Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
December 11, 2024
Luke 2:8-14

This Sunday, our church will light the third candle in our Advent Wreath, the Shepherds candle also known as the Joy candle. Our text has the marvelous telling of the shepherds out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night. Every time I read this passage I always see Linus up on a stage explaining to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about using this very text, and I love the simplicity of it all. I looked up the word manger in my bible dictionary; “A box or trough, usually carved from stone, used for the feeding of animals. Mangers could be found wherever animals were kept, either in a lower portion of a house, a cave near the house, or even beneath the house. In caves, the manger was frequently carved out of the wall” (Harpercollins Bible Dictionary 2011 edition, pg. 595). If this was the case for Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, then I have another insight from something a friend shared with my husband.

When shepherds were taking care of sheep and new lambs were born, one of their responsibilities was to separate the unblemished sheep from those born with any defects. These lambs would be set apart for sacrifice according to Jewish law and custom. Now, let’s try to envision shepherds tending to a flock and helping to bring new lambs into the world. They needed a safe place to keep them warm and snug so they would wrap strips of cloth, also known as swaddling cloths, around the lambs and, perhaps, place them in a stone manger. Dr. David Jeremiah writes; “Swaddling cloths were strips of fabric wrapped around a baby to insure straight limbs for the newborn. The stable was likely a cave employed as shelter for livestock behind someone’s house”. Dr. Jeremiah goes on to write, “On that night when the Savior was born, who received the invitation to greet him...That honor was reserved for the least educated of men, for ranch hands…those who lacked the most basic manners, whose language would be unfit for your children’s ears…unlikely to be admitted to any respectable establishment of their time” (“Why the Nativity” pgs. 60-61).

So, here’s my thought for the day. Isn’t it just like God to share the news of Messiah’s birth with simple, hard working folk who would get the first invitation to see with their own eyes the baby king Jesus. They may have seen baby Jesus lying in a stone manger, a place that they themselves may have once used to keep the unblemished lambs snug and safe from harm. I wonder if they were stunned to see Jesus in a place for unblemished lambs. I wonder if any of these shepherds heard about John the baptizer who pointed to Jesus and declared; “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”(John 1:29).

I sense that I am yet again reminded to keep things simple. It doesn’t really matter to me about all the details of the Christmas story, what does matter is that God became one of us and we can trust him for the details of our lives.

Lead on Good Shepherd! Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
November 27, 2024
Isaiah 9:1-7 and 1 John 1:5-7

This Sunday will be the first Sunday in the Holy Season of Advent. Many churches will acknowledge this season, that has been a tradition for the church for centuries, by lighting a candle in an Advent Wreath which holds 5 total candles. Many of you are probably familiar with this tradition and may have even been asked to read scripture before lighting a candle. I get so much joy watching the families or member of the church come forward to do something many are very uncomfortable doing; reading out loud in public. But they do it and afterward there are usually smiles all around.

The first candle, at our church, is the candle of Hope. One of the scriptures suggested comes from the prophet Isaiah. In chapter 9 it reads, in part; “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone”.

In a world that is in such turmoil, it is so important to be a light bearer. Sort of like the acolytes in our church who lead the way of worship as they come forward during our opening song and light the altar candles. I love praying over these kids (sometime adult kids), and see how proud and thankful they are to be the leaders as I walk behind them, praying all the way.

One of my favorite New Testament scriptures that speaks of this light is 1 John 1:5-7. In these verses John writes about the message that believers declare (or, should declare, with or without words); “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all…if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin”.

Pretty good message, I would say. Advent is a marvelous time of focusing on the Light of the world, Jesus. I pray you will make it a priority, as much as it is possible for you, to go to a church service, perhaps with your family or trusted friend, and celebrate this Holy Season.

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
November 20, 2024
John 1:1-9

This has been a wonderfully busy week of meeting with folks, leading and joining in worship and Bible Study. I am thankful to be part of ministries that include all ages, with differing social backgrounds. Sometimes it is quite the challenge for me to “read” the people and then to work out ways of communication that will help each person understand what I am trying to share with them.

