Daily Encourager – May 22, 2020

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. – Psalm 85:11

Sunrise and Sunset, most of us live our days between these two things. There was a time long ago, when it was necessary because the only good light source was the sun. Now, some people can operate with or without the light from the sky.  We could choose to live our complete lives indoors, with artificial lighting. However, I don’t think that would be fun, plus we’d miss what’s in my opinion the 2 best times of day; sunrise and sunset.

We live our lives between these two moments, but when we stop and look and appreciate the beauty of those moments perhaps we notice something.  When the Sun is rising over the horizon at sunrise, it seems the earth and sky touch at that moment, and the same could be said of sunset.  Twice a day we are reminded that heaven and earth are connected, that as the psalmist says, “faithfulness springs from the ground, and righteousness look down from the sky” Those moments they meet are often the moments we cherish most, the moments when we give thanks for another day, starting or complete.  Typically, those moments are spent with the ones we love most.

Sunrise and Sunset are also used as analogies for the stages of life, if sunrise is the beginning, is our birth; then sunset is the end and our death.  All the time in between we live the days of our lives.  However, again, it’s those pivotal moments of starting and ending that we often spend surrounded by family and loved ones.  It is also in those moments when heaven and earth are most connected.  I’m also reminded of the ascension of Jesus, as he was taken up to the skies to sight at the right hand the Father, and from whence he shall return.

To me, the psalmist is trying to remind the congregation, the faithful people of God, that each day is a reminder of the steadfast love and forgiveness offered by God. Each day we awaken restored to share love and kindness, and the end of each day is a time to ask forgiveness, to offer our mistakes and shortcomings to God, that we might grow closer in our relationship to him. Each day as the sun rises and set, are times to remember that our Lord has ascended into heaven and shall return to us.  We need to be reminded that we are his faithful, who share in his righteousness. The meeting of righteousness and faithfulness is where God’s divine love is seeded, nurtured, and grows. 

Today, I hope you can be reminded of the new life you have been given, the restoration that has come to you with the sunrise, and I pray you can enjoy a good conversation with God at sunset. In between, do your best to live into the steadfast love of God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 21, 2020

Sing to God, sing praises to his name;  lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds —
his name is the Lord— be exultant before him. – Psalm 68:4

What a powerful image of God, “him who rides upon the clouds…” I know that often when we think of clouds, we think of days when we are missing out on being outdoors.  The first couple of days of this week felt like that.  The storms and rain came rolling in, and put a literal damper on a few things.  I don’t often mind the rain, I actually appreciate it right now, especially as I’m trying to get some new grass to grow in my back yard. And in between rain showers this week, I was able to plant a few new trees as well. I know the rain will help them to grow, but so will the sunshine.

When I think about God as one who rides the clouds, my mind goes to those lazy afternoons when you can lay outside in the field or (my preference) a hammock, read a good book, listen to some music, and enjoy the day. On those days, we might glance up to the sky and see some fluffy clouds floating past us, and enjoy the beauty they share.  My kids have reached the stage of life that they start to see object in the shapes of the clouds, and like generations before, we share what we see, and how it moves across the sky.  I remember one day seeking a cloud formation that looked like a castle in a wonderful kingdom, and perhaps this is a good image for the God who rides upon the clouds.

I know and realize that the kingdom of God is far grander than what I could imagine on top of a cloud. But beyond the clouds, the sky, the earth, and even what we know, now, as outer space, there exists a place we call heaven.  Yet, this place is also as close as a heartbeat. The God who created everything, and who created and sustains us knows everything about us, our hopes, dreams and imaginations, and rides upon the clouds watching and blessing us all along this journey of life.

These thoughts should give us reason, all the more, to sing praises to him.  Reality is, songs are prayers we pray twice, and they are the longest lasting prayers of our life as well.  Even for those whose memories begin to fail and fade, music remains, the prayer of the heart in song rides through the sky just like the clouds for in songful praise I think we are closer to God than even a heartbeat, resting and secure in His arms. 

 May the songs of praise be on your lips, today, as you give praise to the one who rides on the clouds above you. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 20, 2020

The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. – James 5:15

We continue with the theme of prayer, today.  It is Wednesday for those who may have lost track.  It is a day when some would gather for Bible Study, and spend time uplifting one another in prayer.  James closes this short epistle with a call to prayer.  In verse 13, James returns the subject of suffering.  The letter opened with a call to consider it pure joy when we face trials and suffering for our faith.  Now, in response to how the letter was opened we find that prayer is the answer to suffering, turning our mourning into dancing as the psalmists says, or as James indicates let our prayers move us to sing and be happy.

The suffering that James is referring to is what was brought up in an earlier verse, 5:10 where we see that this suffering is a reference to the suffering prophets endured for the Lord.  The prophets suffered for their stand for righteousness and God’s truth.  When we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are called to pray, and God will fill us with power, and joy, and our prayers and our sufferings will turn into songs of thanksgiving.

