Introduction
The theme for this year's Lenten Devotion booklet is the hymn
"Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of My Heart"
This hymn has richly blessed countless lives for many years. The tune to this hymn is an
Irish folk tune "Slane" which dates back to the fifth century. (See page18 for further details)
The lyrics are from a poem written in the sixth century by an Irish monk, Dallan Forgaill. He
wrote the poem to remember and honor the faith of St. Patrick. The poem lived on as a part of
tradition for centuries until, in the early 20th century, Mary Elizabeth Byrne translated the
poem into English. Then in 1919, Eleanor Hull versified the text into what is now the wellloved hymn and prayer:
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
This hymn truly is a prayer to our God that He would be the first that we seek as we continually
choose the direction of our lives throughout each day. May it be so that at every moment of our
lives, God would be our vision above all else.
Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017
For Christians, Ash Wednesday opens Lent - a season of fasting and
prayer. At the worship service on this day, the pastor applies ashes to
each person's forehead. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God
made us. The pastor says: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you
shall return." or "Repent and believe in the Gospel." This is a powerful
reminder that we are not God, but God’s good creation; our bodies will
not last forever, and we face the reality of our eventual death.
Keeping Focus on the Ultimate Prize
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let
us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us
run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the
founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right
hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (English Standard Version)
I sometimes can be easily distracted. When I am meeting with a group of
people, whether it be at a meal or at a social gathering, I sometimes find
myself trying to pay close attention to all the conversations taking place
and end up having a good conversation with no one. To stay focused can
be a real challenge sometimes, especially if the distractions are many. It
requires discipline and a conscious effort to keep my complete attention
on the one situation that is before me.
What holds true for me personally can be said about us as we seek to
keep our focus on Christ in all the areas of our life. Some of these
distractions can be “good” things and others can actually be the sins we
commit which we fail to bring to the cross of our Savior. Taking our eyes
off of our Savior is the most dangerous and, at the same time, easiest
thing we could ever do.
Today is Ash Wednesday and as we begin the season of Lent, I invite
you to take a close inventory of your life and ask God to show you the
things that might hinder you from being able to keep your focus on the
One who is the ultimate prize in this life and in the life to come.
Lord, You and You alone are worthy of my complete devotion. Help me
first to see and then remove those things that block my vision of Your
heart of love and compassion. Amen.
Pastor Steve Lyle, Senior Pastor, Smyrna First UMC
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Here I Stand
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to
shame. Psalm 119:46 (English Standard Version)
On April 18, 1521, the Diet of Worms was approaching its climax. The
diet, an imperial assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, had as its
primary agenda item a hearing to determine if Martin Luther, a recently
excommunicated monk and professor at the University of Wittenberg,
would affirm or renounce his writings that were viewed as heretical by
the Roman Catholic Church. Emperor Charles V presided. By the time
Luther was summoned it was night, so candlelight added to the drama
of the moment. His questioner gestured toward a table stacked with
Luther’s books and asked Luther if he was ready to retract their
heresies. Luther wanted to debate but was cut off, so he finished with
this declaration:
Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence
from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear and distinct
grounds and reasoning – and my conscience is captive to
the Word of God – then I cannot and will not recant, because
it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience.
Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me! Amen.
Not surprisingly, about a month later the emperor issued the Edict of
Worms, proclaiming Luther an outlaw and heretic, meaning Luther
could be arrested and burned at the stake if captured. For the rest of his
life he lived with this threat.
In 2017, Protestant churches all over the world (and hopefully Smyrna
First UMC) will mark the 500th anniversary of Luther’s 95 Theses
protesting indulgence sales – the start of the Reformation, the impact of
which culminated in this confrontation at Worms.
It is doubtful that our lives will be threatened because of our faith. We
may suffer ridicule or scorn. But we can take heart that by trusting in
the Lord, we too can stand with firm assurance in God’s promise of
eternal life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word to sustain us.
Amen.
Alan Fellwock
Friday, March 3, 2017
Birth Mark
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 2:10 (New King James Version)
This writer commenced the molding and shaping of this devotion on
the day of Epiphany. The scripture from Matthew is part of the
Lectionary for this day. What did the Magi need to do to see this sign
that brought them such joy? They had to look up. The Magi, listening,
heard God’s call in their hearts. They were seeking and their action
brought them to a baby, the Son, Immanuel, and they rejoiced.
Through study, I have developed affection for scriptures that reference
the morning star; particularly in 2 Peter 1:19 and Revelation 22:16. A
few years back as part of my early morning prayer and meditation
before dawn, I began going outside and looking up toward the eastern
horizon. There at certain times of the year a bright morning star is
clearly visible. It is the planet Venus, named for the Roman goddess
of love. How apropos! Initially I discounted the effort when the
weather prevented me from seeing the star’s light. I would hastily go
back into the house, not lingering in contemplation. Being of little
faith, I would not venture out in the rain. This behavior blunted my
spiritual disciplines. Then one day my epiphany came: "Just because
you cannot see the star does not mean it is not there waiting for you!"
Moving closer to Easter, you and I, the community of faith, face the
prospect that we are to carry on the Great Commission as recorded in
Matthew 28:18-20. Now we are to be the revelation of God in the
Sonship, an epiphany to the world, a birth mark for the Bright and
Morning Star.
Abba, may we always be to You a pleasing representation of Your Son
when the world around us is looking up. Amen.
Bradford Bosworth
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Are You Listening?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall
direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6 (New King James Version)
How much do we truly listen in our everyday life? When we talk to
others, do we listen to what they are saying or are we anxious to get
our point across? When we ask our children to listen to us, are we
doing our best to listen to them and what they need?
And the big one…are we listening to God or are we just trying to fix
it all by ourselves? A good friend challenged me recently (actually,
let’s be honest, she’s my therapist) about my listening skills. She
sniffed out that I was frantically doing and manipulating and stressing
about so many things in my life and the biggest thing that I WASN’T
doing was listening to God. What would happen, she said, if I just
stopped trying to fix and listened...really listened to what God wanted
to tell me.
What a mind-blowing concept! To actually slow down, sit still and
just listen? Oh, and also “lean not on my own understanding?” I
mean, doesn’t God know who I am? I am the master at handling it
all!
So I fussed for a while, but then I sat down one day and did it. I just
listened. And you know what happened? I felt a sense of peace and
love wash over me. It’s almost like I heard God whisper, “I’ve got
this.” Will I struggle? Sure. Reacting is easy. Listening is hard. But
I’m up for the challenge now...with ears wide open.
Dear God, Thank You for giving us ears to listen. May we use them
wisely to hear You. Amen.
Katherine Pickard
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Our Vision
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so
easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out
for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For
the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version)
I love simple solutions and most of the time the solution is so simple
that you pass right by it in the midst of problem solving. One simple
solution that amazes me is blinders. Blinders are small, stiff, black
patches that are placed at the back of a horse's eyes to keep the horse
from seeing anything other than what's in front of them. This keeps
them from getting sidetracked by what's going on around
them. Horses scare easily and blinders keep them focused. So simple.
Blinders can be important for us as Christians because there is so
much that can easily scare us or take our faith away from Jesus. The
devil would love for us to unfocus or fixate on something that takes us
away from God being our vision. But our scripture tells us to fix our
eyes on Jesus. Why? Because He is the author and perfecter of our
faith. I want my faith to be perfected; therefore, I must put on blinders
and fix my eyes on God, my vision!
Jesus, perfect my faith, help me by the power of The Holy Spirit to fix
my eyes, my gaze, upon You. Be my vision, O Lord! Amen.
Pastor Whit R. Martin, Associate Pastor, Smyrna First UMC
Monday, March 6, 2017
Treasure
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:34 (New International Version)
Treasure...what does that word mean? The dictionary defines it as “to
collect and store up.”
I have to admit I’m one of those people who collects and stores. I’m
not a hoarder, but I love clothes and shoes and have a closet full of
each, but what are they but only to rot and fall off the hanger.
I also have a passion for salvation. Every morning I reach for my
Bible and Upper Room before starting my day. I feel incomplete on
days I neglect to have this time with God. I long to have treasures
stored in heaven laying at the throne of God.
