Devotions to encourage us in troubled times
February 18
Be blessed by this rendition of Amazing Grace sung by people from 50 countries affected by the pandemic.
- Linda Holbrook
January 10
There is a scene in one of my favorite movies, “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World”, in which a haggard older deck hand looks upward toward a much younger and clearly fearful sailor and puts his hands together so his knuckles show the tattooed message, “Hold Fast”. Highly outgunned and overwhelmed by the odds against them, the English are preparing to attack and board a much larger and better armed ship containing dozens of well-trained French marines of Napoleon’s navy. Their mission is to stop the French from violently preying upon innocent seafaring cargo vessels far across the world in South American waters.
Lately this scene has been playing over and over in my mind. It is no wonder, as it seems that our lives have become increasingly fragile and threatened from so many different perspectives; political chaos and violence in Washington, DC, and in many state capitals; increased discontent and chaos in our big cities, and the ongoing crisis of a world-wide pandemic, to name just a few challenges we face. It is no wonder many of us are feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances and the disarray that we find our world in today. But feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances is nothing new for humanity, nor is it ever comfortable. However, my conclusion is that facing our own mortality, our own finiteness, and our own great need for God, are really gifts from our Lord in so many ways.
Let me clarify; if we look at 2 Kings Chapters 18 and 19 we see Judah and her people facing a very similar circumstance to the English sailors depicted in the movie. King Hezekiah and those in Jerusalem are literally looking at their own potential annihilation at the hands of the far superior, and unbelievably overpowering and vicious Assyrian army. The King, who is described in the Bible as the most righteous of all of the Israelite kings, does something the world would call counter-intuitive. He “holds fast” in the face of overwhelming odds, trusts in God, anchors himself in God’s faithfulness, and embraces the truth of God through His Word and worship. And miraculously the Lord delivers Jerusalem when all seemed completely hopeless.
So, as God has given us a new year, let this be a new season. Let us look up and see the salvation of the Lord. For just as Moses encouraged the Israelites to “hold fast”, so, we too must do so, and we WILL see the salvation of the Lord our God (Exodus 14:13). Whether we are feeling fear from what has transpired literally within our Nation’s Capital, have concerns about our safety and health or that of those we love, no matter the circumstance, just know that the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are right here, right now, right when we need them to be with us. We have, as a nation, weathered incredible challenges in our history, and we are in fact going through a very tough time right now indeed. But this is the time for us, just as the elder deckhand facing ferocious superior forces, as Hezekiah finding his capital surrounded by overwhelming numbers of troops, and as Moses in flight from the Egyptians, to HOLD FAST, and turn our heads and our hearts toward Christ Himself, our Rock and our Redeemer.
Blessings and prayers.
Rob Mathis
Lately this scene has been playing over and over in my mind. It is no wonder, as it seems that our lives have become increasingly fragile and threatened from so many different perspectives; political chaos and violence in Washington, DC, and in many state capitals; increased discontent and chaos in our big cities, and the ongoing crisis of a world-wide pandemic, to name just a few challenges we face. It is no wonder many of us are feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances and the disarray that we find our world in today. But feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances is nothing new for humanity, nor is it ever comfortable. However, my conclusion is that facing our own mortality, our own finiteness, and our own great need for God, are really gifts from our Lord in so many ways.
Let me clarify; if we look at 2 Kings Chapters 18 and 19 we see Judah and her people facing a very similar circumstance to the English sailors depicted in the movie. King Hezekiah and those in Jerusalem are literally looking at their own potential annihilation at the hands of the far superior, and unbelievably overpowering and vicious Assyrian army. The King, who is described in the Bible as the most righteous of all of the Israelite kings, does something the world would call counter-intuitive. He “holds fast” in the face of overwhelming odds, trusts in God, anchors himself in God’s faithfulness, and embraces the truth of God through His Word and worship. And miraculously the Lord delivers Jerusalem when all seemed completely hopeless.
So, as God has given us a new year, let this be a new season. Let us look up and see the salvation of the Lord. For just as Moses encouraged the Israelites to “hold fast”, so, we too must do so, and we WILL see the salvation of the Lord our God (Exodus 14:13). Whether we are feeling fear from what has transpired literally within our Nation’s Capital, have concerns about our safety and health or that of those we love, no matter the circumstance, just know that the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are right here, right now, right when we need them to be with us. We have, as a nation, weathered incredible challenges in our history, and we are in fact going through a very tough time right now indeed. But this is the time for us, just as the elder deckhand facing ferocious superior forces, as Hezekiah finding his capital surrounded by overwhelming numbers of troops, and as Moses in flight from the Egyptians, to HOLD FAST, and turn our heads and our hearts toward Christ Himself, our Rock and our Redeemer.
Blessings and prayers.
Rob Mathis
December 23
This devotional is a few years old, and some of you may have read it, but I thought it was perfect for this protracted journey that we’ve been on for about nine months and counting. I pray that it would strengthen you and give you hope. In Christ, Lauren
“I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine. I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul’s spear-throwing
presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king. I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives. I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain. And oh friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce. He knows the beauty this hardship will grow. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.
So instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father and I’m asking Him to give you
strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I'm asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I'm asking Him how I can best love you, and be a help to you. I’m believing He’s going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.”
- Kimberly Henderson Proverbs 31 Ministries
presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king. I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives. I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain. And oh friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce. He knows the beauty this hardship will grow. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.
So instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father and I’m asking Him to give you
strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I'm asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I'm asking Him how I can best love you, and be a help to you. I’m believing He’s going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.”
- Kimberly Henderson Proverbs 31 Ministries
December 11
I love Christmas cartoons. All of them. I still load up the Netflix list every year around Thanksgiving. They get me in the Christmas spirit. Who can't laugh at the huffing and puffing of Burgermeister Meisterburger (Santa Claus is Comin' to Town), or shed a tear when Professor Hinkle traps Frosty in the greenhouse (Frosty the Snowman)? And of course there are the overtly Christian messages in The Little Drummer Boy as he views with wonder the birth of the Christ child, or A Charlie Brown Christmas when Linus recites the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. They're all terrific, and they inspire in me the sort of nostalgia for childhood Christmas wonder that I suspect many of us yearn for this time of year.
The pastor of the church I grew up in had a favorite sermon he'd dust off every year at Christmas time: “Let's Keep Christmas Commercial!” He had a child's excitement and wonder about Christmas that just exuded from the pulpit. He loved the tinsel, the music, the department store Santas – all the commercial trappings that we Christians sometimes turn our noses up at. He would say that God intended the birth of His Son to be a time for joyous celebration, and if the world needs all those lights and sounds and smells – and cartoons – to feel joy, great! Bring 'em on!
Too often the world can see Christianity in a negative light – we're too often portrayed (and maybe too often correctly portrayed) as being about “NO!” We know that's not correct and it's not fair. Christianity is the ultimate “YES!” way of life. God didn't ask us to do one thing to achieve His reward. There can be nothing more joyous than the acceptance of that truth. It's all on God and that little baby in the manger. Bring on the lights! Bring on the music! Bring on the wonderful cartoons! This is the season that makes little kids of all of us. Jesus loves the little children! Let Christmas make one out of you again!
Excuse me while I go watch Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer for the umpteenth time...
- Brad Hurte
The pastor of the church I grew up in had a favorite sermon he'd dust off every year at Christmas time: “Let's Keep Christmas Commercial!” He had a child's excitement and wonder about Christmas that just exuded from the pulpit. He loved the tinsel, the music, the department store Santas – all the commercial trappings that we Christians sometimes turn our noses up at. He would say that God intended the birth of His Son to be a time for joyous celebration, and if the world needs all those lights and sounds and smells – and cartoons – to feel joy, great! Bring 'em on!
Too often the world can see Christianity in a negative light – we're too often portrayed (and maybe too often correctly portrayed) as being about “NO!” We know that's not correct and it's not fair. Christianity is the ultimate “YES!” way of life. God didn't ask us to do one thing to achieve His reward. There can be nothing more joyous than the acceptance of that truth. It's all on God and that little baby in the manger. Bring on the lights! Bring on the music! Bring on the wonderful cartoons! This is the season that makes little kids of all of us. Jesus loves the little children! Let Christmas make one out of you again!
Excuse me while I go watch Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer for the umpteenth time...
- Brad Hurte
December 4
There is a song out on the radio these days, “There Was Jesus”, a duet sung with so much heart by Dolly Parton and Zach Williams. It is a song not of “happy happy” all the time, but about lives like mine…and maybe yours. A song of wading on the bottom of the deep end of the pool, way over one’s head with all that life brings. It is a song that, in my mind, encompasses Who Jesus was when He walked this earth in a human body. Walked amongst the broken, the lame, the brokenhearted, the leper; and then, rather than turn long enough to throw a glancing sardonic blow, He reached out and touched them, each of them, right where they needed His touch the most. And so this song reminds me of that Jesus…that Incarnate Son of the Most High God. It reminds me of what He did for each of us on the cross nearly two-thousand years ago. And it reminds me that our God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is not angry with us. Not disappointed. Not frowning down on our mistakes and our failures. No, Our God is not petty like that. He doesn’t kick us when we are down. No, instead He is right here, amongst us. Reaching out to us like He did Peter, when Peter started sinking down into the stormy waters (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus gave a little rebuke to Peter. Sure. But can’t you just imagine the grin He also gave him when they both sat down in the bottom of that Galilean boat? I can. You know it was probably so. Because Jesus adored Peter. He did. And you know what? He feels that way about each of us. He absolutely adores us. Whether we are sinking into the muck of our own making, or perhaps seeming to do everything right and still getting it wrong. He is still here. Still faithful. Still strong enough to hold onto us in the storms of our lives, yet gentle enough to brush the grime, sweat and tears from our faces. I just want to remind you today that the God we serve is True. He is Present. He is Steadfast. And He will never leave us nor forsake us. How could He? He has, on His Father’s behalf, paid the full ransom for our lives; paid for every single solitary thing we have ever done that we shouldn’t have and paid for every single solitary thing we have failed to do when we should have. And you know what? That is for all time! That is for yesterday, the day before, today, and tomorrow and forever! That, my friends, is the Good News. The real thing! The truth we can hold onto no matter what we face. God bless you today, right where you are, and know that as I write this I am praying for our Lord Jesus to touch you right where you need His touch the most, remembering His sweet, loving whisper to you, “Be still and know that I Am God” (Psalm 46:10).
- Rob Mathis
- Rob Mathis
October 1
Hi everyone,
As I look out my window today, I see blue skies and white fluffy clouds. What a difference from a week or two ago when we were covered with the terrible smoke! It was choking, and everything was so dark and heavy. As I thought about this I thought about how like sin smoke can be in our lives. The smoke started slowly with a bit coming from Eastern Washington just as sin seems to begin so innocently. But soon just like the smoke from these forest fires, sin soon surrounds us from all sides and becomes overwhelming.
We need a cleansing salvation. For the smoke it was a cool breeze from the coast and a cleansing rain. As Christians, when sin begins to move into our lives, we can pray for the cleansing rain of Jesus. We need not let it become like the smoke we suffered. Yet how like the sunshine of today is Jesus’ love, and we can always experience the Sonshine of our Savior's love no matter what!
May God’s cleansing love bathe you in His blue skies today.
Blessings to all of you!
- Paula Lanum
As I look out my window today, I see blue skies and white fluffy clouds. What a difference from a week or two ago when we were covered with the terrible smoke! It was choking, and everything was so dark and heavy. As I thought about this I thought about how like sin smoke can be in our lives. The smoke started slowly with a bit coming from Eastern Washington just as sin seems to begin so innocently. But soon just like the smoke from these forest fires, sin soon surrounds us from all sides and becomes overwhelming.
