All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. Psalm 25:10
In this prayer for deliverance, the Psalmist recognizes God's amazing love and devotion. At the same time the writer understands that being in relationship with God also involves responsibility by the the one who is praying. Taking responsibility is the hard part for me. It is too easy for me to stay wrapped up in my meetings, exercise, clutter clearing, reading, computers, music and travel. It is difficult for be me break away from my routine and sit with God, focus on what is really important in life and focus on the needs of others. Yet when I do pray to God, I am constantly in awe of God's never wavering love and faithfulness. God reminds me that reflecting love and faithfulness in all that I do is key to keeping her covenant. That grace is an incredible gift.
Dear God, our sustainer and our guide, your gifts of steadfast love and faithfulness are more than we deserve. Help us, in turn, to mirror your love, joy, peace and faithfulness in all that we do. Amen.
Elder Betty Iwan
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 27
After the flood God made a covenant with Noah.
“Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all living creatures. The bow (the rainbow) shall be in the clouds; when I see it, it will remind me of the everlasting covenant between God and living things on earth of every kind.” Genesis 9, 15-17
God has kept his covenant. He has not destroyed us. Apart from gigantic meteors in the past, huge glaciers that gouged the land, tsunamis and the destruction of ancient species, tectonic shifts, apart from those before and after Noah, God has left the earth intact. It has a life sustaining atmosphere, temperatures in which people can live, bountiful sources of food and water, energy pouring on the earth from the sun and a luminous beauty that seems to have been formed in heaven. To that extent God has kept his promise. He has not broken his covenant.
But Noah’s descendants have broken it. They have spread across the earth in growing numbers, concerned only for themselves like locusts, polluting, destroying, denigrating those who protest, willfully ignoring how much they depend upon the goodness of the earth. They have gripped it by the throat and are choking it to death.
What might God do other than turn elsewhere and create a race of beings with, perhaps, less free will, with more of his own wisdom, with greater humility about their place in the universe? Then, we might hope, the everlasting covenant could be kept.
May we be ever mindful of the earthly gifts granted us by God through his covenant with Noah. As we begin each day may we commit ourselves to actions that will help preserve our air, water, plant life, even the smallest of creatures, for the benefit of our children, and our children’s children. Amen.
Rev. Dane Gordon, Honorably Retired & Elder Judy Gordon
“Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all living creatures. The bow (the rainbow) shall be in the clouds; when I see it, it will remind me of the everlasting covenant between God and living things on earth of every kind.” Genesis 9, 15-17
God has kept his covenant. He has not destroyed us. Apart from gigantic meteors in the past, huge glaciers that gouged the land, tsunamis and the destruction of ancient species, tectonic shifts, apart from those before and after Noah, God has left the earth intact. It has a life sustaining atmosphere, temperatures in which people can live, bountiful sources of food and water, energy pouring on the earth from the sun and a luminous beauty that seems to have been formed in heaven. To that extent God has kept his promise. He has not broken his covenant.
But Noah’s descendants have broken it. They have spread across the earth in growing numbers, concerned only for themselves like locusts, polluting, destroying, denigrating those who protest, willfully ignoring how much they depend upon the goodness of the earth. They have gripped it by the throat and are choking it to death.
What might God do other than turn elsewhere and create a race of beings with, perhaps, less free will, with more of his own wisdom, with greater humility about their place in the universe? Then, we might hope, the everlasting covenant could be kept.
May we be ever mindful of the earthly gifts granted us by God through his covenant with Noah. As we begin each day may we commit ourselves to actions that will help preserve our air, water, plant life, even the smallest of creatures, for the benefit of our children, and our children’s children. Amen.
Rev. Dane Gordon, Honorably Retired & Elder Judy Gordon
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 26
Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and teach me. Your keep me safe, and I always trust you. Psalm 25:4-5
Reading this made me wonder, what if we did ask for guidance and put our trust in God to see us through. What if before every big meeting or big decision, we took a moment to ask God's guidance? What if when we walked into the playroom and found a mess or when the teenager forgets to call, we asked for God's guidance? It's like the advice that when in a stressful situation, one should count to ten and take a deep breath before saying something. What if instead of counting to ten, we said a silent prayer, asking for guidance and ultimately trusting that God will help us say or do the right thing.
God, help us to remember to seek your guidance, ask for help to find the path, and trust in your constant presence. Amen.
Deacon Jenny Hutkowski
Reading this made me wonder, what if we did ask for guidance and put our trust in God to see us through. What if before every big meeting or big decision, we took a moment to ask God's guidance? What if when we walked into the playroom and found a mess or when the teenager forgets to call, we asked for God's guidance? It's like the advice that when in a stressful situation, one should count to ten and take a deep breath before saying something. What if instead of counting to ten, we said a silent prayer, asking for guidance and ultimately trusting that God will help us say or do the right thing.
God, help us to remember to seek your guidance, ask for help to find the path, and trust in your constant presence. Amen.
Deacon Jenny Hutkowski
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday, February 25
Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and sustain in me a willing spirit. Psalm 51.11-12
When Jesus departed from this earth, he left us the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. But it is too easy to live in our busy world and forget our guide- to let our cares and duties distract us from Jesus's comfort and consolation- the Holy Spirit.
Help me, Lord, to be present with your Holy Spirit that resides within me. Help me remember Your guiding spirit that whispers your message to me daily. Help me to shut out the noise of the world and listen to your word. Amen.
Elder Ronna Grimes
When Jesus departed from this earth, he left us the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. But it is too easy to live in our busy world and forget our guide- to let our cares and duties distract us from Jesus's comfort and consolation- the Holy Spirit.
Help me, Lord, to be present with your Holy Spirit that resides within me. Help me remember Your guiding spirit that whispers your message to me daily. Help me to shut out the noise of the world and listen to your word. Amen.
Elder Ronna Grimes
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