So many of the devotionals I read this morning had the theme of ships, boats, storms, and rescues. One quote that particularly struck me was, “Life is a shipwreck; sing in the life boat.” It and yesterday’s events along with the other readings today prompted this poem:
Life is a Shipwreck
Life is a shipwreck Sing in the lifeboat Thank God for our faith It keeps us afloat
When plans go astray And you can’t do as planned Just climb off the ship There’s a lifeboat on the land
Jesus is calling you To listen to His Word All you had intended to do May, in fact, be absurd
His lifeboat will take you To a much better place So sing as you sail along And keep your eyes on His face
Yesterday I was all set to go on a bus to the county fair with a group from our local nursing home. When I arrived to help out, I discovered there were only two residents going and they had two volunteers to help already. I could have gone along to be an extra pair of hands, but as I sat in the back seat between the other two (with no seatbelt in my center space), I heard the Holy Spirit telling me, “This is a shipwreck! This is not what I need you to be doing today.”
I heeded His warning and returned home where God had a lifeboat prepared for me: Bob needed to go in to Bozeman to have his hearing aids fixed and my company was needed right here at home.
Sometimes we reach out to help others, thinking that’s the service to Him that God has in mind for us, and He manages to head us off at the pass. He says, “No, your service is needed right where you are! Get off the ship. Come sing in the lifeboat!”
Life doesn’t have to be a shipwreck!!
Do you relate?
May your faith Keep you afloat As you avoid the shipwreck And let God float your boat
Listen for those instructions. Keep the faith, my friends. Avoid the shipwreck; Sing in the lifeboat!
It’s been a wonderful early winter Sunday. It snowed all night last night! Yes, I know… too soon! It’s only mid-October.
See those footprints under the tree? When I looked out the window this morning, there was a deer, nibbling on the berries in that tree. By the time I dashed to get my camera/phone, she was long gone! I think she is the same doe who visited us last week, and chewed off/ spit out the geranium blossoms that were in that planter.
Yes, she’s been here before. I captured her on camera last spring. She’ll be back! She’s pretty… but she is a nuisance. She thinks our plants were put there to supply her salad bar!
Today’s sermon by Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds dealt with this same theme: “He’ll be back!”
John 16:16 Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy
16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”
In my sermon notes today, I captured these main ideas,
Life doesn’t always turn out as we imagine. Disappointments run the gamut. The disciples were puzzled, not understanding where Jesus was going and why He had to leave. Jesus knew His disciples would grieve and they would be mocked for believing in Him as their Savior, so He wanted to encourage them.
20 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”
He would not leave them for good… He promised He’d send them A Comforter (The Holy Spirit), and then He would return to them.
Jesus told the disciples, “The Holy Spirit is a gift that will come in my absence.”
The Holy Spirit is with us today. The Spirit is a nudge in the night, the inexplicable comfort in times of distress, a direct line to God (God on speed dial!) Sometimes referred to as the Holy Ghost, He will come to remind you of everything Jesus taught during His ministry on earth.
Tragedy is tragedy- However, there is a wisdom obtained when we experience the goodness and the tragedy together.
Life can take us on turns we don’t expect. We’d like to trade pain and tragedy for comfort. However, disappointment and pain help us be more fully connected to others with empathy and compassion. That ain’t always easy – that’s for sure!
Mary Grace concluded her sermon with this thought to ponder: “We become stronger than what hurts us. There is much hope in that.”
Are you like me? Wouldn’t you rather just avoid that which hurts you? Don’t hurts just feel like a trap?
God is asking us to look at life’s challenges through Jesus glasses. Don’t deny yourself the lessons learned. When things aren’t working out, take another look!
Like that deer on my front lawn, troubles and disappointments return. But so do joys and blessings.
My cough has been quiet while I typed this. It may return when I try to sleep tonight, but it won’t last forever. JOY comes in the morning! Hang in there, my friends. I’ll be back!
Have a blessed week. Today was my grandson, Chrissy’s 27th birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Toki!! (He’s in Switzerland…)
Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment below. I love having positive exchanges with you.