We need a cleansing salvation. For the smoke it was a cool breeze from the coast and a cleansing rain. As Christians, when sin begins to move into our lives, we can pray for the cleansing rain of Jesus. We need not let it become like the smoke we suffered. Yet how like the sunshine of today is Jesus’ love, and we can always experience the Sonshine of our Savior's love no matter what!
May God’s cleansing love bathe you in His blue skies today.
Blessings to all of you!
- Paula Lanum
September 22
A Prayer: As I put on my mask
Creator,
As I prepare to go into the world,
Help me see the sacrament
In the wearing of this cloth –
Let it be “an outward sign of an inward grace” –
A tangible and visible way of living
Love for my neighbors, as I love myself.
Christ,
Since my lips will be covered,
Uncover my heart,
That people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes.
Since my voice may be muffled,
Help me speak clearly,
Not only with my words,
But with my actions.
Holy Spirit,
As the elastic touches my ears,
Remind me to listen carefully –
And full of care – to all those I meet.
May this simple piece of cloth be shield and banner,
And each breath that it holds,
Be filled with your love.
In your name and
In the name of love I pray.
May it be so. May it be so.
(Original source unknown)
Creator,
As I prepare to go into the world,
Help me see the sacrament
In the wearing of this cloth –
Let it be “an outward sign of an inward grace” –
A tangible and visible way of living
Love for my neighbors, as I love myself.
Christ,
Since my lips will be covered,
Uncover my heart,
That people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes.
Since my voice may be muffled,
Help me speak clearly,
Not only with my words,
But with my actions.
Holy Spirit,
As the elastic touches my ears,
Remind me to listen carefully –
And full of care – to all those I meet.
May this simple piece of cloth be shield and banner,
And each breath that it holds,
Be filled with your love.
In your name and
In the name of love I pray.
May it be so. May it be so.
(Original source unknown)
August 28
Construction
Recently I was given the opportunity to assemble hard hats as part of preparations for Vacation Bible School. It was a fun reminder of the time when wearing a hard hat was a routine part of my job. The company I worked for at the time is well aware of the risks presented to employees in carrying out various functions in their roles. The personal protective equipment they provided for us – and expected us to wear - included hard hats, brightly colored reflective vests prominently marked with the company logo, and safety glasses. We were reminded regularly of the importance of wearing natural fibers, long sleeves and pants, and appropriate sturdy footwear. These provide visible evidence of the company’s commitment to safety.
Early on, it didn’t sink in why it was so important that I wear PPE, since it seemed that the major hazard in my daily routine was paper cuts from managing drawings. Intellectually, I knew that for people regularly engaged in building and maintaining the electric system, there is a real and present danger of injury on the job at any time. PPE helps not only to reduce the level of injury if something happens, but just putting it on serves as a reminder to be alert for danger. But still, it didn’t seem relevant to me, until one day I looked around and realized that somehow with time, I had become senior in our group. People looked to me for cues about acceptable behavior. If I were to choose to disregard the authority of management by leaving the equipment in the car, and a junior person followed my example and got hurt, that would be a terrible burden to bear! By wearing the items provided, I was helping others make better choices.
Our heavenly Father cares about, and has promised to safeguard, the safety of our eternal souls. Paul exhorts us in the book of Ephesians, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18a
Are you engaged in some sort of construction these days? Are you reminded to measure twice, cut once? Our actions while building matter - they determine the outcome of the finished project. My hope is that whatever it is, you’re building on the solid foundation of the Word of God. And use the PPE God has given us to keep us safe in the process! Your demonstration of excellent practices is a gift to anyone who may be watching.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
Recently I was given the opportunity to assemble hard hats as part of preparations for Vacation Bible School. It was a fun reminder of the time when wearing a hard hat was a routine part of my job. The company I worked for at the time is well aware of the risks presented to employees in carrying out various functions in their roles. The personal protective equipment they provided for us – and expected us to wear - included hard hats, brightly colored reflective vests prominently marked with the company logo, and safety glasses. We were reminded regularly of the importance of wearing natural fibers, long sleeves and pants, and appropriate sturdy footwear. These provide visible evidence of the company’s commitment to safety.
Early on, it didn’t sink in why it was so important that I wear PPE, since it seemed that the major hazard in my daily routine was paper cuts from managing drawings. Intellectually, I knew that for people regularly engaged in building and maintaining the electric system, there is a real and present danger of injury on the job at any time. PPE helps not only to reduce the level of injury if something happens, but just putting it on serves as a reminder to be alert for danger. But still, it didn’t seem relevant to me, until one day I looked around and realized that somehow with time, I had become senior in our group. People looked to me for cues about acceptable behavior. If I were to choose to disregard the authority of management by leaving the equipment in the car, and a junior person followed my example and got hurt, that would be a terrible burden to bear! By wearing the items provided, I was helping others make better choices.
Our heavenly Father cares about, and has promised to safeguard, the safety of our eternal souls. Paul exhorts us in the book of Ephesians, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18a
Are you engaged in some sort of construction these days? Are you reminded to measure twice, cut once? Our actions while building matter - they determine the outcome of the finished project. My hope is that whatever it is, you’re building on the solid foundation of the Word of God. And use the PPE God has given us to keep us safe in the process! Your demonstration of excellent practices is a gift to anyone who may be watching.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
August 22
- Liz Schmidt
August 9
On a recent spring trip to the Midwest, the fields on either side of the freeway showed evidence of new life following crop-planting season. Green shoots in neat rows stood in contrast against the rich, dark soil. This gives hope for an abundant harvest later! But what does new life look like in believers?
As we’ve been learning this summer from the current sermon series, the Holy Spirit is the main agent of our sanctification – our growth journey toward becoming who God created us to be. But unlike seeds planted in the dirt, we humans have the choice whether to cooperate with the Spirit, exhibit growth, and experience abundant life – or not, and remain a lifeless husk, neither changing nor growing, just rotting away. So new life could look like a lot of questions – Who is God anyway? Is He good? Why do bad things happen? What’s happening? Why? How am I supposed to react? New life could show up in the form of challenges – Are you saying I have to give up X to be a Christian? [No, being a Christian is about relationship with God, not religion 😊] New life is evidenced by trying to understand spiritual things – things which were foolishness to us when we were perishing, but which are precious once the Spirit enlivens us.
Anyone who has planted a garden has seen firsthand that growth happens at different times and rates, depending on when the planting took place, the weather conditions, the amount of water, nutrients in the soil, and the presence of weeds. So too with my spiritual growth. Am I watering the seed planted with time each day in God’s Word? Is Christian fellowship providing nutrients of encouragement and exhortation? Am I removing corrupting influences from my life that hinder my progress or get me off-track? It is gratifying to note that the seeds planted by my childhood Sunday school teachers so many years ago are now bearing the fruit that they must have imagined would never show up in my life, marked as it was at the time by self-centeredness and self-sufficiency! Here’s a verse for everyone who invests time with our next generation – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Gal. 6:9
There’s a rhythm to the planting and harvesting, as James tells us: Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. James 5:7
New growth can be both encouraging or discouraging. Of course, nothing is more exhilarating than realizing that YOU were chosen by the Creator of the universe to be His beloved child, adopted to sonship, and promised an eternal inheritance! Discouragement crashes in when we focus on just how undeserving we are. That is the immense beauty of the Good News that Jesus offers – we are unworthy in and of ourselves. But, because He willingly chose to die so that our sins can be forgiven and forgotten, we are made worthy in God’s sight. Rather than dwelling on all our flaws and imperfections, we are now free to focus on the truths contained in God’s word, and to live in the reality of being completely loved.
How will we choose to respond when we see evidence of new life in someone we meet? I am reminded of a beautiful devotional written by Miriam Gesell which she shared with us several years ago. Miriam compared new Christians to the fragile young foliage found along the paths on Mt. Rainier and exhorted us to treat them with gentleness. The questions of a new believer may seem like a personal affront to our beliefs and the challenges could sound like disagreement with the tenets we hold dear. But it’s important to remember that behind every question is a questioner, and how we answer reveals how we feel about God and the immense gift of salvation He has given us. ”But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks – if we respond with defensiveness or anger, could that be a signal that God isn’t to be trusted? Instead, if you don’t have a ready answer, offer to look into it and get back to them. Or look into it with them – they’ll see that the tools you use are available to them as well. Thank them for the opportunity to learn something new.
This summer we planted our most extensive garden yet. The tomatoes have been amazing, we are looking forward to potatoes, and the fresh basil has made life delicious! But when I look out and see the fat, contented rabbits among the decimated stalks of kale, the nonexistent leaf lettuce, and the missing carrot tops, I get a small sense of the burning anger Saul felt at the new church, which he perceived as a threat to his nationalistic religion. But then I look at the abundant provision God has made for me, the overflowing goodness with which He treats me, and I realize that there’s enough to share. The rabbits can have the parts that are in their reach, and we will learn to enjoy arugula.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
As we’ve been learning this summer from the current sermon series, the Holy Spirit is the main agent of our sanctification – our growth journey toward becoming who God created us to be. But unlike seeds planted in the dirt, we humans have the choice whether to cooperate with the Spirit, exhibit growth, and experience abundant life – or not, and remain a lifeless husk, neither changing nor growing, just rotting away. So new life could look like a lot of questions – Who is God anyway? Is He good? Why do bad things happen? What’s happening? Why? How am I supposed to react? New life could show up in the form of challenges – Are you saying I have to give up X to be a Christian? [No, being a Christian is about relationship with God, not religion 😊] New life is evidenced by trying to understand spiritual things – things which were foolishness to us when we were perishing, but which are precious once the Spirit enlivens us.
Anyone who has planted a garden has seen firsthand that growth happens at different times and rates, depending on when the planting took place, the weather conditions, the amount of water, nutrients in the soil, and the presence of weeds. So too with my spiritual growth. Am I watering the seed planted with time each day in God’s Word? Is Christian fellowship providing nutrients of encouragement and exhortation? Am I removing corrupting influences from my life that hinder my progress or get me off-track? It is gratifying to note that the seeds planted by my childhood Sunday school teachers so many years ago are now bearing the fruit that they must have imagined would never show up in my life, marked as it was at the time by self-centeredness and self-sufficiency! Here’s a verse for everyone who invests time with our next generation – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Gal. 6:9
There’s a rhythm to the planting and harvesting, as James tells us: Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. James 5:7
New growth can be both encouraging or discouraging. Of course, nothing is more exhilarating than realizing that YOU were chosen by the Creator of the universe to be His beloved child, adopted to sonship, and promised an eternal inheritance! Discouragement crashes in when we focus on just how undeserving we are. That is the immense beauty of the Good News that Jesus offers – we are unworthy in and of ourselves. But, because He willingly chose to die so that our sins can be forgiven and forgotten, we are made worthy in God’s sight. Rather than dwelling on all our flaws and imperfections, we are now free to focus on the truths contained in God’s word, and to live in the reality of being completely loved.
How will we choose to respond when we see evidence of new life in someone we meet? I am reminded of a beautiful devotional written by Miriam Gesell which she shared with us several years ago. Miriam compared new Christians to the fragile young foliage found along the paths on Mt. Rainier and exhorted us to treat them with gentleness. The questions of a new believer may seem like a personal affront to our beliefs and the challenges could sound like disagreement with the tenets we hold dear. But it’s important to remember that behind every question is a questioner, and how we answer reveals how we feel about God and the immense gift of salvation He has given us. ”But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks – if we respond with defensiveness or anger, could that be a signal that God isn’t to be trusted? Instead, if you don’t have a ready answer, offer to look into it and get back to them. Or look into it with them – they’ll see that the tools you use are available to them as well. Thank them for the opportunity to learn something new.
