NOVEMBER 2016 SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONS

11.1.16        Exodus 20:2-3 Voice

 I am the Eternal your God…. You are not to serve any other gods before Me.

Well, of course, I serve no other Gods….or do I?  What about the god of time, the god of selfishness, the god of materialism?  How often do I recognize and serve those gods??  How often do I do MY will instead of God’s? 

Today is All Saints Day or El Dia de Los Muertos, the Spanish Day of the Dead.  It is a day to remember and honor our ancestors, family and friends, that have passed on before us.  A day to remember with traditions.  We celebrated All Saints Day last Sunday.  I brought pippernutters to coffee hour in remembrance of my dad.  I can honor my father in my service to ONE God while pushing all those non-gods off the plate.

Eternal God…may I serve ONLY you.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What smell are you grateful for today?

The smell of cardamom.  In celebration of All Saints Day at church I made pippernutters in honor of my father.  The Danish treat is a stable of holiday tradition in our family, passed on from my dad’s Scandanavian heritage.  

11.2.16     
1 John 1:9 MSG

 If we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.

          Confession is a prelude to forgiveness.  But if we don’t acknowledge, it is hard to amend. We can’t confession that which we don’t admit to, specifically.  That is the hardest part of my daily efforts this year.  I have a space for confession, my ‘spanks’ (part of the Thanks-Planks-Spanks), but it is often blank.  I have trouble coming up with individual actions in which I was wrong.  Generalities abound, times of pride or materialism, selfishness or hurtful words.  Times we perhaps hurt groups of people.  But if we can confess to those moments of individual wrong, then we can also ask forgiveness of those we have wronged.  Such action can improve relationships – both with one another AND with God.

          The cleansing part of this verse is God’s ability to wipe clean our sins, time and again. 

Redeeming God…may my confessions open my heart to the wholeness of relationships built on loving forgiveness.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What technology are you grateful for?  Cell phones, social media, and the ability to connect with family and friends in ways unheard of in the past.  

11.3.16        Luke 11:10 Voice

All who keep asking will receive, all who keep seeking will find, and doors will open to those who keep knocking.

          Ask. Seek. Open. Find. We can’t find unless we ask, unless we open the door.  But part of God’s secret is in giving us what we NEED, not necessarily that for which we ask. 

          I am reusing a scribble from 3 weeks ago based on this Luke scripture.  Today was a 500+ mile travel day, so little time to draw!  We were blessed today with clear skies, a beautiful sunrise AND sunset, and smooth travels! 

God of openings…may I have the courage to ask, to seek, and to open the door to your love and presence.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What color are you grateful for?

The color turquoise.  It reminds me of ocean waters, clear skies, cleansing, and sacred stones.  It is a color of nature, a Creation Color. 

11.4.16        Deuteronomy 8:18 MSG

Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.

          November is the season of gratitude and thanksgiving.  I have added a daily prompt from a Gratitude Calendar for the month.  We can express our gratitude to one another, but ultimately, all thanks belongs to God and God alone.  God is the source of all our wealth and blessings; blessings that include material wealth, but also the wealth of friends, family, and relationships.  We can say thanks and then ask, what are doing with our riches in accordance to God’s desires? 

Lord… May I use the richness of your blessings to serve others in love.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What food are you grateful for?  Fruits and vegetables!  Dark Chocolate!  More food than I should! 

11.5.16        Acts 15:35 Voice

Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, where they teamed with many others to teach and preach the message of the Lord.

Today a local confirmed the middle peak in the 'gap' is Heaven's Peak.
Sunset is from Thursday night! 

          Teamed.  That is the key word I pulled out of this scripture passage.  When we team together, we can accomplish so much more than working alone.  When we team up, we can exchange ideas, we can encourage one another, we can do so much more.  Habitat forces us to team together to build a house.  We team up with local volunteers, homeowners, skilled contractors, and community donors to provide decent, affordable housing.  I like working with a team.  I like what we can do.

God of us all… Help us to work together as a team to do your will.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT:  What sound are you grateful for?  The sound of genuine laughter; of people enjoying one another; of the ability to see the humor in situations and events.   

11.6.16        James 1:12 GNT

Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him.

          We tend to think of trials as something bad, some sin we are being punished for, but sometimes trials and difficult times come because God is using them to mold us into a better person, to work through us in ways we just can’t see or understand.  And if we can keep the faith, trying to see God’s hand at work despite the pain or inconvenience, if we can remain thankful and rejoice in God, we can not only endure, but serve through it all. 
          When Genia wrote of her exchanges with others during her stays in the hospital, I couldn’t help but think that God is working through her.  And that knowledge, that smile, that laughter, strengthens ALL of us to face what God has in mind for us.  Genia WILL receive her reward, for she has indeed remained faithful. 

Had to draw today's prayers from the Gratitude Prompt!  

Incomprehensible God… Help us to keep the faith through the difficult times, knowing you are at work in and through us.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What in nature are you grateful for?  A tough question to answer, but I expect there are three things in nature that thrill me most.  First, sunrise and sunset – the spectacular flow of color across the sky, the transparency and transitory nature.  Second, snowy mountain peaks set against a deep blue sky.  Third, wildflowers.  I love coming upon wildflower meadows carpeted in a rainbow of colors.  I love the minute nature of alpine wildflowers growing against all odds.  

11.7.16        Titus 2:13 Voice

Watch for His return; expect the blessed hope we all will share when our great God and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appears again.

Two hidden references in today's picture:  the tie-dye heart necklace I
received Saturday from a young Habitat recipient and acorns and oak
leaves in 'memory' of my father.  (It was a game we played!)