Keep looking ahead Don’t look backward instead Keep your balance upright And your future in sight
Don’t be in a hurry You don’t need to scurry Be ever expectant But, don’t be a contestant
We’re part of a whole Connection’s our goal Slow down and discover We can lean on each other
May your eyes look ahead And read what is said About those in distress Who live in a mess
Because they don’t pause And look at the cause Of the trouble they’re in It stems from within
They rush here and there Seldom are they aware Of the joy that’s ahead If they’d slow down instead
So keep your eyes looking up Let the calm fill your cup As you savor each day Spreading love on your way.
In his book, Ever Faithful, David Jeremiah reminded me in today’s devotional that there is something to rejoice in, give thanks for, and pray about around every curve. He referenced this scripture:
Thessalonians 5:16-18
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
David Jeremiah reminds us that looking ahead – keeping your eyes focused on the path is the important task at hand. Do not be hurried! “Real joy in life comes not to the hurried, but to the expectant- those eager for new experiences and discovery.
There are encounters, discoveries, people, events, opportunities, blessings and challenges to be found.”
What is on your prayer list? Who are on your prayer list? Do you pray daily – multiple times each day? The Bible tells us,
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Prayer joyfully – with confidence!
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us.
John 5:14
The big question is – How do we know if what we are praying is in God’s will?
Tune in to the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave us the Spirit as a helper when He left earth and ascended into heaven. Take advantage of that gift! It is ours by God’s grace!
God’s Holy Spirit gives us the Fruits of the Spirit – and daily we must pray for their presence to live in our lives.
I find the first three are mine… I accept them with deep gratitude. Not everyone has the LOVE, JOY, and PEACE that are mine automatically. I know that! I do not take them for granted. And if you lack them, I pray God will provide you today with LOVE, JOY, and PEACE.
But, the other six? Oh Lord, I ask for help – Help with them everyday so that I may show more kindness goodness faithfulness (which brings blessings) gentleness and self-control.
Join us now as we come to God in prayer. We pray humbly for all people to have: Love Food Medical care Shelter Peace Respect Freedom Unity Faith Healing Hope Comfort and Security.
Although the flow May feel like a free fall, Embrace the flow. There’s Someone at your call.
He’s right there to catch you When you’re about to land. He won’t let you crash – He’ll hold out His hand!
Yesterday Bob & I dashed off to Bozeman for three reasons – and there ended up being four… oh actually five:
Drop off his pickup at “Dark Horse Snug Tops” to replace the hinge on his hatch cover
Go to an appointment with the nephrologist (what’s that? -the doctor who deals with the branch of medicine related to physiology and diseases of the kidneys-)
Keep an appointment with the cardiologist (you all know that’s a heart doctor), and an unexpected
X-ray of his abdomen… oh, and I was there for a 5th reason:
To shop for the veggies to make vegetable soup for tomorrow’s fellowship at church
We were hoping that the nephrologist would say his kidneys show no signs of protein or amyloid deposits – and so a biopsy would not be necessary. God answered that prayer!
We were hoping the cardiologist would say all the preliminary tests are done and show no signs of AL Amyloidosis (the cancerous kind) – and so no more labs and scans before our trip to Mayo Clinic in January. God answered that prayer.
The unexpected x-ray showed yes, the abdomen area is full of air (that’s why it sounds like a kettle drum when you tap on it) – but it’s not fluid – and he’s not showing signs like pain or vomiting – so we won’t deal with that issue right now. God is good! We trust His timing on this – (and all our other decisions).
I got my veggie shopping done (Thanks, CostCo, for your lovely fruits and veggies) – and …
The pickup latch cover hinge was fixed and BONUS: they replaced the key mechanism that was troubling (God answers prayers you didn’t know to mention … He’s way ahead of you!)
So, go with the flow…
John 7:38
“Out of the believer’s heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Today’s word in Unity‘s Daily Word is FLOW. The introductory thought is, “I flow with the nourishing life of God.” John 7:38 is the featured scripture. The devotional (quoting Lao Tzu) says, “The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things, without trying to.”
As believers, we know that “supreme good” is God. We know God is “The Flow.”
Unity‘s Daily Word goes on to say, “Whether I experience this flow as a current of a river, the swelling of ocean waves, or my body’s life-sustaining circulation, I am in sync with this flow, which by its nature knows which way to go and what to do.”