From here, James moves to talk about those who are physically ill, and in need of prayer.  When James speaks of the healing of people, and the anointing of oil, notice that he doesn’t say we need to go to the preacher, or to the pastor, but the elders (plural) of the church.  In this, James is calling for the faithful community to pray together for healing.

I’m sure as a church we have done that, and know that we still pray for one another, especially as each has need. In these days, we might not be able to gather around someone, anoint them, or lay hands on them, but that doesn’t mean prayer is moot. Prayers must continue for each other as we lift them, gathered in Spirit to God for healing, comfort, peace, etc. James still leads us further that these in our prayers, however.  James calls us to pray for forgiveness.

When we pray for forgiveness, we also are called to do something.  We must forgive.  If we want to be forgiven, we need to make amends for what we have done wrong, or to whom we have done wrong and seek forgiveness.  Sometimes this even means forgiving ourselves for the mistakes that we have made that keep us from living a life abundant and joyful, and start living as if we truly have faith that we are forgiven.

If we are praying for guidance in a situation, sometimes we have to actually start moving in that direction.  We cannot always just stop, wait, and do nothing.  And say we are praying for guidance.  Guidance comes as we are moving, not as we are stopped.  My GPS can tell me where to go, can offer me directions as to how to get to where I’m going, but when I actually start moving, something different happens.  My GPS begins to understand where I really am, and guides me to where I need to be.  If I take a wrong turn, the GPS re-directs me sometimes on an alternative route, but still gets me to where I need to go.

Praying for guidance in our lives is much like that.  We think we know how to get to where we need to be as a community, as a person, as a leader, but as we start moving, and as we pray for guidance the Spirit of God may redirect us, may tell us to turn around, may be silent for miles-and-miles as long as we are heading in the right direction. 

Our faith in God should not have to stop to question if we are still going in the right direction. Our faith in God should call us to trust that the Holy Spirit will redirect us as we pray if we begin to stray from the path.

Today, the path ahead for society, for church gathering, for seemingly everything about life is uncertain. However, I believe that through prayer, God will lead us on, and in this, I hold on to the faith, and pray.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 19, 2020

“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. – Luke 11:9

How’s your prayer life? 

I’ve been asked that question many times in my life, even before taking on the role as pastor, and I never quite know how to answer. During this time of quarantine, I’d have to say my prayer life has changed a little.  I find myself praying for healing of the nations, ending of the virus, and for all to stay safe and well.  I pray for each of you.  Especially when I’m walking through the sanctuary.  I think about where you sit, and long to see you there in the future.

Maybe you’ve been asked about your prayer life before. Especially, in this time of isolation, I wonder how it has impacted your prayers, like that they have mine.

Honestly, the best part about prayer is that we are staying connected with God. The importance of prayer in life, is that it keeps us connected to the source of our salvation.

At one point in my life, just before entering seminary, I decided in lent that my Lenten discipline would be to pray without ceasing.  I wasn’t sure what that would really entail, but my thought was that I would spend my waking hours mindful of God. 

During this season I was working full time at a pharmacy, and it just so happened that the season of Lent had aligned itself with Flu season that year. It was a very hectic time, but I was mindful to pray.  I gave thanks to God for the busyness, I prayed for the medications that we dispensed, I offered prayers for the people I met, I didn’t tell anyone I was praying for them, I just chose in my mind, and in my heart to pray.

It was an interesting experience, I had known that God is with me, much longer than just that season, I had known God’s presence in my life, but this was a different connection, a different kind of freedom, it was an awareness that God was aware of me.

What a wonderful thing to know, that when we ask, we shall be heard. We have to understand that sometimes the answer is “no,” and that’s a whole other issue.  Yet, God the Father of us all, in Christ Jesus, and in the power of the Holy Spirit is with us, and will hear us as we pray.

I hope your prayers draw you closer to the redeeming and sustainer, today, and always.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 18, 2020

Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. – Psalm 80:3

This was supposed to be the last academic week for students.  And Friday would have been the beginning of Summer break.  We know that we won’t be seeing any structure of school until fall, and even that may seem different.  For us, it will mean 2 children in elementary school, and neither Samantha nor I are sure how we feel about that.  Getting back to a restored society, or a sense of normal may be a long way away, or at least is feels that way right now.

Truth is there are days just making it to bedtime is a win.  Doesn’t matter what was or mostly wasn’t accomplished, the day is done, and it’s time to rest, because we know it will happen all over again the next day.  I guarantee that one day we will look back and miss the noise of this house, but it won’t be today, nor tomorrow.  Those days we seek the help that only God can provide, and then wonder who has prayed that we would have patience.