          I’m not one who spends a great deal of time reflecting on the Second Coming of Christ.  I think God is more concerned with what we are doing right now, here on earth, to further His kingdom.  So the ‘watch for His return’ might not trigger much, but to live with hope rings true for me.  So much in our world is cause for despair.  Hope is what we need to live by, expecting the best, and doing our part to make that best happen. 

God of hope… May we live in expectation and joy, doing our part to bring about your Kingdom.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What memory are you grateful for? 

As I look at my computer, I see tomorrow’s scripture which reads the ‘memory of one who lived with integrity brings joy…’  which makes me look back at my father.  He was a man of integrity and his memory continues to come back to me at regular intervals.

11.8.16        Proverbs 10:7 Voice

The memory of one who lived with integrity brings joy,
    but the legacy of a wrongdoer will rot away.

          Nothing like a good proverb to state the obvious!  But those who act with malice are forgotten, while those who live a life of value and service are remembered far beyond their accomplishments.  One of the questions Pastor Katy often asks older people is ‘For what do you wish to be remembered?’  It is a good question.  What would I want said about me at my memorial service?  What memory would I like people to have?  What am I doing to earn that memory?  

God… Help me live a life that brings a smile to the face of those who remember me.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What book are you grateful for? 

I suppose the Bible would be the obvious, expected answer.  But I would also list a tiny volume of my father’s, Altars Under the Sky, as a book I treasure.  This collection of scripture, poetry, and prose celebrating God in Creation brings back memories of backpacking trips during my youth, quality time with my father, and experiences in the wild that I carry with me always.  

11.9.16        Job 37:5 GNT

At God's command amazing things happen,
    wonderful things that we can't understand.

          I am not getting around to writing my thoughts until evening and today has been a day of emotional highs and lows.  When I read the words AMAZING and WONDERFUL in this scripture, I have difficulty equating it to our lows early today.  An AMAZING and WONDERFUL young life is ended and our group is grieving.  The dedication celebration scheduled for this afternoon was postponed – probably until after we are gone.  Homeowners families were stunned.  Perhaps the line ‘we can’t understand’ rings true.

          And yet, at the end of the day, a surprise visit that brought us a joy to equal our grief.  Our adoptive niece and her boyfriend, roadtripping down from Fairbanks to LA, found us at the job site!  They did some heavy duty sleuthing to find us, and were ecstatic with their AMAZING success!  So were we!  As we were done for the day (and with the dedication postponed) we were able to take them out for an early dinner meal before sending them on their way toward Yellowstone.  They will drive late tonight, but I doubt they will get that far!  A WONDERFUL thing that only God can command! 

God…we cannot understand, but we know you are in control.  Amen.
 

GRATITUDE PROMPT:  What place are you most grateful for? Home.  Wherever home may be for that time and place.  Home is usually where my family is, a place seeped in memories and relationships.  Home is secure and safe.  Home is being loved and treasured.   

11.10.16      Isaiah 44:3 GNT

“I will give water to the thirsty land
    and make streams flow on the dry ground.
I will pour out my spirit on your children
    and my blessing on your descendants.”

          Our Habitat group needed the life giving waters of God’s spirit today.  Rick and I predominantly worked with the Americorp kids and we made great progress on the painting, plus taking down ALL the scaffolding. But the cloud of Katy's death hangs over the whole group.  A pastor from one of the local churches came during lunch, along with Habitat staff and homeowners, to lead the group in an impromptu service for Katy.  Blessings for a parched land.  Living water. 

Thank you, God, for the living waters that cleanse our parched souls.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What taste are you grateful for?  It doesn’t really “taste”, but nothing satisfies more than a glass of cold, pure water when thirsty.  I wrote this BEFORE I realized what today’s scripture was – but it sure seems to be appropriate!  Water to a thirsty land – that is a taste to treasure! 

11.11.16      2 Corinthians 2:14b Voice

…Through us He spreads the beautiful fragrance of His knowledge to every corner of the earth.

          The key words here are the first two – THROUGH US.  God could do this alone, for God is capable of untold miracles.  But God doesn’t.  He uses us.  Through US he spreads his word and will.  We have a job to do!  God is counting on our action.

          I have been numb to draw this week, but finally this morning decided I needed to at least fill in a labyrinth prayer.    

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What holiday are you grateful for? Christmas is so seeped in family and tradition that I would still have to say it is my favorite holiday.  As a family we have tried to concentrate more on gifts of time, gifts on behalf of others, a simplicity of celebration that focuses on the birth of Christ. 

11.12.16      Romans 8:37 Voice

But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loved us.

          A travel day.  We left Kalispell early in a thick fog.  Nothing inspirational of a vibrant sunrise to send us on our way….just the hope that the fog would lift as we left the lake valley.  And it did. 

          Important phrase?  No matter what comes, through Christ we can be victorious.  Good words to remember in the wake of a contentious election and surrounding the doubts of our newly elected leader. 

Lord, may we lean on your love….no matter what comes.  Amen. 

  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What texture are you grateful for?  Fuzzy. Soft. Cuddly. 

11.13.16      2 Timothy 1:3 MSG

Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you…

          Every time I write Genia’s name in prayer….which is every day…I thank God for her spirit, her courage, and her inspiration. And I will continue to write her name…every day.  I will continue to write MANY names, knowing that God is hearing my unique offerings, that God is in control.  We may not understand, but we believe, we have faith in God. 

          But more than simply pray, I need to act on those prayers.  What can I do to ease the situation, to comfort, to support?  What can I DO to be a ray of sunshine in a dark place?   
Lord, ... help me not only thank, but act on my thanks.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What abilities are you grateful for? 