I am a compassionate person and know there is much more I could do.
I also know that God searches me and knows my heart.
Laying up treasures for God is certainly more important than a closet
full of clothes. I reach for that goal.
Dear Almighty God, I ask that You continue to search me to
acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses so that I’ll be the person
You would have me to be. Amen.
Connie Beasley
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
The Christian Heart
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry,
written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets
of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
2 Corinthians 3:3 (New International Version)
There was a lesser known American Indian tribe, the Tuscarora, that
dwelled in the eastern parts of the Carolinas before the first European
settlers showed up in North Carolina. The Tuscarora had a saying,
“They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind.” You and
I know this to be the truth. How many of our loved ones who have
passed still live in our hearts today? Whose hearts will you and I live
on in when we are gone? JESUS came, walked this Earth and showed
us how we should love one another. As HE did over 2000 years ago,
HE looks past our outward appearance; HE looks at our heart. Not only
did HE die and ascend to heaven to sit at the right hand of GOD, HE
lives on in our hearts and it shows in our faces, in our actions and
causes us to reveal the love of CHRIST that was not written on tablets
of stone. It was written on our Christian hearts.
LORD, teach us how to pray for others and ourselves that we might
better share the love of CHRIST that dwells in our hearts with a lost
and dying world. Amen.
Eddie Alexander, Facilities Manager, Smyrna First UMC
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
The Law of Unintended Consequences
One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the
roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The
woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about
her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the
wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her.
She came to him, and he slept with her.
2 Samuel 11:2-4 (New International Version)
Where, exactly, did David make his first mistake? Was it merely in
seeing Bathsheba? Probably not, as she was bathing in the courtyard
of her own house in clear view of David’s palace; he could hardly
have avoided seeing her. Was it in noticing that she was beautiful?
Again, probably not, as her beauty is treated as a simple fact.
In any case, David found himself with a choice to make, and he
made a terrible one, with disastrous consequences. Rather than focus
on his duties as king, or on his military, or on his children, or on his
many other wives, David made the hasty and tragic decision that he
simply had to have Bathsheba.
When David “sent messengers to get her,” his intent was already
clear. By the time the bodies were counted up, David’s impulsive act
of adultery had cost the life of his child with Bathsheba, the life of
her husband Uriah, and the lives of untold additional Israelite
soldiers David had killed in battle in an attempt to hide the affair.
David’s hasty and immoral decision eventually led Israel to civil war
and the splintering of the Kingdom.
David chose to sin, and with that choice came the immeasurable cost
to David, his family and his nation. Our sinful choices may have less
dramatic results, but we should not delude ourselves into believing
that we – and others – will not pay a price for those choices.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember the words of Solomon, son of
David: Though it cost you all you have, gain wisdom. Amen.
Steve Hunter
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Capturing the Vision
Where there is no vision, the people perish…
Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)
When Lynn Dee and I came to Smyrna First United Methodist
Church back in August of 1989, the church “campus” consisted of the
Education Building and the Sanctuary and small adjacent parking
lots. In the early 1990’s we added the Fellowship Hall – and took
away some parking.
In the mid-1990’s the North Georgia Conference asked local
congregations to create “Vision 2020” committees. Part of our
“vision” was that we would “own the whole block by 2050!” Since
then we have added the Eubanks’ property, which is now the West
Parking Lot, and then the business offices that became the Youth
Building.
In 2015 we learned that the dentist office at 1300 Church Street was
coming on the market and we agreed to purchase it for the appraised
price of $450,000. I enthusiastically agreed to chair the committee to
raise the money to pay for it and we decided to call it the “Capturing
the Vision Campaign.” Our theme song was “Be Thou My Vision”!
This spring a Facilities Planning Committee will be seeking input
from the congregation on creating a new “vision” for our church
campus for the generations that will come after us.
Dear Heavenly Father, guide us as we try to be faithful to Your
“Vision” for Smyrna First United Methodist Church and in all things
we will say “To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Has Done.”
Amen.
David V. Martin
Friday, March 10, 2017
Guilty as Charged
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you
have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has
now claimed your allegiance.
Romans 6:17(New International Version)
When was the last time you were overcome with guilt? Remember
when you had an opportunity to spend time with your child but chose
to play golf instead? What about that time you were under-billed for
a restaurant tab but chose to pay it and walk away? Oh, and I
challenge anyone to tell me that they’ve never been consumed with
anger - even rage - when driving around Atlanta.
We are all “guilty as charged,” but we can deal with it in one of two
ways. First, you can dwell on it and let it eat you up inside. If you
choose this path, your heart will become hardened over time and you
will develop a sense that you are unworthy of forgiveness. You will
dwell on the fact that you can never live up to God’s standards. This
is not the path I recommend because it leads to a dead end.
The other way of dealing with guilt is to remember the sacrifice that
God made in order that forgiveness may be made free to all of us.
Accept that you are a sinner, but that the sacrifice made offers
forgiveness. If you dwell on this, you will be humbled by the
sacrifice. It will likely make you think twice when given choices in
the future. Walk humbly during Lent, and remember the sacrifice.
But know that the victory in Easter Sunday is just around the corner!
Dear God, Thank You for loving us more than we can begin to
fathom. Though we often fall short of Your glory, please help us to
remember that we are forgiven through the blood of Your Son - Jesus
Christ. Amen.
Wes Bunkley, Prayer Ministry, Smyrna First UMC
Saturday, March 11, 2017
If You'll Open the Doors, I'll Walk Through Them
But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, "With men this is
impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26 (King James Version)
I was going through the most tumultuous period of my life several
years ago and was praying hard for God to answer my prayers and
give me what I wanted. But it wasn’t happening. I finally reached a
point of total emptiness and just got angry with God. I said, “I haven’t
got anything left to give! Whatever You want to have happen here,
You’re going to have to do it because I’m done. I give up.”
Well, He heard me – even in my anger, He heard me and immediately
took over. In looking back, I know He was close beside me, waiting
for me to finally give it to Him – the situation, my life, my future,
everything. Once I relinquished my pitiful control to Him, the
mountains that I didn’t think could fall came tumbling down, and
Almighty God wrapped His loving arms around me and lifted me back
up on my feet again. My prayer became, “If You’ll open the doors,
I’ll walk through them.” Doors started opening for me that I didn’t
even know existed, all with God leading the way to total renewal.
Years after this close encounter with God that changed my life, the
choir sang “When You Call on Jesus,” by Nicole C. Mullen. I knew
that I had actually experienced the wonder expressed in that song:
“When you call on Jesus, all things are possible; you can mount on
wings like eagles and soar.” God is always faithful and dreams much
bigger than we can.
If You’ll open the doors, I’ll walk through them. Anything – anything
is possible when I turn it over to You. Amen.
Suzanne Lawless
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Coffee With God
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will
counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:8 (New International Version)
Most mornings I start my day having coffee with God. We have this
corner, a niche actually, in the sitting room off our master bedroom.
It is the perfect spot, a place without distractions. We have an old
farm table I found at an antique show several years ago. The top
needed lots of work (someone had put laminate on it – really?). Cliff
cut a new top for it so it fits perfectly in this niche. I have pens,
highlighters, paper and of course, my Bible. I also have a candle that
I light every time I go to my special place for prayer and study.
Sometimes I start with a devotional but most times I ask God to lead
me where He wants me to go. Whatever book or verse comes to
mind, that’s where I start reading. I usually end up reading several
chapters, maybe an entire book.
Honestly, I don’t always recognize the answers to my questions but
I always find peace. There is always at least one verse through
which He speaks to me. Sometimes He reminds me of an old hymn.
As I read Psalm 32 (and 31 and 33) the old hymn “He Leadeth Me”
come to mind which seems to echo Psalm 32:8.
He always makes me smile because He always blesses me so during
our time together. I never want our coffee breaks to end!
Heavenly Father, my heart is filled with gratitude for Your many
blessings. Thank You for coffee, candles, and most importantly,
thank You for Your Word, Your presence, and Your peace. I do love
You Lord! Amen.
