Thursday, March 31

Romans 5:12-21

After reading this passage, it clarifies the grace of God has for all of our sins. It almost brings a sense of reward and relief that once you discover Jesus Christ you know that eternal life is for those who follow. I don't have a poem or a song that reminds me of this passage. How- ever, this passage does remind me from the movie "Forrest Gump" to where LT. Dan, after losing his legs in the war, is living a sinful life. Then after figuring out that he does have a purpose in life and God has a pur- pose for him, it is stated the he "has found his God".

Submitted by Ty Tracy

Wednesday, March 30

Psalm 23

I have been a member of the Woodville United Methodist Church for 84 years.  I can still remember back to my first Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Fisher, when I was 3-4 years old.  During confirmation, we'd learn a verse at a time, until we could recite the entire 23rd Psalm, which I can still do today.  One of our teachers had died and her final request was that the Sunday School children would follow behind her casket at the funeral.  I told my mother I just couldn't do it; I had dreams, I worried and fretted.   I went to bed praying that I wouldn't have to go . . . when I awoke, I was covered in measles!  I said thank you to God over and over!
In difficult situations and in everyday life, I have kept the Lord as my Shepherd!

Submitted by Lucile Smith

Tuesday, March 29

Phillipians 4:19

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus Christ.
This verse simply means that God will give us what we need when we need it. It can difficult to sort out our needs from our wants and find true contentment. I often times find myself confused between needs and wants. Our expectations of our kids, and life in general, are high. Let our only expectation be that His love for us will never change. He has a plan for our church, our family, and our lives. It just my look different from the ones we’ve built in our minds.

Sumbitted by Julie Amrine

Monday, March 28

Jeremiah 7:1-15

There are many lessons that are learned from the pages of the Old Testament. In this Scripture, Jeremiah was witnessing his people talking the talk, but not walking the walk. It sounds like they were regularly breaking every law that God had set before them – at that time, the Ten Commandments. Even though the chosen people of God were doing ‘detestable things’ and were ‘trusting in deceptive words that are worthless’, they continually came to worship as if they had done nothing wrong. They were trusting in ‘the things of the world’ instead of God. They felt safe in God’s house, the Temple – that they could do anything they wanted outside as long as they continued to come there to worship God; they felt that God wouldn’t care. But God DID care and He detested how they were acting and what they were doing. He also cares about us today, how we are acting and what we are doing, and He sees when we slip into disobedience. The lesson we learn from this Scripture, especially in this age of materialism, wealth, and knowledge, is that our focus is to be on God and Godly actions, not just for the hour in church on Sunday mornings, but every hour of every day of the week. Our actions should reflect our love of Jesus, demonstrating that we are true Christians. Everything in this world has been given to us by our God, and our respect and praise should be to Him!

Submitted by Terri Molter

Saturday, March 26

Romans 3:19-31

After reading my three scripture choices, I chose this scripture because it speaks of faith. We are all children of God yet we are all sinners! As a single parent, or probably any parent for that matter, but I only know life of a single parent…I see this scripture as God being the parent who has set the rules for which his children are to live by, 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[b] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. What more should it take, to make us behave, to live without sin, to believe. How frustrating it must be for him that he asks so little and yet some just don’t get it. Like raising a child and you teach him everything you know, in a worldly way, so that he will grow up and become a respectable adult. But kids don’t always listen; sometimes they grow to a certain age and take a different path. The rules haven’t changed; the 10 commandments are still the same, never wavering from meaning. Yet some still choose the “other” path. Faith is the constant, you can’t buy faith, you can’t just say I have faith; you have to acquire it through God. He is always there, trying to reach out to each of us 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
I am thankful that I have found a very strong faith. I am a different person today because of it. God is there for me; I pray that I will continue to grow spiritually from my faith. He is with me, guiding me, helping me to make the right choices. This scripture speaks to me by reminding me that there is only one God, and that if I give him everything it will be okay. And, I know, by my faith that this is true. God asks nothing of me, but to believe in him. The Cultivating Fruitfulness book asked that I see where I was at 5 years ago, where I am at today, and where I hope to be in 5 years from now with my faith. God is first and has been for quite some time, and I don’t see that changing in my life in the next 5 years or ever for that matter. If I were to go back 20 years, that is a different story! I was not how I am today. I have always believed in God, but I had stopped coming to church, prayed for selfish reasons and was not involved with my church family. In recent years I have developed a wonderful relationship with God. I truly enjoy my church family as if they were all my own family. As for prayer, I pray faithfully now for others first and then myself. He answered my prayers when he gave me Caleb, and I have thanked him everyday for giving me this special gift. I pray that I never disappoint him for giving me Caleb.


