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This blog is meant to be an encouragement to you as you journey through your day. If you have a question about the life of faith, please feel free to email me. I certainly don't have all the answers, but I welcome the conversation.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Reflect, Repent, Renew: Lenten Daily devotional, Week 6

The Christian season of Lent has traditionally been set aside by the church as a time for reflection, repentance and renewal. It lasts forty days, plus Sundays, and is meant to mirror the forty days of Jesus in the desert. We are called to take on new disciplines, new ways of thinking, and partner with the Holy Spirit to more clearly see who we can be in Christ as we embrace what our Savior has done for us. This devotional guide can help you in this journey.
How to use this devotional guide: You may choose to use this for individual use, for small groups, or for use during family time. Each day there are readings from scripture – several psalms, another Old Testament reading, a reading from the Gospels, and from the New Testament epistles. We encourage you to read one or more of the passages and meditate on them. Some of the scripture passages are obviously connected to the season, while for others the connection may not be so obvious. The devotional writing for each day is in response to one or more of the scripture passages. We have left room for your personal notes and reflections.
If you find the devotional writing to be a blessing or help, please let the author know. After all, you will see them in worship – and how often do we get to thank an author in person?
In addition to the printed version available each Sunday for the next week, they are also on the church website, www.avongrovenazarene.org. Click “Connect,” then click “Pastor’s Blog.”
Writers:
Kris Guertler is the wife of Jim and mother of Jamie. She serves as director of our women’s ministry, on the Academy board and music ministry. She is a school nurse in the Octorara Public Schools. She lives in Parkesburg.
Heather Hyde is the wife of Jackson and the mother of Hadley. She serves as our Associate Pastor. She lives in Chatham.
Becky McGehean is the wife of Jay and mother of Maddy and Mackenzie. She is an administrator at Avon Grove Nazarene Academy and a member of the church board and youth staff. She lives in West Grove.
Jay McGehean is the husband to Becky and father of Maddy and Mackenzie. He serves as our youth pastor, and is a health and physical education teacher at the Avon Grove Charter School. He lives in West Grove.
Justin Reed is a senior at Avon Grove Charter High School, a leader in our youth group and involved in music ministry. He lives in Cochranville.
Clara Saxton serves as director of Kingdom Kids, our Wednesday evening program for children, and is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway,  Fox and Roach Realtors. She lives in Kennett Square.
Esther Schutz is the wife of Mike. She serves as our Minister of Worship Arts and Administrative Assistant and teaches music lessons. She lives in Penn Township.
Mike Schutz is the husband of Esther. He serves as our senior pastor. He lives in Penn Township.
Beckey Williams is a recent graduate of West Chester University and serves as director of the after school program and a teacher at Avon Grove Nazarene Academy, and is a member of our music ministry. She lives in Oxford.



Monday, March 14

Scripture Readings:  Psalm 31, 35; Exodus 4:10-31; Mark 9:30-41; 1 Corinthians 14:1-19
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” 13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” 14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”
18 Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me return to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.” Jethro said, “Go, and I wish you well.” 19 Now the Lord had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. 21 The Lord said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’” 24 At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it.  “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. 26 So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision.)
27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 Then Moses told Aaron everything the Lord had sent him to say, and also about all the signs he had commanded him to perform. 29 Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites,30 and Aaron told them everything the Lord had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, 31 and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. Exodus 4:10-31
About a year ago I was in the middle of my student teaching experience and about two months away from graduation. This was one of the most memorable times of my life, but certainly one of the most challenging! Looking back, many times throughout the course of the semester, I questioned God and the direction he had chosen for me. 

In this passage of scripture we see uncertainty in Moses, as he believes the Lord should send someone else to deliver his message; he says, "I am slow of speech and tongue." Much like Moses, we are called to be a servant of God. However, I think we can all relate to Moses in questioning God when he lays something on our hearts he wishes us to do. Maybe we feel as though we do not have what it takes or if we can successfully accomplish bold tasks God challenges us to complete. God reassures Moses by saying, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” He has equipped us with the knowledge and resources we need to accomplish the desires of His heart; we just need to put more trust in His faithfulness.