Donna Jordan
Monday, March 13, 2017
Higher Call
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on
things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2 (New International Version)
So how do we go about doing this? Do we forget we are on earth,
hide away and just contemplate heavenly things? According to
William Barclay’s commentary on Colossians, that is not the case at
all. He writes that Paul…"expects the Christian to go on with the
work of this world and to maintain all its normal relationships. But
there will be this difference---from now on the Christian will view
everything against the background of eternity and no longer live as if
this world was all that mattered."
That’s easier said than done. After all, we do live here on earth and
we are constantly bombarded by the media about what is right and
what is wrong. Again, Barclay tells us that Paul is clear about how
we are to live in this world. The Christian "will go on living using
the things of the world but he will use them in a new way. He
will…set giving above getting, serving above ruling, forgiving above
avenging (emphasis mine). The Christian’s standard of values will be
God’s not men’s." We know what to do, but if you’re like me, it’s
not easy to do. But I do know what Paul would tell us…“press on.”
And that is our challenge.
Heavenly Father, as we approach the Lenten season, we are
reminded that as Christians we are called to be different. Help us to
love the unlovable, help the helpless and to forgive…especially when
we don’t want to. These things we ask, in the name of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Alan Smith
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
To the glory of God in loving memory of Harry Mickleboro.
In His Image
His eyes are dim, Lord,
The color faded and tired.
His face a visible testament
To a life lived to the fullest.
He is weak of limb,
His movements slow.
Something shines out,
For he is the image of His Father
With the light of Christ shining in his face
And the love of God in his heart.
He serenely faces the coming eternity,
At peace with God and man.
But Lord, later as I look in my mirror,
Analyzing the planes and angles of a face
That has known few trials.
I ask, “Do people see Christ in me?”
Have I reached out to others,
Comforting those who suffer,
Not simply with what I give,
But with the warmth of my hand,
Reaching out in love to lift them up.
Have I stopped for a moment each day
To marvel at Your world,
Feeling humbled and small,
Yet precious because You love me.
It isn’t easy, Lord,
To be created in Your image.
But You never promised “easy.”
You promised comfort, love,
And, greatest of all, eternal life.
But we humans get caught up in “now,”
Giving little thought to eternity,
But eternity will come.
And, only with You, Lord,
Shining through us
Can we light up the darkness
Of our care-worn world
And find joy and peace eternally.
Sue Gresham
...being like minded, having the
same love, being
one in spirit and of
one mind. Do nothing
out of selfish
ambition or vain
conceit. Rather, in
humility value others
above yourselves, not
looking to your own
interests but each of
you to the interests of
the others.
Philippians 2:2-4
(New International
Version)
Dear God,
I am grateful
for the
example of
others who
followed Your
vision.
Remind me
that Your
strength and
love are all
that I need to
follow. I am
Yours. Amen.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Be Thou My Vision…a Lovely Poem, Hymn, Prayer
Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14 (New American Standard Bible )
If we do not pray, how can God really be our vision? How can we
know how He thinks, how He loves, or who He would have us be, if
we do not commune with Him in prayer? I can say for myself, it only
happens through prayer and worship. This hymn is a wonderful
example of both.
The first stanza implores, “Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart.”
When I neglect spending time with the Lord every day, I notice that I
become the lord of my heart. Oh Lord, save me from pride and
rebellion.
The second stanza asks, “Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true
Word.” Without daily devotion, prayer and worship, I am not wise or
honest, but foolish and full of fear. Oh Father, fill me with Your
integrity and soundness.
The third stanza declares, “Riches I heed not.” May it be so, Father,
for I tend to wander away from letting You be my “treasure” and
instead I find that I “pursue man’s empty gain.” Keep me in Your will
and far from greed.
The last lines say, “Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my
Vision, O Ruler of all.” For me, my only chance of having God’s heart
actually be my own heart, is if I take the time to spend those sweet
hours with Him. There is where I do indeed “reach Heaven’s Joys.”
Prayer is a great mystery and a great privilege. As we draw near to
God, we are naturally humbled, for He is sovereign, omniscient and
omnipotent. However, Jesus died to give us access into God’s throne
room and God answers our every prayer, so be bold! There is no right
or wrong way to pray. In fact, the Holy Spirit prays for us when we
cannot find the words. The “Ruler of all” has only good plans for you.
Lord we can trust You with our heart’s desires and our greatest fears.
We take them to You now in prayer… Amen.
Claudia Lilly
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Hunt for the Treasure
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:34 (New International Version)
For centuries, people have spent their lives and invested their fortunes
in searching for buried or sunken treasures all over the world. In
many instances they set their hearts on finding the treasure and
became so obsessed with it that it ruined their lives. Their focus, their
drive, everything they did was centered around finding that treasure.
Do we do the same? We set our sights on finding the best clothes,
shoes, homes, home accessories and cars. We delight in the hunt and
look forward to the times when we find just the right “thing” as it
brings us great pleasure, joy and happiness. I am very guilty of this. I
enjoy shopping for and purchasing “things” and, yes, it makes me
happy when I find something I’ve wanted or, many times, didn’t even
want or need, yet purchased anyway! Are these my treasures? Is this
where my heart is? I know GOD loves blessing me with many nice
things in this life but it is in putting these things first that makes them
become my treasures and steals my heart. My truest “treasure,” the
truest joy of my heart, the first and foremost things that bring
meaning and happiness in my life, should be the times I give to GOD.
GOD, above all else, is my treasure and there my heart rests in trust,
gratitude, peace and love.
Father, please help me to see that the blessings You give me are not
to become the “treasures of my heart” but to be passed on and
shared with others who need to know YOU. Help me to realize and
live with YOU as the ultimate “treasure of my heart!” Amen.
Karen Harvil
Friday, March 17, 2017
Slane
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of
the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.” John 8:12 (New International Version)
King Lóegaire, High King of the Middle Kingdom of Ireland, ruled
from the Hill of Tara. This ruler, described as “a great king, fierce
and pagan,” forbade any other fires being lit during the burning of a
festival fire on that hill during the Spring Equinox festival. But on
Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, in A.D. 433, a Christian
missionary lit a Paschal Fire on the Hill of Slane, about 10 miles
from the Hill of Tara and clearly visible from there. The Paschal Fire
represented the light of the risen Christ, the Light of the World, who
banished the darkness of unbelief and death.
According to legend, the king saw this Hill of Slane fire as a
challenge to his authority. He rode with his entourage to Slane to
assert his kingship, but he was so impressed by the missionary’s
defiance, devotion and courage that he allowed the Paschal Fire to
burn and for the missionary’s work to continue. The king himself
was baptized. The missionary came to be known to the world as St.
Patrick. How much of the legend is true and how much is
apocryphal is lost to the mists of history. But the story resonated so
deeply that a traditional Irish folk tune was named “Slane” in
commemoration. The words of “Be Thou My Vision,” the theme of
this Lenten Devotional Booklet, were set to this ancient tune. This
evocative congruence of lyric and tune emphasizes, as St. Patrick
did, the primacy of God in our lives.
Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son to be the Light of the
world. Amen.
Alan Fellwock
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Priceless Treasures
In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are
good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right,
pure, lovely, and honorable. Put into practice what you learned
and received from me, both from my words and from my actions.
And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (Good News Translation)
During times of difficulties, I cling to the treasures I have gathered
throughout the years: scriptures and hymns. They have calmed my
fears, my worries, and my doubts. One of my treasures is the
hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." The lyrics are a
soothing balm.
When I dwell on the words of this hymn, it’s as if I can feel God’s
arms surround me as He whispers into my ear, "What have you to
dread? What have you to fear? Lean on my everlasting arms and
feel my peace."
When I get frustrated and feel I have nowhere to turn, I stop, take a
breath, and dig into my treasure chest. I can then let go and let God
take the burdens of my troubled mind because His assurances live
within me. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Give all your worries and cares to
God, for He cares about you.
God has unlimited treasures waiting for us. They’re not hidden and
are available to everyone. All you have to do is read His word, sing
His praises, and store them in your heart.
Dear God, open our eyes so we may see Your many treasures.