Submitted by Kelly O'Connor

Friday, March 25

John 5:30-47

Believe. That word has so many connotations. As children, those of us with small children and those of us who are still children at heart that means Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth fairy, Magic, Fairy tales and happy endings. As we grow older it’s what we do when we think that people will always be honest, tell the truth, do what’s right, think of others, that friends and family will never hurt or deceive you. But unfortunately, that’s not the case so we become cynical and only believe what can be proven. Or sometimes it’s not proof at all – it’s merely persuasion - persuasion by friends, colleagues, political parties, peers, celebrities and public figures, or even beautifully written words or lyrics can persuade us. Many times we close our minds and are hearts and refuse to listen or hear anyone else’s beliefs or ideas, thoughts or feelings. We are all seeking something to …….. Believe.

Submitted by Tara Young

Thursday, March 24

John 5:19-29

God gives us choices to learn who we are,
between good and evil that are near and far,
the decisions we make shows god our true love,
for one another and him up above,
meeting new people to spread the good word,
Jesus our savior has risen haven't you heard,
now is the time to committ ourselves to you,
so we can be risen just like jesus too.

Submitted by Carla Strickland

Wednesday, March 23

Romans 1:28-2:11

When you read the list of behaviors and traits at the beginning of the passage, try to think about how many of them could possibly apply to you at one point or another in your life. Now think about how many of those apply to people you may know.

Now STOP!!! It's important to remember that it's not at all position to judge others or their actions. We are to leave that to God, the only one who is perfect and blameless. If we're going to essentially "play God" and judge others, then we must also take on His other traits and be filled with grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness for everyone. Do you believe that you can do that? Do you believe that you can accurately judge others, and at the same time have grace, mercy, love and forgiveness for them as well? I know that I can't, and therefore I will leave the judging to God. ?

Submitted by Adam Amrine

Tuesday, March 22

John 4:43-54

The second miracle of Jesus was to heal an officer's son.  The boy was almost dead, and the officer begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal him.  Jesus told the father to go home, that his son would live.
     The officer believed Jesus and went home.  The fever left the boy at the exact time Jesus said the boy would live.  I wonder if the son would have been healed if the officer hadn't believed Jesus.  What do you think?

Submitted by Miriam Obermyer

Monday, March 21

Romans 1:1-15

The birth of a child is one of the many blessings of God.  I have always said "how can you not believe on the special occasion of a birth!"  Before the death of my son Bryan, I had dreams of an accident, arriving at the hospital and when I asked the nun if I could talk to him, she shook her head "no."  The day of the accident and asking the nurse at the hospital if I could talk to him, she shook her head "no" just lke the dream.  I think it was a sign from God and I was told ahead in dreams just as Jesus told his disciples.  Have faith in God!

Submitted by Jan Cook

Saturday, March 19

Matthew 9:12

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick"
 
Most of us have experienced times when we really needed a physician and we not only called the doctor but also spent time in prayer asking for healing.  God does hear our prayers and His healing comes in many ways, including the hands and skills of the medical professionals. 
Every time I receive Communion I am made aware that I need God, The Great Healer, in another way.  I need healing for any sin or shortcoming in my life so that I may be well in my soul as well as body.
In both my spiritual and physical body I find that if proper care is lacking, what God expects of me is lacking.
It feels so good to "be about the work of my heavenly Father."  Lent is a wonderful time to assess my spiritual condition and to learn, again, the blessing of doing my best to be whole.
During these many years there have been many times when help was needed and, for this help, my thanks have gone out to many people, but I am most thankful to know that "My help comes from the Lord" (Psalm 121)

Submitted by Joe Ablett

Friday, March 18

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

You Can’t Walk on Water, You Can Only Do Better

With every relationship comes a set of expectations, it is inevitable and unavoidable. Our spouse expects us to do our share of the housework, our employers expect us to do our share of the work load, and our children expect our love and affection. Every relationship we maintain has expectations attached to it, why would this be any different with our relationship with God? Have you taken the time lately to think about what God expects of you?