This summer we planted our most extensive garden yet. The tomatoes have been amazing, we are looking forward to potatoes, and the fresh basil has made life delicious! But when I look out and see the fat, contented rabbits among the decimated stalks of kale, the nonexistent leaf lettuce, and the missing carrot tops, I get a small sense of the burning anger Saul felt at the new church, which he perceived as a threat to his nationalistic religion. But then I look at the abundant provision God has made for me, the overflowing goodness with which He treats me, and I realize that there’s enough to share. The rabbits can have the parts that are in their reach, and we will learn to enjoy arugula.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
July 31
Part 2 of 2
As Pastor Brian and the rest of Rose Hill Church’s pastoral staff have and will be teaching this summer on aspects of the Holy Spirit, including the in-dwelling of the Spirit in each believer, we have been learning that God has designed the church, His Church, to be co-participants in reaching out to each other, supporting each other and loving each other with God’s love. In fact, we cannot do “this thing called life” without each other. We need each other. I need “the Spirit of Christ” resident in you, and vice versa. Our dear brother in the faith, the Apostle Paul, said it so well, when he declared;
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV)
There are several points I think Paul wanted to get across in this passage;
I want to encourage you with all my heart that if you are finding yourself in dark shadows, in places you just cannot get out of, please reach out. There are so many ways that fellow Christians can help, as well as so many resources available – people to talk with, including pastors, counselors, therapists and even medical doctors that can help evaluate if you have a medical situation that is underlying your depression. Some things cause us to be sad and that is understandable, and we need each other in such times. Sometimes, as in my case, I discovered that I had a combination of underlying medical challenges coupled with some genetic components that made me predisposed to major clinical depression. I have personally found great hope, comfort and healing in medical science, prayer, God’s Word and the incredible support of those who love me. Finally, remember that you are not alone; Rose Hill Church has a cadre of people to help, including our Deacons, pastoral staff, Parish Leaders, our church prayer chain, as well as places we can refer you to. For further information you can contact our church office by phone or email, and someone will get back to you.
Blessings!
Rob Mathis
As Pastor Brian and the rest of Rose Hill Church’s pastoral staff have and will be teaching this summer on aspects of the Holy Spirit, including the in-dwelling of the Spirit in each believer, we have been learning that God has designed the church, His Church, to be co-participants in reaching out to each other, supporting each other and loving each other with God’s love. In fact, we cannot do “this thing called life” without each other. We need each other. I need “the Spirit of Christ” resident in you, and vice versa. Our dear brother in the faith, the Apostle Paul, said it so well, when he declared;
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV)
There are several points I think Paul wanted to get across in this passage;
- First, let us each start out our thought processes by praising God, especially in the midst of challenging and tough times
- Second, the God we serve is “the Father of compassion”; He IS love, and He has an abundance of care and concern for you and me
- Third, God Himself does and will provide us comfort and encouragement
- Fourth, Paul writes as one assuming WE WILL HAVE TROUBLES! It comes with the territory of being human and living in a broken world
- Fifth, trouble and comfort go hand in hand; sometimes we absolutely need to be encouraged, sometimes we find the wisdom and strength to be on the giving end for someone else
- Sixth, just to underscore Paul’s view here (and, by the way, the Apostle Paul suffered immensely in his life-take a look at 2 Corinthians 11:23-29) the Christian life IS one where we will struggle and suffer, have setbacks and feel discouraged, and at least some times be treated badly by others-even for our faith in Christ
- Seventh, the comfort and encouragement available to us as believers is real and substantial (Paul says, “abounds”) and comes from Jesus Christ Himself
I want to encourage you with all my heart that if you are finding yourself in dark shadows, in places you just cannot get out of, please reach out. There are so many ways that fellow Christians can help, as well as so many resources available – people to talk with, including pastors, counselors, therapists and even medical doctors that can help evaluate if you have a medical situation that is underlying your depression. Some things cause us to be sad and that is understandable, and we need each other in such times. Sometimes, as in my case, I discovered that I had a combination of underlying medical challenges coupled with some genetic components that made me predisposed to major clinical depression. I have personally found great hope, comfort and healing in medical science, prayer, God’s Word and the incredible support of those who love me. Finally, remember that you are not alone; Rose Hill Church has a cadre of people to help, including our Deacons, pastoral staff, Parish Leaders, our church prayer chain, as well as places we can refer you to. For further information you can contact our church office by phone or email, and someone will get back to you.
Blessings!
Rob Mathis
July 23
Part 1 of 2
A few years ago I was in the middle of a two-year bout with major depression. For me it was not the first or second occurrence, but the fourth lengthy, painful and “rock your world” kind of tough darkness. I know that often we Christians don’t want stuff like this brought up. It is outside of our comfort zone, so we run fast and hard from the thought of “true Christians” having such tough times. “Aren’t we supposed to have ‘JOY’ in our lives-like the 'Joy of the Lord'?“ If somebody is down like that can’t they just “get over it, get on with it and cheer up?” Truthfully, for those of us who have gone through or are going through deep despairing times, the answer is an unequivocal NO. “It”-depression - is not a simple condition, nor is it something that one can simply “pray away,” not when it is the kind of darkness I am referring to. Let’s look at what the Mayo Clinic has to say about this;
“Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It isn't the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.”
Why am I, as one of your pastors, talking about depression in this spot? Isn’t this a “Devotional Page?” Shouldn’t I be trying to cheer you up? Well, we are called to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). By talking about depression I am reaching out to be an encourager. Right now, for many of us, our world seems to be getting “rocked” pretty hard. We are being shaken and feel things are not “normal” in so many ways: the COVID-19 Pandemic, the racial strife, the daily reports of conflict and riots and so much else happening around us. And these are all “add-ons” to whatever our lives were like “before all this.” For some of us, such times have pushed us closer to despair, to a sense of loneliness and isolation because we cannot be around those we care about and love, or even be out in public. For many, we feel bewildered by it all, and worried about ourselves, our health and so much more. And then for those of us who also carry genetic predispositions toward major depression, it feels like a recipe for complete hopelessness.
But I am here to tell you that regardless of how you feel, of how bad things seem, God has “got this;” the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Co-Creators of the universe, have not deserted you or me. What is happening is NO surprise to our Lord Jesus. And He has it all under control. In fact, the Word of God is where we must look when we are afraid, when we are desperate, when we feel absolutely overwhelmed, as well as when we feel nothing but hopelessness. His Word is TRUTH. He Himself said, “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE” (John 14:6). The Lord has promised to be with us no matter what we go through, no matter what we feel, or where we find ourselves (Hebrews 13:5), and this is TRUTH we can hold on to.
Part 2 will discuss options and resources for us when we are struggling with depression, discouragement and despair.
- Rob Mathis
A few years ago I was in the middle of a two-year bout with major depression. For me it was not the first or second occurrence, but the fourth lengthy, painful and “rock your world” kind of tough darkness. I know that often we Christians don’t want stuff like this brought up. It is outside of our comfort zone, so we run fast and hard from the thought of “true Christians” having such tough times. “Aren’t we supposed to have ‘JOY’ in our lives-like the 'Joy of the Lord'?“ If somebody is down like that can’t they just “get over it, get on with it and cheer up?” Truthfully, for those of us who have gone through or are going through deep despairing times, the answer is an unequivocal NO. “It”-depression - is not a simple condition, nor is it something that one can simply “pray away,” not when it is the kind of darkness I am referring to. Let’s look at what the Mayo Clinic has to say about this;
“Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It isn't the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.”
Why am I, as one of your pastors, talking about depression in this spot? Isn’t this a “Devotional Page?” Shouldn’t I be trying to cheer you up? Well, we are called to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). By talking about depression I am reaching out to be an encourager. Right now, for many of us, our world seems to be getting “rocked” pretty hard. We are being shaken and feel things are not “normal” in so many ways: the COVID-19 Pandemic, the racial strife, the daily reports of conflict and riots and so much else happening around us. And these are all “add-ons” to whatever our lives were like “before all this.” For some of us, such times have pushed us closer to despair, to a sense of loneliness and isolation because we cannot be around those we care about and love, or even be out in public. For many, we feel bewildered by it all, and worried about ourselves, our health and so much more. And then for those of us who also carry genetic predispositions toward major depression, it feels like a recipe for complete hopelessness.
But I am here to tell you that regardless of how you feel, of how bad things seem, God has “got this;” the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Co-Creators of the universe, have not deserted you or me. What is happening is NO surprise to our Lord Jesus. And He has it all under control. In fact, the Word of God is where we must look when we are afraid, when we are desperate, when we feel absolutely overwhelmed, as well as when we feel nothing but hopelessness. His Word is TRUTH. He Himself said, “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE” (John 14:6). The Lord has promised to be with us no matter what we go through, no matter what we feel, or where we find ourselves (Hebrews 13:5), and this is TRUTH we can hold on to.
Part 2 will discuss options and resources for us when we are struggling with depression, discouragement and despair.
- Rob Mathis
July 4
It is June 23rd, my last day of vacation and I sit on the couch, reflecting on life as we know it, chaotic and troubling,
without peace. Life as we knew it has been turned upside down, inside out and tossed around as a billowing sea in a storm and all I can think of is, "When will it end, God? When?" And I cry softly.
In the quiet of my moments, I find myself softly humming hymns, almost as in a musical prayer(?), such as;
"Precious Lord take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home."
In the times that I grow discouraged and melancholy I have found myself turning to the Psalms, Book of Proverbs and
Ecclesiastes. These are where I have found strength, comfort, wisdom and peace. Back in March I started having an "SOD", Scripture of the Day. It is a passage that speaks to me as I read His Word. I write it down so I can read it often and meditate on it throughout the day. I write in my OTG (journal) so I can go back and read them again.
I know God is in control. I know that He knows what's going on and what He's doing. I know He watches over His children as a loving Father. I know. I believe. I trust. I keep the faith and I pray for strength to persevere on my faith walk with an obedient joy filled heart.
But still I am weary of it all. My heart attitude is greatly challenged right now. But the words from the following song keep running through my mind, down to my heart, up to lips of praise and trust:
"You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all.
Taking me as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all.
When I fall down you pick me
When I am dry you fill my cup.
You are my all in all."
There is comfort for me in those words. They are words of God's promises. We are loved, cherished and never forgotten. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus calls us to come to Him. Those who are weary, weak and carry heavy burdens can run to Jesus, who sits patiently in the garden for us to come to Him. His arms are open as He says to those who come, "You are welcome," with a smile and a hug.
Wanting to encourage others in these difficult times can be most challenging. But when you yourself feel discouraged, it's hard to follow through. So I pray that as you read this, God will speak to you, heart to heart, and you will find refreshment in your soul so you can encourage those that He puts on your path. I pray that, as you read His Word, you will find your SOD. These are jewels from God that have eternal value. And yes, I pray that this devotional has encouraged you in some way as well.
Praise be to God the Father.
= Renee Ochoa
without peace. Life as we knew it has been turned upside down, inside out and tossed around as a billowing sea in a storm and all I can think of is, "When will it end, God? When?" And I cry softly.
In the quiet of my moments, I find myself softly humming hymns, almost as in a musical prayer(?), such as;
"Precious Lord take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home."
In the times that I grow discouraged and melancholy I have found myself turning to the Psalms, Book of Proverbs and
Ecclesiastes. These are where I have found strength, comfort, wisdom and peace. Back in March I started having an "SOD", Scripture of the Day. It is a passage that speaks to me as I read His Word. I write it down so I can read it often and meditate on it throughout the day. I write in my OTG (journal) so I can go back and read them again.
I know God is in control. I know that He knows what's going on and what He's doing. I know He watches over His children as a loving Father. I know. I believe. I trust. I keep the faith and I pray for strength to persevere on my faith walk with an obedient joy filled heart.
But still I am weary of it all. My heart attitude is greatly challenged right now. But the words from the following song keep running through my mind, down to my heart, up to lips of praise and trust:
"You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all.
Taking me as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all.
When I fall down you pick me
When I am dry you fill my cup.
You are my all in all."