My student teaching experience was rewarding in so many ways. Although I faced many challenges, God's reassurance that I was exactly where I was supposed to be helped me persevere. – Beckey Williams




Tuesday, March 15
Scripture Readings:  Psalm 121 - 126; Exodus 5:1-6:1; Mark 9:42-50; 1 Corinthians 14:20-40

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up… 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. 34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Did the word of God originate with you? Are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:26, 33-40
One aspect of applying the Bible to our lives today is understanding the difference between biblical teaching that was targeted to a specific situation, to a particular time and culture, and teaching that is applicable in every time and place. All who take the Bible seriously must attempt to understand the difference. This task is as important as understanding the difference between the different types of literature in the Bible. We need to recognize the difference between history, commandments, moral teaching, poetry, allegory, parables and prayers. To take Scripture seriously, we must take all of these things into consideration. A helpful shorthand is “to take the Bible seriously, we shouldn’t always take it literally.”
In this passage, Paul is addressing a church culture that is in crisis. Dysfunctional relationships within the faith community were compromising the gospel witness. Paul’s admonitions were designed to address the problem and help the Corinthian church witness to the pagan culture.
There are two mistakes we can make in applying this passage to the worship life of the contemporary church. One would be to ignore the central message – that everything should be done in a manner that glorifies God, in a “fitting and orderly way.” The second would be to hold that some of the specifics Paul requires in order to make worship fitting and orderly in the 1st century Corinthian culture should be read as mandates for the 21st century church. Paul’s desire was not to develop an authoritarian hierarchy, but to make sure the actions of the local church not detract from the presentation of Jesus as Lord.
Therefore, we do not take Paul’s words here regarding women to be applied in our culture. Rather, in light of his teaching in Galatians 3 that “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” and with our primary emphasis the presentation of God’s love for all persons, and our responsibility to present that truth to our 21st century culture, we gladly welcome all persons to all roles in the church. We welcome women and men to preach, teach and fulfill all other functions in the life of the church, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, in a “fitting and orderly way.”  - Mike Schutz   



 

Wednesday, March 16

Scripture Readings:  Psalm 119:145-176, 128-130; Exodus 7:8-24; Mark 10:1-16; 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the river. Confront him on the bank of the Nile, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. 16 Then say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened. 17 This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18 The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.’” 19 The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs—and they will turn to blood.’ Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in vessels of wood and stone.” 20 Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. 22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. 23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river. Exodus 7:8-24
 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” “What did Moses command you?” he replied. They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:2-9
Both Exodus 7 and Mark 10 make reference to people "hardening their heart".  The passages are about very different circumstances but interesting that the same term is used in both. In Exodus, it's the time of the plagues. God is giving Pharaoh many chances to release the Israelites to freedom. Pharaoh has no desire to listen to God. He doesn't want to have a soft heart. He does not want to lead with compassion. Instead he digs in his heels and hardens his heart to God, God’s will, and the good things for the Israelites.
In the Mark 10 passage Jesus is talking about divorce. He tells those listening that the reason for divorce is having a hard heart. He's acknowledging that what causes or leads to divorce begins with a hard heart from one or both of the spouses.
It's critical that we keep our hearts soft for God.  We need a soft heart to do his will, to see where compassion is needed and in all our relationships. For Pharaoh his soft heart would have led to blessings for the Israelites and his own salvation. In marriage having a soft heart is critical to healthy relationship.
Of course God can and will work even if someone has a hard heart. Pharaoh would not be changed but the Israelites were freed. God was still at work despite Pharaohs' hard heart. God desires to work with us. Having a soft heart allows us to partner with God and see the real needs in the world.
Whether it's a relationship or God calling you to be brave in a certain situation, have a soft heart to partner with the Lord.  –Heather Hyde

Thursday, March 17
Scripture Readings: Psalm 131-133, 140, 142; Exodus 7:25-8:19; Mark 10:17-31; 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” 28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:17-31

I've read this passage over and over again.  This is just one more example reflecting how much Jesus loves us.

This rich young ruler realized his desperation...for something.  In the world's eyes, he had everything.  Yet still, he was searching for something more...something deeper.  He comes to Jesus feet asking, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?  Good grief, I've been doing all the right things."  (klg) Jesus responds first with a gentle rebuke addressing the fact that only God is good.  Then, as Jesus always does...the Holy Spirit revealed the truth and he looked straight through to his heart.  Jesus knew the real issue.  And, perhaps he thought to himself, "If you don't want to know then why did you ask?"  Then, Jesus looked him in the eyes and loved him.  The ruler may have been doing all the right things, but, there was one concerning thing which enveloped his whole life...he was holding onto his wealth.  There was no hiding; his heart wasn't where it needed to be.