Open our minds so we may store them there. Thank You, Lord, for
living in our hearts and for providing us with the priceless
treasures of Your everlasting love, healing comfort, and assuring
words. Amen.
Mary Anne Edwards
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Be Thou My Vision O Lord of My Heart…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your
paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
Last year was a very challenging year for me and my family! I had to
lean hard on God and my faith in the midst of the death of loved ones
and some scary health issues for me!
One day as I was driving to a doctor's appointment, I hit a pothole...a
REALLY BIG POTHOLE! It scared me as I thought I had torn the
bottom of my car right off the axles! Later that day as I was thinking
about that scary incident. I thought, "Isn't that just like LIFE? Driving
along a bumpy road, twists and turns, curves that make the road
challenging because you cannot see around them and then you hit a
POTHOLE!" It gets your attention! Life is certainly like that. When all is
going smoothly, it is easy to trust. But when you hit that bump in the
road and can't seem to find direction and understanding, it gets tough!
In Proverbs 3:5-6, the word that jumps out at me is TRUST. When the
path is not clear and you can't seem to find a way, it is hard to relinquish
that control and simply TRUST! Because I am a "control freak", that is
the hardest part of my faith walk. But last year I learned that there are
simply some things we have NO control over: death and illness! I had to
learn to get in the back seat of the car and ride that bumpy road with God
at the wheel and in control! It wasn't easy, but with fervent prayers and
trust in my faith in God's promises, I arrived safe and secure, knowing
God would straighten the paths and make a way clear! You may be
facing a dead-end, bump, or curve in the road right now: health,
financial, emotional, or relational issues. BUT God can see the path and
the road ahead. HE is the same GOD in the valley as the GOD on the
mountaintop! TRUST HIM and keep moving on in faith and he will
show you the way!
Father my prayer for us today is that we learn to TRUST and LEAN on
You Lord...knowing and believing in Your promise that You will provide
a path for us, even when we can't see it. Guide and protect us on the
way. And we will give You ALL the honor and glory! In Your precious
and Holy Name we pray! Amen.
Adrienne Myers
Monday, March 20, 2017
Still Be My Vision
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common, the LORD gives
light to the eyes of both. Proverbs 29:13 (New King James Version)
As a child of eight, I put on my first pair of glasses. On the ride home I
was made speechless (a first), by the fact that I could see inside
people’s houses! How could this be? I never thought others could see
things I had never seen. After decades of wearing glasses, last year at
the age of 56, I had surgery to repair my vision. NO more glasses!
Once again, I was stunned every morning when I awoke and could see
leaves on the trees, birds, and life outside my window. I also saw dust,
dirt, wrinkles and grey hairs. I quickly became aware that my glasses,
while helping me see, had not shown me the true picture, leaving details
unseen or out of focus. In the last few months I have felt this way
about my church. I felt my presence wasn’t needed, things no longer
seemed in focus or clear. I felt unseen. It was a slow process; one day
I simply didn’t want to do the same things, didn’t feel lifted when I left
the church service. I didn’t feel God, nor did I see why I was needed or
wanted there.
I have taken the last two months praying about this. I have asked God
to once again sharpen my vision so I could see what he wants me to do.
Here’s what I see: I had let go of my personal journey to be closer to
God and became mired in other issues. I forgot that God wants me to be
happy. He wants me to be the best me I can be. I see now that He
never left me, I just let His vision be crowded out by things that only
He can fix. I forgot to open my heart and let Him lead me.
I’m not sure where He will lead me in the next few months or years, but
I will pray that I never again forget who is in charge - in charge of the
very air I breathe, the world I live in, the country I love, the family I am
blessed with, and the Church I attend.
Heavenly Father, please keep my eyes on You. Let me always be a
shining example of Your grace and compassion. Let me love those
who “see” things a little differently than me. Keep my eyes on You.
Amen.
Eve DeVane
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Thinking About Trust Is Easy. Doing It Is Hard.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own
insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight
your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6: (New Revised Standard Version)
Who do we really trust in this life? We trust our parents when we are
young children growing up. We trust our siblings since they are
usually our closest family as adults. We trust our spouses because we
love them and made eternal vows with them. We trust our closest
friends who stick with us through thick and thin and continue to love
us in spite of ourselves.
But humans are flawed. We all have competing priorities and lapses in
judgment that sometimes cause us to fail. As a result, we may lose our
trust in others for whatever reason. And others may lose their trust in
us. This doesn’t make anyone a bad person – just human. With
humans, it’s usually the once-famous saying “trust, but verify” that
applies.
When it comes to trusting God, we too often want to put conditions on
it. “God, I trust you to guide me in this situation but it sure would be
nice if you could {insert wish here}.” We want to stay in control.
With God, there are no flaws. No “trust, but” anything. We can trust
Him unconditionally to get us through whatever challenges life throws
at us. We don’t always listen, but He’s speaking to us. All we need to
do is trust, listen, and relinquish control.
Dear Lord, please help me always to trust You unconditionally, to
always listen and follow Your guidance via the Holy Spirit. Help me to
relinquish control and surrender to what You would have me do. In
Christ’s name, Amen.
Rob Whorton
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Trust in the Lord
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in
him. Jeremiah 17:7 (New International Version)
As the Lord Almighty becomes our vision, we find a secure place to
put our hope and our trust. We become blessed and not cursed as the
prophet Jeremiah warns.
How then do we learn to trust God in this world already filled with
sickness, death, sin and curses? We look to the One our Father sent.
Jesus, fully God, took on human flesh to do the work of His Father
through love and service. He was about His Father’s business, so he
treasured His Father, he valued His Father, and He trusted Him by
obeying God even unto death. Jesus is the perfect example of
everything our hearts could ever long for or even need. As we walk
through this broken world our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promises
to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Reading the words of Jesus in the gospels, we are given a picture of a
man who humbly talked with God, who responded in mercy to men
who longed to kill or betray him, and who loved sinners, leading them
gently to righteousness. As we prepare our hearts and minds to
remember His death and celebrate His resurrection, how are we
responding to this world? Have you made Jesus your hope and your
trust? Do you daily surrender to Jesus, denying your natural
tendencies?
Lord, we thank You for the life of Your precious son, Jesus Christ.
Please forgive us for putting our hope in our own flesh and the things
of this world. Thank You for sending Your Son to this earth to show us
how to trust You. May we read Jesus’ words and make Him our vision
each day. Amen.
Sarah Mathes
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Conversion of the Senses
Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 11:15 (New International Version)
Conversion to Christianity brings with it a conversion of the senses. This
is a gift—a grace—that we cannot will for ourselves. The physical
senses of seeing and hearing, especially, are matched with spiritual
counterparts. Scripture makes frequent reference to the truth that is
made evident in faith [Isaiah 6:10; Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2; Matthew
13:15; Acts 28:27; Romans 11:8].
When we see and hear the world in faith, our spiritual senses perceive
truth where previously there was only nonsense or an entire lack of
perception. Jesus concludes several parables with the admonition, “He
who has ears, let him hear.” Faith and trust in Christ awakens the
spiritual sense of hearing to receive the truth of God’s Word in the
parables.
We must be on guard, however. Saint Augustine warns in his
autobiography "Confessions" that the spiritual senses can become dulled
from lack of use or misuse, leaving us inattentive or unaware of the work
of God. We hide ourselves from God when we turn away from the
promptings of the Holy Spirit we receive by our spiritual senses.
Theologians have called this neglect of our senses as “grieving the Holy
Spirit,” and it is possible to grieve the Spirit to such an extent that we no
longer perceive his eternal presence. Today in prayer consider how the
Holy Spirit communicates with you through your spiritual senses that
were awakened in conversion. Do not grieve the Spirit by turning away
from His promptings, but act and pray and give thanks for the abundant
life given through these means.
Almighty God, "You called and cried out loud and shattered my
deafness. You were radiant and resplendent, You put to flight my
blindness. You were fragrant, and I drew in my breath and now pant
after You. I tasted You, and I feel but hunger and thirst for You. You
touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is Yours."