There is comfort for me in those words. They are words of God's promises. We are loved, cherished and never forgotten. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus calls us to come to Him. Those who are weary, weak and carry heavy burdens can run to Jesus, who sits patiently in the garden for us to come to Him. His arms are open as He says to those who come, "You are welcome," with a smile and a hug.
Wanting to encourage others in these difficult times can be most challenging. But when you yourself feel discouraged, it's hard to follow through. So I pray that as you read this, God will speak to you, heart to heart, and you will find refreshment in your soul so you can encourage those that He puts on your path. I pray that, as you read His Word, you will find your SOD. These are jewels from God that have eternal value. And yes, I pray that this devotional has encouraged you in some way as well.
Praise be to God the Father.
= Renee Ochoa
June 26
|
Music speaks to me. Lately, this song, the melody and the lyrics, strike a chord in my heart. I am so thankful every time I hear it. "You Say" by Lauren Daigle. Here are the lyrics in case you haven't heard it before:
I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low? Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know. You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak And You say I am held when I am falling short When I don't belong, oh, You say I am Yours And I believe (I), oh, I believe (I) What You say of me (I) Oh, I believe The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity. |
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak And You say I am held when I am falling short When I don't belong, oh, You say I am Yours And I believe, oh, I believe What You say of me. Oh, I believe Taking all I have and now I'm layin' it at Your feet You'll have every failure God, You'll have every victory. |
- Barbara Norfleet
June 23
Last time I submitted a song for a devotional, I didn't write anything. This time, I thought I would give it a little introduction. This song, "All The Way, My Savior Leads Me" has always been a favorite of mine. Some of the lyrics are so special to me: "For I know whate'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well," and "This my song through endless ages -Jesus led me all the way." I want this to be my testimony.
- Barbara Norfleet
June 18
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6
Today, I was reading about "rest." Matthew 11:28 says, "Come unto me...and I will give you rest." I don't know about you, but I feel like I need some real rest these days. There is a lot of tension in life right now. I go along in my day thinking I am doing just fine and then something gets to me and I find myself feeling uneasy, restless. The dictionary defines "restless" as "unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety," or “uneasy, fidgety, on edge, or tense.” Yep. That's the one!
I recently had a friend, a "Facebook friend”, reach out saying that she was having anxiety attacks, one after another, and asked us all to pray for her. Now, I know what it's like to feel a little bit anxious about the unknown, but I have never had an anxiety attack. It sounds awful! So I reached out to my friend to make sure she was OK. I sent her a prayer in a message and took some time to pray for her.
Eventually, she started to feel better, but it made me think about being restless and anxious, and finding our rest in the Lord. I came up with a few stages to the idea of finding our rest in Christ:
1) "Come unto me..." (Matt. 11:28) we need to actively turn to the Lord. Often that requires us to stop what we are doing. I often pray while I'm doing other things: housework, walking, driving, etc., but I've found that when I need rest from my anxieties, I need to stop and turn to the Lord. Actively seek Him.
2) “Cast your care on Him...” (I Peter 5:7) picture yourself resting on the Lord, picture Him taking your burdens away, picture yourself laying down those things that are weighing on you. It really helps me to go through this action in order to really shake off the cares of life and replace the negative thoughts with positive images.
3) Take a deep breath (or two or...ten): (Prov. 3:6) relax in that feeling of the Lord being the one who is directing your steps. Remind yourself of how He has guided you in the past and how, if we acknowledge Him, He will make your paths straight.
The Holy Spirit brings peace and rest. Not just the "ceasing of movement" kind of rest, but the "based on or grounded in; dependent on" kind or rest. The "resting in the Lord" kind of rest. As Satan tries to get me to concentrate on the negative, the unknown, the potential life-threatening pandemic of it all, the Holy Spirit brings peace of mind, rest in decision-making, and emotional stability. Such a refreshing relief as I listen to worship music, read God's Word, and pray to renew my mind in Him.
If you are feeling restless instead of rested, if you need the rest that Jesus promises to us, I pray this prayer for you today, from my own experience:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word, for its light, for its wisdom, for its comfort. I am so thankful for the fact that You offer me rest, not a ceasing of trouble, but the kind of rest where I can climb up into Your lap and rest on You. I lift up my brothers and sisters to You today, too. I pray that You will help us strengthen each other, encourage each other, and pray for each other as we cast our cares on You, acknowledge Your guiding hand in our lives, and trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
- Barbara Norfleet
my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6
Today, I was reading about "rest." Matthew 11:28 says, "Come unto me...and I will give you rest." I don't know about you, but I feel like I need some real rest these days. There is a lot of tension in life right now. I go along in my day thinking I am doing just fine and then something gets to me and I find myself feeling uneasy, restless. The dictionary defines "restless" as "unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety," or “uneasy, fidgety, on edge, or tense.” Yep. That's the one!
I recently had a friend, a "Facebook friend”, reach out saying that she was having anxiety attacks, one after another, and asked us all to pray for her. Now, I know what it's like to feel a little bit anxious about the unknown, but I have never had an anxiety attack. It sounds awful! So I reached out to my friend to make sure she was OK. I sent her a prayer in a message and took some time to pray for her.
Eventually, she started to feel better, but it made me think about being restless and anxious, and finding our rest in the Lord. I came up with a few stages to the idea of finding our rest in Christ:
1) "Come unto me..." (Matt. 11:28) we need to actively turn to the Lord. Often that requires us to stop what we are doing. I often pray while I'm doing other things: housework, walking, driving, etc., but I've found that when I need rest from my anxieties, I need to stop and turn to the Lord. Actively seek Him.
2) “Cast your care on Him...” (I Peter 5:7) picture yourself resting on the Lord, picture Him taking your burdens away, picture yourself laying down those things that are weighing on you. It really helps me to go through this action in order to really shake off the cares of life and replace the negative thoughts with positive images.
3) Take a deep breath (or two or...ten): (Prov. 3:6) relax in that feeling of the Lord being the one who is directing your steps. Remind yourself of how He has guided you in the past and how, if we acknowledge Him, He will make your paths straight.
The Holy Spirit brings peace and rest. Not just the "ceasing of movement" kind of rest, but the "based on or grounded in; dependent on" kind or rest. The "resting in the Lord" kind of rest. As Satan tries to get me to concentrate on the negative, the unknown, the potential life-threatening pandemic of it all, the Holy Spirit brings peace of mind, rest in decision-making, and emotional stability. Such a refreshing relief as I listen to worship music, read God's Word, and pray to renew my mind in Him.
If you are feeling restless instead of rested, if you need the rest that Jesus promises to us, I pray this prayer for you today, from my own experience:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word, for its light, for its wisdom, for its comfort. I am so thankful for the fact that You offer me rest, not a ceasing of trouble, but the kind of rest where I can climb up into Your lap and rest on You. I lift up my brothers and sisters to You today, too. I pray that You will help us strengthen each other, encourage each other, and pray for each other as we cast our cares on You, acknowledge Your guiding hand in our lives, and trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
- Barbara Norfleet
June 10
Are We Living like Sheep or Goats?
In Matthew 25 the Gospel writer shows Jesus giving a series of parables about the “Kingdom of Heaven” and how people should be prepared for the King’s return. In verse 31 to 40 we see “the Son of Man” coming in His glory, with all people gathered around Him in such a way that He separates “the sheep from the goats”. Jesus lauds “the sheep”, in this case, by rewarding them with an inheritance and a kingdom prepared for them, saying, in essence, that He is pleased with His sheep for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, comforting the stranger (or outcast), taking care of the sick and visiting those in prison. However, Jesus puts these actions by His sheep in the first person; “I was hungry…” and so on. The sheep, in my reading of things, seem astonished by their Master’s commendation of them, as they do not yet recognize in their kindness to others that they are in effect doing so to The Lord Christ Himself.
In light of our current times, not just the remarkable struggles the whole world has been enduring with the Covid-19 Pandemic, but more recently the huge upheaval in our country that has been in reaction to both clear-cut abuse by some in law enforcement (and I am a retired police officer) as well as perceived neglect of the rights of black people in America, I think this passage is particularly relevant right now. We are experiencing massive unrest in our cities, suburbs and even rural areas, all pointing to the message that black Americans have not only felt excluded from the overall decision making, power and wealth, but have been purposely denied justice and basic human rights that our Constitution articulates for all in our land. Examples of these problems abound; we have the most diverse Congress in our history, but it includes less than 10% African Americans in the House, and only 1% in the Senate. Only four Fortune 500 companies are headed by blacks. Average black wealth is one-seventh of that of whites. I could go on and on. But the point is that across the board, blacks have historically suffered much more depredation, hardship, abuse and unfairness than any other group of people in America. Without making this political, or taking sides politically or even against some segment, such as law enforcement, a bigger picture view is in order. Not so much for white people to either become defensive, deny the historical problems, or faint with guilt and shame. None of these, I believe, are helpful or even Scriptural. What is Scriptural is to take Jesus’ words to heart. To value “the other” who is hurting, lost, suffering, downtrodden and even not given a level playing field in which to fully participate in this great experiment called the United States of America.
How do we do this? I think this question itself is what we as individuals and as a church must grapple with, pray about and deeply seek God’s direction for. If we simply go on about our business, wait and hope “it all blows over”, or worse, become bitter and cynical against those calling out for justice, grace, mercy and truth in our land, then we have truly missed the very essence of the Gospel message Jesus was conveying in His parables here. Truly, my earnest hope and prayer is that no one at Rose Hill Church will take anything that is said concerning these NOW issues and feel beaten down or condemned. But I also hope we will all open our hearts to what it is God is saying to His Church about racial relations and care and concern for our hurting sisters and brothers in the black communities around this great land, and that we will in fact stand up for injustice, call for equality in all its Christian underpinnings, and march forward anew, hand in hand under the banner of Christ’s love.
- Rob Mathis
In Matthew 25 the Gospel writer shows Jesus giving a series of parables about the “Kingdom of Heaven” and how people should be prepared for the King’s return. In verse 31 to 40 we see “the Son of Man” coming in His glory, with all people gathered around Him in such a way that He separates “the sheep from the goats”. Jesus lauds “the sheep”, in this case, by rewarding them with an inheritance and a kingdom prepared for them, saying, in essence, that He is pleased with His sheep for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, comforting the stranger (or outcast), taking care of the sick and visiting those in prison. However, Jesus puts these actions by His sheep in the first person; “I was hungry…” and so on. The sheep, in my reading of things, seem astonished by their Master’s commendation of them, as they do not yet recognize in their kindness to others that they are in effect doing so to The Lord Christ Himself.
In light of our current times, not just the remarkable struggles the whole world has been enduring with the Covid-19 Pandemic, but more recently the huge upheaval in our country that has been in reaction to both clear-cut abuse by some in law enforcement (and I am a retired police officer) as well as perceived neglect of the rights of black people in America, I think this passage is particularly relevant right now. We are experiencing massive unrest in our cities, suburbs and even rural areas, all pointing to the message that black Americans have not only felt excluded from the overall decision making, power and wealth, but have been purposely denied justice and basic human rights that our Constitution articulates for all in our land. Examples of these problems abound; we have the most diverse Congress in our history, but it includes less than 10% African Americans in the House, and only 1% in the Senate. Only four Fortune 500 companies are headed by blacks. Average black wealth is one-seventh of that of whites. I could go on and on. But the point is that across the board, blacks have historically suffered much more depredation, hardship, abuse and unfairness than any other group of people in America. Without making this political, or taking sides politically or even against some segment, such as law enforcement, a bigger picture view is in order. Not so much for white people to either become defensive, deny the historical problems, or faint with guilt and shame. None of these, I believe, are helpful or even Scriptural. What is Scriptural is to take Jesus’ words to heart. To value “the other” who is hurting, lost, suffering, downtrodden and even not given a level playing field in which to fully participate in this great experiment called the United States of America.