It’s a running joke in our family, something that arose from a small group we were a part of many years ago.  We fully believe that when you pray for patience, God answers that prayer by placing opportunities in front of you to practice patience.  Therefore, we never pray that we would have patience, but that we would have peace, even in the chaos.

In our psalm, that writer is seeking the restoration that comes from salvation. The psalmist recounts that God has done so much for his people in the past. The writer has heard the stories, and had faith to believe that God can make things right again, but patience is wearing thin. The psalmist laments, “how long, O Lord…”  These days we feel that we can echo that lament, we wonder how long, O Lord, will we need to remain distant from one another? How long, O Lord will I need to make sure I have a mask and hand sanitizer everywhere I go? How long, O Lord, will it be till I can see my friends, my loved ones, the faces of each church member?

The psalmist says verse 16: “Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire…” However I am reminded that Jesus tells us in John 15:2 – “He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” The vine is not cut down, and we do not lose hope in these times of wondering “how long…” Instead we understand that God is pruning, refining, and preparing us for something better on the other side of all this.

I read recently that the image of an arrow might be best for 2020 as we have experienced it.  The reason is, that an arrow doesn’t do anything until it is first drawn backwards.  When an arrow is pulled from the quiver and placed on the bowstring, it must be pulled back before it can be released.  In these times of tension, uncertainty, fear and doubt, we are being pulled back, but in faith, I believe it is only because God is preparing to launch us into something better.  I hope that you will be inspired this week to look for the ways in which you are being prepared to launch into something new, something amazing, something in which God will bless you richly. 

As always, I’d love to hear your stories, your encouragements, and if it’s something you would like for me to share with everyone else, I’d be happy to do so. 

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 17, 2020

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I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. – Psalm 34:2-3

We come again to Sunday, the day we gather in the sanctuary and praise the lord, receiving his blessings for yet another week, and being encouraged to keep the faith.  I know that our “gathering” isn’t quite what we have been accustomed; however, I still remain thankful that we can offer a way for us to worship together even if we do so separately.

Truth is we are to praise and extol the Lord at all times. I don’t know that the writer of this psalm had a quarantine in mind when these words were penned. Yet, they seem appropriate for us in this time, that we would be reminded to continue in our praise and admiration of the Lord our God who has sustained us through so much, and abides with us still today.

Furthermore, the beauty of this weekend has hopefully allowed us to exit the walls of our house, to breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the new creation in bloom. It seems these days, as spring unfolds into full bloom, there is always something new to experience and enjoy.  All of these new blooms, the new growth, the new creation, should remind us that we, too, are newly created into the likeness of Christ.

Because of this newness that is growing inside of each of us, waiting to burst forth in song, we can join the psalmist as the song proclaims, “let us exalt his name together.”

Today, as we gather around our screens for worship again, let us exalt the Lord’s name together, let us sing louder, pray deeper, and allow the Lord’s presence to spread through the wifi, and data cables, as we gather with so many around the world, praising God in this way.

Worship has not ended, it is not cancelled, it continues each and every day, and that is even more reason for us to glorify the Lord. The afflicted of body, mind, and spirit, will hear, and they will rejoice, because God’s people will never stop praising His almighty name. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 16, 2020

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. – Psalm 27:9

There’s an age-old game that kids, to this day, love to play. I would even venture to guess you’ve played it as a child, with your kids, and even with your grand-kids. It’s called, hide-and-seek. Yeah, you’ve heard of it. We all know the point, one person counts and then goes and seeks all other participants who have sought out that perfect hiding spot.

On those days that it has been too cold, or too wet to get outside, we’ve found ourselves playing a few rounds of hide-and-seek after dinner to drain some excess energy before bedtime.  My favorite part of the game, however, is when the youngest gets involved.  She doesn’t, yet, get the full concept of the game, but enjoys running around.  However, she is very observant, too.  She watches as people find their hiding spots, and then hangs around.  When the seeker comes looking, she promptly points them to where the others are hiding.  Sure, you could say that it take the fun out of the game, but as an adult, I find it fascinating.

Wouldn’t it be great if we had a someone who could always point us to the things we are trying to find?

The psalmist writes as through God is hiding. The writer wants us to realize that we are all those who are seeking God.  However, once we find God, the greater request comes earlier in the psalm – “that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”  The writer knows that security is found in the house of the Lord; that justice, and shelter are there on the rock, that righteousness and salvation are found only there.

The psalmist is seeking that which they know should be sought, and their confidence is that the Lord shall be found. The psalmist reminds the congregation that we are seeking God together.  And in this, I’m reminded that there are always those who know something we haven’t found yet.  They have something to share with us, they have a truth to be told, they have found a pathway that leads to the peace of God’s presence, and we should listen to them.

It’s a reminder that we are all seeking the same God, the same salvation, the same peace, and we need to listen to those who have had made steps ahead of us.  We need each other in this, because we help to show each other the way. 

