We can all find ourselves stressed out about something. I find it is often the most minor, insignificant things which cause me the most stress. I am on guard for the big problems. They come and they go. It is the everyday stressors that seems to get me. They are eating away without us even noticing. At the end of the day, they are the things we cannot believe we let get to us. They cause us to lose our peace and they nibble away at our joy.
Why do we let this happen? We don’t do it on purpose. We don’t seek out issues (at least most of us don’t). We don’t want to have things which stress us out. We try and eliminate those things – and then find more. I think a major issue is we lose focus. What are we doing this all for? Why are we working so hard? Why are we spending our moments doing the things which can cause us this stress? What is it that drives us? We must have a base, a foundation for which all things are built. We need a reason why we started. We need to find out where it all starts and keep focusing on that – whatever ‘that’ is for you and me.
Today’s focus scripture is a treasured one for me. I hold this one close. It speaks to the life I want to live. It directs my paths, when I pay attention. I want to make life about so much more – but the prophet Micah, with a directive from God, brings it back. He reminds me of the base. He reminds me of the foundation. He directs me back to the place of why I should be doing what I am doing. He helps me to see where it all starts – and it does all start somewhere. To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God – those directives seem so simple. They flow together so well. But they are so difficult to keep as the focus. So many things are vying for our attention. Our stressors are calling us away from this path. We are being directed in so many different ways. But where does it all start? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God – seems like a great place to start. Maybe we start here – today.
Focus Scripture:
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
New Year’s resolutions generally are worthless. We make unrealistic goals of some far off dream without any accountability nor a solid plan. In a few short days, maybe even weeks, we give up because living the way we always have is just easier. It took many decisions and long weeks and months (and often years) to get us to where we are and we want to fix it all at New Years. We set ourselves up for failure and then wonder why we don’t make progress. We think this year is going to be different but we haven’t actually put anything in place to make this year different.
And yet, I love New Year’s resolutions. I enjoy new starts and new opportunities. For some people, January is the only month they actually eat with any sense – so there’s that. I enjoy putting away the old and striving towards the new. It does actually take planning. It takes a significant amount of work. It won’t happen in January and will likely take the whole year – or more. If someone is determined and puts the right plans in place, things can really happen.
One of the biggest barriers to change is the phrase “But I”. We say it so much we don’t even realize what we are saying. I would eat healthier but I…. I would exercise more but I… I would start practicing paying attention to all of creation but I… We continue those sentences with more excuses than we even thought possible. We have failed before, so why try. We have started it and it didn’t work (probably because we didn’t try). We started that but we got busy.
I get it…change is hard. It is real hard. And it is so much easier to stay as we always have than to change. It is easier to continue down the path we are on, even if it is self-destructive. It takes real courage and strength to even take the first step towards change.
What we do not need to do is to set a long list of goals. Pick one. Pick something that matters to you. Find something you can put energy and passion around. Do that. Work on that. Start setting up a plan, find accountability along the way, and celebrate the victories. You will only be where you are now, or worse, if you simply live in the “But I” camp. Maybe it is time to move forward. And maybe today really is the perfect day to do it.
Happy New Year’s Day! Blessings to you!
My New Year’s Benediction (and one I treasure all year long) is from the book of Numbers:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
I spent much of my childhood in a convenience store. I learned so many valuable skills in the store. I learned to count back change, deal with the good and not so good customers, and clean. I don’t mean your regular cleaning – I mean the deep cleaning of keeping a store as it should be. I learned the dates on products don’t mean much, except with milk (which I didn’t like anyway). Long after we could sell it to a customer, it was still just fine. ‘Best by’ doesn’t mean ‘gone bad’. At this time, there were twisty ties on bread that were different colors. This was an indication of when it was produced – so you could pick out the freshest loaf. I also learned the names of most any candy you can imagine and sampled nearly all of them (I don’t enjoy coconut, so those were all avoided). Since my parents owned a convenient store, my dad reminded me often that I had better not run out of gas. He threatened that I could not call him if I ran out of gas since he owned a gas station. This did not keep me from testing the limits of my car – just to see if it really would go beyond the red line which indicated it was completely empty (I still tend to do this – I don’t know, it’s just a thing). I never did run out of gas so I never had to find out if he was being ‘for real’ about what he told me. I suspect he would have come and got me, but it would have come with a really long lecture about responsibility. I had those a few times. I could probably quote one now but you will have to pardon the eye rolls (my face always has gotten me in trouble – but don’t worry, my mouth was not much better…not much has changed).
