Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
February 12, 2025
1 John 4:10-12 & Jeremiah 31:3

I have heard it said that the Gospel in one word is Love. I believe that and I long to be a better example of that love. 1 John 4:10-12 says this about the love of God; “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us”.

God’s way of love is Agape love. This Greek word means to have an eternal commitment to care for others without requiring anything in return. The only way humans can love like that is to be in a growing relationship with the wonderful God who created us to be in relationship with one another. When I struggle to love like Agape, I find singing about it helps.

There is a wonderful old hymn that I haven’t sung in quite a while. It is inspired by the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 31 and verse 3; “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness”. The Hymn is titled; “O Love that Will Not Let Me Go” and here is the 1st verse that I am singing; “O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee. I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be”.

AMEN and PRAY ON!

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
February 5, 2025
Psalm 103:1-2

There have been far too many days when I think my name should be Edith "I Forgot" Bleecker. Have you ever felt that way? Days when you were asked so many questions, or even asked yourself many questions that you either couldn’t think of the complete answer or an answer at all. Part of it is probably due to distractions, lack of good sleep or hydration, but I believe it is mostly due to lack of practice. We have reminders on our cell phone, we have calendars on our walls, we have text messages we can read again, but still, we forget.

Our scripture text for today is an encouragement to remember the most important thing of all, to praise God for all He is; “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits”. That is the key for me; Praise and remember God first in all things, then my mind can be more focused to remember others.

Matthew Kelly, in his book “Life is Messy” writes; “We remember at funerals. Why do we wait? It is so important to take a little time to remember each day. It’s important to remember our own story, and it’s important to remember the story of our relationships. Don’t wait for tragedy to strike to remember. There are some essential truths that are critical to remember; You matter. You are loved. You are of great value. But we forget… It’s important to remember that you have been through tough times before and you weathered the storm. You have had many wonderful experiences in life. You have so much to be grateful for. But we forget…A person who forgets his or her story goes mad. Couples who forget their stories become impatient and grow apart. Parents and children who forget their story lose their tenderness. And a society that forgets its story is doomed to make the same mistakes all over again. Take time to remember” (Pgs. 144-146).

The Message Bible puts it this way; “O my soul, bless God! From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing”!

 AMEN and PRAY ON!

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
January 28, 2025

Recently, during our worship service, we sang a relatively new song called “A Million Miracles”. What a reminder that miracles are all around us, but we often miss them because, like one person said; “We miss the silver lining because we are looking for gold”.

I am often around folks who are dealing with some pretty rough issues. I realize more and more the importance of constant prayer as I move through each day. I find that reviewing the reality of miracles helps me see God’s hand at work even with the sick and dying, the hurting and the crying people God allows me to comfort with His comfort.

Hebrews 2:3- 4; “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also testified to it by signs, and wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will”.

I hear the writer saying to me; Look up, look around, God is still the same God and He is busy doing amazing things to remind you that He is still a very present help in time of need.

The word miracle means; “An event that seems impossible to explain by natural laws and so is regarded as supernatural in origin or as an act of God” (Webster’s II). Working with this definition, it would be easy to overlook things we perceive as coincidences. Noah benShea in his book “Jacob’s Ladder” speaks about this; “I think we are a reflection of God. While others look at the world around them and see only coincidence, I look at the world and see coincidence as God’s cloak of humility” and “What makes a miracle is our willingness to see one” (Pgs. 99-100). Wonderful words for life, don’t you think?

When I was in my late teens, I worked at K-Mart and one of the things they used to do to get people to look for bargains was to place a flashing red light somewhere in the store highlighting the buys of the day. One day I was invited to make the announcement over the P.A. system; “Look up, look around K-Mart shoppers, the flashing light is on”. I am asking that we spend some time today and every day looking up, and looking around. You may be surprised how many miracles you will experience. Maybe, you are one of them (smile).

AMEN and Pray On!

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
January 22, 2025
Colossians 1:15-19

It has been bitterly cold, especially today here in Southern Indiana. I am happy to report that our family is faring very well through it all, but I am equally sad to report that not everyone has escaped this unusual winter weather unharmed. I have received several text messages about folks who have fallen on the ice trying to get to important appointments. I also received word that some people have frozen to death trying to get needed supplies or taking care of pets. It is with this thought in mind I want to share with you a meditation on the topic; What is God like? And; How does that change the way I am?

A.W. Tozer in his classic book; “The Knowledge of the Holy” asks the question this way; “What is God like? What kind of God is He? How may we expect Him to act toward us and toward all created things? Such questions are not merely academic. They touch the far-in reaches of the human spirit, and their answers affect life and character and destiny…To our questions God has provided answers…These answers He has provided in nature, in Scripture, and in the person of His Son” (pg. 13).

In Colossians 1:15-17 the Apostle Paul writes; “He [Christ Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together”. This is a very timely meditation, a time in which our country begins a new administration in our government, a time when people are being stressed and challenged by nature, and one another, a time when we need to commit ourselves to deciding if we want to know God or walk away from Him.

I heard a story about a friend that was out doing errands with his wife and they came upon an elderly man lying in the snow and ice. They backed up their vehicle and through a series of challenges and even slapstick style comedy of errors, they made sure he had warm food, and arrived safely at his home. You could say, this friend saved this man’s life. You could say this friend was the image of God for the elderly man.

I also heard a story about a man’s elderly mother who did not experience such compassion as she too was out in the snow and ice with no one to stop and help her, no one to save her life. What are we to make of this? Well, for today I want to encourage you to ask again the question “What is God like”? and then see in Scripture that Jesus gives us that answer. You see Jesus stopped and helped, Jesus saved people. Like my friend who simply saw another person’s need, and used whatever he had to help, we all are called by God, our creator, to do the same. It may not happen in snow and ice, it may not appear to be life threatening, but none the less, people are hurting and need to know God is still at work.

Amen and Pray On!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
January 14, 2025
Isaiah 6:1-8

During my time with a wonderful group of ladies at a nearby senior living apartment complex, I was so happy to hear a few of them say how blessed they feel when they help someone. It would be very easy for them, as it is often with many, to hibernate and isolate during these cold wintery days. What a joy to hear of some of their plans for this year to reach out and help others in our community to know the love of God. This is for me a fine example of what it means to take time to listen for the Lord’s calling.

Our passage for today tells us of a vision the prophet Isaiah has of being in the very presence of God. When he is overwhelmed by this experience, he comes to a point of confession; “Woe to me! I cried. I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah is confronted by the holiness of God and his own sinful state. This is a tough place to be, but, a holy moment indeed. God’s response to Isaiah’s confession is to send an angel to take a burning coal from the altar of sacrifice where an offering for sin has been completely burned up. Then God says; “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sins are atoned for.” This symbolic action shows God’s mercy and call of Isaiah who now is no longer the man he was, but is now prepared to speak the word of God with clean lips and a pure heart. What happens next is such a sweet picture of God simply offering an opportunity that can be accepted or not, God leaves it up to Isaiah; “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Notice, God is not addressing Isaiah directly, He is simply asking the question. Now, a new man, Isaiah answers, “Here am I. Send me!’

Oswald Chambers has a marvelous take on this; “The call of God is not for the special few, it is for everyone. Whether or not I hear God’s call depends upon the state of my ears; and what I hear depends upon my disposition…God did not lay a strong compulsion on Isaiah; Isaiah was in the presence of God and he overheard the call…If we let the Spirit of God bring us face to face with God, we too shall hear something akin to what Isaiah heard the still small voice of God; and in perfect freedom will say, ‘Here am I; send me.’”

May each of us take some time every day, to be still and listen, God is still calling.

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
January 8, 2025
Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 1:18, Deuteronomy 6:5, and 1 John 1:9

This evening I was to go with my fellow singers and message sharers to a dinner where the community gathers to support those who have found themselves in some tough spots in life. With 9 plus inches of snow to clear and ice on top of that, we were told to not chance falling in the parking lot, so the event is canceled.

For many of us here in Southern Indiana, we had to cancel church services this past Sunday, and many activities and appointments were either canceled or rescheduled. As I was moving about our house this morning I noticed another amazing snowfall. Gently the large flakes floated and landed on the existing thick blanket that covers our deck and yard, so quiet again. Time to stop, reflect and pray; Oh Lord, “Cleanse me, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). And, “Though my sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18).

I couldn’t help reflecting that it didn’t just snow once, got cleared away and done, but it kept coming. As soon as our helpers cleared paths to drive or to park, here it comes again. Kinda like sin, don’t you think? Just about the time we have confessed, repented and started anew, here it comes again. It may look or feel or even present itself differently, but there it is. The good news is that God is always at the ready to help us start again. Our sin is no surprise to him, though it hurts His heart, He is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

It really is a matter of the heart; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5). This makes me think of a marvelous old hymn that our group was going to share this evening at the dinner, and since we can’t, I feel like sharing few verses with you:

 “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan. Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow. In the bleak midwinter long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign; In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed, the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what can I give Him; Give Him my heart.” (Christina G. Rosetti (1830-1894).

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
January 1 2025
2 Corinthians 5:16-17

I’ve been using a prayer pattern with the acronym; A.C.T.S. for this past year and plan on continuing in this new year. It is a bit of a discipline to follow every morning as I get out of bed, but it never fails to set me in a positive attitude as I begin a new day. Therefore, I plan to continue to begin each day with Adoring God and worshipping Him. Next I move into a humble time of Confession (this can take a while ). Then I Thank the Lord for all He has done and all He is about to do. Finally, I come to a time of Supplication, when I bring the needs of others as well as myself before the Lord as the Holy Spirit draws these to my attention.

I will admit that there have been far too many mornings I let myself fall back asleep before following through, or I hit the floor running and forget to come back to this prayer time.

Nevertheless, I have the pattern before me and I can come back to it at any time and in any place. Do you have patterns you follow? We all have routines of some sort, which can be very helpful, or sometimes puts us in ruts. Today is the day to begin again and begin anew.

I have it on my heart this first day of a new year, to focus on drawing closer to God and in so doing, I can grow closer to those around me. It’s a way of Resolve, not making a New Year’s Resolution so much, as it is looking for ways to grow in my relationship with God and therefore participating in God’s Revolutionary way of love.

 Our scripture passage for today puts it this way; “From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

I find it so compelling to take a closer look at the way I truly view people. Is it possible that I am too critical or sometimes cynical? This is where the Resolution leads to Revolution; Because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, I can begin to “regard no one from a worldly point of view”, and pray that as I am more and more “in Christ” I can be a living invitation for everyone to come in too.

Happy New Year! And Happy New You!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
December 18, 2024
Luke 2:14

This morning I awoke early to sound of rain and thunder. It was peaceful, even if it got a bit noisy. I had a Christmas song running through my head but I could only remember the chorus and so it was hard for me to look it up in my hymnal. Being the creative person that I am, I opened up to all the Christmas hymns and I landed on “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne”;

“Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown when thou camest to earth for me. But in Bethlehem’s home there was found no room for thy holy nativity. O come to my heart Lord Jesus; There is room in my heart for thee”!

This Sunday we will light the Peace candle in our Advent Wreath. We will remember how the angels praised God with the good news that Jesus Christ was born; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. We sure could use big dose of that these days. It seems we all need to make a bit more room for Jesus. I think the best way for me to do that is to move out some of my will and desires so as to move in more of what The Lord wants for me. Moving is never easy, but alas, it is necessary.

If you are feeling a bit unsettled, perhaps it’s moving day for you too. I pray you will take time, just you and The Lord, and listen to Him speak to your heart and as you do, I believe you will find peace.

Amen!