Perhaps that is why this time of distance is so trying on us, at times.  Because we aren’t around those who have been a help in the past.  Yet, we hold hope, because we know the path of the Lord, we know the hope that he has given, and we know that God is not hidden, but present with us, if we open the eyes of heart to see.  God is there, sometimes like the youngest among us, pointing us to himself. Go, and seek him, for he is not far from you.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 15, 2020

Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. 48 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” – Psalm 106:47-48

Do you sit down and recount the wonderful blessings of God?  We often know of God’s blessings, and if we get to talking about thing, we find that there is a lot for which we can give thanks.  Sometimes those blessings are easy to point out, others, we have to sit and think about a bit.  We have to think about the little moments as well as the big moments. We have to recount the story in which we are a part.  We should be reminded that we are written into a story that starts and ends with God. For God is Alpha and Omega beginning and end, and we are blessed to be included in that grand story of faith.

The writer of psalm 106 must have been a historian.  This psalm of praise recounts the story of all the things that God has done for the people of Israel, of how they were once slaves, but God redeemed them.  The people of Israel often recount the story of who they are, because they realize that it is a story that is beyond them as an individual, but a story that makes them one people with their God. 

In the same way, we become a part of a story in Christ that is greater than our individual story of faith.  I sometimes think this is a difficult thing in our modern culture.  We are so focused on the “I” of life, and sometimes we focus on those who are closest to us, relationally, but rarely do we realize that we are part of a story that is so much bigger. We often tend to think about personal testimony when it comes to faith, or we tell of the blessings we have known of God, but this psalm should remind us that we are a greater “us” in Christ. In Christ we enter the great plural “you;” or in our grandest southern dialect, we enter the "y’all.” I sometimes think we would better understand some of the salvation story if we inserted the “y’all.” Like – Y’all are saved by grace through faith.

Being a part of the grander story, reminds us that we are a part of a family that is being called out as the psalmist says, “from the nations.” For we are a part of God who is working to bring us together as one.  It is for this reason, that we as a grander people are able to shout the “amen.”

Today, I hope you can give thanks to God for the salivation God has brought you, but better, give thanks that y’all have been called together to be the family of God, for the glory of God from everlasting to everlasting.  In this family we shall shout the praise to God, and join the grand, Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 14, 2020

Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. – Psalm 71:3

Safety and security are almost an essential part of our human existence.  Of course there are some physiological needs that comes first; air, food, water, shelter warmth, sleep.  These are all necessary to sustain life, but beyond that comes safety.  The idea that one is secure is a need that comes almost immediately at birth.  A baby is born, and begins to cry, but nestled in it’s mother’s arms, and given milk, the baby is soothed, and soon suckles and sleeps.  The baby has realized it is safe and secure.

Throughout our lives we come to times when our security is challenged. Sometimes by our own actions, as we get older and venture to do things that assert our independence.  However, we typically do so with some kind of safety-net.  That is, we may spend the first night away from home, but know we can call mom and dad, if needed.  Or we may go off somewhere to college, but know we can return home, if needed.

Eventually, we think we can provide our own security, through job stability, health insurance, steady paycheck and such, our desired needs have stretch well beyond security at this point.  However, when something happens, we immediately revert back, and want to feel safe once more.

Some have said that security is nothing more than an illusion, but I disagree.  Security is something that runs deep inside of us, though on the surface it can be taken away, it doesn’t disappear altogether. Not as long as there is hope.

Our greatest security, or at least our greatest hope, is found in our relationship with God.  I have found, that even in times when life has been frazzled, when I’ve been shaken, even deeply, I find security in knowing the rock in which is my fortress and my salvation. Today’s psalm verse is a request of the psalmist, that God would be that refuge and strong fortress, knowing that it is in the Lord’s arms that we are truly secure.

We might remember the words of, Rev. Martin Luther, who nearly 500 years ago penned: A mighty fortress is our God. I’m drawn, however to the final stanza of that hymn which says:

That word above all earthly powers—
No thanks to them—abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also:
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is for ever.

We rest securely even now, knowing that we belong to the kingdom that is forever with the one who abideth still.  May you rest securely in the arms of your Savior today. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 13, 2020

My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your word. – Psalm 119:81

Psalm 119 is the longest song within our Scriptures.  The author of the psalm is unknown, but most modern scholars believe it was written in a post-exilic (after exile) time for Israel’s history.  For a people trying to turn back to God’s ways, and knowing that there was a great and significant revitalization of God’s Law during that time, make sense that this psalm is so intent on understanding the beauty and wonder of “God’s word.”

For the people and time in which this psalm was probably written, the word of God would have been the law, or how the law was interpreted by the priests and prophets of the time.  It is likely that this psalm was also written over a long period of time, and later compiled, as it is argued that this psalm has no definite flow of thought.  However, there is one recurring thought. Hope in God’s word. 