There was one tradition that happened at this time – inventory. This meant that after we closed the store, we counted every item in the store by hand. Yes, every single item was counted. It was an ‘all hands on deck’ kind of night. Since this was before computers and using bar codes, this was a way of accounting for what had been brought in and what had been sold or taken. This identified what was actually in the store at that moment. This was fun for about the first 15 minutes. But after you have counted the 150th piece of bubble gum, you just don’t care quite as much.
As I sit here, looking at the end of another year – and an interesting one at that – I can’t help but take inventory. I am thinking about the times which lit up my day, brought joy to my life, and helped me see the good of the Lord in the land of the living. There have been births and celebrations, encouraging words and kind notes. I started the journey of writing this devotion during this year. There have been so many little nuggets of goodness packed into this otherwise difficult year. And there have been explosions of goodness. I completed my doctoral thesis, defended it, and was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree. My youngest daughter graduated from high school and began her journey in college. My oldest daughter was accepted into and began the Dental Hygiene program. I couldn’t be more excited about all the opportunities that are ahead.
There have also been sorrows and struggles. I have spent more time than I like at the foot of a grave of a dear friend or loved one. I have watched so many families struggle like never before. We have grieved the loss of being together and worked to figure out what it looks like to be safe in a pandemic. We have torn each other apart in the madhouse called politics and haven’t done much to repair the damage that has been done. The church is bleeding profusely from the loss of community and struggles to figure out how it all fits in a time so different from anything we have ever experienced. The end of ministry as I have known it is before me and I have no idea what the future holds.
Yet – and most especially – God has been present. In every one of these, God has been there. He has poured out his presence on those who grieve and on those who celebrate. He has been evident in the challenges of the pandemic and illuminates the paths of those who seek to know him better. He has spoken in some pretty incredible ways – but we only notice when we are paying attention. God is present. For this, and so much more, I am grateful.
What does your inventory look like? All in, all accounted for, what does it look like for you as you complete another year? I pray you find the joys, the nuggets, the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. May you be overwhelmed at all the good you had forgotten, but has been a part of your life. May you grieve the losses and begin the difficult journey of moving forward. May God’s grace fill you up as you consider a brand new year. Happy Inventory!
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 27:13-14
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
The path seems so defined and yet it is so rough. The direction feels so sure and yet everyone else is going the opposite way. Where we are heading, we often do not know. How we will get there we are unsure. What we will do when we arrive, we don’t have a clue. But we continue on this journey anyway.
Life can feel very insecure and sometimes lonely as we travel. It doesn’t mean there aren’t people on the path – it just means we are traveling on our own. It could be the journey is meant to be one of self-discovery. Being alone is key on these trips. It could be we choose to travel alone because it seems the safest and no one understands anyway. But there are also times when we miss those fellow travelers who are willing to walk with us on the journey. We miss those who are there to help us up when we fall. We miss those who will keep us company when we feel like we cannot take another step.
I am grateful for those who are willing to walk with me on the unsteady path. I am thankful for fellow travelers who are struggling so we can struggle together. I am not alone in this journey and neither are you. We are in this together, even when our travels seem very different. We are here to hold each other up and encourage one another. We are here together because God is with us. He does not leave us and one of the ways he proves this is through the steps of others. God shows us his presence in the love and kindness of others. God reminds us he has not left us in the generosity of our brothers and sisters on the path. God illuminates our path with his love. Sometimes, we only need to open our eyes and look around. What a beautiful path it is indeed – filled with fellow travelers on this journey called life. Travel on, the journey awaits.