How refreshing is that thought to you? It nourishes my soul. By the Holy Spirit, I know God’s life is in me – moving, changing, dancing and singing. I am one with the flow. I need not dash and rush and worry about things happening on time! I need not worry about Bob’s heart and kidneys, his abdomen or his pickup. I need not worry about his lack of stamina on the drive home. Just go with the flow – and trust. Follow along in the car – and honk if his pickup drifts and he seems to be falling asleep!!
Sometimes the flow is slow and steady … and I am out there in a fiery mood, trying to rush it along.
Don’t be in a rush To try to get too much done. Let the smooth flow of God Stop you mid-run!
Delight in the sneakiness Of a red sunset’s glow, And take time to relish The soft taste of snow.
Embrace the joy Of vegetables’ texture and smell, The magic of herbs as they cook, And bid stressing farewell!
Embrace the flow Of God in your life. Let Him slow you down As you eliminate strife.
Don’t worry about health. Don’t stress over unfinished tasks. Just go with the flow – And take time for some laughs!
Overflow this Advent season with the love of Christ Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the easy flow of God answering prayers in your life.
Daily Guideposts 2021 devotional today inspired this blog topic. After I chose “Multiplying” as my EMBRACE theme today, every place I looked, I saw evidence of answers to my question, “But what needs to be multiplied?”
When you hear/read the word “multiplying” what comes to mind? I asked Bob that question this morning after my devotional time while we were chatting at the breakfast table.
“Increasing comes to mind. Numbers come to mind,” he answered.
What comes to your mind?
In her blog this morning, Marva Seaton wrote about multiplying. She didn’t use the word, but the concept definitely was there.
The first devotional that inspired this theme was in Daily Guideposts. The scripture passage was:
John 15:12 (MSG)
Love one another the way I loved you.
<3
The prayer at the bottom of the page for today, June 24th read:
“All loving God, we thank You for those You’ve graced us with, who offer encouragement, inspiration, and hope.
Amen”
Embrace the people who share that encouragement with you.
In my mind, that’s what needs to be multiplied: faith (in God and the Holy Spirit in you), self-confidence, strength, hope, and love.
You have to believe in yourself.
Multiply your self-confidence.
Multiply your prayers. Multiply your requests to God.
He is there to listen, to respond, and to make you great!
You can live your dreams…
What you need is all in you!
You can multiply your power if you understand God’s power is in you!
Starting last week, her first week on the job, our new pastor, Mary Grace Reynolds, sent out a “Weekly Word.” It will be e-mailed to us every Thursday.
In it, she gives the congregation glimpses into what the week will hold. She shares announcements and then she shares a scripture and her “take-away” from that passage.
Today’s “Weekly Word” message fit right in to the “Multiplying” theme:
Yes, Embrace Multiplying!
Multiply your faith. Reach out and touch. Share. Believe in the power. Take courage! Multiply the love, the affection, the healing, the embracing.
My hugs are included in this post to you. Have a beautiful day!
Today in the USA it is Veteran’s Day. (Oooops! Nope, it’s Memorial Day!) World-wide it is Holy Trinity Sunday.
Veteran’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the men and women who are or have served our country in the military. It is a day to thank God for four freedom and to remember the men and women who fought to keep us free. (It is Nov. 11th. I get it mixed up with today… the last Monday in May: A day to honor those who DIED while serving our country.)
My day started in my sanctuary as it usually does – A place where I feel the Holy Spirit alive and well. There, I pray to God, learn from His Son’s life, And listen to the Spirit guiding me.
Downstairs, I joined Bob who was busy fixing fruit For our breakfast. It was a beautiful blue sky day.
After breakfast, we went to church where I was a greeter And Bob read scripture. As usual, I took sermon notes.
Chuck Wright delivered the message: “Holy Trinity.”
Here are the notes I took as I listened:
Inspired by: Romans 5:1-11
We have been justified by faith. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. We rejoice in suffering, for it brings perseverance. We were powerless until Christ came to this sod.
We received reconciliation throgh the cross. The Holy Trinity, the Godhead, is God, Son, Holy SPirit. The word “Trinity” is not in the Bible, but The separate parts are there. With ears, hear it!
Jesus existed at the beginning of time. He came to earth for the purpose of saving us. When He ascended back to His Heavenly home, He put the Holy Spirit in our hearts, engraving us.
We are marked by the blood of Jesus. We remember His blood and body in communion. We celebrate the spiritual world of God, Knowing His Trinity is present in our world – in union.