Though not unique to this or any psalm, time and again within Scripture we find hope associated with the word of God.  Moreover, we as Christians have an even greater sense of this hope, especially if we payed attention to the gospel of John.  John 1 reminds us that “the word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

The word of God, for us, is living and breathing, and it breathes new life into us each day.  The word reminds us that we have a life that is everlasting, that is eternally blessed.  Even when we don’t feel like it, even when the walls of our house become like a prison, we know we have a sanctuary in God’s word.  The beauty that is seen in God’s living word, is that it is found everywhere, in everything , and in every person.  Some of the words stories have yet to be written, and other are still to be told.  However, there is a word living inside of you, too. 

I hope you will give thanks to God for the living word that speaks life to you today, for your soul is longing, languishing, searching for that word of life, and it is found in Jesus. 

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 12, 2020

From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I – Psalm 61:2

I love going into the mountains. Walking, hiking, exploring the beauty of God’s creation.  Hiking used to be one of my favorite hobbies.  It still would be, but I will confess with 3 young children we don’t go as often as we would like.  We have tried, though, but 3 kids, and only two backs in which to carry is a very difficult thing.  Even with 2 young ones it can be difficult.  Samantha and I joke about the hiking trip we took when Sawyer was about 1.  It wasn’t a long hike, something like 5 miles.  We knew Sawyer wouldn’t walk that much and had intended to carry him in a backpack carrier.  Sean, was about 4 and loved walking, so we figured he would be fine.  We were wrong.  We carried both of them, trading off back and forth for at least 4.75 of our 5 mile hike.  After that, we decided we’d try again when they were older.

We have tried to go over the years.  Some days are good successes, the kids enjoy being out, and walk on their own legs for most of the trip.  Other times, we have to carry them, or bargain with them, or seemingly drag them to keep on going.  But when I really think about that, isn’t that just a great metaphor for our relationship with God? Truthfully, that is how our relationship with God goes most of the time.  There are good day, when we enjoy our walk with Christ, when we are excited about the opportunities we have in ministry and mission. Other days, not so much, and then we begin to need carrying, or bargaining for some reward with maybe even God, or perhaps a good friend/spouse drags us to do something that would be meaningful to our souls. 

Our psalm reminds us that when our hearts are faint, we need to be lead to the rock that is higher than we.  Even though a hike may be difficult, or the dragging of kids has made it difficult; when you get to that high place, were the trees clear a bit, and you can see down into the valley, or across to the next mountain ridge and see the beauty of it all, you know it’s been worth it. You know God has made this for your enjoyment.  You, then, realize that your tantrums, and whining about having to make the climb aren’t what it meaningful. Instead, seeing God’s beauty, being in God’s presence, and knowing God’s grace are what brings meaning to every moment.

In times such as these, we need to know that rock that is higher than we. We need to seek that place where all is at peace, where our whining disappears, and all that matters is the beauty of God’s face shining upon us.  May your day be bright and your feet firmly planted on the rock. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

If you want a little bonus pick-me-up today, click the link below to hear a song performed by one of Resurrection Youth Ministry bands, I Am They, a few years ago.  It speaks of the glorious rock on which we need to plant our feet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYiHiJTN6Y

Daily Encourager – May 11, 2020

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, - Colossians 3:2

With all that has been going on the world, and even now, with our place in it, starting to open back up, I think this reminder from the apostle Paul is very fitting at the moment.  I read a report in the paper, yesterday, that houses of worship were allowed to begin meeting, with some guidelines; such as everyone wearing a mask, and building capacity no more than 50%. However, even with these guidelines, The Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church will remain closed.  As well as several other denominations, including our sister and brothers at the Sacred Heart catholic church.  I understand the push for places to open, and the desire of people to gather and worship; yet, it is still more loving, life preserving, and caring to remain apart.

When we set our minds on things above, as the apostle Paul reminds us, we may realize that we have been out of the building for 9 Sunday’s now, but our worship hasn’t stopped. We have continued to be able to gather (around a screen) and sing to God, to hear the word proclaimed, and pray for one another.  We see this happen not just for a few minutes on Sunday either, but we have shared in meetings, devotions, and readings.  We have continued to be in mission and ministry, though we have been apart.  While I know we would be excited for the opportunity to be “back to normal” we must also remember that our first call is to care for one another in Christ-like love, and that it may be best for us to remain apart for a little while longer.

When the time comes, and the information is shared with me, about St. Mark being open again, I will quickly and joyfully share it with you.  Until that time, we will continue to keep our minds set on the joy and grace that God is pouring out each and every day.  Let us continue to focus on the life of wonder and abundance that has been given to us in Christ, even as we remain apart.