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 16:11
You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
A big beautiful moon can illuminate an otherwise dreary night. The days are short, the nights are long, and the temperatures are low. This can be a combination for difficulty. When the sun doesn’t shine quite as bright and for not as long, we can easily find ourselves longing for more. Depression can set in and make itself at home before we even realized we have opened the door. It can be challenging to find a reason to get up and get dressed, much less step outside. Why would anyone do this?
And yet, there is this big beautiful moon shining so brightly it casts shadows on life. What otherwise is hidden has been brought to life, in a new and different way. It isn’t the same as sunlight. There is no heat. There are no sunglasses needed. It is just a simple way of lighting the path on an otherwise challenging journey. We just don’t stop and recognize it nearly enough. Moons are for nighttime and nighttime is for sleep, I guess. But there are good things to be discovered when we get up a little early and experience the light of the moon.
I find this is just one more of those treasured gifts we take for granted. Something so simple can bring so much peace. God provides just what we need and the moon is an example of this. We don’t need all the lights we think we do. Things don’t have to be as bright as we want to make them. It is often that the light of the moon is enough. Nothing else is needed.
May God illuminate your path today and may your journey be filled with peace.
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 8:3-4
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
What are you leaning on? We may find ourselves leaning on the table, leaning over the counter or just leaning against anything that may hold a portion of our weight. I remind my family often not to lean on doors. They will look for something in the pantry or the fridge and just lean on the door that wasn’t meant to be leaned on. When we lean on something else, we are shifting a portion of our weight from us in search of some relief from carrying it all ourselves. It serves to provide us with a break, a moment of reprieve.
Leaning on others is one of those things we do which can help to form a bond. You are likely very familiar with the song, Lean on Me. The lyrics remind us of those who help us to carry on when we don’t feel like we can any longer. An interesting part of leaning is when we lean together, no one is carrying all the weight – it is shared among many who can support one another. It can be, though, we carry too much of other people’s heaviness. We help to carry their sorrow and grief. We help to carry their trauma and disappointments. These are all important as we grow together. But there are times when we need to learn to let others help us carry on as well. It isn’t always easy to ask for help or to find someone willing to walk with us as we are nearly collapsing under the weight of it all.
These are times when we must learn to lean spiritually. There are moments in our lives when all seems too much and we don’t have the support to hold us up. These moments remind us of the Almighty – his arms so big and wide and strong. These arms to carry us and hold us up when we cannot move forward. These arms to give us the courage to get back up and try again. Another song comes to mind – Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. God’s arms are big enough to carry us through, even when we cannot find the strength to take the next step.
Are you struggling to find your way? Maybe you are leaning on the things which cannot support you or hold you up. Maybe start leaning on the only arms which can hold all the weight and guide you to freedom. Maybe we lean on God.
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 18:35-36
35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand has supported me; your help has made me great. 36 You gave me a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
Life is full of them – some are exciting, some are downright painful. Some bring much joy and some misery. Regardless, we often find ourselves somewhere in the cycle of it all. This is the last Sunday of 2020. What a year it has been. While difficult, it has also been a year filled with unexpected joys and triumphs. There are nuggets of goodness that have filled the pockets of despair. We were not without God at any point. We were never left alone in our sorrows, although sometimes it may have felt a lot like it. It is an ending to a year, but also the prospect of a new year, filled with possibilities and struggles of its own. It really is all about how we choose to look at it.
We are in the middle of Christmas. I do understand many have begun to take down the Christmas trees and are moving on past the holiday. But Christmas actually begins on December 25th and so we find ourselves in the middle of it all, at least in the church year. It is not over yet. Yes, Jesus is born. Yes, Jesus came for redemption and salvation. But he also came as a baby. He came as a helpless child born to loving parents who would do their best to protect and love their first born child. This was a whole new beginning for them – one that would take them running for the life of their child and ultimately with Mary sitting at the feet of her boy as he dies. It is the beginning, not the ending for Mary and Joseph. It is the ending for Anna and Simeon – but in a good way.