I thank God for a creative mind, for the ability to see possibilities and ideas in a wild assortment of places.  I am grateful to be able to put some of these ideas into shape and form.  

11.14.16      2 Thessalonians 1:3 MSG

We thank God for you….Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. 

          Thank God.  Love God.  Love each other.  Nuf said.

Thank you, God, for your love. May we share it always.  Amen.

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What sight are you grateful for TODAY?  Abundance of friends as we walked into Barleys….the three couples we were meeting, but also other friends we encountered. 

11.15.16      Romans 15:1 MSG

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.

          I really like the second half of this verse.  We are given abundance, physical health, stamina – not to vacation endlessly or recreate always – but to serve others.  That’s a responsibility that goes along with the blessing.  Not always convenient, not always easy or clean, but ALWAYS necessary. 

God, may I use my gifts to serve with a humble heart.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What season are you grateful for? I enjoy living where I can experience ALL four seasons of the year, each with their own beauty and gifts.  Spring is a time of rebirth and newness; summer abundance; fall colors and a reminder of the transitory nature of life; winter a season of silence and reflection, purity of winter snows.

11.16.16      Philippians 1:20 GNT

 My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

    

      Full of courage, to bring honor to Christ.  What a challenge.  It is so easy to fall back into what is convenient, simple, not risky.  Something clean that relieves our guilt of not doing ‘something’! 

          What is my ‘especially right now’ to which I need to attend?  Who is hurting?  What action can I take?  How can I put my ‘gotta do right now so it is really important’ aside and focus on what God is asking me to do? 

Lord of love… Help me put aside my fears and have the courage to act in your name.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What about your body are you most grateful?  My senses – sight and hearing, smell and touch – that allow me to delight in the beauty of God’s creation in multiple ways.  

11.17.16      2 Timothy 1:12 MSG

 I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end.

          Playing catchup.  Rick and I left early this morning to drive to Bandon for a Thanksgiving stay with my mom on the Oregon coast.  All this driving, all this back and forth here and there – I have to just trust that God knows the big picture.  God will take care of us in all our efforts everywhere. No prayer picture today.  :(

Thank you, God, for your constant presence.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What knowledge are you grateful for?  Knowledge?  I can’t answer this in terms of facts and figures – they are so readily available in a Google search.  I guess the knowledge I would be thankful for is the wisdom of trusting God, the knowledge of God’s presence and care. 

11.18.16      Psalm 97:12 GNT

Remember what the holy God has done and give thanks to him!

          This seems like a great scripture for next Thursday on Thanksgiving!  It is good to remember and be grateful!  The other night I couldn’t sleep, so I tried the old ABC prayers, only this time instead of going through a list of intercessory prayers, I began to craft a series of ABC blessings – things to be thankful FOR!  I will base today’s picture on such, but this will be a list to continue and add to each day between now and Thanksgiving!  (Actually, today’s picture has ONE blessing and ONE intercessory prayer for each letter of the alphabet!)

God of blessings…. We give you thanks for ALL your holy gifts.  Amen. 

         

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What piece of art are you grateful for?   I’m not sure I can even begin to narrow the list down to ONE piece of art!  So many masterpieces of multiple mediums – sculpture and painting.  I guess to reflect recently I would say I am grateful for the recycled sculptures of Washed Ashore.  Through their mission to take beach garbage and turn it into art, they are cleaning the beaches AND educating the public about our oceans and the environment.  

11.19.16      Psalm 68:3 MSG

When the righteous see God in action
    they’ll laugh, they’ll sing,
        they’ll laugh and sing for joy.

          “When we see God in action…” – we have to be LOOKING for God!  And then yes, it is a cause for celebration!  If we look, we will find, because God is at work in the tiniest of details and moments in our lives.  Sarah finding us in Kalispell – that was God in action.  The youth’s impromptu filling of the pulpit was God at work.  A chance encounter with an former PYG – not a coincidence.  Finding God in the little stuff brings joy to our day and laughter to our hearts. 

God…remind us to seek, for we will rejoice when we find!  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What touch are you grateful for TODAY?  The touch of loved ones.  The gentle caress that says, ‘I’m here for you.  I care about you.’  Each touch is like a soft reminder of God as well.  

11.20.16      2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG

 God put the wrong on him [Christ] who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

          The Hebrew people called it the sacrificial lamb.  Bring an offering to God as a sacrifice in repentence, seeking God’s forgiveness.  God made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us – his only Son.  Once, for all.  In our current culture, we sometimes interpret this as Once, for me.  Not people who disagree with me or believe differently.  Not people who look darker or lighter or who talk ‘funny’. Once, for ALL.  That’s the message.  

          So….what does it look like to be ‘put right with God’?  The forgiveness and grace is there, but we must accept it and acknowledge it.  We must seek the relationship that bestows the overflowing love that comes out of such acceptance.  So often we open the door a tiny crack and say thanks for a little forgiveness, but we fail to fling wide the door of grace and REALLY LIVE. 

God of Grace….May I open wide the door to a right relationship with you.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: Who in your life are you grateful for? My parents and Rick.  When I taught school, I saw what can easily happen when parents are disengaged from their children, when values are not taught, and expectations are low.  My parents were a gift from God. Rick popped into my life when I wondered if I would ever meet someone, would ever date much.  Rick was a gift from God. 

RAINBOW RIVERS, WATERS OF LIFE. 