In union, the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. Understanding that is beyond our comprehension. So we read His Word. study His Son’s life, And listen for His Spirit in us. Pay attention!
God is love. Love is from God. We’re gifted with it. God sent His Son to the world to show us how to love. Christ died for us that we might live forever In Heaven with God – our Eternal Home above.
Back home, the focus was on Veteran’s (nope… Memorial Day) weekend. Tomorrow (now it’s today) we will go to the Ennis Cemetery for a special service. Then we will attend a Memorial Day Barbecue at the rodeo grounds. It started out as a meal for veterans and their families only… but then it grew exponentially until it’s “Ya’all Come!” They anticipate there could be as many as 500 diners. I’m praying for the dear guys who are preparing the food. God bless ’em! I hope they survive it! Tonight I watched a Memorial Day Concert… My favorite was the playing of TAPS. It was beautiful!
If you are in the USA, what will you do to celebrate Memorial Day?
If you are in another country, do you have a day comparable to this one – when you honor those people who served and died while in the military (in the act of service to preserve your country’s freedom?) How do you thank those who serve your country in this way?
And how about the Trinity? Is it a part of your understanding?
I am grateful for your visit here today. Thanks for reading JanBeek. See ya tomorrow(God willing)
Today is the day we have been waiting for: Pentecost Sunday. It is the day our pastor candidate, Mary Grace Reynolds, presented the sermon for our congregation. She not only preached, but she did the whole sheeebang!
Her prayers, her management of the announcements, her Call to Confession and Assurance of Pardon, her Children’s message, the way she interacted with young and old … all were so lovely, so perfect!
After the service, the members stayed and cast their ballots. 100% of the members voted to affirm her candidacy. 100% of the members voted to affirm her “Call.” That included her salary package, reimbursable items, and general terms of employment – no dissentors! Hooray!
The Holy Spirit came in tongues of fire to the people On that first Pentacostal Sunday. It enabled the people to speak in the language of their hearer… a miraculous day. Today felt miraculous to me. Thank you for your prayers!
We all prayed for this vibrant, young pastor fresh out of seminary – ready to serve the Lord!
Mary Grace Reynolds
If you have followed my blog for a while, you know I post my sermon notes on Sunday afternoons. I take notes as I listen, and I try to capture the main points of the message in poetry. Here are my notes from today’s message:
A Greening
Inspired by the New Testament scripture: Romans 8:18-30
Red is the color of love . It’s cultural shorthand for things warm & vivid It symbolizes the brightness of joy Also paints emotions angry and livid
Red is the tongues of the Holy Spirit Tongues of fire that came down from on high Paul tells in the book of Romans The meaning of the glory from the sky
The Holy Spirit brought hope to hearts The Spirit intercedes for us When we don’t put our scripture notes In a binder & they shuffle, we fuss.
The Holy Spirit tells us to wait Reorder the pages – and take a breath Know that others are forgiving They know a mistake is not sudden death
Going on – the meaning of colors – The red enhanced by the color green Is when the people tune back in To hear the message – what does red mean?
The alms and cadavers and elements Were explained as they impact the world Hildegard’s approach to medicine explained Kept us tuned in as new ideas unfurled
The power of nature to put forth healing Was linked to the nature of creation Nature is inclined to create new life And it anticipates newness with elation
Humans, the Earth, and the Holy Spirit Are trapped in a state of decay The Holy Spirit gives us the tenacity To hang in – to endure day by day.
The Holy Spirit helps us understand The holiness of our yearning & pain The pain is a signal that tells us We need to endure, for God will remain
God gives us the Holy Spirit To guide us into seeking solutions Our hope is stored in what we don’t see But leads us to resolution
It helps us resolve to be The light that directs people to see The Fruits of the Spirit in us Lord, help the world see that love & peace in me.
Amen
My day started with a message from my friend, Lisa. She sent me pictures of roses from her garden. The red of these roses symbolizes love to me And I share that love with you today, my friends.
Just as red comes in many shades, So does the expression of how we care Vary in a multitude of ways. Thank you for reaching out and covering us in prayer.
God heard. God answered. God is good All the time!
Welcome to Madison Valley Presbyterian Church, Mary Grace!
We are soooo delighted that the Holy Spirit led you here.
Lots of Love!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek on Pentecost Sunday. Have a great rest of your day. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
