a canvas for the clouds pillowed and billowing; the breath taking sunsets; the soft velvet nights with fire flies putting on a light show.
.
How can we not be grateful to our Creator God? How can we not feel loved, and special as the world rolls out this beauty and goodness? Yes there are clouds and storms. Yes there are hard times and draught. But, the sun is always shining behind the clouds, and when the dark times are over the beauty returns and our hearts are filled once again with the love God has poured into us.
.
Take the time to smell the roses and notice this rich beautiful world. And then say a breath prayer of thanksgiving, to the One who created it.
We are so busy, busy busy, that we need to be reminded to stop and smell the roses, and reflect on the beauty of this creation! Everything in this world has a purpose; the purpose of beauty is to make glad our souls, and humble our hearts. What brings you to this place? What makes you stop and let your soul absorb beauty?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
How Foolish!
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator"-- Romans 1: 20 – 22, 25
We don’t talk about sin very much. It seems so judgmental. It is so much kinder to talk about bad choices, or wrong decisions. But the truth is we do know right from wrong. And when we knowingly chose wrong, that is a sin.
One definition of sin is anything that separates us from God. When we knowingly chose wrong, we have turned our back on God – and there is separation. That breaks God’s heart and leaves us lost – feeling like we failed, perhaps angry, perhaps even bitter. How foolish to do the very things that hurt us and God the most!
If we don’t keep our hearts and minds focused on the Lord, it is easy to forget, and believe the father of lies whispering in our ears. We put ourselves in the place of God, and tell ourselves we deserve it! We worship the things God created rather than the Creator Himself.
The good news is of course, God is waiting to forgive us when we repent (turn away from sin) and confess. Don’t be foolish! Stay close to God!
Don't you think it is irony that the things that entice us, those things that seem so tempting, end up hurting us in the end? And the converse is true as well: being good, doing the right thing, can seem so boring from a sinful state of mind, and yet when we are there- it can be the most exhilarating! Do you find this to be true?
We don’t talk about sin very much. It seems so judgmental. It is so much kinder to talk about bad choices, or wrong decisions. But the truth is we do know right from wrong. And when we knowingly chose wrong, that is a sin.
One definition of sin is anything that separates us from God. When we knowingly chose wrong, we have turned our back on God – and there is separation. That breaks God’s heart and leaves us lost – feeling like we failed, perhaps angry, perhaps even bitter. How foolish to do the very things that hurt us and God the most!
If we don’t keep our hearts and minds focused on the Lord, it is easy to forget, and believe the father of lies whispering in our ears. We put ourselves in the place of God, and tell ourselves we deserve it! We worship the things God created rather than the Creator Himself.
The good news is of course, God is waiting to forgive us when we repent (turn away from sin) and confess. Don’t be foolish! Stay close to God!
Don't you think it is irony that the things that entice us, those things that seem so tempting, end up hurting us in the end? And the converse is true as well: being good, doing the right thing, can seem so boring from a sinful state of mind, and yet when we are there- it can be the most exhilarating! Do you find this to be true?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
E-Devotions July 14, 2010
Pastor Susan Vergeront
What? Me Worry?
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34
Actually, the NIV version makes it even plainer - “ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Focus on the now, and not on the “what might be.” God has given us so many blessings, but if we only see the problems that might come tomorrow, we will never have time to appreciate the blessings of right now. God DOES give us what we need to get through the hard times WHEN we need them.
Don’t you think God will be there tomorrow, to provide just what you need, just when you need it? You might not recognize it at first, but give it awhile, and you will see how foolish you were to worry!
Worry can rob us of so many of the good things in our lives. And what good does it do? Worry drags us down, and the people around us. Is it hard to turn off that worry button?
Start listing in your mind (or even on a piece of paper) all the blessings you see in today! And as you list them, thank God for them.
Pastor Susan Vergeront
What? Me Worry?
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34
Actually, the NIV version makes it even plainer - “ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Focus on the now, and not on the “what might be.” God has given us so many blessings, but if we only see the problems that might come tomorrow, we will never have time to appreciate the blessings of right now. God DOES give us what we need to get through the hard times WHEN we need them.
Don’t you think God will be there tomorrow, to provide just what you need, just when you need it? You might not recognize it at first, but give it awhile, and you will see how foolish you were to worry!
Worry can rob us of so many of the good things in our lives. And what good does it do? Worry drags us down, and the people around us. Is it hard to turn off that worry button?
Start listing in your mind (or even on a piece of paper) all the blessings you see in today! And as you list them, thank God for them.
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