Draw me nearer to You, my God, that You will be my all in all. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer of St. Augustine
Rev. Adam P. Mathes, North Georgia Conference UMC
Friday, March 24, 2017
Fasting Fridays
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (New King James Version)
This is a thank you to our Pastors, our ministry leaders, our church
family, and of course Christ, who makes all things possible.
I have given up many vices, many bad habits, but none so difficult as
cigarette smoking. I tried cold turkey, tapering off, patches and pills.
After having a heart attack, I thought, "Well, that’s enough motivation
for anybody." Not so. I managed to reduce my smoking to just a few,
or even one or two on some days. But sooner or later I would have a
bad day and smoke a pack.
During a meeting of the Prayer Team last winter, I asked what things
the Prayer Team had done in the past to honor Lent. I was told that
they were not aware of having done any special activities for Lent. At
the suggestion of Pastor Whit and brainstorming by Wes Bunkley and
the rest of the team, it was decided to hold a “Friday Fast” each Friday
during Lent.
After prayer, I was certain this was what I needed. I committed to the
date of February 10, 2016, the first day of Lent. With prayer, and the
support of all my church family (whether you knew it or not) God did
what I could not. I have not had a cigarette since that day. I thank you
and Kim, my wife, thanks you.
No matter how many times you fail, no matter how many times you
fall short of your goal, never give up. If it is a worthy aspiration, and
if you are willing to let God help as only He can, and in the way He
knows best, sooner or later you will find success, even if success
doesn’t look like you thought it would.
Dear Lord, help me to be ever grateful for all Your many blessings,
sharing them, not for myself, but to encourage others and glorify Your
name. Amen.
Greg Mcclelland
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Practice
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your
paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
There have been many times that God has made my paths straight,
but learning to trust in the Lord was easier said than done. It took
practice, but my results were easier each time. In order to trust, I had
to learn to let go of something. Sometimes it meant literally letting
go, as in the “trust fall” team-building activity at youth retreats. Often
it meant learning to give up my desire for control.
One of the most difficult times was letting the baby bird fly. That was
the purpose of parenting, but also the hardest for me. After we
unpacked the car, arranged shelves and made up the bed there was
little to do except leave. We hugged goodbye and I rode home in an
empty, quiet car. As the hours and days passed and the tears and
worry bubbled over me, I prayed, “Lord, I’ve done all I can. She’s in
your hands again.” I didn’t mean it at first, but gave it a try.
As the days turned to weeks and my prayer continued, I felt the peace
that passes all understanding settle back in my heart. As I grew closer
to Him, God eased my pain and gave me new joys. It’s like learning
any new skill - the more you practice, the better you get.
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your mercies each day. Whatever
happens, I know You are in charge. Amen.
Sue Elmore, Administrative Assistant, iOL (inside Out Life) Student
Ministries, Smyrna First UMC
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Our Miracle
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and
says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid,… for I
myself will help you." declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One
of Israel. Isaiah 41:13-14 (New International Version)
Eighteen years ago, when we lived in Pennsylvania, our daughter
Shelly had a summer job after her first year of college. She worked at a
summer camp in the outdoor activities department. We received a
telephone call from the camp that Shelly had fallen and broken her arm
while rock rappelling. They told us that we should come to the
University of Maryland hospital's Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
On our way, we called the hospital to let Shelly know we were coming.
All the hospital would tell us was that she was in critical condition in
the operating room. We held hands and we prayed, “Lord, we know she
belongs to you but we are not ready to give her up.” We drove to the
hospital as fast as possible from our home in Pittsburgh.
At 2 AM, we were allowed to see our daughter. All we could see were
her eyes, due to all the tubes, monitors, and bandages; she had many
broken bones from the fall. When Shelley was rappelling, the short end
of the rope (wrong end) was thrown over the cliff edge and she fell
about 60 ft. onto the rocks! Emergency crews, forest rangers and
helicopters got her to the hospital. After three days and 12 hours of
surgery, 23 days in the trauma unit and four weeks in a hospital bed in
our family room, she was able to walk! She returned to college with a
special walker and Karen driving her to class.
God took care of us through our friends, family, and our church family.
He is faithful every minute of every day. We praise God for our Miracle
Child and how God has been able to use her to reach others. “Praise
God From Whom All Blessings Flow!”
Dear Lord, we are often put in situations that try our faith. But during
those tribulations, we are sure of this: You are always with us and will
never forsake us. You carry us and make us stronger. We thank You for
Your unending love and devotion. We praise You for our many
blessings and for saving our Miracle Daughter. Amen.
Karen and Sheldon Roush
Monday, March 27, 2017
Blessings
So do not fear, for I am with you… Isaiah 41:10
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
(New International Version)
There was a brief period when I stopped praying to God and reading
my daily devotional book. I was shut down from a life crisis. Now
that I am back on my feet, I believe God was with me all along, and
still is.
He saved me and brought peace and a sense of purpose back into my
life. I am now able to notice and appreciate His countless blessings
without searching for them. I am thankful:
 to wake up each morning, alive
 to be able to get up and ready for a job that I love
 for my two children, who are my love and joy of life
 to see my students excited to learn
 when my child runs to me with a smile and hugs me after work
 when I see the beauty of God’s creation in nature
 for friends and family checking on me at just the right time
 for God’s words
 for uplifting Christian music such as Laura Story's "Blessings":
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.
Dear God, thank You for my life and all Your blessings. Please have
the Holy Spirit work in me to give me strength, wisdom, and courage to
face trials of this life and do the best I can with everything. Amen.
Kathy Yang Updegrove
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Blurred Vision
When there’s no vision, the people get out of control…
Proverbs 29:18 (Common English Bible)
Due to recent cataract surgery, I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes
with no glasses or contacts! It is amazing!
Recently I’ve been examining my spiritual vision of my world and
its people. I also began to study God’s vision of these same things.
I found my vision was blurred and needed correction.
My vision was often critical and judgmental. I was harsh and
impatient. God’s vision was always one of longsuffering, patience,
compassion, and, most importantly, love.
So, I began praying that God would correct my spiritual vision. I
sought forgiveness for my shortsightedness and harsh judgment. I
prayed for a renewal of mind and heart.
As a result, God is now helping me to focus on the possibilities of
the good, inherent in others, and attempt to assist others as they
grow into the persons they were created to be. Thus, my desire now
is to see others through God’s eyes and not my blurred human eyes!
I’m not there yet, but my goal for my spiritual vision is 20/20!
How’s your spiritual vision?
Loving God, forgive my rush to judgment of others. Heal my
blurred vision and enable me to see others as You see them. Amen.
Reverend James R. Mitchell, Retired UMC
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
A Greater and Higher Vision
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than
your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version)
Seeking God for our life’s vision requires a level of trust that the
world just does not support. While I find it easy to accept God’s
vision for my life on Sunday, it is much more difficult to let go of
control Monday through Friday. Sometimes it is too easy for me to
give God the long-term vision and keep the short-term vision for
myself. I fall into this trap frequently. I will say to God, "I trust
Your 'big picture' vision for my life. But when it comes to 'today,' I
will do what I think is right. I will rely on myself to get things done
and solve the problems I face."
This verse provides me with a constant reminder that I can’t
possibly understand God’s vision for my life, since His ways and
thoughts are different and higher than mine in every way. When I
think of a vision for my own life, I start with where I am today and
imagine a logical extension into the future. I still forget to consider
that God’s vision for my life may include a dimension that has no
relation to where I am today. My faith leans heavily upon the idea
that God’s vision for me is simply beyond my understanding.
Dear Heavenly Father, remind us that Your vision is greater than
anything we could possibly imagine. Help us to have the strength to
give You control. And give us the faith to believe that Your ways are
truly greater than ours. Amen.
Anil Malhotra
Thursday, March 30, 2017
20/20 Vision
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct
your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
Our theme for the 2017 Lenten Devotion booklet is the hymn "Be
Thou My Vision O Lord of My Heart" which is a traditional hymn
from Ireland, but we know it better as an English hymn. It is a
prayer - a prayer that Christ will be our eyes, our thoughts, in our
hearts, and our guiding light.
Are you letting Christ be your guiding light? Is He your 20/20
vision? Do you let Him direct your path? How would your life
change if you would let Jesus lead you?