My “through the Bible in two years” study today brought me to the Gospel of John and a favorite memory passage; John 1:1-5. It describes Jesus as being in the beginning, and sharing with God the creation process which includes life giving light. I perceive that this light is discernment in what God desires in a relationship with the humans He created. Then I read on through verses 6-9 which describes John the Baptist, a messenger for the light; “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness of the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world”. The part that reads; “he came only as a witness of the light” suddenly took on a deeper meaning for me. It strikes me that all followers of Christ are to be “only a witness of the light”, meaning, not self-seeking, or shining for any other reason than to bring a witness of God’s love for everyone and the hope that Christ Jesus gives to all who would believe in Him.

A witness can really only express what they have experienced. A witness doesn’t lean on what others have experienced or even said, but a true witness shares what they know to be true by what they have encountered. Here’s the challenge; how can you and I share what we have experienced or encountered in our journey, called Discipleship, in such a clear way that everyone who is around us gets a glimpse of the “True Light”?

Maybe it has little to do with what we say, and more about the way we say, and even more about a quiet, peaceful caring attitude. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to take time to be still and know that you are God. Thank you Lord that you will help us find our way in this world as we follow the light of Christ. AMEN!

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
November 13, 2024
Ephesians 2:1-10

I saw a bumper sticker on a truck in the grocery store parking lot that caught my attention, it read; “I’d Scrap That”. I figured that the owner was in the business of collecting and scrapping metal or other discarded objects, but at the same time I thought perhaps I should utilize that statement as I walk this pilgrim journey with Christ, called Life.

Part of our text for today has the Apostle Paul encouraging believers to be brutally honest with themselves and face the fact that all believers in Christ were “once dead in transgressions…All of us also lived among the disobedient, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath” (Ephesians 2:1-3a). This is the part where I hear Jesus saying; “I’d Scrap That!”

The really good news comes next in verses 4-5; “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved”. I’m hearing a marvelous old hymn in my head; “Marvelous grace of our loving God. Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured-there where the blood of the lamb was spilt. Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace will pardon and cleanse with-in; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin!” (“Grace Greater than Our Sin” written by Julia H. Johnston 1910).

 We all have something to scrap. Some things we will scrap daily. Why not hold onto God’s promise of his marvelous grace while scrapping today. May we walk in God’s grace and peace today and every day.

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
November 6, 2024
Psalm 27:13-14

I have a dear friend who will turn 90 next month. Recently We had a marvelous long chat on the phone and we talked about life, living, hurting and dying. It was a good “real” conversation about our thoughts on getting through pain; physical and emotional and how she would like her family to respond when it’s her time to go home to heaven. I found a little book I purchased from the local Library Book Sale; “Cat Psalms: Prayers My Cats Have Taught Me” by Herbert Brokering and this one sounds a lot like a prayer I would pray with my friend and I hope it encourages and comforts you as well:

“O God, you give my soul long life. My soul began before I became the ‘Me’ I know. It will not quit when the ‘Me’ dies. I have been saved in daytime and in darkness. I live only for each day, and suddenly years have passed. I look at my years, and see decades go by. I long for more days and nights, and you let me grow old. My birthdays come more and more quickly. My times grow shorter as I grow older. A long life is full of your wonders. My soul will live forever with you. Dear God, there is no end to your life in me” (pg.19).

David writes in Psalm 27:13-14; “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”. Maybe you have a friend who would find these words comforting, feel free to share .

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
October 30, 2024
Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:16

What beautiful fall weather we are experiencing in my community. So many houses decorated for Halloween, others simply pumpkins and Fall foliage. Me, I have roses, that’s it. Just roses and I love it. It seems after pruning earlier this year, even though I thought I did too much pruning, the roses responded and wow! They are beautiful. I was out cutting a few pretty buds to share with a friend when I felt the Lord tug at my heart as if to say; “Couldn’t you use some fresh flowers on your table?”