          Yesterday we were blessed with a myriad of rainbows stretching across the sky.  Double rainbows. Escape artist rainbows that appear, then disappear, then appear again. Rainbows ending in the rocks.  Rainbows dipping into the ocean.  Last night, thunder rolled and lightning flashed.  The rain pelted against the windows of Mom’s house.  This morning, the Bible Study class discussed Revelation and the River of Life, the river of abundance and plenty, the leaves for the healing of the nations.  When I walked the beach today, I saw sunshine and white clouds in one direction, black stormy skies and rainfall in another.  I walked with a light rain on my back and rays of sun on my face.  I watched the water of the seas surge to the sand and end in a frothy foam that danced in the wind with a tenuous hold on the shore before cutting loose and skipping across the sand in tiny snowballs of bubbles.  I witnessed a family, huddled together and silent, as they released a loved one to the sea, the high tide carrying the ashes into the cleansing waters of new life. It was a holy moment.   Rainbows Rivers – We are blessed over and over by the Living Waters of God.  

11.21.16      Psalm 90:14 GNT

Fill us each morning with your constant love,
    so that we may sing and be glad all our life.

          Fill us up, God, with your blessings and love for another day.  Kinda like taking a cup of God-coffee!  And our response?  Joyful and grateful praise!  The sun is rising, the sky is tinged with pink, and a new day is open wide before me.  What will I do with it?  In what way can I be a part of God’s love? 

Fill me, God, with your unending and abundant love.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What song are you most grateful for?  I’ve seen this prompt coming and I’m still working on it!  Some favorite hymns?  How Great Thou Art and Sweet Hour of Prayer.  I love Unchained Melody and Edelweis (Sound of Music).  The song Desperado has special meaning for Rick and me.  So many good songs from so many different venues!  

11.22.16      Romans 16:27 MSG

 All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!

       

   Walking on the beach seems to produce praise without any prompting.  (My goodness, that phrase sounds like I am back to my ABC Writes and the letter P!)  But when the breeze blows in my face, I hear the waves crashing and the piercing cries of the seagulls, the sunshine (or rainshine!), reflections of the clouds on the sand….all of it brings a song to my lips and gratitude to my heart.  It is a stormy morning as I gaze out over the western waters, but there is a faint glow of pink on the ocean horizon, telling me that in the east the sun is rising.  A new day to glorify God, Son, and Spirit!  Amen! 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What story are you grateful for? Family stories, childhood tales (Dr. Suess!), nature stories….most of all, perhaps?  The story of God’s son.  The story of ultimate love.  

11.23.16      1 Thessalonians 5:16

Be cheerful no matter what. (MSG)  Celebrate always. (Voice)  Be joyful always. (GNT)

          This is one of my favorite verses – so much so that I have written 3 different translations.  Cheerful!  Celebrate! Joy!  Find the good in everything!  Seek the positive.  My mom was bemoaning her lack of energy the other day, complaining that she sleeps so much.  I said to her, “Just make sure you do something fun, something positive, every day!  Don’t worry if you sleep the rest of the time!”  Our attitude controls so much of our perceptions.  We can handle the difficulties of life much more if we can meet them face on with a smile. 

God of all,  may I come to you with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What tradition are you grateful for?  Since it is Thanksgiving time, the tradition I am most grateful for at the moment is the gathering of families for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The opportunity to renew relationships and bonds.  

11.24.16      Psalm 69:30 GNT

I will praise God with a song;
  

  I will proclaim his greatness by giving him thanks.

I will simply add to my abundant thanks with notes and comments from last nights Thanksgiving service message, based on the nine lepers who did NOT return to give thanks! 

• Where are the other nine? Am I one of them?  Were they ungrateful? Probably not, but they did not express their gratitude.
• Do we say thanks only when convenient, easy, or on the ‘day’ set aside for such?
• Gratitude is an incubator of faith.
• If you don’t exercise gratitude, your spiritual muscles atrophy.
• Believing something is rightfully yours is a good way to sabotage your gratitude.
• SNARES to gratitude: Apathy, Complacency, Entitlement (ACE)

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What challenge are you grateful for? Habitat for Humanity work has provided a great challenge and a chance to learn new skills while helping others. 

11.25.16      1 Samuel 12:24 GNT

Obey the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things God has done for you.

In this season of giving thanks… it is important to also reflect on the great things God has done in our lives; to look back over the year and thank God for innumerable blessings. We should think back over the years to stop and ponder the incredible gifts we have been granted – both personal and communal.  In hindsight we realize how truly active God has been in both the big events and the small.  Remember…and serve. 

God…May my remembrance encourage my faithful service.  Amen.   

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What skill or talent do you have that you are grateful for? I am grateful for my musical skills, my artistic skills, and my organizational skills.  

11.26.16      Colossians 4:2 MSG

Stay alert.  Keep your eyes wide open in gratitude.

          I just love this passage for the visual image of EYES WIDE OPEN.  But what does it mean to have eyes open in gratitude?  I think it means LOOKING for what God is giving us, recognizing God’s gifts, and then openly thanking God. It means seeing God at work and saying, ‘Thank you, God!!’   It means acting on our thanks.  My niece Jen posted a quote yesterday on Facebook  that conveys this well:  “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”  Are my eyes open?

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What friend/family member are you grateful for?  Just one?  I am grateful for Rick who sticks by me despite my flaws.  I am grateful to have spent Thanksgiving (or any major holiday) with my two sons, who drove a combined 20 hours to BE here in Bandon.  I am grateful for my Mom who daily shows how to live humbly and in faith.  I am grateful to my siblings who are all pitching in to keep Mom happy.  And the list could go on and on….