Much love and grace to each of you as we make it through another week. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 10, 2020

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What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
– Psalm 8:4

Today, on this mother’s day, we get to remember that we once where not much of anything.  We didn’t know anything, we needed constant care.  Yes, we were all once infants, and the only reason we survived is because a mother loved and nurtured us. For most of us, it was our biological mother who offered such care, but I am thankful, too, for all the surrogate mom’s out there.  Those who simply take care of others, because it’s the right thing to do.  I find that this kind of love is the closest to the agape love of God any of us can know from another human.

Those with a mothering spirit, and a mother love nurture and care for us, uplift us, make us want to be better, and are there to catch us when we fall.  They are always mindful of us.  Sound like the love of someone greater? Sounds, to me, much like a god-sized love. Our psalm today, exclaims the wonder that God, the one who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them, who created the stars and the planets and put them in place; this God, is also mindful of us.  This God wants to share with us a love that we don’t fully understand.  He cares for us like a mother caring for her children.

I find that this kind of love is more intimate to our being than we realize.  God not only knows all that there is to know about us, but God wants to know us.  God cares about our day, our good times and our hard times. God wants to even know of the mundane in which we feel we just existed (I’ve had a few days like that in quarantine). Yet, God is capable, and desires this type of relationship with every human being that has existed and ever will exist.  But how can we know that? 

I fully believe God starts loving us through our mothers (or mothering figures in our life). Our mothers knew us second only to God. It was most probably your mother who told your father that you were coming.  Your mother prayed for you, wished for you, hoped for you, she held you in her arms, and loved even before you were here.  Why does a mother love her young so? It’s because someone love her in the same way, perhaps her mother, perhaps other mothering figures in their life, but most importantly, we know all love comes from God. “We love because God first loved us” – 1 John 4:19.

God cares for us, loves us, we know this because of Jesus, but we also know because of a mother’s love.  If you have a chance, and are able to do so, tell your mother thank you for showing you the path of love.  If you aren’t able, give thanks to God for mothering you, giving you a mother, and many others who have shown you the path to his loving kindness.  Thanks to all who have offered a mothering love. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 9, 2020

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. – Psalm 138:8

It’s Saturday for those who, like me, tend to lose track of what day is what.  Today, I hope that we can focus on the good that the Lord has done for us, even while we have been locked away, socially distant, and even quarantined.  We may have to think about it, or maybe it hits us right away, but surely we have known the blessings to God’s steadfast love even in these days at home.

For those whom I have spoken, I have mentioned some of the things that have been going on around our house. While I have been keeping up with church and conference meetings, and learning some new skills for ministry; Samantha and I have also been working in our yard to create a little backyard getaway. This project turned out to be a little more involved than any of us expected, but isn’t that how most projects go?  Back in March we cleared out an overgrown area behind the house, we put in a patio, which in turned lead me to install a yard drainage system, then we hauled in 3 trailer loads of dirt to level, or at least lessen the slope of our yard, put down some grass seed and straw, and now we’re just hoping for grass to come soon. 

Truth is, all this work has kept me busy, and I’m thankful that God has allowed us to be able to do these projects, and give me something more to do with my hands to keep me from being idle.  When I think about, this large project would have been something I would dream about for months given schedules had remained normal. I like to stay busy, but rarely do I get to be busy on work for myself or family.  I love working with and for other people, but I am thankful God has slowed down some of the external for me to focus on something that will benefit my family for years to come.  This is just one of the blessings to which I am giving credit to God, yes, it’s been the work of my hand, but it has been at the Lord’s blessing. 

The psalmist proclaims that an experience of God’s help, but further, this experience is because of the very nature and character of God.  God’s steadfast love, which endures forever. n Old Testament thought, God's "name" is more than just the "handle" that God goes by. It is God's very identity -- and, by extension, God's very presence. To praise the Lord's name is both to acknowledge who one trusts, but it is also claim God's presence. When one speaks the name of the Lord, one claims the relationship that one has with God -- and, indeed, when one speaks God's name one makes known that one is in God's presence.

I have no doubt that those hours spent working in the yard, blessed me, for I was working in the presence of the Lord.  I hope you take some time to give thanks to God for the experience you have had in his presence, even in your own home.  Take a moment, today, name it before God, and give thanks for all He has done.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 8, 2020

Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever. – Psalm 40:11

Safety, especially personal safety is on the minds of more people now, than ever before. Especially as more people are starting to get out. I must admit, it is strange to see people wearing masks everywhere I go.  And I’m still getting used to wearing one myself. However, I know it is the best practice to keep myself and others safe, though, it’s not a guaranteed safety.

While many of us have lived through times in which we felt a potential risk to our safety, whether from war, or being drafted, or robbed or things of such nature; this current threat is much worse.  It’s a threat to our health, our well-being, and is effecting every aspect of life.  Yet, we do not lose hope. 