How do we do this? I think this question itself is what we as individuals and as a church must grapple with, pray about and deeply seek God’s direction for. If we simply go on about our business, wait and hope “it all blows over”, or worse, become bitter and cynical against those calling out for justice, grace, mercy and truth in our land, then we have truly missed the very essence of the Gospel message Jesus was conveying in His parables here. Truly, my earnest hope and prayer is that no one at Rose Hill Church will take anything that is said concerning these NOW issues and feel beaten down or condemned. But I also hope we will all open our hearts to what it is God is saying to His Church about racial relations and care and concern for our hurting sisters and brothers in the black communities around this great land, and that we will in fact stand up for injustice, call for equality in all its Christian underpinnings, and march forward anew, hand in hand under the banner of Christ’s love.
- Rob Mathis
June 4
Some days it's easy to be "up" - even during a pandemic. I spent over an hour and a half on the phone a couple of weeks ago with my college roommate.She now lives in Tennessee, having first followed her military doctor husband around the world until he retired to become a civilian Chief of Cardio-thoracic Surgery. It was like we had talked yesterday...not something closer to 5 years ago. There were old times (and band pranks) to laugh about, her children and grandchildren to try to get straight in my mind, and sharing about mutual friends one or the other of us had seen or heard from. We have since texted several times, and she shared prayer and verses with me as I got my new pacemaker last month. I thank God that I have re-found a true friend.
But other days are not as easy. It might begin with waking up to realize it's the start of another week of staying home more than I want to. Of knowing that Tuesday morning is now "when I don't go to LOL", and Wednesday and Thursday are "when we don't have bells and choir". Of missing out on another week of hugs and high fives with my Rose Hill friends. Maybe it's the emotions of praying for a family member or friend battling a relentless cancer. Or just not being able to wrap my head around everything that is swirling around us these days - beyond a pandemic to shootings and racial tension and the looting of our hometowns.
I echo the Psalmist: "How long, O Lord?"
As I write this, it is not an easy Monday. That said, a verse learned through a song came to my mind a little while ago. I had to Google the reference (and its spelling), probably because I don't study Habakkuk every day. Then as I read the verse in its context, I realized this needs to be my prayer.
I invite you to pray with me:
Habakkuk 3:17 - 19 English Standard Version
(Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord):
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.
- Elaine Weltz
But other days are not as easy. It might begin with waking up to realize it's the start of another week of staying home more than I want to. Of knowing that Tuesday morning is now "when I don't go to LOL", and Wednesday and Thursday are "when we don't have bells and choir". Of missing out on another week of hugs and high fives with my Rose Hill friends. Maybe it's the emotions of praying for a family member or friend battling a relentless cancer. Or just not being able to wrap my head around everything that is swirling around us these days - beyond a pandemic to shootings and racial tension and the looting of our hometowns.
I echo the Psalmist: "How long, O Lord?"
As I write this, it is not an easy Monday. That said, a verse learned through a song came to my mind a little while ago. I had to Google the reference (and its spelling), probably because I don't study Habakkuk every day. Then as I read the verse in its context, I realized this needs to be my prayer.
I invite you to pray with me:
Habakkuk 3:17 - 19 English Standard Version
(Habakkuk Rejoices in the Lord):
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.
- Elaine Weltz
June 1
May 26
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
There are literally hundreds of references in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to prayer. Believers are admonished to pray for everything from guidance and wisdom to healing and deliverance. Jesus, while here on earth, was a man of deep and prolonged prayer. The disciples were waiting in “The Upper Room” for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, praying and waiting on God expectantly. Obviously, prayer is important, indeed essential to our walk of faith. The Apostle Paul directed the faithful to “pray without ceasing”, saying that doing so is God’s will for us.
So, we can accept that we “should pray”. And many of us do pray. But how about some structure to help us with what I believe is the calling of all Christian believers? How can we put some wings on our prayers? Be confident that we are praying as we have so often promised others, “I will pray for you?” For me, there is something I do to help me to be more faithful in my prayers, particularly of petition-praying for others who have asked for divine help, guidance and blessing.
What I have taken to doing, and yes, I believe this to be at God’s leading and direction, is to journal my prayers. In other words, when someone asks me to pray, I write this request down in my personal and private prayer journal. That way, if someone asks me to pray, I do not simply say, “Sure, I will pray for you,” only to go on and forget I even made such a commitment. I write it down. And then daily I go through these prayers and pray over them. And pray over them quite often. And when I see the person, I often will ask how their situation is. And when there is an “answer” I write it down by the original prayer! You would be amazed at how many times I have seen the Lord answer prayers. Writing them down, praying over them and petitioning the God of the universe to touch people is an incredible way to expand our faith, really see God in action and have an amazing impact on our world, whether it be one person at a time or for many.
- Rob Mathis
There are literally hundreds of references in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to prayer. Believers are admonished to pray for everything from guidance and wisdom to healing and deliverance. Jesus, while here on earth, was a man of deep and prolonged prayer. The disciples were waiting in “The Upper Room” for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, praying and waiting on God expectantly. Obviously, prayer is important, indeed essential to our walk of faith. The Apostle Paul directed the faithful to “pray without ceasing”, saying that doing so is God’s will for us.
So, we can accept that we “should pray”. And many of us do pray. But how about some structure to help us with what I believe is the calling of all Christian believers? How can we put some wings on our prayers? Be confident that we are praying as we have so often promised others, “I will pray for you?” For me, there is something I do to help me to be more faithful in my prayers, particularly of petition-praying for others who have asked for divine help, guidance and blessing.
What I have taken to doing, and yes, I believe this to be at God’s leading and direction, is to journal my prayers. In other words, when someone asks me to pray, I write this request down in my personal and private prayer journal. That way, if someone asks me to pray, I do not simply say, “Sure, I will pray for you,” only to go on and forget I even made such a commitment. I write it down. And then daily I go through these prayers and pray over them. And pray over them quite often. And when I see the person, I often will ask how their situation is. And when there is an “answer” I write it down by the original prayer! You would be amazed at how many times I have seen the Lord answer prayers. Writing them down, praying over them and petitioning the God of the universe to touch people is an incredible way to expand our faith, really see God in action and have an amazing impact on our world, whether it be one person at a time or for many.
- Rob Mathis
May 22
Be still, and know that I Am God (Psalm 46:10a)
May 14
NOTE: This devotion was originally posted on April 21. We are re-posting it in thanks and with gratitude that Paula was released from the hospital this week! Prayers go out to Paula for her continued health.
I was watching our church's online service and Elaine played “Great is Thy Faithfulness." I enjoyed it so much and even developed the nerve to sing along. I was reminded of the true faithfulness of God. As Pastor Brian pointed out in his sermon, God never promises freedom from trial and tribulations. But, He has promised to be faithful, regardless of the
situation. So here I sit in isolation in the hospital with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
I don’t know how many of you have this virus, but let me assure you it leaves one with a terrible headache and a cough—cough—cough. Then a vitals check and more and more pills. And I have a mild case. Some days there is only boredom BUT ALWAYS THERE IS GOD AND HIS FAITHFULNESS! So, again I am reminded of “All blessings are mine and ten thousand beside.”
As I finished my last coughing spell I was reminded of a precious experience in my life. It was Sunday morning and Clay and I had just brought home our bundle of joy wrapped in a blanket four times her size. Clay parked the car on the street to help me and my baby Marcee into our apartment. In those days family could only see the baby through a glass window at the hospital, unlike today when I held my grandchildren when they were less than an hour old. So Clay helped me in, brought in my suitcase and went to legally park. When he returned he said to me,”Can I hold her now?”
How like God! He paid attention to my needs on the cross, made sure the price was paid and asked to hold me now. Am I willing to give myself to Him and His loving Father’s arms during this time of struggle and trial? As you face your trials, whether Covid-19 with all its troubles or something else, may you be cradled in His loving arms. Remember God is faithful!
Love to you all,
Paula Lanum
I was watching our church's online service and Elaine played “Great is Thy Faithfulness." I enjoyed it so much and even developed the nerve to sing along. I was reminded of the true faithfulness of God. As Pastor Brian pointed out in his sermon, God never promises freedom from trial and tribulations. But, He has promised to be faithful, regardless of the
situation. So here I sit in isolation in the hospital with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
I don’t know how many of you have this virus, but let me assure you it leaves one with a terrible headache and a cough—cough—cough. Then a vitals check and more and more pills. And I have a mild case. Some days there is only boredom BUT ALWAYS THERE IS GOD AND HIS FAITHFULNESS! So, again I am reminded of “All blessings are mine and ten thousand beside.”
As I finished my last coughing spell I was reminded of a precious experience in my life. It was Sunday morning and Clay and I had just brought home our bundle of joy wrapped in a blanket four times her size. Clay parked the car on the street to help me and my baby Marcee into our apartment. In those days family could only see the baby through a glass window at the hospital, unlike today when I held my grandchildren when they were less than an hour old. So Clay helped me in, brought in my suitcase and went to legally park. When he returned he said to me,”Can I hold her now?”
How like God! He paid attention to my needs on the cross, made sure the price was paid and asked to hold me now. Am I willing to give myself to Him and His loving Father’s arms during this time of struggle and trial? As you face your trials, whether Covid-19 with all its troubles or something else, may you be cradled in His loving arms. Remember God is faithful!
Love to you all,
Paula Lanum
May 12
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow or your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1
Here we are, 3000 years after David wrote these words, living into them daily as we go through our individual and corporate challenges with the corona virus and all its effects on our lives.
Although each of us, like David, over the course of our lives has faced individual crises, hardships, and challenges, this time it is different. The whole world is going through this “disaster” at the same time. We are in this together.
As I call my parish members and others from Rose Hill, I hear their confidence in knowing that God is in charge, that he has indeed had mercy on us, and that folks are taking refuge in him. They are enduring under new stresses or greater boredom; using their new time to enrich mind, soul and spirit; and attending to long-neglected projects. To God be the Glory.
And speaking of God’s glory, David goes on to say, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” Ps 57:5. Yes, this “disaster” is worldwide, and yes, God is sovereign over all, including this virus. So how might he be getting glory through this pandemic? We can clearly see his glory come through the many Christian organizations, like Samaritan’s Purse, that are stepping into the breach and ministering to people around the globe in Christ’s name. And we hear frequently of the many local acts of kindness from Christians and non-Christians.
But there is another, more hidden glory that I have noticed. God is causing us to honor his law and to remember and observe the sabbath. In our previous frenetic pace of commuting, working, church and social activities, rehearsals, meetings, driving our kids hither and yon, etc., we often lost the rhythm of resting one day a week. I believe God is restoring to us our long-neglected sabbaths. Social distancing has cancelled almost all our activities. We have to stay at home. We have to spend more time with our families. We have to find ways to occupy our new-found time and enrich our bodies, minds and spirits.
As I walk around my neighborhood, people seem calmer and friendlier. They have been using the time to fix up their homes, clean up their yards, plant flowers. Dads are creating fun games for their kids to play in the driveways. Yes, as we pull back and lean into our present circumstances, as we reorganize our minds, our schedules and our clutter, we are entering into his rest. To God be the Glory.
Timothy Keller and his wife, Kathy, authored The Songs of JESUS: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Viking 2015, which I have been enjoying. In his comments on Psalm 57 he says, “Deeper than disaster, danger, and distress is the desire for God to be glorified. If that can be accomplished by saving us from our circumstances, then praise God! If it is better accomplished by our circumstances remaining unchanged while we continue to show our confidence in God before the watching world, praise God as well. Either way, God fulfills his purpose for you as you delight to honor him.”
May you honor God and delight in him in all your circumstances. To God be the Glory.
- Linda Holbrook
Here we are, 3000 years after David wrote these words, living into them daily as we go through our individual and corporate challenges with the corona virus and all its effects on our lives.