11.28.16      Psalm 34:18

If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; (MSG)  The Lord is near to those who are discouraged. (GNT)

          When life goes south, it isn’t because God has deserted us.  When we pass through difficult times, if we open our hearts past our own self-pity, we will find God is right beside us, in comfort and care.  But often we blame our troubles on God, we go the ‘if only God…’ route.

          We are hitting the road AGAIN today, only this time with Mom to take her back to Baker City for the holidays.  Praying for a smooth trip, and if things get rough, God in the backseat of the car as well!! 

God…May I feel your presence when the going gets tough.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What form of expression are you most grateful for?  Graphic images….the ability to illustrate, to make designs, to express myself in artistic visual ways.

11.29.16      Romans 15:4 Voice

You see, everything written in the days of old was recorded to give us instructions for living.

    

      Some people say the Bible is outdated, that there is nothing to be gained from it.  And there is some truth in taking single verses literally and without regard for the context and culture of the times.  But the advice and lessons to be found within those pages are definitely still applicable for today, over two thousand years later.  The words written will still ring true in another two thousand years, for they are basic tenets of building community and relationships, for getting along with one another, for putting our faith and trust in God. 

God…may I continue to learn from lessons found in your Word.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What small item used daily are you grateful for? Laptop.  Smart phone.  Felt pens.  Pencils.  Erasers. 

11.30.16      Philippians 2:15 MSG & Voice

Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night…Shine like stars across the land.

          ‘This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine….’  So many stories and songs about Christ-Light, the Light of the World, the light in the darkness.  And in all, our mission is to carry that light, to shine with the light, to bring light to the people in shadows. 

          This translation makes me look up at the night sky and see the stars.  Each star illuminates a bit of the vast darkness of the universe.  As we venture further into space, we find more darkness, but also many more stars.  We can say the world today is dark, there is so much evil present.  But if we look, really look, we will see ‘points of light’ throughout – good people shining like stars. 

          At last Sundays Bible study, reference was made to the Bright Morning Star of Revelation.  I googled it to get more of a background.  Christ is the Bright Morning Star, the Venus of the early dawn, that signifies the greater LIGHT of the sun is about to shine.  Christ is announcing, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near!’

God of light…may I shine like the stars in the dark shadows of my world.

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What small thing that happened today are you grateful for? Home.  I am grateful for my physical house, my emotional roots among family and friends in Baker City.  I guess this isn’t a small thing, but having been gone from HOME so much over the past 6 months, to face a SOLID MONTH to be home brings so much pleasure. And...related to HOME and the above SHINING STARS and SMALL things, I am grateful for Christmas Lights!  It was so exciting when Rick went out to flip the switch and all the white lights surrounding the house came on!  Stars of light!  

October 2016 Scripture Meditations

10.1.16     Colossians 1:13  GNT

God rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe in the kingdom of his Son…

PRISMA rendition of the beautiful fall foliage going
over Santiam Pass. 

         The ‘power of darkness’ seems so Star War-ish, but it is a good term for how we blindly strike out on our own in the dark.  Dark depresses and shuts us off from seeing our path.  The power of the dark to lead us astray, to lead us away from God, is strong.  Yet God has given us a ‘light unto our path’ to quote a well known song.  Jesus.  The Kingdom of Heaven.  Here and now. 

         On this my second day of travel homeward, it is comforting to know that I have a guide leading me, a God who will bring me safely home. 

Thank you, Lord, for the light that leads us out of darkness.  Amen.

10.2.16     Psalm 5:11 GNT

But all who find safety in you will rejoice; they can always sing for joy. 

         We can always find something in each day worthy of praise and rejoicing!  Sometimes it is easier to find than others as some days seem to produce darkness and gloom on an hourly basis.  But I’m a firm believer in ‘silver linings’ and ‘God has a plan for making this work’. 

         Today will be a busy day of church, visitations, and getting ready to leave for the SW early tomorrow morning.  But I shall take time out to sing with joy for the little things that reflect God’s light. 

May I rejoice often in each reflection of your light and love, O God. Amen.   

10.3.16     Proverbs 19:15 MSG

Life collapses on loafers; lazy bones go hungry.

         I love some of the adages from Proverbs!  Such little tidbits of wisdom!  So many other words of wisdom similar to this one – don’t be lazy!  Don’t wait for someone else to do the job, to make the contact, to mend the relationship, to extend the helping hand. 

         On the road today so little time for reflection and artwork.  We put in 585 miles, our single longest day of travel towing this trailer.  (We logged over 700 miles leaving Tucson one day with Luke and the tent trailer!)  So….we were NOT loafers today!!  Tomorrow?  Edgewood and family! 

Lord God, may I always do my part and not succumb to laziness.  Amen. 

10.4.16     1 Corinthians 6:11 MSG

You’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master and Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit… 

     

    Two parts of this verse that speak to me.  I like the image of being ‘cleaned up’ by God/Jesus.  I can imagine a washcloth cleaning me up, wiping my errors off my face, and letting me start fresh once again.  Secondly I love the image of God present IN us through the Spirit.  The Almighty God in me, in little old insignificant me, one of trillions of life forms in this universe.  And such a God can abide IN ME!  Think about it!  Pretty amazing. 

God of the universe, may your Spirit abide in me….always.  Amen.

10.5.16     1 Samuel 12:15 GNT

But if you do not listen to the Lord but disobey his commands, he will be against you and your king.

         If we want God on ‘our side’ we must be on ‘God’s side’, ergo….doing what God wants us to do.  Short and sweet.  Catch up day. 

Help me to listen, Lord, REALLY listen to your voice.  Amen.