In Deuteronomy 10:12-22 many of God’s expectations are spelled out for us, simply stated and easy to read. “Fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” That seems simple, right? Be a good person, love the outsider, serve the church, don’t outcast the stranger, give to the poor, respect your elders, pray, Fear God, and spread The word.

I think most Christian people fear God and would venture to say that the majority also loves Him, but this passage encourages you dig deeper. Do you serve the Lord with all of your heart and soul? Do you walk in his ways? Do you honestly love the outcast and defend the cause of an orphan? Does what you say and what you do reflect what you believe? Do you truly repent for your sins? Do you show true compassion to your neighbors or just maintain surface relationships in order to get by?

In the passage it reinforces that God does not accept bribes and shows no partiality. When your time here on earth is through you can’t tell God, “but I worked at the soup kitchen, I attended church regularly and I was kind to my neighbor”. You have to strive to meet His expectations each day, just as you strive to meet the expectations of your children, parents, spouse or employer. For some that could mean to volunteer at the soup kitchen or to attend church regularly, but the point is that is never enough. You can always do better, you can always attain the expectations you have set and then set them higher.

To meet these expectations is not quite as simple as merely reading the passage (and this passage is one of many passages that sets expectations on Christians). It is much more difficult to love more and judge less, offer your assistance to someone in need when you are tired, to hold yourself to a higher ethical standard, to have a positive attitude when you are feeling hopeless. As you think of ways to serve the Lord better, take time to think about what God expects of you. And although we should always fear God, also know that he is loving and good.

Even though we might not feel that we are meeting His expectations, remember: you can’t walk on water, you can only do better. The same God that has placed these expectations on you is the same God that loved you when you were at your weakest, loved you when you thought nobody else did. Expectations aren’t necessarily a bad thing; they should instead set us in motion to do better.

Take time to pray and educate yourself, even when you don’t understand why your loved one was taken too soon. Take time to help the friend in need, even if you’re tired. Actually be repentant and accountable for your sins. Fear God, but love Him too.

Submitted by Laura Strong

Thursday, March 17

John 3:16-21

When I saw that John 3:16-21 was among the scriptures suggested for March 17, I jumped at the opportunity to write about it.  Great day!  Here was a bit of scripture that I (and the rest of the congregation) could quote from memory.  And not only could I quote it…I could sing it, too.  Whenever I hear the passage, “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son,” in my heart I hear the much-loved anthem from John Stainer’s cantata, The Crucifixion.  The words speak to me through music.          
               Don’t these verses say it all?  These are the words of our faith – He so loved us that He gave us his Son.  And according to the Word, if we just believe, we will not die, but have everlasting life.  That’s because God didn’t send his Son to judge the world, but to be its savior.  That sounds like a sure salvation to me.  If I believe, I’ll be saved…no questions asked.
               But wait!  The scriptures go on to say that if we don’t believe, we’ve already been judged.  Even though light has come into the world,  those who don’t believe prefer the darkness…their deeds are evil.  Is that me?
               These verses continue with the message that if we do come to believe and do what is true, we will come to the light and that light will show the world that we obey God. 
               And isn’t that good news?  I believe it is!

submitted by Barbara Mauntler

Wednesday, March 16

John 2:23-3:15


2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs which he did; 24 but Jesus did not trust himself to them, 25 because he knew all men and needed no one to bear witness of man; for he himself knew what was in man. 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 8The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
 The part in this passage that is impactful for me is verse 12.  How can we imagine what Heaven is like when we don’t believe in Him fully?  Jesus tests our faith right here.  It is believing in the unseen, the unknown.  There is a quote from Hellen Keller that fits this verse.  “The most beautiful things in the world are not seen or touched.  They are felt with the heart.”  This is the true foundation of faith.

Submitted by Denny Fetzer

Tuesday, March 15

Hebrews 3:1-11

In Hebrews 3:1-11, when it talks about hardening hearts, it reminds me of a song by Tim Mcgraw called “Let It go.” It talks about just letting go, of everything. Soften your hardened hearts. Life is too short to hold grudges. A lot can happen in our life, and not everyone is going to be friendly to you. But already in my life, i realized that you just have to let it go, keep on walking and hold your head up high.

CHORUS:
Today I'm gonna keep on walking
I'm gonna hold my head up high
I'm gonna leave it all behind
Today I'm gonna stand out in the rain
Let it wash it all away Yeah wash it all away
I'm gonna let it go Oh yeah
I'm gonna let it go Oh yeah

Submitted by Chelsea Garver

Monday, March 14

Deuteronomy 8:11-20

People can choose other things to worship- such as money, other gods, themselves, the TV. However, this passage serves as a reminder that God is all powerful, that the Lord has the ability and power to take all the glory away. We truly are powerless to the act of God, and no matter how much wealth or luxury we seem to accumulate, the Lord wants to remind us to remain humble, that He has chosen the path for each of us.

Submitted by Susie Edwards

Saturday, March 12

Deuteronomy 7:17-26, Titus 3:1-15, John 1:43-51

John's Gospel explains so clearly who Jesus is!  Messiah (vs 41 and vs 51), Expected One (vs 45), Lamb of God (vs 16), Son of man (vs 45), Son of God (vs 49), King of Israel (vs 49).  These evaluations come from John the Baptist, Philip, Nathaniel and Jesus himself.  But explanations or evaluations and experiences are two different things.  The disciples experienced the power, compassion, love and kindness of Jesus after they obeyed his call to "follow him," or "come with me."  In our own lives it is that life changing experience of answering Christ's call that makes Christ our personal Savior.  Then we will fulfill Paul's admonition found in his letter to Titus, "for our people (Christians) must learn to help al who need their assistance that their lives will be fruitful."  Titus 3:14.  Those who have given themselves to others will live forever in every single heart they have touched. 

Lord, may we always be aware of those who need to hear the message of the Gospel and respond in Jesus' name.  A Christian is the living interpretation of God's message of love

Submitted by Lucille Nuhfer

Friday, March 11

Titus 2:1-15

Paul writes to Titus - the church must be different if we’re going to have a serious impact on our families - community - nation. The church must be haven - a place of peace in the midst of this dangerous world - a community that testifies of God’s love - His grace - His forgiveness. People need to come here and feel safe. Titus - speak those things - teach the doctrines - that will produce a loving community which will attract others to the Gospel.
In these first 10 verses, Paul encourages Titus to speak with the church about living sound doctrine - example after example - character trait after character trait - how does a godly person live in order to contribute to the church as a safe - loving - gracious community - that testifies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In verses 11-15 Paul tells us where our ability to live this way comes from.
Put simply - if God is so gracious to us - we can be gracious to each other - and live seeking to encourage and uphold each other in His gracious living.
*taken from Pastor Stephen Muncherian’s series on Titus “The Right Stuff Part Two”

Submitted by Maryellen Cummings

Thursday, March 10

Deuteronomy 7:6-11
Because we are God's chosen people, He provides us with endless love and faith in return of our own love and faith toward the Lord our God. We as the people are very blessed to be given the opportunity to have such a special place with God and the relationship He warmly invites us into.

Submitted by Justin Garver

Ash Wednesday, March 9 Hebrews 12:1-14

Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hebrews 12:1-14
Vs. 7-8 (The Message) God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out.  God is treating you as dear children.  This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children.
 I think I raised my children with discipline and love.  I know they have turned out to be wonderful adults.  Now I have suddenly become a grandmother- three times over!  I love these precious children adopted from Kazakhstan, I love, love, love them!  Discipline, that's another thing.  Isn't it Gramma's job to just love and spoil them?
 But this passage reminds us that real love, God's love, God's discipline is training. 
 As we enter this Lenten season, rather than "giving up" something we are challenged to go into training for our relationship with God.  Where is your challenge?
 Daily prayer . . . Bible study . . . regular worship attendance . . .
 Can we take care of our own health, including exercise and healthy eating which opens up possibilities for serving God in new ways?
Can we take care of our environment by recycling and honoring God's gift of all creation?
Can we take care of others, the hungry, the lost, the lonely?
Can you train for discipleship and service this Lenten season?
 As The Message (vs. 11) says: "Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with  God."
 
Prayer: Precious Lord, your love forgives me when I fail and encourages me as I  take on new challenges.  Thank you for your presence in my life.  You guide me as your own precious child.  Amen.

Submitted by Ruth Floyd