Our psalm today, give us a reflection of a time when life was just as fragile, and truthfully life is always this fragile, we just usually have a grander illusion of safety.  In Christ, in a relationship with the divine, our true safety is not an illusion, but a reality.  The psalmist knows that God has helped before, and God will help again. God is the rock upon which we know that we can stand.  There’s another great hymn the speaks to us this truth – God Our Help in Ages Past.

The opening verse of this grand hymn by writer Isaac Watts reminds us:

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home;

Like the psalmist, Watts, also knows that God has been with us in the past, and God will be with us in the future, and we can rest assured that God is with us know. God’s steadfast love and faithfulness will keep us safe forever, for we are in his almighty grip, and we have received his endless mercy.  Thanks be to God for knowing that our true safety and security is found in God’s divine hand.

Yes, it’s true, we may not feel safe in this world anymore, or for a little while. We will have to make some changes in our daily lives, but our praise for God’s grace and mercy, that will never cease.  He has been our help in ages past, and he will be our eternal home.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 7, 2020

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. – Psalm 115:1

Who gets the credit?  Ok, so if we’re honest, we all like it when someone tells us that we have done a good job.  We all like to get complements; words of encouragement has even been deemed a “love language” (5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman).  When we receive a complement, or someone tells us that we have done well, we honestly believe we have gotten that credit.  However, in humility, we know that anything we have done, is not because of us, but because of the love of God that is in us. 

I love the opening reminder found in today’s psalm, for it is not to us, but to the name of the Lord, that all credit, all glory is due.  Here, we find that we may have gotten something right, or may have done something well, but it’s only because the steadfast love and faithfulness of God has worked in us and through us.  When someone thanks us, or complements us, we should be reminded to turn and thank God for giving us the strength and love to accomplish whatever it was that was done.  Believe it or not, there are some who teach that this is not just in the big things, either, but even in the ordinary and the mundane. If something we have done, was done well, it is a reason to give thanks and credit to God.

In his book, Practicing the Presence of God, monk, Brother Lawrence teaches that there is an opportunity to praise God in everything.  One of my favorite ideas in that book, is that Lawrence, while working in his monetary, took on every assigned job as if it was to be done for God. If he was washing dishes, then the dishes would be washed to the glory of God; if tending the garden, then tending to the glory of God; if cleaning the lavatory, then cleaning to the glory of God.  You get the idea, even in the mundane tasks of life we can give credit, and praise God. 

I have done quite a few mundane tasks over these weeks at home. I’ve also found the time to tackle a few larger projects as well. It’s felt good to work with my hands, and do the things that need to be done around the house. It has also been good to hear and offer words of appreciation for things done. Yet, I have to remember that I don’t get the credit. These are things I’ve done out of love, out of a desire to have a tidy house, (Yes, it has been a challenge to instill any type of chore-doing in our children), also out of a desire to add beauty and usefulness to areas in the house. Yet, it is all done for the glory of God. Even if I want the credit, I should remember that the credit is not mine, but God's.

We may reap some of the benefits for the work that we do, but it is not to us that the glory belongs, but to the Lord, who continues to instill his steadfast love and faithfulness into us. May we work all the more for His credit, and for His glory. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 6, 2020

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. – Psalm 119:41

I’ll be honest, I have enjoyed finding items I’ve needed online from some time now.  Especially, when it comes to gifts for other people.  In our extended family, there’s an unspoken rule, that if you want something specific for a birthday or Christmas, it better be on your amazon wish list.  Also, there are several items that we get regularly online now through subscription services, because of the convenience. 

However, in this time (with a little extra time on our hands, as well) where many of the stores and shops that we might regularly go and look being closed; some in our household have taken to online browsing, and shopping.  What I think is interesting about all of this, is that we aren’t the only ones, as we watch the delivery folks from FedEx, UPS, and the postal service stop at several house each day in our neighborhood dropping off packages.  A few have even had grocery services deliver their essential items to their front door, and of course we’ve seen some pizza deliveries as well.  The reality is, in our modern world, we really don’t have to go anywhere to get the things that we want.  Everything can come to directly to us.

In our psalm today, that psalmist is exclaiming the greatness that is found in the ways of the Lord, specifically in God’s commandments. The psalmist is seeking to know the law of the Lord more deeply, and more intimately, because the psalmist believes that knowing and understanding the fullness of God’s commands is knowing the fullness of God’s love.  Whether the writer realized this or not, they were absolutely correct.  Much later when we meet Jesus, we find the very essence of knowing God is knowing the one who was the Word made flesh, the living law of God’s love.  Jesus shows us that the love of God is as close as the breath that we breathe, and is always accepting of us no matter our situation.  Jesus calls each of us blessed, and desires for us to know God’s salvation to the fullest.

The best news is, this love of God comes to us.  It may be drawing us ever closer to God, but that drawing is not somewhere out there, but somewhere inside, in our heart, in the center of our soul, where we find God already is, waiting for us to claim the image of his steadfast love that is waiting for us, just like a package at the door.

