Daily Encourager – May 31, 2020

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I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. – Psalm 118:13-14

On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell, Peter stood, the message was proclaimed, and the beginnings of what we now know as the church began.  So many mark the day of Pentecost as the birthday of the church, though our church has changed over the millennia. Sometimes I wonder if we would be recognized by our first century counterparts who witnessed, first hand to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  I wonder if we could be seen today by those who gathered the people, proclaimed to all the nations, and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

We may look far different in the ways that we worship, in the importance we give to different aspects of theology and thought, however there is one thing that should make us most recognizable – our love for one another.

Sometimes we do recognize love for one another, other times we seem to fall short. When we look around and see prejudice, hate, and violence, I sometimes wonder if we are a people worth salvation.  It is in those times, and times as we may be reading about in the media now, that I feel pushed back, as the psalmist remarks.  Times like these is when the church should speak up. If we really believe in the message of the gospel to love one another, to care for one another. If we really believe that Jesus paid the price, and in the salvation meant for all, then truly it should be for all.  Justice, for all humanity, peace for all humanity, love towards all humanity.  God is our help and our strength, and we need to see such salvation come upon this nation and this world.

Today, as we celebrate the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit on Pentecost, let us pray to have a boldness of Spirit to stand for Lord’s justice and righteousness.  Let us seek to live into the peace of the Lord, and let us speak up, to share love for all, for as the song I learned as a little child says: “red, and yellow, black, and white / they are precious in His sight / Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Let us see those children, love those children, and be the children who share the message of hope and salvation for the glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 30, 2020

But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. – Hebrews 9:11-12

Today, on this Saturday before Pentecost, I want to share with you something that was shared a couple of months ago from David Biggerstaff.  As you will read, this was on the day Lucas came home from Emory and Henry, having, like all students, the semester cut short.  I hope you will read and think about these words, as we prepare for our celebration of God’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the “reset” our world needs to find a way to live into the kingdom of God now and always.

This week [April 8th] marks the start of the 4th week of being in my home office and doing Zoom and Skype meetings for work.  Don't get me wrong I am truly Blessed to still be working. BUT, I am getting stir crazy.  It was only after last Sunday's sermon that I took account for all we had and wanted to pass along this story and  some "thoughts."

A week ago Friday [April 3], Lucas and I moved him out of the dorm at Emory & Henry. We had to sign up for a two hour time slot on a google calendar so we were "social distancing."  We started our trek mid-morning and drove through Pal's Sudden Service for a bite of lunch, that we ate at the Virginia state line welcome center.  It was getting real that no one was out and we could not eat in any restaurant.  When we arrived on campus, we saw very few people and began to clean out his dorm.  It was sad to think his sophomore year was over.  After about an hour and a half we were almost done and the next student was ready to begin his move out.  We dropped off the key at the Housing Department where I saw a banner that stated "This is your home, but take EHC with you wherever you go until we come back together as a family."   Lucas got back into the truck and said "we did it" (fist pumped each other) and we set sail for home.  He then said I am now an upper classman I guess but I am said, not for me, but for all my friends that are seniors that are going on without a good graduation ceremony.  It was like the rest button was hit and they would have to start over.

When we got back into town and passed by Ebenezer UMC he stated I like that sign.  What sign I asked?  He said that small wooden sign because on the back side it states "Now you are entering the Mission Field."  That says it all dad and I like it.  (he remembered that sign when he was in boy scouts and we passed it each week on the way out of the parking lot!!!)  That sign reminds them that after services, God has hit the reset button and you are equipped to go out into His Mission field!!!  

When I was younger and got mad when playing a game I would turn over the game and just start over (reset),  when my parents gave me a video pong game and my brother would beat me, I would turn it off and hit the, Reset button.  Now that I am older and my computer doesn't do what it is supposed to, I slam the lid and hit the, Reset button.  

All this came to full circle on Sunday when I heard you speak about the beginning of Holy Week.  God gave us His own RESET Button, His name is Jesus Christ.  In this unprecedented time we are now being "reset."  For me I am taking account of what I am Blessed with not what I do not have.  We are Blessed that we have had to slow down and "reset".  We are Blessed to have family, friends, and neighbors that are helping each other and we are actually interacting.  

What will we do when our God hits the "reset button" on our lives and give us a do over"

We are Blessed that God gave us His only Son that He can give us a "Reset Button" and we can also start over.  – David Biggerstaff

God gave us his only Son, and after Jesus arose the grave and ascended into heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit, to be our guide, our counselor, to be God’s presence with us always.  May the fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit be received this Pentecost, and may we reset our lives for the good and Glory of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grace & Peace, Sam

Daily Encourager – May 29, 2020

Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. – Psalm 102:25

A quick glance though the history books, and we quickly realize that though we feel as though what we are going though is brand new.  Something like it has happened before, and chances are will happen again.  A little over a hundred years ago people faced an outbreak of influence, about five hundred years ago society faced the black plague, and plenty of other times has an unseen force caused society to stop, to fear, and to pray.

The psalmist wonders about the longevity of an eternal God, knowing God has put everything together. Perhaps this is why with great wisdom the writer of Ecclesiastes would say that “there is nothing new under the sun.” Even as we become more educated, and our curiosity at gazing at the stars leads us to study and acquire knowledge we still find ourselves in awe of the cosmos.  We wonder about what was before, and what will be long after.  When we stretch our imaginations in such wonder, what we find in our faith should be an infinite God, who has seen it all, and been present for it all, and experienced it all, and leads us through it all.

We can realize that in all the times in which society faced great loss in the past, that loss was to total.  I don’t say this to discredit the grief of loss, for loss of life in any regard is tragic. We grieve for those whom we lose every day, for our loss is a part of this life.  What we can focus on, however, is the hope of caring for one another who remain.  We can and should care about life.  We should care about our sisters and brothers in this humanity.

Our psalm reminds us that though it seems that God hides his face from those in distress, God is still with us.  The psalm reminds us that God is enthroned forever and endures to all generations, and God has heard his people in the past, come down from Zion and answered.  Therefore in faith we know God will answer us once again.

Our current distress, the distresses of our society are not new, yet they remain a tragedy in which we live.  However, God has made things right before, and we know God will make them right again.  My hope is that we learn to love one another as an act of praise towards God, that we care for one another as an act of worship for God.  That when God comes to answer our prayers, God finds us living and working to create a society that cares for one another, as Jesus has taught us to do so.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 28, 2020

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.
5 Remember the wonders he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced

- Psalm 105:1-5

I had a pretty hard, tough day, yesterday.  Not because of any work I was doing, but because of one of the things I was working towards.  Now, I’m sure part of it was the just the ups and downs of life in the coronavirus age. Part of it could have been due to the 5 children running around the house. (We watch our nieces during days both their parents have to work.)  However, the hardest part was the work preparing for this Sunday. 

We have spent many Sunday’s apart from one another, and I and the worship team and staff have worked to continue to offer ways of leading praise to God, and keeping us connected as best as we can.  We missed some big Sunday’s as well, Palm Sunday and Easter.  Still, as I look to share the message of Pentecost, it seems especially hard. 

On Pentecost we remember that God did not abandon us after the resurrection, but sent to us a counselor, the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God that lives within.  The beginnings of Methodism are inspired by the working of the Holy Spirit.  On what we celebrate as Aldersgate Day (May 24), we recount the story of how John Wesley (Methodism’s Founder) had his “heart strangely warmed.”  In my own experiences of truly knowing the love and overwhelming joy of salvation found in Christ, I attest that the work of the Holy Spirit is truly important in the life of the Christian.  We recount in Acts 2, the day that the Holy Spirit warmed the hearts of those who had gathered from all places to Jerusalem. The passage says about 3,000 repented, were baptized and joined the believers that day.

What I find so hard about preparing for this Sunday is knowing no one will be gathered in that place where we pronounce the birth of the Christian Church. No one will be there as we remember how the Holy Spirit came like a mighty rushing wind, and touched the disciples with tongues like fire. We won’t be gathered to hear the Spirit move again, on Pentecost, and I grieve that we won’t be able to gather in that beautiful Sanctuary.

Yet, the words of the Psalm give me hope. I have hope becuase I know the Holy Spirit is still at work in our church, it's at work in you! I rejoice because I know that while the Sanctuary may be empty, again, the message will be spreading across the airways as people invite the message into their homes.  I rejoice because God is still going to do a mighty work in the lives of those who hear the message and believe. I know that we will rejoice together because we will remember what the Lord has done, and we will rejoice in what God will do, and when we do gather in person again, we will share with one another the ways in which we have continued to grow in our relationship with God. How His love has warmed our hearts yet again. For God’s acts continue to be wonderful, and our hearts will continue to seek his mercy, his grace, and his love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 27, 2020

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. – Luke 10:21

Looking again at the sending out of the seventy-two disciples, we see that Jesus gathers them back after their time sharing the good news, offering healing, blessings, and peace wherever they went.  When they gather back together again, Jesus hears their report, and the first thing he does is offer praise to God.

You know, there is a lot of things we talk about, or think about, or have even shared on social media about what we are going to do when we get back together again.  It’s funny the things that some take for granted, things that just seemed natural to do, but now we miss them. During the time of our stay at home orders, one of our car registrations came due.  I was unable to renew online or by mail.  I did find out that the drive-through clerk’s office downtown was open for some hours during the day.  What I found when I got there, was that cars were lined up for that drive-through for 4 city blocks.  Yes, I waited in that long line and got my tags renewed, but I sure missed the day when I could walk up to a clerk’s desk without wait and be done with that little chore in about 5 minutes. 

Some have missed sitting at a restaurant, others have missed sporting events, some have missed being able to travel to see loved ones who live far away.  Believe it or not, some people actually miss getting up and going to work. I sure miss seeing all of you on a Sunday morning. Lots of things have been missed, but now we are starting to see them come back. As society has gotten back into a new routine of normal, and as places have begun to open as they follow the phased reopening of our communities, I notice that many are going out and getting back to the things they enjoy.  Other’s however, are being more hesitant. And I'm a glad there are those who are working the intermediate, helping those who are hesitant to get out.

Last Sunday, our family decided to get out and take a trek to the mountains, to see if we could social distance up there. Everywhere we turned we found ourselves in traffic, and every place we thought about stopping, seemed filled with people. We passed one spot, and one of the kids from the back seat said, “wow, doesn’t anyone worry about getting sick?” It was a simple question, but in that moment, I had to stop and give thanks to God for a little boy who was concerned about the well-being of others.

I was glad to see people out, and hope everyone was following guidelines and being safe, I do want to see things get better.  Doing so, also means caring for one another. Sometimes this care for others is hidden from the wise and old, but I pray that as children of God we continue to have it revealed to us, that even though some things may seem a hassle, or a bother, we continue to care for others in our actions, and interactions.  We want to see society re-open, but hopefully with a since of love and care for all.  Then, maybe we can even envision a joy-filled, Jesus type kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.

Grace & Peace
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 26, 2020

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. – Luke 10:3

When Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples in pairs to go and teach, preach, and heal in his name; I’m usually taken back by the authority in which the disciples operate.  The demons are cast out, the people are healed, and everywhere these disciples go, even they are amazed at the things they are able to do because of the authority Jesus has given them. The disciples are sent with the bare minimum for survival, yet they are provided for in whatever town they happen to be passing through.  Jesus has sent them out, but it seems as though the Holy Spirit, has gone ahead of them, and prepared the way.

As I read the passage again, however, the above verse stuck out a little more.  When we read it in full context, it doesn’t seem as though the disciples had any trouble, their mission was a huge success, yet in Jesus own words, they were “sent out like lambs among wolves.” 

This analogy is quite disturbing to those who are accustomed to the work of shepherding lambs. Lions, wolves, and the like were not the things any shepherd would want to face.  They would fight one off if they had to, but I can imagine it was never a desirable part of the job.  The disciples, though, are not being compared to the shepherd, but the lambs.

Lambs are mostly defenseless, especially when they are young, and especially if they have recently been sheered. Jesus looks at these who have followed him, and as a shepherd, he sees them as little lambs, precious, valuable, but potentially unable to defend themselves.  Wolves don’t travel alone, they work in packs, and typically try to separate a potential victim from the heard and from the shepherd, it’s not a single wolf one needs to watch out for, but the entire pack.

As we have been apart from one another, it feels as though we have been separated from our herd.  Some of us have felt more isolated than others, but we have missed the joy of being together.  The longer this time lasts, the more important it is for us to check in on one another, to pray for one another, and find ways to continue to stay connected.  I am always hopeful by knowing we will be back together one day, and hopefully soon, but I still don’t know when soon will be.  Today, the words of Jesus remind us, again, that we have been sent out into the world.  We may be apart from one another, but we are working to fulfill the mission Jesus has given us to love and care for one another.  To call one another, and to remember to speak peace everywhere we go, even when it is difficult.

Be safe out there, and know your shepherd is watching over you.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – Memorial Day, May 25, 2020

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. – Psalm 89:14

Many of us have known someone who has worn the uniform of a soldier.  Whether and family member or friend, serving our nation is an important calling, and many answer such call.  Today, though we pause, and remember those who answered the call, put on the uniform, but never had the opportunity to take it off, or lay down arms.  We enjoy many of our freedoms thanks to these individuals, who gave all that they had to offer for God and country, who died in harm’s way for the sake of others. Today, to take a moment to stop and give thanks for those who are fallen, yet not forgotten. May God’s peace and rewards be ever upon them.

Our psalmist reminds us that righteousness and justice are the very foundations for God’s throne.  As long as there have been people on this planet, there have been those who have sought to bring about the righteousness of God in the world, people who have fought for justice for all, people who have believed that God would lead them on a path towards finding peace.  There are many different philosophies for how we attain righteousness and justice, and the arguments between those who disagree on these philosophies isn’t very peaceful. However, I believe that there is something to be said about those who seek to bring peace through love and faithfulness.

We don’t know everything that we need to know about love, we have Paul’s 1 Corinthians 13 definition, and we have what we see in Jesus, or in God.  But depending on our perspective we can see love as something less than loving.  Sometimes love is anger.  The righteous anger of a mother whose child has disobeyed the law and faces criminal charges.  The love that is shown in turning an addict over to the authorities that they might get the help they truly need.  The love that is letting go of a loved one who can no longer make it in this world.  We think we know love, but sometimes love hurts. 

Faithfulness is much the same we often think of faithfulness as being a good church goer, or keeping up with our prayer and devotional life.  These are important, but sometimes faithfulness looks like going to war to protect someone else. Sometimes faithfulness is staying with a sister or brother knowing you are in harm’s way until help comes.  Faithfulness sometimes gets messy.

If love and faithfulness are seen in the person of Jesus, then it is the nasty trial, beating, and crucifixion of Christ. Yet, in those we also see, now the righteous justice of who through such messy acts brought about the salvation of the world. When I think about all the messiness that goes into love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, I can’t help but think that those who went to war out of duty and obligation, went also to serve out of love and justice for those whom they left behind.  Today, I am thankful for those faithful to God and country, who gave of themselves for the freedom in which we celebrate.  May God, the truly righteous one, grant them the peace they deserve.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 24, 2020

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 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. – Psalm 67:4

This is one of those Sunday’s that come along that has more to talk about than can really be addressed, especially in a single sermon, so I hope I can hit a few high points here in our devotion.

First, it’s memorial day weekend. A time to remember and give thanks for those who fought the good fight for our freedoms, but did not survive the battle. It is the time to remember our brave men and women who truly gave all that they had to give for the freedoms we enjoy.  We are thankful for such sacrifice, and I believe such sacrifice is in line with the command for Jesus, who say: “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for their friends” (John 15:13).

Secondly, it’s memorial day weeken, which for many marks the unofficial beginning of Summer. Memorial day marks the end of school, and the beginning of summer break. Yes, we all know that kids have been out of school for a couple of months now, but I must confess it was still hard going to school to pick up our kids belongings, and registering another for kindergarten next year.  For those older, it should have been graduation season. I am thankful for those who sent in and helped compile the information on the many graduates from St. Mark. I hope you enjoy how we have honored them in the service. We continue to celebrate their wonderful accomplishments, and pray for their next steps as they enter a new chapter of life.

Thirdly, in the church calendar it is ascension Sunday. The day we remember that Christ, 40 days after the resurrection, left the disciples and ascended into heaven.  He gave them instructions to wait on the counselor, the Holy Spirit, and to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.  Jesus ascended into heave to sit at the right hand of the father, and we know one day he will come again to sit as judge over all the earth.

Fourthly, I want to say a quick word about reopening church. I know we’ve seen and heard reports of churches opening, or given timelines and guidelines for opening.  We’ve even heard a statement of churches opening from president Trump. In a statement from our Bishop, Dindy Taylor, that was released May 23, 2020. We are still closed.  She has a taskforce put together that includes medical professionals, pastors, and others who are looking into how we can reopen. Her statement said we should have more information coming by June 1, 2020.  For now, please continue to be patient as we await these next steps. Know that I truly miss you and congregating at church for worship. This is something I never would have expected, and I am grateful for the ways in which we have continued to remain connected even while apart.  I am hopeful that one day soon we will be able to return to in-person worship, but for now, realize that our closure continues, and this closure is out of care and protection of each one who would come and worship. 

Finally, our psalm speaks of a God who calls many nations to sing for joy, for his rule is equitable. God is fair and just says the psalmist, but more so we know that God is merciful and graceful.  This time of coronavirus doesn’t seem fair, especially as it continues to keep us apart. However, I know that God is going to lead us to a better place, we need to trust in God’s timing, believe in God’s healing of the nations, and understand that our salvation will still come.

I hope you have a wonderful, joy-filled Sunday.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – May 23, 2020

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. – Psalm 90:14

What do you do when you first wake up in the morning?

You know that used to be a different kind of question. Back when there was routine and schedule to life, the morning usually consisted of hearing the alarm, getting up, showing, getting ready, making sure kids are ready, grabbing a cup of coffee and then out the door for the busy day.  Mornings were hectically routine, or routinely hectic (probably both).

Saturdays were usually our days to take it a little slower. It is Saturday, as we get up this morning, but I sometimes lose track of that. Almost every day since March 13 has felt like a Saturday… and odd Saturday, but still… The days we live in are strange, but they have taught me a lesson about slowing down some.  It was a lesson I really needed to learn.  Now, most mornings I get up when I’m no longer tired. It’s still early, because that’s just my normal cycle, but there is no rushing around. There is time to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, to read through a devotion, to make a real breakfast.  Like many of us there are still tasks to complete, and for me, there is still work to be done, but the schedule of doing is much more relaxed. 

The psalmists writes what is called the prayer of Moses.  We don’t know for sure, but somehow Moses had shared this prayer with the people in the wilderness, and it was repeated among the people, and one day someone recorded it into the book of Psalms.  It’s a reminder that even when they did not have a home, but wandered in the wilderness, God was there, and God was their home. It was a reminder that they are made from the dust, and God shall one day return them to the dust, It was a call for forgiveness and renewal, and a reminder that each new day God’s unfailing love can be seen, that we might live that day with joy and gladness.

The idea of a renewed morning is something I’m learning each day in life, but this psalm also reminds me of a wonderful hymn, “How Can I keep from Singing.” A modern musician named Audrey Assad sings a wonderful arrangement of this piece, and if you’re interested you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li2hddmy63U

I want to bring attention, however, to part of the third stanza:

I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin
I see the blue above it
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it,

For it is each day that we are seeing our pathway smooth, as we continue in this time of uncertainty of change, of all that we have been going through, day-by-day it gets smoother.  We do not know what the future will hold, but we do know who hold the future, and our God who holds us. May we sing and find joy with each new day.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

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