Midweek Meditation with Pastor Edith
March 6, 2025
Primary Text: Mark 1:9-12
Premise: The Holy Spirit is willing and able to guide and comfort no matter what we face.

This week we began the Holy Season of Lent, for those of us who follow a traditional church calendar. For those of you who don’t, I invite you to join me on this biblical journey toward the cross and the empty tomb.

It is a common practice, starting with Ash Wednesday, to make a commitment to “give up something” during these 40 days of Lent; the time between Ash Wednesday, yesterday, and Easter Sunday. The 40-day count does not include Sundays because, for Christ followers, every Sunday is a little Easter (think back to the resurrection story and the context and time in which it occurred; “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb…He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. (Matthew 28:1-6). In that time, it would have been what we now call Sunday, as the Jewish week started on Sunday and ended on Saturday (Sabbath).

With that said, let’s go back and focus now on our primary scripture text; “At that time [when John was baptizing for repentance of sins in the Jordan river] Jesus came from Nazareth to Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being opened and the Spirit [Holy Spirit] descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven; ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’. At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him”.

Here we see our sinless Savior willingly coming for baptism by John, not because he needed cleansing from sin, but to align himself with the ministry of John and allow John to acknowledge and inaugurate the ministry of Jesus. It’s a beautiful, humbling moment for both men. This can be a beautiful and humbling moment for anyone who chooses to repent of sin and follow Christ. Hence, the season of Lent is a marvelous time to reflect on the 40 days Jesus, the very Son of God, fasted and prayed to prepare himself for the ministry for which God had sent him, and then consider how each of us may fast and pray throughout these 40 days to discover how we might draw closer to what God wants and closer to the people He has called us to love. I will leave you with beautiful words from a hymn I love; “Lord, who through-out these forty days for us didst fast and pray, teach us with thee to mourn our sins and close by thee to stay…Abide with us, that so, this life of suffering over past, an Easter of unending joy we may attain at last” (“Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” vs. 1 and 4, by Claudia Hernaman 1873).

AMEN and PRAY ON!

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
February 26, 2025
2 Corinthians 4:4-8

God is with us every day, all day, all the way home.

Today’s meditation is inspired by a beautiful hymn that I stumbled upon today during my devotional time. The title of the hymn is “Day by Day” and it was written by a very talented young writer shortly after the loss of her dear father. It seems she and her pastor papa were on a voyage when the boat lurched and her father fell overboard. The crew was unable to rescue him before he drowned. She was mentored well by her dad and her faith led her through this tragedy. This made me think; how many difficulties we face from day to day, some of them feel as if they will crush us, and yet our heavenly Father God is still at work with and through us.

2 Corinthians 4:4-8; “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed”.

You may not know the tune to this hymn, but nonetheless, I invite you to read the words out loud as a poem prayer for anything you or your loved ones are facing today; “Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best—Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest” (Carolina Sandell Berg 1832-1903).

AMEN and PRAY ON!

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
February 19, 2025
Deuteronomy 31:8, Isaiah 41:10 & Proverbs 17:22

The Proverb 17:22 says; “A cheerful heart is good medicine”. I would say that is a good prescription, but where can we get it filled? I can hear someone say, “here it comes, some quote from somebody who doesn’t have a clue what I am going through”, but hold on, keep reading, it won’t take long and if you aren’t encouraged even a little bit, then read it again (smile).

It seems part of the illness for which we need this special prescription is the condition of fear. It is something everyone experiences, but many experience it more often and more profoundly than many others. What to do? Go to the pharmacy of Scripture and look up the verses I have listed, and don’t just read those verses, read what comes before and after. What you will find are God’s people facing seemingly impossible situations, some of which they put themselves in and others they simply landed upon. The thing these verses have in common is God’s reassurance that He is with them through it all; “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut. 31:8). The prophet Isaiah in chapter 41:10 writes, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Are you afraid today? Do you know someone who is frightened by something? Pray; for yourself and them. Maybe just sit and listen quietly. Be near to those who have invited you to know what is frightening and let them have permission to express what they are feeling without handing them the prescription. Perhaps they, will discover, through your love and prayers, the pharmacist Himself.

I love this quote from a little book that has brought me such comfort and peace. I’ve shared before from Noah benShea, I will share again from his book “Jacob’s Ladder”; “Fear is a realization that we are not all-powerful. It is a recognition that there is a force beyond us in the universe. Fear, not fear of fear, is a door to humility. And humility is the door to prayer (pg. 126).

A closing hymn might be in order. How about “His eye is on the Sparrow” and verse two; “Let not your heart be troubled, His tender words I hear; And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear. Tho’ by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me”.

AMEN and PRAY ON!

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!