What joy there is, even as an adult, opening a new package that waits at the door.  Let me close with these words from the One who waits with the gift. “I am standing at the door, knocking, if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you, and eat with you, and you with me” (Revelation 3:20). 

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 5, 2020

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. – Psalm 33:22

Mac Powell, lead singer for the Christians group, Third Day, wrote a song about 20 years ago that simply put, is a beautiful tribute to the steadfast love of the Lord. The song entitled “Your Love Oh Lord” has a simple verse and chorus that remind us that there Is nothing about us, but it is all about God’s steadfast love.  Find the lyrics here:

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide

I will life my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow on Your wings

To me, this song of praise allows us to simply bask in knowing that no matter what, God has us. God has given us every reason to sing, every reason in which to have hope.  Even in this time of pandemic, even in this time of slowly getting back into society, we should take a moment and remember the steadfast love of the Lord, and let our prayer be that it is upon.  Our hope is not in anything else, our hope is in the Lord of love, for he is going to see us through.

May your day be filled with an overflowing joy, and the praise of the Lord be ever in your heart, and on your lips.  Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 4, 2020

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer – Romans 12:12

May the fourth the with you…

Just a little fun day for Star Wars fans, who also like good liturgy (myself included). Today, we embark into the world that is a little different.  Over the weekend, several of the “safer at home” orders were lifted, and people started getting out a little more.  However, time will tell if the new measures put in place will really keep the curve flattened and the coronavirus spread down.  I remain skeptical, and in so I remain diligent and vigilant in protecting myself and others when out in public. My hope is that you will remain safe as well.

The world is going to continue to be a different and perhaps frightening place for a while.  It is perhaps fitting, then to hear the words of the apostle Paul in light of the world we are living in.  That we would remain “joyful in hope” – that is, we would continue to remember the promise that we have of an ever-present Lord, who is keeping us safe, who has already blessed us with so much, and who is continues to remind us of the hope of the life eternal and abundant we have in Him.  The joyfulness of hope keeps our spirits alive and well, help us through this continued tumultuous time by reminding us that this season, even when prolonged is temporary.  We know there will be live abundant after COVID-19.

Secondly, and perhaps the most important is that we remain “patient in affliction.” No one likes to suffer, no one likes affliction, no one enjoys this continued time of distance from ones they love.  I’ve talked some friends, whom I know are extremely introverted.  Their lives didn’t change all that much, because they don’t necessarily like being around people often, anyway.  However, even they are starting to desire some kind of interaction.  Even the introverts are having a hard time, and we must all learn, and continue learning that ever difficult virtue of patience.  Just remember, though, when you pray for patience, you don’t get patience you get opportunities to be patient. God is always asking us to grow.

Finally, remember to be “faithful in prayer.” I continue to pray for you, I miss you each and every day, I miss the routine of seeing folks in the office, and especially miss conversations in the halls on Sunday.  I think of you often, and always remember you in my prayers.  I am delighted to see your posts on social media, and I am thankful for each and every one of you.  I hope that you also will remember me and my family in your prayers.  In our times of prayer, we become one in the Sprit, one in the love of God, and we are close to one another even in our distance. May we all remain faithful in prayer.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and again, May the fourth be with you… and also with you. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 3, 2020

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He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed – 1 Peter 2:24

Today’s worship service looks a little different.  I know that may sound like an understatement, since our services have been far from normal or usual for eight weeks.  However, if you watch to the end, what you will find is a time in sharing in a great liturgy of our faith – the Lord’s table, and a type of Communion.

There has been much debate among pastors and scholars about having Holy Communion while social distant, and whether or not the Sacraments can or should be offered online.  For me, Communion is something to be shared in christian community. There is something about being present with the body of Christ, that makes that time special, meaningful, and where we can know the deep forgiving love of Christ in the bread and wine (or juice). That being said, there are times, like now, when we are not able to be in Christian community, nor are we able to gather around the Lord’s Table.

A couple of years ago, when the new book of Common Prayer was published, they included a prayer for what is called spiritual communion.  This prayer, at the end of the Table liturgy invites us to remember that we are not with the body, nor are we at the table, but that does not mean we have been abandoned.  The prayer invites us to welcome in the presence of the Lord where we are.  So, as we share in the liturgy of the Table, the Epiclesial (I know, fancy word) prayer is not over the bread and wine, but for each of us to know the presence of an Almighty God in our hearts.

 I will share, that my favorite part of the liturgy, is knowing that when we confess together, and know that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” we are forgiven and free to live joyfully in Christ’s family.  It’s the reminder for Isaiah, in which Peter shares in his letter here, “by his wounds you have been healed.”  May we cherish the healing that happened so many years ago, as we celebrate the living Lord, who has invited us to worship together, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam