Welcome our Confirmands!

Back: Richard Aylor (teacher), Brannen Davilsaint, Pastor Josh Robinson (teacher), Jake Elton, Susan Kessler (teacher)  Front: Charlie Harris, Charlotte Johnson, Lucy Travers

On Easter morning at the 8:15 am worship service, RCPC will welcome five members of the 2012 confirmation class.  They are:

• Brannen Davilsaint 
• Jake Elton 
• Charlotte Johnson 
• Charlie Harris 
• Lucy Travers 

They began this confirmation class in October and have been on two retreats, attended committee meetings, engage in mission work, led worship, written a faith journey, and grown spiritually close to each other.  The concluding assignment was to tie everything together and write a Statement of Faith which captures what it is that they believe.  A faith statement is different than a faith journey, and after completing a season of study, activity and mission with parents, mentors and church staff, confirmands are able to articulate what they believe.

Each day in Holy Week leading up to their confirmation, we will post each confirmand's Statement of Faith.  The teacher of the confirmation class (Richard Aylor, Susan Kessler, and Pastor Josh) also wrote their Statements of Faith, and they will be published on the blog following Easter.  We encourage you to read them and reflect on your own Statement of Faith.  And when you see them on Easter morning, greet them as sisters and brothers in Christ.

HAVE MERCY ON ME, A SINNER!

MARK 10:46-52

HAVE MERCY ON ME, A SINNER!

Bartimaeus, a beggar, was sitting beside the road out of Jericho. He was blind.

Hearing a crowd, he asked, “What’s all the commotion? What’s going on?”

Someone answered, “It’s only Jesus of Nazareth.”

Bartimaeus: “It is?!” And then he shouted out, “Jesus, Son of David! Have mercy on me!”

Many told him to be quiet, but he shouted even more, “Son of David! Have pity on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.”

Those near Bartimaeus told him, “It’s okay, now. He is calling you.”

Overjoyed, he jumped up, threw off his coat and went to Jesus.

Jesus: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Bartimaeus: “I want to see again.”

Jesus: “Go on your way. Your faith has cured you.”  Bartimaeus at once recovered his sight, and he followed Jesus.

When I am blind and do not see those near me, can I hear Jesus calling me?  Do I beg Jesus to have mercy on me – for my blindness?

And when Jesus calls me, how do I respond? How do I act?

Does it change the way I live …my everyday attitude and actions?

“O God, restore my sight! Help me see you in my life, and ask for your mercy. Help me respond by being merciful to all I meet – by showing love the way you show your love to me! O God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

 “Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me. … Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine.”   (Presbyterian Hymnal # 324)

~ Glenna Fisher

THE SERVANT IS THE GREAT ONE?!

MARK 10:32-45

THE SERVANT IS THE GREAT ONE?!

 “ ‘...whoever wants to become great among you must be your For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ ” Mark 10:43-45

When Jesus said these words to the Disciples He was answering their request to be awarded the highest places of honor. Jesus knew how they were to find such glory. And you can guess, He knew that it would be nothing like they imagined. For such glory is not status or fame or even goodness.

The Glory is Love, a place of honor is knowing what it is to love with at least a fraction of God’s Love. But not just the easy love, not the love that is always returned or romantic love or love that comes naturally like the love of a mother for her child.

Jesus is speaking of the love that serves. He never speaks of any practical returns off of this love. He says you must be a slave to ALL. That does not sound fun! Maybe the Disciples puzzle at this point - “Ok I will do this and maybe something good will come to me.” Well something good does come because the “pay off” is what it always has been and always will be -  to have a glimpse into the nature of God and truly see others through God’s eyes.

When we find ourselves loving others with no regard to ourselves we have found God’s heart and nothing is greater than His Heart.

~ Leigh Sackett

Holy Week Schedule

Click here for the Holy Week Schedule at RCPC!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

MARK 10:17-31

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

“Jesus glanced around at them and said, ‘With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.’ ” Mark 10: 27 [Amplified Bible]

I am constantly amazed by what God has planned, but maybe that’s because I am looking for God’s plan and not settling for what I see as the “typical outcome”.  For many this might not make sense, but let me explain.

I truly believe prayer makes a difference in day-to-day life situations.  Nothing is too big, or too small, to pray about.  If it concerns you, it is OK to bring it to God.  When on a tight budget, I’ve prayed for sales at the store that would help me out.  I’ve even prayed for a close parking place when I was in a hurry.

Does God really care about the little things?  YES.  But He also cares about the big things.  God is in control of that too, but He is not a robot that is just waiting to respond to our commands at the push of a button.  God has the advantage of seeing His creation from a different perspective.  With us (mankind) a situation might seem impossible, but with God, all things are possible.  After all, God created us, surely he knows us better than anyone else ever could.  All things are indeed possible for God.

God, Thank you for caring about all my problems.  Amen. 

~ Pat Wade

JESUS, OUR TEACHER

MARK 10:1-16

JESUS, OUR TEACHER

“As his custom was, he taught them.” Mark 10:1b RSV

Jesus was a teacher. All through the gospels we learn that Jesus taught with authority. He had a new message to be carried down from generation to generation and it is still being taught today.

Crowds followed Jesus up to the mountain top, down to the seashore, in the synagogue. Wherever he went, crowds gathered to hear him teach. People were astonished at his teaching. Are you?

Jesus went back to Nazareth for a visit and on the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue as was his custom. He was invited to read the scripture from the book of Isaiah, [Luke 4:18-21] After having read the scripture he sat down and said, “Today the scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” His teaching was not accepted then, however. We know it to be the truth today.

           

It was Nicodemus who said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God.”

Dear Friend, you are also a teacher; a teacher by what you say, by the way you live, by your concern for others and by your speech. Be careful how you teach.

Jesus, my teacher, inspire me to teach the work you call me to do. Amen.

~ Lib Carico

LITTLE IMITATORS

MARK 9:42-50

LITTLE IMITATORS

“ ‘And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.’ ” Mark 9:42 – NIV

Children find it easy to believe. Their trust is complete when they are taught by adults. They usually have a firm belief that adults and especially their parents are telling them the truth. They accept whatever they are told.

When I was a child my father , with a laugh, told me the moon was made of cheese. I accepted that without any questions or doubts. After all, the man in the moon needed food.

I was blessed with good parents. If my parents had been bad parents, I still would have believed whatever they said. I would have followed them regardless of their actions.

I don’t think of myself as a person with a lot of influence, yet I know little eyes have watched me. May God teach me how to be a good example.

Dear Lord, help me to be aware that my actions can shape young lives in a positive or negative way. May I imitate you as they imitate me.  Amen

~ Lois Jones

MAN OF THE PEOPLE; EVEN THE CHILDREN, TOO

MARK 9:30-41

MAN OF THE PEOPLE; EVEN THE CHILDREN, TOO

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37

My first reaction when I read this was, " Wow, no one got left out". But that is the simple truth. While Jesus was alive, he interacted with every group of people. I mean it didn't matter how many teeth they were missing, or how many diseases they had, or how large or small they were, Jesus had to touch them. That is love; that is love for all. That is not forgetting about someone or some group. That is Jesus Christ loving the world, and all who share it.

Heavenly Father, Lord give us strength to go out on a limb and be someone who is willing to reach out and be with anyone and everyone, no matter who they are or what they bring with them. Amen

~ Alec Travers

FAITH

MARK 9:14-29

FAITH

 “And He said unto them, ‘’Oh faithless generation, how long will I be with you?  How long will I suffer you?  Bring him unto me.’ ’” Mark 9:19 KJV

We are a faithless generation, just as they were in Jesus’ time.  We worry about economics, war, politics, choosing the right leaders, our health and security, etc.  It is hard for us to see outside the box and get a glimpse of God’s everlasting pity and love. 

When I was in school, one of my teachers didn’t believe I had hearing and vision loss and could no longer read the blackboard or participate in classroom discussions.  Instead, he thought I had psychological problems and insisted I have weekly counseling sessions. 

Later, when I was applying to colleges, the special education teacher in my high school wrote something on my application which gave the college of my choice pause to admit me.  Frustrated, I contacted another teacher who had friends at that college.  He believed in me, and set up a meeting with a professor who would report to the admissions director.  As a result of that interview, I was admitted, and earned my degree.

Sometimes we need the faith of others who believe in us to help us overcome our fears and faithlessness.

Thank you, Lord, that you send people to show us how be faithful when our faith waivers. Amen

~ Jenny McKenzie

A BENEDICTION AND CHARGE

MARK 9:2-13

A BENEDICTION AND CHARGE

“This is my Son, whom I love.  Listen to Him.”  Mark 9:7 NIV

Peter, James and John were stunned and speechless at the sight of the transfiguration.  Peter was so anxious that he rushed his words suggesting something, anything… rather that silently witnessing the glory of God.  And then God’s words, “enveloped in a cloud” came forth, “this is my Son, whom I love.  Listen to Him”.  After such an amazing experience they probably wanted to go tell the whole world but they did not understand Jesus’ admonition to not speak of this until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  God said, “Listen to Him” and Jesus said, “Tell no one about these things.”  So both God and Jesus were charging the disciples with specific actions to do and from which to refrain. 

As I prepared this devotion my mind wondered what verse and theme would be revealed to me as one on which to focus.  During worship today, I reflected, as I do each Sunday, on the benediction.  I don’t know about you, but I find the benediction and charge to be so personal.  The prayers, hymns and sermon all build until Tupper or Josh speak words of comfort, encouragement and peace to each of us as we depart. 

I know the words of the benediction are from our pastors, not from God or Jesus, but the meaning conveyed are like precious gifts of personal exhortation and support that touch my heart in a meaningful way.  I leave the service more purposeful and encouraged. 

Lord, let us have ears and hearts that “Listen to Him”, and continue to bless our pastors as they interpret and share your word with us.  Amen

~ Mark Derbyshire

WHO ARE YOU?

MARK 8:27-9:1

WHO ARE YOU?

" ‘But what about you,’ [Jesus] asked, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ "  Mark 8:29

Jesus asked his disciples who people said he was.  There were a variety of answers, but none on point.  Then he said, "But what about you, who do you say that I am?"  Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."  This seemed to satisfy Christ.  

How often do we ask that question, "Who do you say that I am?"  Do you like to evaluated by others?  I don't.   Asking others what they think of you is scary and uncomfortable.   We all cringe when we are evaluated at our job or by our spouse, partner or family member.  And yet, Jesus sought out others' opinions about him.   He needed to know that someone understood who he was. 

I believe that we should turn this around.  We cannot and should not live as others want.  We need to chart our own direction, with God's guidance, but if we ask our friends and acquaintances who they say that we are, what will they say?  When they describe us, will they use adjectives like generous, patient, kind, or even better, Christian?  Who would God say we are?  Would He say that we follow His direction, we care for His flock, and He is pleased with us?  

God, please help us to live the life that You will for us, and help us to live every day so that You are pleased with us.  Amen.

~ Hugh Wellons

JESUS – MAN AND GOD

MARK 8:11-26

JESUS – MAN AND GOD

“And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw anything.And he looked up and said, ‘I see men as trees, walking.’ After that He put His hands again upon his eyes and made him look up; and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” Mark 8: 23-25–King James Version

In most of the stories we hear, Jesus is seen as perfect, a true God on earth. But here, for the first time in my recollection, Jesus didn’t get it right. He gave the blind man sight, but his sense of sight was slightly strange—everyone looked like trees. And so what did Jesus do? He fixed the man’s sight. Jesus, the son of God, fixed His mistake. I don’t think that Jesus was perfect; like every man, he slept, ate, drank, and did everything we humans do, yet he did so without sin.

Maybe we don’t always see Jesus as this, but he was very humble. There was no need for Jesus to apologize or even fix his mistake; He was God! And yet He asked this blind man if his sight was restored, and when He learned that it was not, He swallowed what little pride He had and restored the man’s sight to perfect clarity. Here we can see that not only was Jesus the son of God, but He was human, and made mistakes just like us.

Dear God, May we follow Jesus' example and correct our mistakes. Amen 

~ Hannah Ruth Wellons

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

MARK 8:1-10

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

“His disciples replied, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?’ ”- Mark 8:4, NRSV

How often do we doubt the power of God in our lives?

The disciples certainly doubted the power of Christ, even after seeing Jesus feed the five thousand just a few chapters earlier in Mark.  It seems they had forgotten that Jesus could perform miracles.

Today, we often doubt that we have the ability to cure many of the world’s problems.  Instead of trying to tackle the big issues ourselves, we should trust that even our small contributions can produce great results when working together with our fellow Christians. 

For instance, we have many charities such as soup kitchens and food pantries that depend on individuals to work together as a whole to help cure the problem of poverty.  God provides us with resources, not just to feed us, but to care for the entire community.  In order for our community to be fed both physically and spiritually, we are called to make our contribution and trust that God will bless those contributions.

After Jesus blessed the loaves and fish, he entrusted his disciples to distribute them to the four thousand.  He depended upon his disciples to help feed the people, both with food and with his teachings.  Like us, the disciples needed to trust in Jesus while also trusting that their contribution was needed in order to ensure the community was cared for. 

Lord, help us trust that our contributions can help, through your blessings, to make the impossible possible.  

~ Richard Aylor

JESUS HEALS

MARK 7:24-37

JESUS HEALS

“Then Jesus ordered the people not to speak of it; but the more he ordered them not to, the more they told it.” Mark 7: 36 (Good News Translation)

To me, this entire passage shows many things about Jesus and the kind of man that he was, but specifically verse 36. Not only was he willing to heal the deaf man who could hardly speak, but he did it in a way that was not showy or haughty in any way. I find it beautiful that he took the man aside, so that the first thing he heard was Jesus’ voice.

 Also, once he had performed this marvelous task, he went so far as to ask those who had witnessed it to keep it a secret. This demonstrates Jesus’ giving spirit, because he healed the man for the sole reason of helping him. He didn’t want to receive any credit or praise for his actions, and he wasn’t using it as a way to recruit new followers! There was no gain for Jesus.

From this passage, it is clear the Jesus was a man who gave and gave without expecting anything in return. I hope that one day I will be able to be more like him, and give without bounds.

Dear Lord, thank you for sending us your son, Jesus Christ, and help us to follow his example, and strive to be caring and giving Christians. Amen.

~ Rebekah Wellons

A CLEAN HEART COMES FROM GOD

MARK 7:1-23

A CLEAN HEART COMES FROM GOD

“ ‘Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him.  Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean’.”  Mark 7:15

   

Jesus did not come to perform rituals and look at the outward appearances, but he come for those who are broken in hearts. Tax collectors, sinners and all those who are seeking forgiveness; he humbled himself and sat down to listen to them, talked to them and even ate meals together with them in their homes. Jesus cares about the heart; to him, eating with a sinner or a tax- collector does not defile a man as long as he has a pure heart.

When soldiers in South Sudan go to war, they believe they are fighting for a cause. They are not worried about what really enters their bodies, or whether there is clean water to drink or a faucet to wash hands before a meal. At that moment of passion and commitment, what really matters is what comes out, or what they say to each other, and if it is really coming from the heart. Even in the midst of the wilderness they still laugh and smile, with a strong faith. They know God will still be able to rescue them because it’s his world and not theirs.

Pray as if all depends on God, live your life as if it all depends on you. Believe to make things happen because God works in a corresponding action.

Dear God, fill our hearts with goodness that we may honor you in all we say and do. Amen

~ Linda Tartisio 

JUMP !

MARK 6:47-56

JUMP !

“…they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ “ Mark 6: 50 (New Revised Standard version)

Recently my wife, Diane, and I went to a Young Life event and heard a terrific speaker.  Young Life is an organization that teaches high school kids about Jesus through fun and fellowship.  The speaker   that night told us a story about the difference between belief and faith.

 He related a time when he was a younger man with a three-yearold daughter. He was putting a new roof on his house and went inside to get a glass of water (leaving his daughter alone “for just a second”).   Returning, he discovered she had climbed the ladder and was now standing on the roof.  He immediately started up the ladder, only to discover that with each step up, she took three steps away.  As he stepped down, she moved back to the safety of the ladder. He'd go up, she’d move over; as he came down, she would move back. It was a game for her.  Intuitively, he knew he had to do something drastic, so he got off the ladder, stood on his lawn, raised his hands and said, “Jump, honey”. 

Now, at this point, she had “belief”.  She believed her Daddy would catch her.  But it wasn't until her feet left the roof, and she actually jumped, that she had “faith”.

The disciples, in Mark 6: 47-56 believe in Jesus, but they don't yet have faith in all that he can and will do.

Dear Lord, teach me how to jump. Amen

~ Jimmy Butler

ACTION AND FAITH

MARK 6:30-46

ACTION AND FAITH

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all.” Mark 6:41  (NRSV)

Initially, the disciples were understandably skeptical regarding their ability to feed 5,000 men with five loaves of bread and two fish.  Yet Jesus blesses what little they found, gives it to the disciples to distribute, and it ends up satisfying everyone, with more left over.

I am struck by the fact that it is not the size of what we offer that is important, but our willingness to give, coupled with our faith that God will use it for His purposes.  Often it seems that we feel vulnerable and afraid of offering what we view as too little.  However, this story seems to remind us that if we give something in faith, it multiplies in return, with excess.  We must show our faith in God by giving what we have, even when we don’t understand how it will work out. 

Faith requires action.  As said in James 2: 26, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.”

Dear Lord, help me as I seek to take action, even in the face of uncertainty, as I strive to faithfully do your will.  In your gracious name I pray, amen. 

~ Rachel Erb

REGRETS

MARK 6:1-13

REGRETS

"The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her."Mark 6:26

Have you ever made a decision you’ve regretted?One that seems to haunt you later on, so that even unrelated items bring the memory right back to you as if it was yesterday?Many of those regretful decisions seem to be made for the wrong reason, and often to please someone else.

King Herod acted without considering the consequences and was forced to keep his word, resulting in the death of John the Baptist, whom he had protected. Too late, he could only regret his hasty promise.

I try to pray for guidance before I make a decision.That allows me to have some time and reflection before I act, and it usually ends with a choice I can live with.

Heavenly Father, in your unfailing wisdom, help me to discern your will for my life.Help me to follow the path that pleases you. Amen

~ Lori Earls

JOURNEY OF FAITH

MARK 6:1-13

JOURNEY OF FAITH

 Although I love to travel, I hate the preparation that goes into it.  Do I need to pack for warm weather, or will it be cold?  What will I be doing while I am there?  Will it be business or pleasure?  Will the kids be going?  What do I need to pack for them?  Do I have my Blackberry, my camera, my laptop and chargers for all these devices?  Should we take travelers checks?  How much cash will we need?  Should I get online and try to navigate on Mapquest so I know the best places to stop for meals.   I am exhausted just getting ready, and I haven’t even begun the travel.

In Mark 6: 8, Jesus gave his disciples instructions as they left to go teaching from village to village.  “Take nothing for the journey except for your staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.  Wear sandals, but not an extra shirt.  Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.”  What?  Nothing?  But what if something happens and I am not prepared for it? 

And, that’s what the disciples did.  They went out and preached that people should repent.  They drove out many demons and anointed sick people with oil and healed them. All this accomplished with nothing but their staff and their words.  There was no emergency fund, or a contingency plan.  All they had were the words Jesus gave them and their faith in their role in Jesus’ ministry.  Their travels were a success because this was all they needed to achieve their goals.

Dear Lord, Please help me to remember that all my backup plans and contingencies are unnecessary because You have my today and all my tomorrows in Your control.

~ Stephanie Poe-Thomas

A GIRL RESTORED TO LIFE — A WOMAN HEALED

MARK 5:21-43

A GIRL RESTORED TO LIFE — A WOMAN HEALED

“But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe’.” Mark 5:36 NRSV

An ill woman believes that if she can just touch the robe of Jesus she will be cured.  A Jewish leader brings Jesus home to raise his daughter from the dead because he is told to believe.  Both receive unbelievable rewards. 

On the other hand, I could make a list of the fears I battle that would be longer than my arm and belief is fleeting, at best.  It’s a simple set of instructions that I transform into…do not believe, only fear.  How can the Jewish leader with the dead child and the woman suffering from hemorrhages act in faith in such frightening times and I can’t muster up a fraction of their belief in much less frightening circumstances?  It is discouraging to say the least, but thank God there is hope in Christ.  He is our only hope.

Father, we disappoint you because we refuse to believe that you are God and so our lives lack power and purpose.  We depend on ourselves for answers and fear things that will never come to pass.  Lord, grace us with the belief that will dispel our fears that we may live the lives you intended us to live.  In Christ name we pray.

~ Van Renick

GO AND TELL

MARK 5:1-20

GO AND TELL

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you.” Mark 5:19b (NKJ)

There was a time in my life – I was in my 30s – when I had no job.  My mom, with whom I was living, was between jobs as well.  Money was scarce and we were at a point where our church was helping with our utility bills.  We weren’t sure how we going to make it and spent a lot of time in prayer.  One morning a woman from our church dropped by with lunch!  We were amazed that she had stopped by “out of the blue”!  But after she left, it hit us that we had just seen how God was providing for us. 

Thirty years later I still tell the story of how God fed us when we didn’t know where the next meal was coming from.  We thanked the Lord for that miracle in our lives. That incident was another way that convinced me that God would never leave or forsake me, and that confidence has given me great peace throughout the course of my life.

We are in Lent.  We are contemplating the greatest gift of all – Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.  It seems to me that, given the magnitude of the gift, we should….tell our friends!

Lord, help us to be truly thankful for Your gift of salvation, and help us to boldly tell others.  Amen.

~ Deanne Vance

QUIET! BE STILL!

MARK 4:35-41

QUIET! BE STILL!

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”  Mark 4: 39 NIV

On Monday mornings, I meet with several wonderful women for Bible study. We arrive and sit or stand in the kitchen and chat for anywhere from ten  minutes to half an hour depending on what is going on in each other’s life. After fixing a cup of coffee or hot tea, we go to the living room and settle into our lesson.

Our Bible study usually lasts for around 45 minutes, and while we are studying oftentimes something will remind us of an event or a memory that deeply affected or is affecting our lives and we talk about it. Listening to one another and giving encouragement helps us to process the feelings we have and it is very comforting. But NOTHING comforts and quiets our hearts like our prayer time at the end of our study.

While we are praying, the “wind in our lives” is stilled because the presence of our God is an amazing thing; a still, comforting refreshment that ONLY comes from God’s presence and from his overwhelming love for us. Many times tears will flow and hands squeeze tighter. Then, after our “Amen,” we look at each other in amazement at how fortunate we are to have each other and to have such a loving heavenly Father.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your calming presence in our lives when our storms are too much for us to handle. Thank you for your love and the peace that passes all understanding. Amen

~Carolyn Hornick

THE LITTLE THINGS

MARK 4:21-34

THE LITTLE THINGS

  “It is like a grain of mustard seed, which…is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet…it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs.” Mark 4:31

                                                                  

 Jesus’ comparing the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed that grew to be great and useful made me think about the little kindnesses we can do, but so often overlook.  Like the tiny seed, our kindnesses can take root and grow into beautiful things in our lives and the lives of others, making our world a bit more like the kingdom of God.

At school a scowling adolescent may have left home hungry. She appears to be unreachable, and resents adults telling her what she should do.  But, a kind word complimenting her work, or a simple “I like those shoes,” acknowledging the new pair she wears proudly today, changes her attitude. Afterwards, when you pass her she greets you, not with a scowl but with a smile and a shy “hello”. 

Or you see an elderly man with an oxygen tank in tow, trying to manage his grocery cart and cane through the busy parking lot at Kroger. An offer to return cart back and save him steps brings a wide, genuine smile to his face.  His eyes crinkle at the corners and are moist as he thanks you.. 

Oh, how simple these small acts are!  How easily we fail to notice and do them. But they bring great joy and a glimpse of the Kingdom.  Let’s all spread some mustard seeds as we go through life! 

Dear Heavenly Father, please guide us to take opportunities to show small kindnesses that, like a mustard seed, might grow to be great deeds in our world.  Amen

~ Kim Richards

OUT IN A BOAT

MARK 4:1-20

OUT IN A BOAT

“… The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge.” Mark 4:1 (NIV)

It’s a familiar parable…the farmer sows the seed…the seed falls here, the seed falls there…I’ve heard it many times, and I think I understand it, so I was a little relieved that it was my scripture assignment for this Lenten Devotion.  But then it struck me, Jesus is out in a boat!  The people are massing on the shore, but he is out in a boat, alone…getting a little distance, taking a little time.

And what I find interesting is reading this scripture in the context of my overcrowded, overburdened daily routine, where there is little time to spare to stop and be still.  Jesus knew about that.  He knew what it was to have crowds of people making demands on his time and teachings.  He knew that a little distance and some breathing room were necessary for him to be an effective teacher.  And so he’s out in a boat.  Wow.  I’d like to be out in a boat. 

Remembering to stop, look, and listen for God’s voice in my life takes effort, but when I do, everything comes easier.  The trick for me is to remember to get out in that boat with Jesus more often and just…breathe!  It’s ok.  I’m a child of God, blessed beyond all measure.  Just focusing on THAT makes everything else more manageable.

Dear God, help me to remember to get out in that boat more often.  Amen.

~ Laurie Powell-Ward

DOES GOD’S WILL FIT INTO YOUR SCHEDULE?

MARK 3:19b-35

DOES GOD’S WILL FIT INTO YOUR SCHEDULE?

He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” … “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3: 33, 35

I don’t find doing God’s will to be easy. With young children, I often wonder how people have energy to raise four or five children. Life is demanding. Students spend all hours of the night studying and cramming for tests. Parents graduate from being up all night with infants to later running to their kids’ sports, school events, and other events after a full day of work or duties at home. I can’t even think about the teenage years! A retired friend once told me that volunteering can be more work than work!

The RCPC Time and Talent Fair was held recently. I have been in the church choir when I was a child. Yet the idea of volunteering more time with our two busy careers and athletic kids has been daunting. We often have a work or sports commitment nearly every week night. We volunteer for work, community and school events by requirement or necessity. How does God’s Will fit in your life because I doubt God said you should go to church most Sundays, tithe and serve me whenever you can.

Benjamin Franklin once said “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” I believe that God is saying in this passage that it is time to step up to the plate! Although we may fail in our goals to serve him, we first must attempt to serve.

God, please give us the will and energy to serve you. Amen.

~John Moorefield

It's the least we can do...

Invite someone to come to church with you this Sunday...it's the least we can do to extend Christian hospitality!

FAITH

MARK 3:7-19a

FAITH

“…and the un-clean spirits whenever they saw Him cried out saying ‘you are the Son of God,’ but He sternly warned them they should not make Him known.” Mark 3:11-12

Christianity that we believe in is based on a faith in an unseen God. Even with Jesus performing many miracles, there was still doubt and denial as to who He was. I believe this command for the evil to remain silent was to keep the mystery; to leave enough unknown that we can not only believe but have our own inquisitive nature to help us build our faith.