Seeing the world through Christ’s eyes would cause us to love as
Christ loved. It would cause us to focus our actions on not getting
the things we want, but more on what we can do to help and give to
others. It would cause us to care less about other's opinions and
more about the direction that God would have our lives take.
If we let go and follow Jesus, our lives would be simplified because
we would stop striving for things like more money, a bigger house,
or a new car. We would focus on our spiritual values. Let us always
let God be our vision and remember this prayer.
Our Heavenly Father, please show us Your wisdom through Your
word. Please give us clear vision to help others by doing Your work.
Let us be Your willing servants. Amen.
Joseph A. Dobrowolski
Friday, March 31, 2017
Practice
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all
creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever
does not believe will be condemned."
Mark 16:15-16 (New International Version)
I read “preach the gospel” as “share the gospel” in this verse. We all
have a mission, whether we choose to recognize it or not. Our faith
comes with a responsibility. That responsibility is to share the Good
News of Jesus Christ.
It is easy to shift that responsibility by thinking “I’m not qualified to
preach, that is what Pastor Steve does.” But you are qualified because
you believe. You know what’s in your heart, you know why you go to
church on Sundays, or why you volunteer at Wednesday Night Live,
or participate in Sunday school, or any other of the numerous
opportunities Smyrna First UMC has to offer.
Just as a physician “practices” medicine, we must “practice” our faith.
And I believe that is easier than we think. Smile at someone, say hello
to a stranger in the grocery store, hold a door open. Start with the
little things. Practice. Then someone is going to ask you “why” you
do these things. And there is your cue to share the gospel. Look for
ways. God will give you the opportunities and the Holy Spirit will
give you the right words to say. Just ask Him.
Precious Father, With a humble heart I pray for the opportunity to
share the good news of Your Son. Help me to recognize each
opportunity and give me the words to say so that I can share with
others, all the things You have done for us. In Your Son’s Name I
pray. Amen.
Donna Jordan
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Our Busyness or God's Business
On the road to Damascus, Jesus said to Paul, "Now get up and go
into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:6 (New International Version)
Serving in ministry is difficult in some ways you might not imagine.
Before I was called into ministry and even when I first started, I had
this idea that ministry work was all about reading your Bible and
then figuring out new ways to tell others about who Jesus was and
how He could change their lives, like He did for me.
My vision of ministry was partially correct in that that we are called
to be Christ's witnesses to others. However, the work of the church
was more like any other 9-5 job that any of you reading this has
experienced - days and weeks filled with planning and coordinating
events, meeting with various people, calendaring months in advance,
answering a neverending stream of emails and texts, setting mission
and vision goals, dealing with budgets, managing your staff and the
busy list goes on.
It’s actually very easy to get on with the business of the church and
lose focus on the business of God's will. You see, we all serve
according to God’s will, not our own. On the road to Damascus, Paul
was told first to go, and then he would learn the plan for what to do.
We are to seek the Lord’s direction and timing instead of choosing
our will and what best fits us in the moment, and this takes faith and
patience and discipline.
We are to serve with a focus on God’s will, not on the work itself.
Paul excelled at remaining Christ-centered, but this is where many of
us fall short in our perspective. What are you focused on?
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask for focus when I start to get caught up
in scheduling, responsibilities, and the business which causes me to
lose sight of the true purpose for all of us. You loved me first and I
want to focus on Your will and be a Bible reading, God following,
Jesus loving witness to those around me who need Christ. In Your
precious name. Amen!
Leslie Simpson, Director of iOL (inside Out Life)
Student Ministries, Smyrna First UMC
Sunday, April 2, 2017
God's Vision
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make
your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
"Vision" seems like such a simple, innocent word, full of
possibilities and excitement. At many different times in my life, I
would have a vision of how I thought things should go and usually I
would end up disappointed when things didn't turn out just right.
We are a society that believes that having complete control of our
own lives, whether it be with self-help books, the latest diets, our
own time-lined dreams, is what's going to make us happy. As
Christians, we need to remember that trying to get total control of
our own lives without our heavenly Father just isn't possible. When
God commands us to pray without ceasing, he is telling us to
depend on Him and listen to what He has planned for us and that
His visions are what's best. Things happen on God's time, not ours,
and if we remember that, our lives could be so much less stressful.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to relax and follow Your vision of
what is best for us. Let us see through Your eyes the possibilities
that life has to offer us. Give us the wisdom to accept that what we
want is not always what is best for us. You have the ultimate plan
for our lives. In Jesus Christ's name. Amen.
Shirley Westmoreland
Monday, April 3, 2017
Reflections of a Highly Visual Servant
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being
transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
Vision….we see because light is reflected back to our eyes (in general
terms) from the object we look upon. Just as I was preparing to write this
devotion and wondering where the inspiration might appear, I had a
vision issue. A real VISION issue. Little flashes of light and floaters
appeared, and my vision became slightly blurred. My vision is key, no,
critical, to my livelihood as a paralegal, writer, and professional editor. I
was reasonably certain God wasn’t trying to get my attention (you know
– flashes and all that burning bush stuff)…or WAS He? I Googled the
symptoms. The result? Possible detached retina. And...there went faith
and trust, and they morphed into PANIC.
My eye doctor appointment comes in two days, but in my manner of
coping with anxiety and uncertainty, I resort to research – I go to the
head, not the heart. I read that the Ancient Christian Celts practiced the
presence of God throughout the day – rising, cooking, walking, working,
going to bed, every step, no separation between praying and living. They
couldn’t read so, they told stories…and prayed. A lot. About everything.
Something began nudging me…I went to work with this thorn in my
side, this nasty fear thingy that I might be in trouble visually. So God and
I had a real, on my knees “Come to Jesus” discussion – um, prayer. Real
“get down and be with me, and direct me, and cover me, and heal me,
‘cause I have a lot to do, as You have directed me to be Your hands and
feet and a bunch more.” You’re supposed to ask for what you really
want, right? God, be thou my vision. I took it seriously.
Yesterday I woke up with a clear voice in my ear saying, “Go put your
contacts in.” I hadn’t worn them in over a year - just my readers and
driving glasses at night. I cleaned the contacts, fought with them and
finally got them in. And in seconds, my vision cleared!
God, be thou my vision…be my protector, my liberator, my second skin,
my every step. What we focus on is reflected back to us. I am claiming a
positive result at the eye doctor. I will do my best to reflect Him every
step. I might miss a step or two or six, but He’ll be my picker-upper,
setter-righter, and my light-reflector. Amen!
Ramona McCary
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Walking With God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own
intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways
straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (Common English Bible)
Several weeks ago, at the Contemporary Service, I was watching with
amusement a young family with a daughter I estimated to be nine or ten
months old. She was “lively” and eventually Mom set her down on the
floor to amuse herself. I looked over a minute later and here she came
crawling through the legs of the chair heading into wide open spaces.
Mom got up to follow. The closer Mom got, the faster she crawled
away. It brought back wonderful memories of when my children were
young.
Both of my children were early crawlers and walkers. It only seems like
yesterday they were pulling up on a chair to stand, or their little hands
holding so tightly to my fingers as they took those first wobbly steps.
Over the next few months they began walking more on their own,
sometimes stumbling and falling, but their mother or I would be there to
pick them up, dust them off, and get them headed in the right direction.
As their mobility increased, so did their independence a journey that
continues to this day.
This so reminds me of our walk with God. As we grow and mature, as
we become more independent, the more and more we rely on ourselves
for the paths we take in life. Quite often we “let go” of God’s guiding
hand and take pathways of our own choosing. Where do those journeys
lead? In my life they have led to quite a bit of stumbling and falling.
But no matter how far down the wrong path I go, God is always there to
pick me up, dust me off, and get me headed in the right direction.
I have come to realize that God doesn’t want us to let go of His hand.
He wants to walk with us, hand in hand, leading us through life. Hold
on tight.
Thank You Lord for Your guiding hand. Help me never to let go. Amen.