Although each of us, like David, over the course of our lives has faced individual crises, hardships, and challenges, this time it is different. The whole world is going through this “disaster” at the same time. We are in this together.
As I call my parish members and others from Rose Hill, I hear their confidence in knowing that God is in charge, that he has indeed had mercy on us, and that folks are taking refuge in him. They are enduring under new stresses or greater boredom; using their new time to enrich mind, soul and spirit; and attending to long-neglected projects. To God be the Glory.
And speaking of God’s glory, David goes on to say, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” Ps 57:5. Yes, this “disaster” is worldwide, and yes, God is sovereign over all, including this virus. So how might he be getting glory through this pandemic? We can clearly see his glory come through the many Christian organizations, like Samaritan’s Purse, that are stepping into the breach and ministering to people around the globe in Christ’s name. And we hear frequently of the many local acts of kindness from Christians and non-Christians.
But there is another, more hidden glory that I have noticed. God is causing us to honor his law and to remember and observe the sabbath. In our previous frenetic pace of commuting, working, church and social activities, rehearsals, meetings, driving our kids hither and yon, etc., we often lost the rhythm of resting one day a week. I believe God is restoring to us our long-neglected sabbaths. Social distancing has cancelled almost all our activities. We have to stay at home. We have to spend more time with our families. We have to find ways to occupy our new-found time and enrich our bodies, minds and spirits.
As I walk around my neighborhood, people seem calmer and friendlier. They have been using the time to fix up their homes, clean up their yards, plant flowers. Dads are creating fun games for their kids to play in the driveways. Yes, as we pull back and lean into our present circumstances, as we reorganize our minds, our schedules and our clutter, we are entering into his rest. To God be the Glory.
Timothy Keller and his wife, Kathy, authored The Songs of JESUS: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Viking 2015, which I have been enjoying. In his comments on Psalm 57 he says, “Deeper than disaster, danger, and distress is the desire for God to be glorified. If that can be accomplished by saving us from our circumstances, then praise God! If it is better accomplished by our circumstances remaining unchanged while we continue to show our confidence in God before the watching world, praise God as well. Either way, God fulfills his purpose for you as you delight to honor him.”
May you honor God and delight in him in all your circumstances. To God be the Glory.
- Linda Holbrook
May 8
May 6
I can remember the last 2 days my office was open. Thursday, March 12th we received an email at 4 pm from the CEO informing us that someone in our office had been exposed to the coronavirus and he was going to close the office immediately for 2 weeks, maybe longer. On Friday the 13th we had until noon to get our stuff together. We would not be allowed back in the office until it was safe.
For a few weeks before this I had overheard conversations regarding this; from it was ridiculous and overblown to laughter over the
stupidity of the situation. I found these to be disturbing to listen to but I had no real opinion about it either.
I think that's when the reality of the situation made itself known to me. I cannot put into words the fear that came to my gut as I was
preparing to go home. A "Dear God" left my lips. I really had no words but the fear had a grip on me. But I trusted in God first and foremost.
In Psalms 61:1-3a, David cried out to God. He asked God to lead him to the towering rock of safety. God was his refuge:
"Oh God listen to my cry!! Hear my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I
cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the tower
of safety. For You are my safe refuge."
As God watches over His children, He hears the prayers of all who call on Him.
That was 7 weeks ago and I still work from home but I praise God I work for a company that cares enough for their employees to
be proactive, seeing how bad it has progressed. I am truly blessed!!
Psalms 61 ends with, "Then I will sing praises to Your Name forever as I fulfill my vow each day."
We have a Heavenly Father who is All knowing; All seeing; All hearing. He is available 24/7...365 days. We can trust in Him 100%, completely. He will never leave us or forsake us. For this we are to let His light and love shine bright.
- Renee Ochoa
For a few weeks before this I had overheard conversations regarding this; from it was ridiculous and overblown to laughter over the
stupidity of the situation. I found these to be disturbing to listen to but I had no real opinion about it either.
I think that's when the reality of the situation made itself known to me. I cannot put into words the fear that came to my gut as I was
preparing to go home. A "Dear God" left my lips. I really had no words but the fear had a grip on me. But I trusted in God first and foremost.
In Psalms 61:1-3a, David cried out to God. He asked God to lead him to the towering rock of safety. God was his refuge:
"Oh God listen to my cry!! Hear my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I
cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the tower
of safety. For You are my safe refuge."
As God watches over His children, He hears the prayers of all who call on Him.
That was 7 weeks ago and I still work from home but I praise God I work for a company that cares enough for their employees to
be proactive, seeing how bad it has progressed. I am truly blessed!!
Psalms 61 ends with, "Then I will sing praises to Your Name forever as I fulfill my vow each day."
We have a Heavenly Father who is All knowing; All seeing; All hearing. He is available 24/7...365 days. We can trust in Him 100%, completely. He will never leave us or forsake us. For this we are to let His light and love shine bright.
- Renee Ochoa
May 4
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April 29
April 24
I had a great reminder this past Sunday of how “all things work together for good” in the midst of the pandemic. As I was nearing the end of a walk, I came upon a couple of women who were stopped, talking together on the trail. When I reached them, I overheard one say to the other “Whatever happens, I know God is in control.” I gave them a big thumbs up and said, “Amen!” Surprised, they turned to me and the other woman said, “Hey, where two or more are gathered,” to which I replied “and even when socially distanced!” - a divine appointment that put a big smile on all of our faces.
- Brad Hurte
- Brad Hurte
April 17
Today and Tomorrow
Today...
I'm a load of lax
A ton of tepid
A box of barely doing
A large amount of lazy
A fill of flopping about
A heap of not much help
A pile of minimum productivity
and
A boatload of blah.
Tomorrow...
But tomorrow is another day.
Tomorrow will be better.
Tomorrow I won't wake up giving up.
Yes, tomorrow is another day.
Tomorrow will be better.
Tomorrow I will look up
because He doesn't give up...on you or
me.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB)
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
- Rob Mathis
Today...
I'm a load of lax
A ton of tepid
A box of barely doing
A large amount of lazy
A fill of flopping about
A heap of not much help
A pile of minimum productivity
and
A boatload of blah.
Tomorrow...
But tomorrow is another day.
Tomorrow will be better.
Tomorrow I won't wake up giving up.
Yes, tomorrow is another day.
Tomorrow will be better.
Tomorrow I will look up
because He doesn't give up...on you or
me.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB)
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
- Rob Mathis
April 14
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Community
On Palm Sunday weekend, I attended (virtually) an art retreat designed to deepen and enrich my walk with the Lord. We meditated on two paintings, both of which were by Georges Rouault. Rouault (1871-1958) was a French painter, printmaker, ceramicist, and maker of stained glass who invites us to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ: “My only objective is to paint a Christ so moving that those who see Him will be converted.” The pieces we studied were simple and yet contained amazing depth of richness and detail.The first piece, “The Head of Christ”, evoked different responses from each participant. For my part, it illustrated in vibrant fashion the essence and importance of community; the people in our lives who are part of our transition of moving through this life to the life everlasting, and the impact each one has on the journey. |
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Then on that Sunday morning, seeing all our kids on the Palm Sunday parade during the worship service underscored just how vital community really is. Each one of the RH kids took time to color their palm and send in a photo of themselves with it, and Gwen and team included it as part of worship. What a wonderful way to alternatively present the palm parade! I miss seeing the kids and Mary Lou from Sunday school, and all they have to teach me; all the King’s Kids, and the fun and fellowship we enjoy on Wednesdays; the handbell choir, and our entire church family! There is truly nothing like absence to make the heart grow fonder.
At the same time, people have been stepping up in creative new ways to demonstrate agape love while respecting social distancing boundaries. From the Bible study friend who took the time to text a photo of the cake her kids made from the Rose Hill cookbook, to the manager at our favorite restaurant who includes the hot salsa inside the street tacos in the takeout order without being asked, to Wednesday night virtual game night, the gaps are being filled in!
I am grateful for the community we have at Rose Hill – for the opportunities each member has to use their God-given gifts in His service, for Bible study groups to deepen our faith alongside others, for the talented people around us who can do such things as learn in a week how to live-stream worship so we stay connected, and for Bible-based teaching that we receive each week. As Brian mentioned in his Palm Sunday sermon, God’s power is limitless. Fortunately, He is good, and has our best in mind!
Who is part of your community, and how are you reaching out to them with the love of Christ and the message of the gospel?
Praying that your spiritual eyes will be opened to see how God is at work around you, and that you will join in joyfully to bring His Word to life for those around you this coming week.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
At the same time, people have been stepping up in creative new ways to demonstrate agape love while respecting social distancing boundaries. From the Bible study friend who took the time to text a photo of the cake her kids made from the Rose Hill cookbook, to the manager at our favorite restaurant who includes the hot salsa inside the street tacos in the takeout order without being asked, to Wednesday night virtual game night, the gaps are being filled in!
I am grateful for the community we have at Rose Hill – for the opportunities each member has to use their God-given gifts in His service, for Bible study groups to deepen our faith alongside others, for the talented people around us who can do such things as learn in a week how to live-stream worship so we stay connected, and for Bible-based teaching that we receive each week. As Brian mentioned in his Palm Sunday sermon, God’s power is limitless. Fortunately, He is good, and has our best in mind!
Who is part of your community, and how are you reaching out to them with the love of Christ and the message of the gospel?
Praying that your spiritual eyes will be opened to see how God is at work around you, and that you will join in joyfully to bring His Word to life for those around you this coming week.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
April 9
There have not been many things in my life that have caused such a deep sense of disbelief at what is going on in the world and asking, “Why?” The Mariners’ 19-year post-season drought comes to mind. Ok…it isn’t that jarring. Certainly the events of 9/11 did, though. And in some ways, 9/11 did so in a more jarring way because things happened so suddenly and unexpectedly…and visually. This has moved so much more slowly – like watching a car wreck in slow motion. And I can’t see the virus. But this pandemic’s reach will be no less impactful on us. In fact, probably more so, given the world-wide nature of it.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the death of Jesus Christ caused his disciples to ask, “Why?” They had a hard time comprehending that event. They were in complete shock. The disciples went into “group isolation” as they returned to the upper room where they’d celebrated the Passover with Jesus. Except: this second time they locked themselves away from the public because of fear (John 20:19). Their worlds were rocked.
Does this all sound familiar to our own situation?
So this Good Friday (4/10), as our current world-wide uncertainty merges with the uncertainty of Jesus’ followers immediately after his death, I want to invite you to turn to God in a special way. Our denomination is partnering with other denominations to encourage us to spend Good Friday in prayer and fasting. “Fasting” is a spiritual discipline that helps us recognize our need for God’s sustaining work in our lives and draws us into a deeper dependence upon him. Prayer does much the same, as we “cast our burdens” upon Jesus and seek God in the midst of life.
I invite you to join me and hundreds of thousands (millions?) of Christians in this special Good Friday prayer and fast movement. Participating doesn’t mean you have to skip eating the whole day and pray for 8 straight hours. Fast from food for one meal, or a couple. Fast from something else. Pray every hour (set a timer) for 5 or 10 minutes or more. Spend the time you would have normally spent eating, and use that as prayer time.
Our brothers and sisters in three other denominations who took the early lead on this have provided a few really good resources to help you with this. They are here: https://epc.org/news/goodfridayprayerfastingresources/. There are suggestions for how you might structure your day, topics for prayer, and the specific words of a prayer. If you have kids, invite them to pray with you – take turns reading through the prayer that’s provided, or pray your own prayers. There’s no “right way” to do this.
But in the midst of an earth-shattering event – whether it’s the death of our Lord and Savior or the spread of a virus – this is one thing we can all do in unity together.
- Pastor Brian
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the death of Jesus Christ caused his disciples to ask, “Why?” They had a hard time comprehending that event. They were in complete shock. The disciples went into “group isolation” as they returned to the upper room where they’d celebrated the Passover with Jesus. Except: this second time they locked themselves away from the public because of fear (John 20:19). Their worlds were rocked.
Does this all sound familiar to our own situation?
So this Good Friday (4/10), as our current world-wide uncertainty merges with the uncertainty of Jesus’ followers immediately after his death, I want to invite you to turn to God in a special way. Our denomination is partnering with other denominations to encourage us to spend Good Friday in prayer and fasting. “Fasting” is a spiritual discipline that helps us recognize our need for God’s sustaining work in our lives and draws us into a deeper dependence upon him. Prayer does much the same, as we “cast our burdens” upon Jesus and seek God in the midst of life.
I invite you to join me and hundreds of thousands (millions?) of Christians in this special Good Friday prayer and fast movement. Participating doesn’t mean you have to skip eating the whole day and pray for 8 straight hours. Fast from food for one meal, or a couple. Fast from something else. Pray every hour (set a timer) for 5 or 10 minutes or more. Spend the time you would have normally spent eating, and use that as prayer time.
Our brothers and sisters in three other denominations who took the early lead on this have provided a few really good resources to help you with this. They are here: https://epc.org/news/goodfridayprayerfastingresources/. There are suggestions for how you might structure your day, topics for prayer, and the specific words of a prayer. If you have kids, invite them to pray with you – take turns reading through the prayer that’s provided, or pray your own prayers. There’s no “right way” to do this.
But in the midst of an earth-shattering event – whether it’s the death of our Lord and Savior or the spread of a virus – this is one thing we can all do in unity together.
- Pastor Brian
April 7
God’s Got This
It was the last day of February, Saturday the 29th, a leap day in a leap year. The day started out quietly enough. Yes, there were distant rumblings of trouble brewing, of some people getting sick and even dying overseas from some “weird virus” coming out of Wuhan, China. But what was happening seemed so remote from our lives that I did not give it much thought beyond prayerfully thinking, “We should keep an eye on things here in the US.” By that afternoon the news reported someone locally had died from what we now call Covid-19, the Corona Virus. Then the flood gates seemed to open as we learned Evergreen Hospital and the Kirkland area had become “ground zero” for the US Covid-19 epidemic.
Today, about 5 weeks later, I don’t know anyone who has not been affected by what is now a world-wide pandemic. Its news is everywhere, and just about every aspect of “normal” for us all is anything but. This has been a difficult time, with many sick, some passing, all struggling. I thought it might be helpful to share openly and acknowledge as one of your pastors that this has been a time of challenge for me too. Nothing in my 60-plus years has ever looked quite like this time. I have felt bewildered, restless, puzzled, and my faith has been challenged. But what I have rediscovered during this time, especially as I have leaned into my relationship with the Lord, is that God is NOT fazed by all that is happening. He is NOT running around with His hair on fire, so to speak. And when I slow down and remind myself of His utter faithfulness, I can see that it can be and IS well with my soul. In the past I have faced incredibly difficult times, even life-threatening, faith-snatching dark times. But when I allow myself to be quiet with Jesus, in His Presence, I am reminded that He was always there in the past, no matter how tough it was. And He is with me now and will be forever! And that is the same for each of you who have chosen to put your trust in Jesus Christ, not as a feeling to be felt, but a fact to be lived out regardless of our circumstances. He will never ever leave nor forsake us; “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) That my friends is the truth, and is especially helpful to remember. For no matter how afraid we might feel nor how out of control our lives and those of our loved ones seem to be, HE HAS THIS, AND HE HAS YOU.
- Rob Mathis
It was the last day of February, Saturday the 29th, a leap day in a leap year. The day started out quietly enough. Yes, there were distant rumblings of trouble brewing, of some people getting sick and even dying overseas from some “weird virus” coming out of Wuhan, China. But what was happening seemed so remote from our lives that I did not give it much thought beyond prayerfully thinking, “We should keep an eye on things here in the US.” By that afternoon the news reported someone locally had died from what we now call Covid-19, the Corona Virus. Then the flood gates seemed to open as we learned Evergreen Hospital and the Kirkland area had become “ground zero” for the US Covid-19 epidemic.
Today, about 5 weeks later, I don’t know anyone who has not been affected by what is now a world-wide pandemic. Its news is everywhere, and just about every aspect of “normal” for us all is anything but. This has been a difficult time, with many sick, some passing, all struggling. I thought it might be helpful to share openly and acknowledge as one of your pastors that this has been a time of challenge for me too. Nothing in my 60-plus years has ever looked quite like this time. I have felt bewildered, restless, puzzled, and my faith has been challenged. But what I have rediscovered during this time, especially as I have leaned into my relationship with the Lord, is that God is NOT fazed by all that is happening. He is NOT running around with His hair on fire, so to speak. And when I slow down and remind myself of His utter faithfulness, I can see that it can be and IS well with my soul. In the past I have faced incredibly difficult times, even life-threatening, faith-snatching dark times. But when I allow myself to be quiet with Jesus, in His Presence, I am reminded that He was always there in the past, no matter how tough it was. And He is with me now and will be forever! And that is the same for each of you who have chosen to put your trust in Jesus Christ, not as a feeling to be felt, but a fact to be lived out regardless of our circumstances. He will never ever leave nor forsake us; “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) That my friends is the truth, and is especially helpful to remember. For no matter how afraid we might feel nor how out of control our lives and those of our loved ones seem to be, HE HAS THIS, AND HE HAS YOU.
- Rob Mathis
April 3
Waiting on God - Psalm 27
David, the man who would one day be Israel’s greatest king, waited on the Lord as his jealous predecessor, King Saul, relentlessly searched for him, intent on killing the man who God was calling to replace him. David, even though much younger and far less experienced than Saul, held a far greater recipe for success in his heart than Saul; he had a deep desire to know and seek God and to rely on God through it all.
Right now we are living in uncertain times; downright scary times. We have an enemy we cannot see (the Coronavirus). David knew who his enemies were; Saul and his soldiers. We are being challenged by soldiers in a real sense; only our enemy is a dark sickness that seems to chase us wherever we go.
We do not know the long-term effects of this virus the whole world is fighting, but we agree we are all impacted by this onslaught in one way or another. During this time of chaos, stress, sickness and loss, I believe it is very important for us to remember that all is not lost; not at all! We are told over and over in Scripture that our God loves us, is eternally faithful and that He remains firmly in control of His creation. We can hold on to the hope that God knows what He is doing and will be with us no matter what.
I firmly believe we can learn a great deal from this young future-king of Israel by looking at what he says and does as illustrated in Psalm 27. How?
One of my goals for 2020 was to try to find joy somewhere in my life every single day, and to thank God every day for His joy. This epidemic that is gripping the entire world has challenged me greatly in this goal. How do I find joy in so much chaos, loss and sadness? Well, it would seem to me that we can start by taking a good look at Psalm 27, and of how David dealt with his own challenges, fears, and tough times.
Let us all ask the Lord to give us the kind of desire David had to put God first and to rely on Him, especially in the tough times of life. Let us pray to have ears that hear and eyes that see our current circumstances through God's window, and not our own.
I tell you as I tell others, on those days where we cannot bear it or take anymore, ask Jesus to put you on His STRONG shoulders and carry you. He will gladly do it for as long as it is needed. It works for me and I know it will work for you. Stay safe and God bless you all.
- Renee Ochoa
David, the man who would one day be Israel’s greatest king, waited on the Lord as his jealous predecessor, King Saul, relentlessly searched for him, intent on killing the man who God was calling to replace him. David, even though much younger and far less experienced than Saul, held a far greater recipe for success in his heart than Saul; he had a deep desire to know and seek God and to rely on God through it all.
Right now we are living in uncertain times; downright scary times. We have an enemy we cannot see (the Coronavirus). David knew who his enemies were; Saul and his soldiers. We are being challenged by soldiers in a real sense; only our enemy is a dark sickness that seems to chase us wherever we go.
We do not know the long-term effects of this virus the whole world is fighting, but we agree we are all impacted by this onslaught in one way or another. During this time of chaos, stress, sickness and loss, I believe it is very important for us to remember that all is not lost; not at all! We are told over and over in Scripture that our God loves us, is eternally faithful and that He remains firmly in control of His creation. We can hold on to the hope that God knows what He is doing and will be with us no matter what.
I firmly believe we can learn a great deal from this young future-king of Israel by looking at what he says and does as illustrated in Psalm 27. How?
- By praising Him and reminding ourselves He is our Strength V. 1
- By praying to God and seeking Him V. 4
- By putting our trust in the Lord V. 5
- By seeking His Face (drawing close to Him) V. 8
- By waiting on the Lord V. 14
One of my goals for 2020 was to try to find joy somewhere in my life every single day, and to thank God every day for His joy. This epidemic that is gripping the entire world has challenged me greatly in this goal. How do I find joy in so much chaos, loss and sadness? Well, it would seem to me that we can start by taking a good look at Psalm 27, and of how David dealt with his own challenges, fears, and tough times.
Let us all ask the Lord to give us the kind of desire David had to put God first and to rely on Him, especially in the tough times of life. Let us pray to have ears that hear and eyes that see our current circumstances through God's window, and not our own.
I tell you as I tell others, on those days where we cannot bear it or take anymore, ask Jesus to put you on His STRONG shoulders and carry you. He will gladly do it for as long as it is needed. It works for me and I know it will work for you. Stay safe and God bless you all.
- Renee Ochoa
March 31
For as long as I can remember, music has been a big part of my life. I have been listening to Christian music on FM radio lately and have found that it has helped to strengthen my walk with the Lord.
There is a song by Matthew West that has deeply touched my heart. It is “The God Who Stays.” In it, he sings:
You’re the God who stays;
You’re the one who runs in my direction when the whole world walks away;
You’re the God who stands with wide open arms and you tell me that nothing I have ever done
can separate my heart from the God who stays.
When I hear this song, the verses in Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you - come alive for me as a reminder that our Lord is always with us.
- Marilyn Campbell
There is a song by Matthew West that has deeply touched my heart. It is “The God Who Stays.” In it, he sings:
You’re the God who stays;
You’re the one who runs in my direction when the whole world walks away;
You’re the God who stands with wide open arms and you tell me that nothing I have ever done
can separate my heart from the God who stays.
When I hear this song, the verses in Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you - come alive for me as a reminder that our Lord is always with us.
- Marilyn Campbell
March 27
From the time I was 12, I have had a “go to” hymn. Its words speak to me of the strength, protection, and everlasting love of God. In times of crisis, when the world makes even less sense than it normally does, they remind me Who is in charge. So, I share 5 verses of Isaac Watts’s “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” along with some related scripture in the hope that these words will strengthen you for these days.
1 O God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come,
Our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1- 2; ESV)
2 Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” …
For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:1-2,11-12)
3 Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same.
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength…
They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28,29,31)
4 A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.
For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
5 O God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come,
Be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal Home!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again
to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable,
undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3-4)
- Elaine Weltz
1 O God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come,
Our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1- 2; ESV)
2 Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” …
For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:1-2,11-12)
3 Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same.
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength…
They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28,29,31)
4 A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.
For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
5 O God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come,
Be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal Home!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again
to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable,
undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3-4)
- Elaine Weltz
March 24
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 [NASB]
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 [NASB]
These two verses are with me daily, in times of joy and times of pain. In good times, they're an easy comfort. In hard times – and I've had some very hard times – they can be a trying challenge to understand. One wants to say, “Why me, Lord?” But I've found that the more I meditate on these verses, the more that question morphs into “What are you teaching me, Lord?” and “How are you using this trial, Lord?” That reflection strengthens my faith that God is working, even if I don't see the results.
The trial we are all going through now is a perfect example. While we are all feeling isolated and cut off from community, this crisis spurred our church leaders to take steps to ensure that “the gospel is rightly preached.” Using the electronic tools we had at hand, we learned quickly how to deliver a worship service online. We tapped into a different kind of community through devotions of encouragement that we could share with people far and wide. We gave parents tools to bring Sunday School home to their kids. Through all of these activities, we have learned new ways to be a light to the world that will carry on after this crisis has run its course.