Luke 2:22-40
2:22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 2:23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 2:24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 2:27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 2:28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 2:29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 2:30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 2:31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 2:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 2:33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 2:35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed–and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 2:36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 2:37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 2:38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 2:39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 2:40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
It was the beginning for Mary and Joseph, indeed. But for Anna and Simeon, this is what they had waited their whole lives to see. For Simeon to put his arms and bless the Messiah was the ultimate gift. He had been promised this time. He had been given direction this day would come. They spoke prophesy. Their hearts were filled with joy and hope. They had seen all they had come to see and their time was complete. It was the ending, but oh what a beautiful ending it was for Anna and Simeon. They had been able to experience this incredible gift. They would likely not see him grow. They probably wouldn’t hear him teach or even watch him as he learned a trade. They were given a glimpse in time – a nugget of excitement. They were fulfilled.
Endings always seem difficult. We don’t want them to happen sometimes. We want to hold on to all that is familiar and constant. We know what we know and want to keep that close. But if we do not let go, we often do not realize all that is ahead. We don’t get to experience the joys of all that is to come when we hold tight to what is. Endings allow for new beginnings.
As you know, this is my last Sunday at Trinity. This is, in a sense, an ending. It is a new beginning for Trinity. There are new opportunities as you approach the year ahead. There are new people to serve and more people to love.
I would challenge you to find God in it all. God is with us. God has not left us. God is still at work, even (and most especially) in our trying times. God has amazing plans for his church when we obey and follow him.
Remember this…God’s table is big and it is long and there is a handcrafted magnificent chair at this table just for you. All we could ever need is provided, not because we have earned it and certainly not because we deserve it. God’s table is filled with those who have wandered, just like us. His table has places for those who we may have counted out and dismissed. There are people from different places who speak different languages at this table. There are those at the table we might not would invite to our own – but God invited them. There is room for strangers and friends, enemies and relatives, young and old. God’s table is big and long and is filled with his children. Anna and Simeon were able to experience the Salvation to come in a little baby. Mary and Joseph nurtured Redemption as he grew into a man. 12 disciples left everything to follow him on a journey they would not have chosen. And this One…this Jesus…who we celebrate today…is still calling. He slung open the doors wide to welcome in the stranger and expects us to do the same. He tore down the barriers of race and social status with a mighty blow and did not want us to build those back up – but to continue demolition. He came as a mighty unstoppable force of love. This is the love which carried him all the way to the cross – where he would die for you and for me. He did this so we could have a place at the table. So come join me, my friends – and bring many along with you. The table is big and it is long and I look forward to dining with you at God’s house.
Thank you for the privilege to serve with you over these past nearly 6 years. You welcomed me with a complete vote and you have allowed me to challenge you and push you beyond your boundaries. I know it has at times been uncomfortable. My prayer is that you continue to push those boundaries and live this way. Always ask why. Always want to dig deeper and hear the “yes, and” in it all. There is more to discover. It may take you to places you were not ready to go – but you also just might meet Jesus there.
From Numbers 6:
24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
It was an odd morning on an odd day of an odd month in a very odd year. It was over 30 degrees warmer this morning than yesterday. The temperature will plummet again tonight. It all was pleasant but overcast. The clouds weighed heavy over the landscape this morning, holding the rain that would eventually burst through. To the east, there was a small break. It wasn’t much, but just enough. The clouds parted ever so slightly and the rays of the sun rising squeezed out. Behind them, beautiful blue skies were evident. It would have been easy not to notice. It was all there, just beyond the clouds. The glimpse was enough to remind me hope is still alive.
I think this is what Christmas is about. That first Christmas was quiet except for Shepherds, a star and those who happened to pass by. It was quiet, it was simple, and it was filled with glimpses of hope scattered all throughout the earth. It didn’t have to be extravagant. It didn’t have to light up the whole sky. Jesus’ name didn’t need to be in lights or written across the sky. It was enough that Hope was born to simple folks in a simple place on a silent night with stars. This Hope changed everything and he still is. Christmas was just the beginning of all that was to come.
This Christmas, it may not seem very “Christmasy” because of all that is going on. Just remember there is a glimmer of hope, rays of sunshine just beyond the clouds, and better days to come. God is not done yet. That means hope is still to come.
Merry Christmas!
Focus Scripture:
Luke 2:7
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
No GPS needed. No additional instructions required. They were people of the land. They knew where they were and where to go. This was how they made a living. They sought out the lost and protected their own. They were the perfect people to find a baby in the middle of an overcrowded town, in a barn with the animals. I mean, who would have thought to look there? They could have spent days or weeks looking and never found him. He didn’t have a big fanfare. There weren’t balloons on the mailbox. There were no stork signs in the front yard. Not even a blue bow was tied out front. All they knew was to go to Bethlehem and find a baby that had just been born. They did just that.
Shepherds are actually pretty incredible. They are average, working class folks. They are in the security business. They manage large acreage and have many to take care. The enemy is never far, so they must be really good at what they do or they won’t do it much longer. They can’t afford to be lazy or uncaring. They have to know the lay of the land. They must know where to go if one of their own gets lost or steers off course. They are specialists in finding the hidden. They are shepherds. And God chooses this group of people to find his baby in the middle of a chaotic town overcrowded due to a registration.
I haven’t really thought much about how this could have been a challenge. I have always pictured them walking out of their field and into the stable. But there is a trip. There is a search. There is a sea of people they have to sort through to find a woman who has had a baby. And this woman isn’t in a room and not in a home, but in a barn. Yet, somehow, they do it. God knew these were the right people to find Jesus. They were made for this – even though they didn’t know this. And when they showed up to the right place at just the right time, I can only imagine the excitement on their face and the joy in their heart. God had sent them on the ultimate mission – the trip of a lifetime. They were going to see the Messiah, announced to them by angels and a chorus. This was more than a big deal – this was the discovery they had waited for generations. Shepherds did it – and God knew it.
God knows just what he is doing when he calls us. He knows exactly how capable we really are. All of the dead ends we may have traveled could be preparing us for the ultimate adventure. God could be using all of the training we felt was useless for something magnificent to bring him glory. It may just be that God has a plan in it all. We just need to pay attention and be faithful.
Focus Scripture:
Luke 2:15-20
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
Christmas is almost here. Last minute presents are being bought. Mad dashes to the grocery store for those ingredients needed for the feast are in full force. More Christmas songs are on the radio and the excitement of it all may actually find its way into our lives – if but for just a moment.
One of my favorite parts of this time is reading the Christmas story in Luke. It is quite the story and so many things happen to introduce the birth of a little baby who was the Messiah. It seems to be an ever evolving drama and you can follow any of those in the story for a moment in their journey. Today, I am following the shepherds.
I am always amazed at how God works. He chooses to send the ultimate birth announcement to one of the lower groups in society. These people made their living by watching over sheep. I understand that Jesus will live as the Good Shepherd. He will tell stories of shepherds and sheep. He will help people to understand the importance of a shepherd. I also know King David was a shepherd. So I am sure it is no coincidence that this group of people were chosen to hear about the birth in a direct message from God. I just find it amazing how God reminds us how much he loves every person and does not rank people like we so desperately attempt. He created all humanity so all are his. And this makes each one of us special. He didn’t seek the shepherds because they were royalty. He sought them because they were willing. They would go and find the baby.
And the angel’s message to the shepherds echoes this exactly – good news of great joy for ALL. That’s right – the message was for all because Jesus came for all. This Christmas gift was not exclusive. It was not for the most devout. It wasn’t for those who felt most deserving. It was for all because Jesus is for all. God tells your average shepherds that he has come for all. That is good news of great joy indeed.
May we celebrate the gift of Christmas – remembering Jesus came for all, to spread the ultimate love. May we live in this love and share it.
Focus Scripture:
Luke 2:8-11
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 
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