10.6.16     Romans 5:2 MSG

We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

  

       There is something about this verse, perhaps the phrase ‘wide open spaces of God’s glory’ that reminds me of mountain vistas, sunrises and sunsets, and all the examples we witness of God when outdoors.  It is definitely where ‘we hope to stand’!  With each sunrise, God is throwing open the door.  May we return the favor and throw open the door to our heart to God.  And sing our praise! 

The door is wide open, God.  May I walk through in praise! Amen. 

10.7.16     Exodus 15:11 MSG

   Who compares with you among gods, O God?
    Who compares with you in power, in holy majesty,
    In awesome praises, wonder-working God?

         This is another appropriate text for the glory and majesty we witnessed while driving through Southern Colorado.  The snow peaks in the Pagosa valley were incredibly glorious!  Who compares with the creative power of the Almighty?  None!  The universe is his!  Also appropriate for the majesty of the night sky on recent clear evenings walking out to the trailer.  The Milky Way and the stars are so bright, the sliver of a crescent moon so stark against the deep blue.  Gorgeous. 

All praise to you, O God!  Amen!  

10.8.16     Exodus 15:13 GNT

Faithful to your promise, you led the people you had rescued;
    by your strength you guided them to your sacred land.

       

Today's drawing is a composite of Randy's gate
and a New Mexico sunrise from the trailer. 

  And by God’s strength we are still led today into the Kingdom of God.  God is faithful.  God is present.  Even when we fail to recognize God in the chaos of our world today.  If we can just see the God present in each other, we will see God.  God is not absent.  We have simply blinded ourselves to God under the veil of our own selfishness and prejudice. 

Faithful God…may love remove our blindness, may faith guide us to you.  Amen. 

10.9.16     Psalm 91:4 Voice

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers,
    will protect you under His great wings….

         One of my favorite scripture verses – the metaphor of the eagle and its young, God the protector.  I have drawn this several times.  Perhaps I will simply add my prayers today to an old scribble of this scripture.  I preached a whole sermon once on the Eagle and God. 

Eagle God…hold all your children safe within your wings.  Amen.  

10.10.16   Hebrews 12:28-29 MSG

For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!

         Ouch!  This is a verse that literally burns with the flames of redemption and cleansing, a little ‘hell, fire, and brimstone’ thrown in for good measure.  It goes against the ‘loving God’ image while describing a God that punishes the transgressors.  I like to think we rather punish ourselves when we separate ourselves from God through sin.  So perhaps fire is the separating wall that we ourselves erect. 

God of fire…burn through the walls we create that separate us from your love.  Amen. 

10.11.16   Psalm 96:9 MSG

Bring gifts and celebrate,
Bow before the beauty of God,
Then to your knees—everyone worship!

         Celebrate!  Worship!  Sing praise to our God!  Wow….what a difference one day can make in the feel of the scripture.  Yesterday, fire and brimstone; today, celebration and praise!  I would rather concentrate on the praise!  I’ll use the beauty and celebration of the Balloon Fiesta for my prayers!

Hear my prayers, O God, prayers of praise and prayers of supplication.  Amen.

10.12.16   Ezekiel 38:23 MSG

 “‘I’ll show you how great I am, how holy I am. I’ll make myself known all over the world. Then you’ll realize that I am God.’”

  

       It doesn’t take but a look around when hiking on a trail or gazing at a sunrise or sunset to know how ‘great God is’, how holy.  The evidence is everywhere is we have eyes to see and hearts to acknowledge.  May I continue to look for God’s presence each day and proclaim it, to help ‘make God known all over the world’.  

Give me eyes and heart to see, God, your presence everywhere.  Amen.

10.13.16   Psalm 10:15 GNT

Break the power of wicked and evil people;
    punish them for the wrong they have done
    until they do it no more.

         I guess I’m not as concerned with the punishment factor – that’s God’s business – but I sure would like to see the power of the wicked broken.  The power of war and greed, the power of prejudice and intolerance, the power of selfishness and dishonesty BROKEN!!  What is my role in breaking such power?  Every time I fail to act, fail to identify, fail to speak when facing the power of evil, I have failed to break such power.  It brings to mind the saying, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

Stir me to action, God, when facing the power of evil.  Amen.  

10.14.16   Romans 6:11 MSG

That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day.

         It is election season.  The Presidential election is just weeks away and the system is in chaos.  A major party questions its nominee, because the nominee has revealed to be sinful in some rather major ways.  None of us are without sin, but……  Will the nation give ‘sin a vote’ by electing this man.  I hope not.  Let us concentrate on the issues, the positive in each candidate.  So much of this election has focused on the bad. 

Lord, may I focus my days on the good in all around me, not giving SIN the opportunity to rear its ugly head. Amen. 

10.15.16   Proverbs 18:24 MSG

Friends come and friends go,
    but a true friend sticks by you like family.

         Ah, the old saying, “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.”  And yet, the ties that bind us to family, regardless of the relationships within, are strong, and a true friend can give us that link just as well.  Families have history, a shared heritage, that friends don’t have.  But true friends have developed in a shorter time a similar history and bond. True friends ARE family in my mind. 

God of friendship….help me develop that kind of relationship with you. Amen.  

10.16.16   Mark 9:23 MSG

Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.”

         My first thought when I read these lines is Genia, once again undergoing chemo for an aggressive cancer.  Anything can happen.  Healing can come with God. Yet, so much pain…. Not IF she lives. There is always hope.   And yet…..is my faith weak?  No Ifs.  Believe.  Believe that God is in control and can make positive come from anything.  God has Genia in HIS hands and that's all that really matters. 

Give me faith, Lord….faith that with you anything truly can happen. Amen.  

10.17.16   Mark 9:41 GNT

 I assure you that anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to me will certainly receive a reward.

         Currently in Tucson, AZ, during a freak October heat wave (mid 90’s).  We went hiking on Friday and I probably didn’t tank up on the water as I should have.  Got dizzy and light-headed.  A drink of water was welcome, even if it was warm.  Rick gave me more than my share of the two liters we had with us.  Water is life-giving.  Water is a beautiful analogy to the force of life the Spirit of God can put within us. 

God of Abundant Water…may your spirit quench our thirsting hearts.  Amen. 

10.18.16   1 Timothy 1:12 MSG

I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry.

         This verse is so apropos for my CHRPA work yesterday.  It is only through God/Christ that I am able to volunteer effectively at CHRPA.  I often don’t have a clue as to what I am doing (or worse yet, just bare minimum knowledge!)  Yes, God ‘trusts me’ with this service.  The homeowners that I serve trust me.  My partner trusts me.  It is just a little scary. 

         Yesterday we installed a hot water heater for a wheelchair bound Hispanic lady and her son.  The house is in a sad state of disrepair.  They hadn’t had hot water all summer and were so excited with anticipation of a hot shower.  My partner had never installed a GAS hot water heater before, but thankfully he had some plumbing skills.  I learned a lot.  I got to sweat and solder some copper fittings.  I used a mini pipe cutter.  Adequate.  That about sums it up.  Not skilled, just adequate. 

God…thank you for trusting me to serve you in this CHRPA ministry. Amen.  

10.19.16   Zechariah 7:9-10 MSG

“‘Treat one another justly.
Love your neighbors.
Be compassionate with each other.
Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor.
         Well, this pretty well sums it all up.  Love, compassion, justice.  In a nutshell, that’s how we are to treat one another.  Special attention to those who are disadvantaged: the widows and orphans, immigrants or foreigners, the poor.  These are the ones that CHRPA targets – elderly, veterans, disabled.  Our service is one of compassion and justice.  Everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live. 

Thank you, God, for the work CHRPA does to reach out in love to those who most need it.  Amen. 

10.20.16   1 John 2:6 MSG

 Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.

    

This beautiful Oleander was just outside a CHRPA client home. 

     I find the word ‘intimate’ interesting here because last Sunday the sermon was on INTIMACY.  The preacher liken the word to INTO ME SEE.  When we are totally open with one another we can see into each other.  Such an intimacy with God changes us, changes how we live, allows us to live as Jesus lived: open, loving, and totally accepting of others.  Can I claim intimacy with God?  Does my life reflect such a claim?  God sees into me already, but do I accept that vision? 

God…help my life reflect an intimate relationship with you.  Amen. 

10.21.16   Proverbs 1:7 Voice

The worship of the Eternal One is the first step toward knowledge.  Fools cannot stand wisdom or guidance.  

         Confession.  Today’s proverb from chapter 20 actually admonishes against drunkenness.  It wasn’t relevant to me.  So I found this one at the beginning of the book and it caught my eye in an election season sense.  I won’t mention candidate names, BUT…one candidate resonates with the uneducated and disenfranchised.  Said candidate does not worship God alone, but seems to worship SELF far more.  S/He fears knowledge among the electorate because such wisdom illuminates one’s faults and untruths. I feel like this is the first

election when we might find out just how ignorant the American public is.  Trust me, both candidates have their faults.  I really don’t feel good about either.  But to pander to the disenfranchised because they don’t know any better is wrong.  This is the very group Jesus sought to serve, but candidate interest is solely for the vote.  If service was the goal, personal money would be directed at the problems, not just empty words.  Gosh I’ll be glad when November 8 rolls around and this is all resolved! 
God…may our votes be cast with YOUR message in our hearts.  Amen.  

10.22.16   Colossians 2:15 GNT

Christ stripped the spiritual rulers and authorities of their power; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession.

A PRISMA rendition of the plant in front of the Caris Mirror Lab at UA.  

       We have had spiritual rulers as a public spectacle, especially with regard to sexual misconduct charges.  And the result today?  A loss of trust and faith, especially among the young people, in any sort of established religion.  Belief in God is fine, but the organized church is a mess.  As it was in Jesus’ time.  So perhaps we need to take a good hard look at Jesus’ preaching and ‘strip’ the church down to the basic essentials of the Gospel Message: to love one another and serve one another.  Such a church will lead the victory processions. 

Lord…May we focus on the essentials of your message – LOVE and SERVICE to all.  Amen. 

10.23.16   Malachi 3:7 GNT

You, like your ancestors before you, have turned away from my laws and have not kept them. Turn back to me, and I will turn to you. But you ask, ‘What must we do to turn back to you?’

         What must we do to turn our world back to God?  Stop thinking of ourselves and what WE want!  Stop thinking of divisions and seek unity!  One God!  Who cares what name we give God or how we worship God!  If we are putting God first in our lives, the world will be a better place. 

         A beautiful sunrise this morning with light rays perfect forming around the rising glow.  God is present!  Amen!

God of all….May the light of your love rise once again.  Amen.  

SERMON NOTES: Shalom Mennonite Fellowship

Adam Hostettler

·       Watch movie Angels in America.  About those who feel unsafe, unwanted, unloved. 

·       Metaphors with the angels in Luke 2 and Jacob wrestling with angel (God) in Genesis.

·       Check out QuantumMennonite.com   ‘Small, but powerful’!

Water your good seeds.

“Arrange things in your daily life so that you have time to water your positive seeds. Ask your loved ones to practice in the same way. Say, ‘Darling, if you really care for me, please water the good seeds in me every day. I am capable of loving, understanding, and forgiving and I need your help to practice these in my daily life. I promise to recognize the positive seeds in you, as well, and to do my best to water them every day.’ “ This is true love. (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Let the bad seeds dry up with neglect.  Focus on the positive traits in yourself and one another.  Grow the positive.  Make this a spiritual practice. 

Our watering will spill over into the gardens of others and ALL WILL GROW! 

More on Good Seeds from Thich Nhat Hanh:

Our mind is like a piece of land planted with many different kinds of seeds: seeds of joy, peace, mindfulness, understanding, and love; seeds of craving, anger, fear, hate, and forgetfulness. These wholesome and unwholesome seeds are always there, sleeping in the soil of your mind. The quality of your life depends on the seeds you water. If you plant tomato seeds in your gardens, tomatoes will grow. Just so, if you water a seed of peace in your mind, peace will grow. When the seeds of happiness in you are watered, you will become happy. When the seed of anger in you is watered, you will become angry. The seeds that are watered frequently are those that will grow strong. – Thich Nhat Hanh

10.24.16   Isaiah 29:15 GNT

 Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are doomed! They carry out their schemes in secret and think no one will see them or know what they are doing.

         The words ‘hide’ and ‘see’ made me think again of last Sunday’s sermon on Intimacy.  When we are intimate with another, we hide nothing; we allow another to see into our innermost self.  We can put barriers up to our intimacy with God, but God maintains no such barriers with us.  We can try to hide, but in truth, we cannot.  God knows what we are doing.  God wants us to put ourselves totally in the open with God and with others.  No secrets, no hidden agendas.  How intimate is my relationship with God, with my spouse, family and friends? 

God of intimacy….open my heart and soul to risk such relationships with those I love.  Amen.  

10.25.16   1 John 3:8 GNT

Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done.

While building a ramp today, Abi and I had a discussion on the Devil! 

         Jesus didn’t destroy much as he concentrated on building people and ideas UP, but he did bring down the moneychanger tables, he did get very angry on occasion.  The source of such anger was always the Devil. 

         I’m not big on ‘Devil talk’.  I prefer to think of sin as an estrangement from God.  When we have that intimate relationship with God there is no room for evil, no room for Satan to live.  So in teaching up to build intimacy with God, Jesus destroyed sin. 

May my relationship with you, God, leave no room in my heart for the power of evil.  Amen.  

10.26.16   Psalm 93:5 GNT

Your laws are eternal, Lord,
    and your Temple is holy indeed,
    forever and ever.

As we passed through Las Vegas, the setting sun put on a display
in front of the palm trees and distant hills.  Beautiful!  

         Each one of us is a part of the temple of God; God within us.  And that makes us holy.  The responsibility is immense, but to truly live in relationship with God we can be and do great things within that relationship.  How do I treat my holy temple of a body?  What kind of respect do I show God in how I treat my holy physical being? 

Eternal God…may I show reverence for you in the reverence I give the holy temple of my physical being.  Amen.

10.27.16   1 John 2:17 Voice

This corrupt world is already wasting away, as are its selfish desires. But the person really doing God’s will—that person will never cease to be.

Nothing like Hwy 93 heading north from Las Vegas...a straight lonely
road heading into the vast interior of Nevada.  

         The person doing God’s will – REALLY doing God’s will – shall never die.  In one way or another the will of God will live on.  I think of amazing people, God people, who pass away from this life, yet seem to live on and on in the words they spoke, the deeds they did, the effects they had on other people.  I want to be the kind of person who might just have that effect on others, but it takes sacrificing my personal desires and focusing solely on what God would have me do.  Easy to say, so very hard to do. 

         Another 544 miles on the road today.  I need to make it more of a challenge to compliment gas station attendants, fast food workers, fellow travelers I encounter on these days of travel.  I need to make a difference in even a small way. 

God…use me to do your will with small acts of kindness and love while I am on the road.  Amen.  

10.28.16   1 Peter 2:12 MSG

 Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices.

      

Flower images are from Tucson client gardens!

   I kinda laugh when I read the word ‘natives’ here, as if our neighbors are natives from another land!  But the more accurate term might be ‘non-believers’.  Live our love.  Preach with our actions, not words.  Carry out our daily affairs in such a way that the Gospel Message cannot be refuted.  That’s a tall order.  It is hard to live such an exemplary life day in and day out.  But it is a good goal to have – stars worth reaching for. 

Loving God….you gave us an example, may we serve as one as well. Amen.  

10.30.16   Acts 14:21-22 GNT

They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God,” they taught.

         Jesus never said the way would be easy.  Remember the narrow gate?  But each time we pass through the troubles, we learn more and more to rely on the grace and mercy of God.  We gain trust.  We put our own issues aside and learn to serve.  As I write this, I think of Genia encouraging others in the hospital while she faces more chemo, pain, and uncertainty.  What a source of light she is, an example of remaining true to the faith.  I thank God for the opportunity to witness and receive her blessings. 

When troubles come, Lord, may I remain true to you.  Amen.

10.31.16   2 Thessalonians 3:3 MSG

But the Master never lets us down. He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil.

         What can be more assuring.  God never lets us down (in spite of what we think at times!)  God is always with us, watching over us, and helping us make the right choices (if only we would listen to God advice!) 

It is the end of the month, another month of travel.  Within these 31 days I have been from Bandon to Baker City to Albuquerque to Tucson and back to Baker City.  And God has traveled with me, each mile of the way, opening my eyes to needs, opportunities, and beauty. 

Thank you, God, for being such a steadfast companion.  Amen.