Alan R. Nicely,
Director of Missions and Evangelism, Smyrna First UMC
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Truly a Fruit of the Spirit
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:34 (New International Version)
When I read the words "treasure" and "heart" it always will make
me smile. Several years ago when I started coming to Smyrna
First, I attended a small group on Thursday nights called Fruit of
the Spirit. It was Christmas time and my father had become
seriously ill after a long fight with cancer. I will never forget the
study. It was "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Christmas." The
awesome Jennifer Rourke was our leader and she and everyone in
the class made me feel like I was so LOVED in the group. It was
truly a treasure to me.
In the past six years, this group has had the HEART of a champion
with all of the projects, fundraising, and gifts of love that were
given, done and shared – I am in utter amazement. We all feel like
family and just at the time in your life when you realize that you
are losing someone you really love, this “Family” steps right in.
Jennifer makes the study about the Bible so interesting and thought
provoking, everyone joins in and the discussions are very special to
all of us. I just wanted to THANK all of the Fruit of the Spirit
members for the Treasure and the Heart they are for me.
Thank You God for our Family and all that we have. May we thank
You every day for the blessings You give us. Amen.
Garry Harvil
Thursday, April 6, 2017
The Guide Takes the Lead
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the
truth…. John 16:13 (New International Version)
I was never so confronted with people who were physically blind as
in the years that I spent in southwestern Asia. Many people had vision
difficulties due to lack of medical care, poor nutrition, and intense
sunlight which sped up the growth of cataracts. With poor roads, few
sidewalks, open drainage ditches and no beeping traffic signals to
direct people across busy roads, those with vision challenges were left
to the mercy of others to assist them virtually everywhere. Most often
these guides were their children or grandchildren. The challenges
were great, but with the help of others life somehow was managed.
When needed medicine or surgery was available, people were given
new “leases on life”.
There is another kind of blindness that impacts all of us at one time or
another. Spiritual blindness is the unwillingness to allow God to
direct, lead, and guide our lives. This blindness comes from a lack of
spiritual care and nutrition, and a lack of exposure to the “Son,” Jesus.
More often this blindness comes from our attitudes which keep us at
bay from God rather than allowing ourselves to be drawn to Him and
the direction He wants us to know.
In the gospel of John (16:13) we read, “But when he, the Spirit of
truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” God’s desire is for
the Holy Spirit to lead us into healthy paths that lead to a right
relationship with Him, good connections with others, and with the
ability to know how God would have us respond in every and all
situations, thus removing our spiritual blindness.
Lord, in this Lenten season may we allow You to open our eyes so that
You may be “our vision, the Lord of our lives.” Amen.
Pastor Bruce Griffith, Director of Adult Discipleship,
Smyrna First UMC
Friday, April 7, 2017
When What We See is Not What is Real
So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we
live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by
believing and not by seeing.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7 (New Living Translation)
The sense of vision is one of the most complex in our body. What
appears to be words on a page are just reflections of light into our
eyes. Everything we look at reflects signals of light and color on the
inside surface of our eyeballs.
Our brain decodes these signals into things, or at least what we think
are things. Optical illusions trick us into believing something is
something else. One person may see a lamp while another person
sees a pair of identical faces looking at one another. We take what
we see and interpret it to make sense.
Daily life is a continuous series of interpreting what we see and
reacting. Steps in a staircase are assumed to be the same height.
Until they are not, and we stumble. There is enough room to walk
around the table. Until your big toe finds it.
When we try to make sense of larger issues in the world, we
struggle. Death, illness, unemployment, depression don't make
sense. Some things don't make sense based on what we know. They
just can't.
That is when God's vision carries us through. We only see the
immediate. He sees the past, present and future simultaneously. He
has all knowledge. He knows how the story turns out. Our hope
must rest beyond our own understanding and vision. Our hope must
rest in God.
Heavenly father, forgive us for the times when we leave You out.
The times when we think we see everything. The times we try to go it
alone. Thank You for Your patience with us. Help us live as You
want us to live. Help us see others as You see them. Amen.
Jeff Wohl
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Putting God First by Putting Others First
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see
you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when
did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe
you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?" And
the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of
the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Matthew 25:37-40 (New International Version)
“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.” When we are setting our
eyes on God, and on the example set for us by Jesus, it will inevitably
lead us toward an intense desire to help the people around us. There
is nothing more central to the message of Jesus than the importance
of reaching out to those who are in need.
As we reflect on our ongoing journey as disciples of Jesus this
Lenten season, I hope it will be an opportunity for us to delve deeper
into all the ways that Jesus showed us what it means to serve. My
prayer is that we will all look for new opportunities to feed the
hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and
imprisoned. Following Jesus won’t always lead us toward comfort,
or wealth, or recognition, but it will always lead us toward service.
God, I pray that You will reveal new ways that I can serve those in
need in my community. Give me the wisdom to see the needs I can
help meet, the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and the
determination to follow the example of service Jesus has set for me
every day. Amen.
Aaron Childree, Worship and Local Missions Coordinator,
iOL (inside Out Life) Student Ministries, Smyrna First UMC
Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017
Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy
Week. On this Sunday we remember the triumphant arrival of Christ
Jesus in Jerusalem. As Jesus entered the city riding a young donkey,
he received lavish praise from the townspeople who threw clothes
and palm branches in front of him. This was a customary practice to
show great respect. Palm branches are a widely recognized symbol of
peace and victory. The townspeople cried out as Jesus passed
by: “Hosanna! (Which meant "Save us, we pray") Blessed is He who
comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!”
Oh Mighty Warrior
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He
will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (New International Version)
In life we are faced with fear. Everyone experiences it, we have all
felt it, and it's pretty safe to say we all hate it. Fear as described by the
Merriam-Webster dictionary is “an unpleasant, often strong, emotion
caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.” We can even
anticipate a reason to fear. But don't we know one great reason never
to fear? Our Lord! He Saves! There is no reason to worry or fear
when our God, our King watches over us. He is the first to go to with
your fear and He will stay with you forever.
Trusting that God will rejoice over you is hard to do, but when you
give your life to Him, He will always protect and watch over you.
When you have the love of the Lord inside of you He will never
leave. He will protect your heart and guide it along the right path.
Dear God, thank You for the blessings in my life. Thank You for Your
guidance and presence. Please help me continue to seek You in all I
do. I come to You Lord with all my fears and troubles and I want to
lay them down. With You as my helper and friend I will no longer
have fear, for I know You are always with me. In Your Holy name I
pray. Amen.
Anna Lyn Morrow
Monday, April 10, 2017
Growing with God
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face
trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (New International Version)
Have you ever felt so tested that you feel alone in your day to day
life? Stress can often feel all-consuming. Sometimes it feels like
we're being hit from all sides. Oftentimes when we feel stress we feel
beaten down and weak.
God tells us in James 1 that although stress seems like it's a negative
thing, it can actually build us up in the end, so we will better prepare
ourselves for the future. We can be put in situations that seem
stressful, but we get to choose how we feel about them. The more we
are put in bad situations, the more we grow from those experiences in
order to become stronger for the future.
Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the strength to persevere through
the trials that come in life. I know it is for my good and it's through
trials that You are making me mature and complete. Forgive me
when I have selfishly wanted to rush the process. May I learn to trust
You more every day. Amen.
Julia DeVane
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Everlasting Love
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 46:5 (New International Version)
I have always been able to find peace in this verse. Knowing that God
is ever-present in my life and knowing that I ‘will not fall’, provides
me with an overwhelming presence of protection and love. Being a
stubborn and independent person has always made my relationship
with God a little rocky, but I’m confident that I can find rest in this
verse.
Ever since I was two years old, I was constantly reminding my parents
that ‘I can do it myself.’ While I have been able to get through some of
my life believing this, lately it’s occurred to me that I actually cannot
do everything on my own. This past year, there have been multiple
occasions where I willingly admitted defeat, shrugged my shoulders,
and said: “God, you gotta take this one.”
When I first saw this verse a few months ago, it really sparked
something in me. I can still be the independent person I am, and also
be equally dependent on God. I’m still the sometimes problematic,
stubborn, and independent person. Because God is within me, I
realized that I make certain decisions because Christ is living in me;
and if I continue to fulfill His word, His light will shine through me.
Because I’ve grown up in church, I’ve continually been reminded that
God loves me and that God will always be there for me. Therefore, I
haven’t had a 'tear jerker' testimony. But when I was finally able to
grasp and accept the agape love that God offers us, it really was life
changing.
I accepted that everything on this earth is temporary, and putting my
faith into anything in this world would not be worth my time. The
‘stuff’ on this earth will only bring me temporary happiness.
Everything God provides is eternal. He will always be there to help at
the break of day. This single realization transformed my path in life; I
no longer felt the need to seek happiness or love from the ‘stuff’’ on
earth.
Dear God, The only happiness and love I need to seek comes from
Your everlasting gifts. Amen.
Maria Richardson
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
He Is in Your Corner
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may
lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares
for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (New International Version)
Wow! What a fantastic verse. It's amazing to think about all the
tough times this verse has carried me throughout high school.
Whether it was walking in on the first day, going through a tough
breakup, or just one of those days where I was down on myself, this
verse has always been there to comfort me.
This verse is comforting because it reminds me of something - it
reminds me to pray! "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares
for you" I found myself repeating this over and over during the past
four years. Whether I was anxious about making friends at a brand
new school where I knew no one, or anxious about a test coming up
next period, I found myself reciting this verse in my head, followed
by a prayer asking God to take care of whatever I was stressed about.
It's amazing how simple it is to just give it to God. It might not
always be easy to get through something tough, but it's
overwhelmingly comforting to know you've got the King of Kings
and the Lord of Lords in your corner, ready to take on whatever you
are fighting against. He takes it as His own burden and that He will
deliver you from it.
Whenever I am going through something tough, I always find myself
reciting that verse over and over in my head followed by a prayer
that usually goes a little something like this:
Dear God, I've been trying to handle this on my own, but I have
realized I can't. I need You, God, I need You to take this stress and
this burden off my back. I need You to deliver me through this
stressful situation and be with me along the way, because I can't
handle this on my own. Amen.
Will Robertson
Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017
The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning
commandment. Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples
at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another and to
remember His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus' last meal with his disciples was the Passover meal. Before the
meal Jesus washed their feet. By performing this lowly act of service,
Jesus "showed them the full extent of His love." (John 13:1) Jesus'
example demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through
humble service. Whenever we have Communion, the Lord's Supper as
recorded in Luke 22:19-20, we remember Jesus’ death on the cross,
celebrate His resurrection and anticipate God’s coming reign.
Trust
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (New International Version)
I was raised in the church. The Lord planted His word in my heart at
an early age. After I left home, like many others, I quit attending
church. I’m ashamed to say that I stayed away for a long time, but a
movie brought me back. Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion of the
Christ made me stop to realize just how much Jesus had gone through
for me. As undeserving as I am, He died for me!
I returned to the church to find out what I can do for Jesus! God
planted an urge in me to serve Him. Instead of trying to figure out
what the church can do for me, I just wanted to find out what
opportunities for service the church could provide for me. The church
is full of opportunities to serve because the church does God’s work.
Jesus left us as His hands and feet in this world. He put His Love in
our hearts, so that we would have the compassion for others that He
has.
Trust that the Lord wants to give you life “abundantly!” An abundant
life must include service, because true happiness is found looking
outward, not inward. Christ wants to fill you with love for others.
Trust Him and live in His abundance!
Lord, thank You for bringing me back to You. Please open other
hearts to Your calling and to Your service. Amen.
Beth Nowlin
Good Friday, April 14, 2017
Good Friday (also known as God's Friday or Holy Friday) is observed
on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many Christians spend this day in
fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering
of Christ on the cross. It is a day that proclaims God's purpose of loving
and redeeming the world through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We call it "good" because we look backward at the crucifixion through
the lens of Easter!
What Rejection Means
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 (New International Version)
As a college student, I have seen rejection many times and I’m pretty
sure everyone can think of plenty of times when they have been rejected
and hurt by it. Our world can be filled with rejection and hurt.
In John 4:41-44 even Jesus, the most perfect man who will ever walk the
earth, knew rejection. But just as Jesus was rejected, even sent to His
death for it, the greatest gift to humankind was given when He arose
from the grave and saved us all from our sins. Yes, even the sins of those
who rejected Him. Christ forgave those who wanted to hurt Him and
those who rejected Him.
Sometimes, if not most of the time, we have a hard time letting go of the
anger toward those who have rejected us. But the truth is, we’ll never be
more Christ-like than when we love and forgive those who hurt us.
When we are anchored in man, rejection has a tendency to destroy our
identity, but when we are anchored in God, rejection destroys our flesh,
which gives us the opportunity to be more Christ-like.
If Jesus hadn’t been rejected, we would all be without hope, because not
all rejections happen for the wrong reasons. Rejection has the ability to
open better doors for us. A lost job opportunity or being turned down by
your dream school could mean that God knows that you’ll be happier
elsewhere or that you’re not quite ready. God has a plan bigger than our
own, and sometimes it takes rejection to get us there.
Lord, let us use our rejection to open us up as vessels for Your use.
Amen.
Mason Westmoreland
Saturday, April 15, 2017
God's Patchwork Vision
…We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your
hand. Isaiah 64:8 (New International Version)
A year ago during Christmas break, I finished cutting out several
thousand pieces of material for a quilt for my oldest son. I was ready
to sew. The following week I started the quilt ... and two tiny pieces
in my machine broke. As I shopped for machine parts, I felt so
blessed when I found my dream quilting machine for half price. I
ordered it. It arrived the day before we left for vacation - a vacation
that would change me forever.
Months of doctor appointments, chemo sessions, transfusions, etc.
and my machine sat in its box unpacked. In July mom went home to
Jesus and my heart lost all joy in creating art with my material. My
patchwork and machine sat untouched.
We have had a series of firsts - mom’s birthday without her,
Thanksgiving without her, Christmas and New Years without her. It
has been hard, but God has been with us through it all.
Today I unpacked the machine. I pulled out those quilt pieces cut with
love for my son and I started sewing and making art with that new
machine.
As I sat, I thought about God's patchwork vision in our lives. He cuts
us out and molds us. Sometimes we stray and we mess up. He mends
us back together. Sometimes our lives change and He changes the
patchwork of our lives. He creates new opportunities, he uses friends
to help stitch us back together, He is always there to mend our broken
hearts. The new work He creates is beautiful, and most of all, His
love slides over us with his beautiful quilt of love.
Lord, may Your vision shape the patchwork of our lives. Amen.
Kimberly Withka,
Director of Worship & the Arts, Smyrna First UMC
Easter Sunday April 16, 2017
The Answer Is Always Easter
They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to
them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they
have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus
standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
John 20:13-14 (English Standard Version)
To lose someone you love is devastating and one of the hardest
things to experience in this life. That is one reason why the Bible
refers to death as an enemy. It destroys relationships we hoped would
last forever. It is often asked in those moments, “How do I survive
the pain?” “How do I make it through this day?”
I have been asked that on numerous occasions by those who have
been swallowed up in the darkness that grief can bring. Like Mary, I
too have stood at the grave, weeping, and have asked God that same
question, “How do I survive?” The answer He gave me that day has
always been the same. It is the same answer Mary received to her
question. Easter, the answer is always Easter. For Mary, Friday was a
day of suffering and agony. Saturday brought confusion and misery.
But then came Sunday, a dawning of a new hope, a new joy, victory
over death. Here on earth those three days will be repeated time and
time again in our lives, but in heaven there will be only one day,
Easter.
J. I. Packer said it so well: "Hearts on earth say in the course of a
joyful experience, 'I don't want this ever to end.' But it invariably
does. The hearts in heaven say, 'I want this to go on forever.' And it
will. There can be no better news than this."
Lord, in the midst of our pain and suffering, when our sight is
blurred by our grief, we ask that You be our vision and just as You
spoke Mary’s name, help us to hear You speak our name. Help us to
hear the word of hope and joy, the word Easter. Amen.
Pastor Steve Lyle, Senior Pastor, Smyrna First UMC