 I have no doubt that Jesus is the Son of God, but I also believe He did not want to lay out vivid proof. This would leave no need for faith. It would be black and white; we would see it all and therefore be so informed we would not need to choose. We would be less human.

God gave us some mystery so we can read the Bible and choose His way. Salvation is free. We need only to make the right choice.

Heavenly Father: Help us to always keep our faith....Amen

~ Joe McCrobie

LORD OF THE SABBATH

MARK 2:23-3:6

LORD OF THE SABBATH

“Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27-28.

The Pharisees made many things unlawful on the Sabbath, yet Jesus violated those laws.  He plucked heads of grain; he healed the sick.  I imagine there were other things that were equally egregious that brought the community eye to turn his way. 

“Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent.” Mark 3:4. Jesus proceeded to heal a man in direct violation of the laws of his time.

My grandmother did not believe in violating the Sabbath.  She cooked on Saturday and ate cold food on Sunday so that her day could be centered on her bible.  But, she still had work to do: walk to church, feed the chickens, milk the cow and pick the butterbeans.  These actions made her feel guilty; she’d been taught that all things on the Sabbath had to be done to benefit her relationship with God.  I wish she and I could talk about Jesus in the book of Mark; the Sabbath was created for us, not the other way around, and yes!

Taking care of one’s responsibilities is what Jesus wants us to do. That is what he did, despite the displeasure of the Pharisees.  And, he took time for worship, as we all should do.

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your son Jesus to teach us and guide us in what is truly important.  Your word is a light into our collective darkness.

~Elizabeth Matthews Jones

WWJT (WHAT WOULD JESUS THINK?)

MARK 2:13-22

WWJT (WHAT WOULD JESUS THINK?)

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?’ ” Mark 2: 16 (KJV)

Eating with publicans and sinners was not “politically” correct at the time. “These people” were considered unclean, reproachable; and Jesus was not behaving as they thought the Messiah should.

This story brings to mind a controversy involving the Roanoke Farmers’ Market area some time ago. Homeless people, frequently referred to as “bums”, would spend time on the public benches. Some folks were offended to share the benches with smelly, dirty people. The solution was to take out the benches, so no one had places to sit. More than a little self-righteously, I thought how selfish and mean. Ah, the comfort of moral certainty.

Sometime later, a very wealthy person made a remark about the level of giving to non-profits. Those who donated nominal (by this person’s standards) amounts were relegated to the ranks of “low-hanging” fruit. Well…I fell into that group, and I was greatly offended.

As I reflected on these two perspectives and Jesus’ response, “…I came not to call the righteous, but sinners,” it reinforced for me how meaningless our “classifications” are. Yup! You, me, the “bums”, the “snobs”, and all the other unwashed are cleansed only through God’s grace, and saved through Jesus’ sacrifice for us through the world’s greatest miracle – our Savior’s Resurrection.

THANK YOU, GOD! for your unwavering, unfathomable love for each and every one of us. Help me “get” that, and live my life in response to it – to your glory. Amen

~ Judy Hensley

VISIBLE FAITH

MARK 2:1-12

VISIBLE FAITH

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ " Mark 2: 5 (NIV)

What does your faith look like?  I know at times my faith manifests itself as little more than showing up for church on Sundays and saying a prayer before dinner.  But God sent his only son to suffer and die for us; surely, in response to that awesome expression of love, our faith must lead us to do more than sit in a pew once a week.

The men in this story were driven by their faith to hoist their friend onto a rooftop and dig through the roof to get him near Jesus.  And Jesus' response?  He saw their faith and was moved to offer the paralytic forgiveness and healing.  This Lenten season let us allow our faith to lead us into bold action.

Lord, in these days leading up to the celebration of Your resurrection, strengthen our faith so that it may be visible to You through our actions.

~ Lisa Goad