You see, we had a lovey bouquet of flowers given to us recently, a way to say, “thank you” and “we love you”. But over the past week and a half, many of them were dying, so I cut some of our roses and incorporated these blossoms of beauty into what remains in the bouquet. Suddenly, I felt like I was healing a bit more from a recent family loss as well as sympathizing with other families and even our community who has experienced loss of loved ones.

Like the roses on my table, I needed some fresh expressions of God’s care. I decided to thank God for all the beauty he allows me to experience in my family, church and friends, even when life seems difficult and confusing.

 Our text from Philippians tells us that we need not be anxious or worried about anything, but to seek the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving, and He will give us His peace, a peace that goes beyond anything we can understand. I am so amazed how even in the midst of situations far beyond my understanding, God offers me peace that also goes beyond my understanding. Our text from Hebrews tells us; “Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”.

Every one of us has something affecting our lives that goes beyond reason and understanding. Every one of us can help someone find that grace and peace by boldly going to God in prayer and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide us in tangible expressions of love and mercy. I have a dear friend in ministry that reminds me often that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. She recently had an Aha moment while worshipping and it came to her, and I share it with you to pass along; “It’s a simple Gospel; we have a friend in Jesus”. I think that just might be a blossom of beauty to lift someone’s spirit today.

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
October 23, 2024
Psalm 63:6-8

It’s a strange thing to experience a dark time in my soul and yet be living in a very bright and cheery environment. I guess I get to experience a lot of what I call Ironic Interventions from God. He seems to allow for me to feel the darkness even in the light. I think it is a safe bet for me to assume that many of you who are reading this have felt the same way. Life throws at you some heavy darkness and you get to choose to live in it, or just pass through it. Either way, it is painful and stressful, but I recommend seeking God’s light in His Word and as the old hymn says; “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory he sheds on our way…” (“Trust and Obey” by James H. Sammis).

It seems night time is the hardest time to get away from the dark thoughts of grief and sorrow, but I have found that If I rely on the Holy Spirit to give me a scripture to sing, I can move myself out of myself and into the arms of God, where my soul truly rests even while I am here on earth. The concept of the soul, nephesh in Hebrew, Is, that this is the true essence of a person, or I like to say to my grandkids, It’s the really you part of you that will move on to heaven when we die, as we trust in the Lord for salvation and eternal life.

You may have blue eyes like your mother, or red hair like your great grandfather, or a temper like your uncle, but there is one part of you that is unlike anyone else, and that is your soul. Because you were “fearfully and wonderfully made” by our creator God with a unique soul, it stands to reason you should be careful to protect it. Don’t allow for the dark times in this life to harm the light of Christ within you. I’m thinking I am really writing this for myself, but I hope it helps you as well.

Our text for today reads; “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me”. If you are having some trouble sleeping at night try to remember that from the moment you were being formed in your mother’s womb to the very moment you are experiencing trouble of any kind, God is with you, and because of that, I can say, and I hope you can say; “It is well with my soul”. Maybe I will sing that tonight .

Amen!

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
October 9, 2024
Isaiah 40:28-29

I woke up this morning with a beautiful hymn singing in my head; “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” written by Ray Palmer in the mid 1800’s. I looked it up in my hymn devotional; “The One Year Book of Hymns” and found the scripture from Isaiah as inspiration;

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless”.

As with you, I have been very concerned about those who find themselves facing record breaking storms. At the same time, many are facing terrible effects of war, and closer still are those who have been given a bad diagnosis from their doctors. Sometimes, I want to run away and hide, but where can I go to get away from the fear, the worry, and the sorrow?

I decided to pray and sing and I discovered I had hope restored. Now, I can hear the Spirit speak and direct me in ways to help and pray for those who are hurting so badly.

If you find yourself struggling to deal with sorrow and worry, I pray this stanza from the hymn will help you refocus; “While life’s dark maze I tread and griefs around me spread, be Thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away, nor let me ever stray from Thee aside”.

I will close with a quote from my desk calendar from Friday the fourth of October; “Sorrow looks back. Worry looks round. Faith looks up” (Barbara Johnson, “Splashes of Joy” copyright 2006).

Amen!