I started a July daily email devotional for our young adult ministry at PAUMC.
I will be posting them by theme on a weekly basis.
July 1st
Refresh
The
beauty of a new month is that we get to start at 1 again. Even though its just
a date on the calendar sometimes seeing it is enough to jump start promises to
myself and shift my energies to new things. For me this July is a refresh for
self. After almost 3 years at a job where my spirit was drained and I was not
myself I am so excited to not have to continue there and to start a new chapter
at PAUMC. This is a big change for me but one that I needed; one that is reaffirming
purpose and desires that have long been dormant.
As
we begin this new month I encourage you to think about places in your life that
need to be refreshed. It may be something as serious as a job change or a
geographic move, or maybe something as personal as finding a yoga studio that
makes you feel welcomed on the first visit.
May
this new month bring new adventures and new beginnings.
Holy one we look to you for a refresh.
Cleanse the things that are hurtful and harmful and lead us to ways of newness
where we show your love in this world. Amen.
July 2nd
Refresh
I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my
prayers.
Ephesians 1:16
There
was a time I would laugh at the above verse, why would anyone pray for me?
There was a point in college where I got so bitter with God about one situation
after the next that I rejected not only God but the faith of others. I guess that my mother sensed this because it
was about this time she started to end our phone calls with “I love you, God
bless you.” These simple words stuck with me. Years later I am grateful for her
love and her honesty because in my darkest moments I would hear her voice
saying those words. Its hard to hear God, feel God and know the wonderfulness
of the Holy One when life sucks.
I
am grateful that I was (and am) reminded that I am loved and I am special and
someone is thankful for me. I am thankful for all of you, your candor and
encouragement, your loving spirits and your silliness. It is a joy to be in
fellowship with you and I do remember you in my prayers.
Loving God help me to remember that I am
a beloved child and that I am special. Help me to hold on to you in the darkest
days. Surround me with your love and care. Amen
July 3rd
Refresh
God, Redeemer of
Israel, The Holy of Israel, says to the despised one, kicked around by the
nations, slave labor to the ruling class: “Kings will see, get to their
feet—the princes, too— and then fall on their faces in homage Because of God,
who has faithfully kept his word, The Holy of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Isaiah 49:7 (The
Message)
Sometimes
it is so hard to see the plan God has. We have all these plans, wishes and
dreams for our lives, our careers, our relationships. Yet I’ve come to realize
faithfulness makes all the difference. In the prior verses in the Isaiah
passage the prophet is telling us about how wholehearted trust in God led to
God doing amazing things for not only the prophet but for future generations.
God is a God of promise- we see it in our bible with Abram & Sarai, Noah,
Jonah, Joshua, Esther, Paul.
But
its hard for us to feel these promises, to see these wonderful things planned
for us. Trust is hard. For me it helps to remember the many facets of God;
Jehovah Jireh- my provider, Jehovah Rapha -the Lord who heals, Immanuel-God with
us, Elohim-the all powerful one. God has many names to meet me in my need, my humanness.
I
encourage you to look at some of these names of God and to remember God is
there in everything you do and are doing. I encourage you to pray to the name
of God that speaks to you right now in whatever situation you are going
through.
Mighty God, we come to you in our need searching for guidance
and direction. Lead me in your ways, for your glory. Amen.
July 4th
Refresh
An extended friend of mine (you know friend of a friend) does amazing liturgical elements and worship design. She’s so amazing that she designs, leads, and teaches worship workshops around the country and has helped lead worship at the last two general conferences (the quadrennial gathering of the global UMC). I got to meet her in 2008 and was blown away by the way she gave her all in worship (praising and leading). My interaction with her definitely influenced how I lead. All of this to say I am sharing part of the communion liturgy she wrote for this upcoming communion Sunday following July 4th.
Holy are you and blessed is your son, Jesus. To
those who were imprisoned by status, law, illness, poverty, gender, age,
disease, he said, “your belief has set you free. You are a child of God.” He
invited disciples, friends and strangers alike to his tables. He proclaimed
God’s grace to all with whom he broke bread. He proclaimed God’s love to all
with whom he shared the cup. And he told us
to remember: freedom has come, and freedom is coming.
-Dr. Marcia McFee
Let
us remember today, this independence day, to celebrate not only the nationalism
felt by this day but the freedom we are offered by Jesus at the welcome table.
May you have filling fellowship with friends and strangers gathered around the
(picnic) table.
Liberating God
help us to loose what binds us so we can embrace the freedom that is ours through
Christ. In the name of the holy one. AMEN
July 5th
Refresh
When
I started looking for inspiration for this week’s theme, “Refresh”, I stumbled
on a number of websites and brands promoting personal health, vacation spots,
and products for purchase. One of the sites was for a water filter and their
slogan read, “Pour out something good”. How appropriate is this statement for
us and people on this earth! We need to pour out from ourselves into others;
sharing the light and love of God through thought, word and deed. But with this
pouring we also need to be filled with something.
There
was a picture a friend had hanging in their room of a hand pouring water from a
pitcher into another pitcher, and that pitcher overflowed into a bowl. I like
to think that God is that hand pouring into us through our fellowship, time in
worship and personal time with God. I like to think we are that second pitcher,
so filled that we overflow into others! Unfortunately we don’t always take the
time to fill our pitcher, and we run this risk of being empty.
On
this Saturday I ask you to think about the things that cause your pitcher to
fill. Is it time with a friend? time alone? going for a run or to a fitness
class? painting a picture? writing a poem? Well DO IT! Nothings stopping you
but yourself so go for it!
Lord, help me do
the things that help me get closer to you and allow me to share your greatness
with others. Let me be a vessel. Amen
July 6th
Refresh
Communion
Sunday has always had a special place in my heart. There's something so
beautiful about everyone being invited to the table. Over the last few years
I've seen more churches embrace the welcoming nature of communion-from
providing wine & grape juice, to
having rice crackers or another gluten free alternative available. But
I've also learned how personal communion is.
I
love being able to welcome people to this meal; whether they are first time
visitors, long time members, new Christians, or unsure religiously. The welcome
is for all and allows for a new start every time.
"Welcome, welcome to this place. You're invited
to come and know Gods grace. All are welcome, the love of God to share. Yes,
all of us are welcome here, all are welcome in this place." -Mark Miller
I
hope you find a place today to join in a communion table of sorts, to give fear
and worry to God and embrace the radical hospitality of the Holy One. May you
be refreshed in mind, body & soul.
Lord we thank
you for new beginnings, opportunities and reminders of your love and care. Help
me to embrace your hospitable welcome. Amen
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