I pray that all of our congregation and family and community remain free of the illness that has swept the globe. However, I know that God is working to teach us, to spur His church globally to do literally millions of small acts of kindness and expressions of love that will strengthen our faith that He is sovereign. If I get ill, God's purpose may be to use my illness to bring forth His love in someone caring for me, encouraging me. Reflecting on that brings me joy and peace. It is possible to consider this trial to be a joy-filled thing because all things truly do work together for His good. Amen.
- Brad Hurte
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 [NASB]
These two verses are with me daily, in times of joy and times of pain. In good times, they're an easy comfort. In hard times – and I've had some very hard times – they can be a trying challenge to understand. One wants to say, “Why me, Lord?” But I've found that the more I meditate on these verses, the more that question morphs into “What are you teaching me, Lord?” and “How are you using this trial, Lord?” That reflection strengthens my faith that God is working, even if I don't see the results.
The trial we are all going through now is a perfect example. While we are all feeling isolated and cut off from community, this crisis spurred our church leaders to take steps to ensure that “the gospel is rightly preached.” Using the electronic tools we had at hand, we learned quickly how to deliver a worship service online. We tapped into a different kind of community through devotions of encouragement that we could share with people far and wide. We gave parents tools to bring Sunday School home to their kids. Through all of these activities, we have learned new ways to be a light to the world that will carry on after this crisis has run its course.
I pray that all of our congregation and family and community remain free of the illness that has swept the globe. However, I know that God is working to teach us, to spur His church globally to do literally millions of small acts of kindness and expressions of love that will strengthen our faith that He is sovereign. If I get ill, God's purpose may be to use my illness to bring forth His love in someone caring for me, encouraging me. Reflecting on that brings me joy and peace. It is possible to consider this trial to be a joy-filled thing because all things truly do work together for His good. Amen.
- Brad Hurte
March 20
Virus Response
God’s Word is perfect, it is from everlasting to everlasting, and we can find wisdom and direction for life in every page. As Brian alluded to in today’s (March 15) sermon, it even gives us insight for dealing with the latest circumstances of our life. The Book of Leviticus reminds us of the plague of leprosy. God's people were afflicted from time to time with leprosy, and God provided instructions for their proper response when they were so affected: isolate, wash, cleanse, heal, then return to society. We pray our Rose Hill family will adhere to the Biblical model in Leviticus and act accordingly, trusting in our sovereign God and taking sensible precautions as advised by the WHO:
Need a lift in your attitude? Take a cue from the Psalms. In every Psalm of lament, no matter how dark the emotions of the writer at the outset, each one ends in praise – not because of a change in immediate circumstance, but because of a change in perspective. When we focus on our surroundings, things can look overwhelming or depressing. But when we look to our Creator who loves us with an everlasting love, we find reason to hope and to worship.
Got extra time because the commute has been taken from you? Spend the extra time in God’s Word and in prayer. It will be an investment that pays off, now and for eternity.
Wondering how to go the full distance in taking precautions for health? The Department of Health food worker safety course is packed full of helpful information about reducing the spread of illnesses (food-borne, but applicable to infections as well). It’s online, costs only $10, and takes half an hour to complete. No education is wasted. Visit doh.wa.gov and search for food worker card.
Been wanting to get to know your neighbors? Reach out to them to ensure they’re healthy. If they’re not, you could offer to go to the store for them, drop needed supplies on the doorstep and ring the doorbell, and start or build a relationship based in God’s initiative-taking agape love. It could lead to a conversation about why you would do that, and the reason for the hope you have. And who knows? When this is all over, maybe they will be sitting in the pew next to you!
In ten years we will look back and see how the trajectory of our lives changed due to this set of challenging circumstances. My prayer for each member of the Rose Hill family is that this will be the time when our ability to see God at work in the everyday details of life is increased, when our dependence on Him deepens, and when our trust in Him grows because He is faithful.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
God’s Word is perfect, it is from everlasting to everlasting, and we can find wisdom and direction for life in every page. As Brian alluded to in today’s (March 15) sermon, it even gives us insight for dealing with the latest circumstances of our life. The Book of Leviticus reminds us of the plague of leprosy. God's people were afflicted from time to time with leprosy, and God provided instructions for their proper response when they were so affected: isolate, wash, cleanse, heal, then return to society. We pray our Rose Hill family will adhere to the Biblical model in Leviticus and act accordingly, trusting in our sovereign God and taking sensible precautions as advised by the WHO:
- HANDS Wash them often
- ELBOW Cough into it
- FACE Don’t touch it
- FEET Stay at least three feet apart
- FEEL sick? Stay at home
Need a lift in your attitude? Take a cue from the Psalms. In every Psalm of lament, no matter how dark the emotions of the writer at the outset, each one ends in praise – not because of a change in immediate circumstance, but because of a change in perspective. When we focus on our surroundings, things can look overwhelming or depressing. But when we look to our Creator who loves us with an everlasting love, we find reason to hope and to worship.
Got extra time because the commute has been taken from you? Spend the extra time in God’s Word and in prayer. It will be an investment that pays off, now and for eternity.
Wondering how to go the full distance in taking precautions for health? The Department of Health food worker safety course is packed full of helpful information about reducing the spread of illnesses (food-borne, but applicable to infections as well). It’s online, costs only $10, and takes half an hour to complete. No education is wasted. Visit doh.wa.gov and search for food worker card.
Been wanting to get to know your neighbors? Reach out to them to ensure they’re healthy. If they’re not, you could offer to go to the store for them, drop needed supplies on the doorstep and ring the doorbell, and start or build a relationship based in God’s initiative-taking agape love. It could lead to a conversation about why you would do that, and the reason for the hope you have. And who knows? When this is all over, maybe they will be sitting in the pew next to you!
In ten years we will look back and see how the trajectory of our lives changed due to this set of challenging circumstances. My prayer for each member of the Rose Hill family is that this will be the time when our ability to see God at work in the everyday details of life is increased, when our dependence on Him deepens, and when our trust in Him grows because He is faithful.
- Jeanne Harshbarger
Introduction
Dear Rose Hill Family,
It’s amazing how things can change so rapidly, isn’t it? It feels like the whole world has turned 180 degrees from where it was just a few weeks ago. And there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for when we will again start to turn back around in the right direction. But maybe God will use this in some powerful ways. How? Let me share a couple stories from our church, and give you an opportunity to do something similar at the end of this letter/devotional.
A few days ago I called on one of our congregants to see how she is doing. She’s getting up there in age, is pretty much on her own, and I wanted to make sure she was all right. Her response was filled with cheer and joy. When I asked her if she needed any help with groceries or anything else, part of what she said to me was, “Well, I am still driving. But, whenever my neighbor goes to the store, she asks me what I need, and she picks it up for me.” What a great neighbor!
Another congregant shared with me this story. For months she had wanted to meet her neighbors and thought about making some brownies and taking them around. She had previously been outside at the same time as a couple of them and at least knew their first names and where they live. So a couple days ago, with more time on her hands, she took two loaves of banana bread, attached “Hi Neighbor Kathy Sue/Billy Boo" notes offering help during these troubled times and giving them her phone number and address. One of them was there and offered help right back. One wasn't home so she left the bread on the doorstep. The neighbor came over later to say “thanks,” gave her phone number and offered her help back. This congregant writes, "So now I have another step toward building community in my neighborhood. Glory to God."
This kind of community building is one way to be “salt and light” in your community (Matthew 5:13-16). In the early centuries of the church, this was a way that the gospel message spread: by how Christians lived their lives in the face of crises such as rampant disease. Rodney Stark, in his book, The Rise of Christianity, writes about the early church’s witness in the face of pandemics: “Thus, at a time when all other faiths were called into question, Christianity offered explanation and comfort. Even more important, Christian doctrine provided a prescription for action. That is, the Christian way appeared to work.”
People are particularly open to connecting with others, and even to God, in times like this as we all have a sense of “we’re in this together.” What an opportunity for us Christians to help take the lead, and serve our neighborhoods: offering to serve others, starting a text chat group, sharing resources for parents with kids at home, etc. There are a lot of opportunities to do this, even while maintaining healthy social distance practices.
To help us all consider how God might work in us and through us, and to simply be comforted in the midst of a situation that could engender fear, we are going to be emailing out some occasional devotionals in the next several weeks. These will be written by people the Rose Hill Church family. If you’d like to submit a devotional (500 words or less) that might encourage us and help us reflect on this through the lens of Scripture that would be great. Devotional submissions can be sent to devotions at rosehillpc.org. A team of people will review them (light editing could be done) and then make them available online. We’ll notify you when new ones are published.
I look forward to reading your devotions, and hearing about how God and His Word is moving, comforting, and encouraging you in this most unusual time! Maybe writing just such a devotion is one way God will use this season to grow you, as well as impact others for the cause of Christ.
God bless you, and stay healthy!
In Christ,
Pastor Brian
It’s amazing how things can change so rapidly, isn’t it? It feels like the whole world has turned 180 degrees from where it was just a few weeks ago. And there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for when we will again start to turn back around in the right direction. But maybe God will use this in some powerful ways. How? Let me share a couple stories from our church, and give you an opportunity to do something similar at the end of this letter/devotional.
A few days ago I called on one of our congregants to see how she is doing. She’s getting up there in age, is pretty much on her own, and I wanted to make sure she was all right. Her response was filled with cheer and joy. When I asked her if she needed any help with groceries or anything else, part of what she said to me was, “Well, I am still driving. But, whenever my neighbor goes to the store, she asks me what I need, and she picks it up for me.” What a great neighbor!
Another congregant shared with me this story. For months she had wanted to meet her neighbors and thought about making some brownies and taking them around. She had previously been outside at the same time as a couple of them and at least knew their first names and where they live. So a couple days ago, with more time on her hands, she took two loaves of banana bread, attached “Hi Neighbor Kathy Sue/Billy Boo" notes offering help during these troubled times and giving them her phone number and address. One of them was there and offered help right back. One wasn't home so she left the bread on the doorstep. The neighbor came over later to say “thanks,” gave her phone number and offered her help back. This congregant writes, "So now I have another step toward building community in my neighborhood. Glory to God."
This kind of community building is one way to be “salt and light” in your community (Matthew 5:13-16). In the early centuries of the church, this was a way that the gospel message spread: by how Christians lived their lives in the face of crises such as rampant disease. Rodney Stark, in his book, The Rise of Christianity, writes about the early church’s witness in the face of pandemics: “Thus, at a time when all other faiths were called into question, Christianity offered explanation and comfort. Even more important, Christian doctrine provided a prescription for action. That is, the Christian way appeared to work.”
People are particularly open to connecting with others, and even to God, in times like this as we all have a sense of “we’re in this together.” What an opportunity for us Christians to help take the lead, and serve our neighborhoods: offering to serve others, starting a text chat group, sharing resources for parents with kids at home, etc. There are a lot of opportunities to do this, even while maintaining healthy social distance practices.
To help us all consider how God might work in us and through us, and to simply be comforted in the midst of a situation that could engender fear, we are going to be emailing out some occasional devotionals in the next several weeks. These will be written by people the Rose Hill Church family. If you’d like to submit a devotional (500 words or less) that might encourage us and help us reflect on this through the lens of Scripture that would be great. Devotional submissions can be sent to devotions at rosehillpc.org. A team of people will review them (light editing could be done) and then make them available online. We’ll notify you when new ones are published.
I look forward to reading your devotions, and hearing about how God and His Word is moving, comforting, and encouraging you in this most unusual time! Maybe writing just such a devotion is one way God will use this season to grow you, as well as impact others for the cause of Christ.
God bless you, and stay healthy!
In Christ,
Pastor Brian