I am always amazed how Jesus quickly gets to the root of our selves.  We search in every direction to fill our voids.  But, Jesus loves us too much to leave us in a mess.  Life is a process of letting go...in order to follow and love him with all our hearts.  

What are we holding onto?  Don't be afraid to ask. – Kris Guertler







Friday, March 18
Scripture Readings: Psalm 22, 141, 143; Exodus 9:13-35; Mark 10:32-45; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies. Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers. Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. They will say, “As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave.” But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. – Psalm 141
This Psalm is really all about discretion and self-control.  I think many of us would probably say we are doing well in those areas.  After all, we are good Christians…so we do the right things and stay away from all the “bad stuff,” right?  Maybe not so much.  I think reading this Psalm convicts all of us.  Look at verse 3: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  I don’t know about you, but I never pray like that.  I pray for wisdom, for safety, for clarity….but I very rarely pray (if ever) that God would guard each and every word that comes out of my mouth.  Wow.  That is a challenging and humbling reminder. 

We live in a society that, for the most part, values people who speak their minds.  We don’t take much offense to people sharing their honest thoughts, feeling, and frustrations.  While that is a healthy practice in some ways, it really does keep us from being careful about our words.  I cannot even imagine what my daily interactions would be like if I – and those around me – prayed each and every day for God to guard our mouths.  What would it be like if most of our words were used to show love, encouragement and forgiveness rather than judgement, frustration and impatience? 

“Guard my mouth, O Eternal One; control what I say.  Keep a careful watch on every word I speak.”  (Psalm 141:3, The Voice translation)  - Becky McGehean











Saturday, March 19
Scripture Readings: Psalm 42, 43, 137, 144; Exodus 10:21-11:8; Mark 10:46-52; 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:46-52

My passage is about a blind man who begs by the roadside named Bartimaeus. This man hears that Jesus has come to the city of Jericho, so he cries out for him, and asks Jesus to have mercy on him. The people around him told him to be quiet. After all, why would Jesus want to talk to a man like Bartimaeus? Could a poor blind man really do anything to help Jesus? Instead of ignoring the man, Jesus calls for him and asks for Bartimaeus to tell him what he wants; Bartimaeus wants to be able to see! Jesus tells him to go, because the faith he had shown has healed him, and the man could see again.
Our faith needs to be like Bartimaeus. If we need something, then we must bring it to God, but we must also fully believe that He has the power to help. Bartimaeus had everyone telling him to quiet down, because he was the bottom rung in their society. Why would someone as popular and powerful as Jesus concern himself with Bartimaeus? He took no mind of his social status, but instead chose to faithfully call out to his God. We must also have enough faith to call out to God when we are in need when those around us rebuke us for it. Life is tough, but God is willing to help if we're willing to ask. – Justin Reed











Sunday, March 20

Scripture Readings: Psalm 24, 29, 31:9-16, 103; Isaiah 50:4-9a;  Zechariah 9:9-12, 12:9-13:9; Luke 19:28-48; 1 Timothy 6:12-16
 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it; the world, and all who live in it….” “Lift up your head, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” - Psalm 24 
“…ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”- Psalm 29
“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress . .  But I trust in you, Lord, I say, ‘you are my God.’” - Psalm 31: 9-16
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.” - Isaiah 50:4-9
Mourning for the one they have pierced; cleansing from sin, the shepherd struck, the sheep scattered. “I will say ‘they are my people,’ and they will say ‘the Lord is our God.’” - Zechariah 9:9-12, 12: 9 – 13:9
 “I tell you”, he replied,” if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:28-48
 “Fight the good fight of the faith. . . to Him be honor and might forever.” - 1 Timothy 6:12-16 

When the scriptures speak about things we consider inanimate objects as if they are alive, very powerful images are created.  In Psalm 24, the Psalmist is commanding the gates and doors to open for the Lord to enter.  That’s actually very easy for us to visualize in this era of automatic opening doors and garage “clickers.”  Our technology plays out some of the majestic words in scripture so easily that we can almost forget they are miraculous when God does them!
Still, I will never cease to get the chills when I read that Jesus told the Pharisees that even if he told the people to be quiet, the stones would cry out for him!  Now that’s one I can still visualize as miraculous.  One of the rare advantages of looking back over a long-ish life of experiences is that my cache contains images of mountains and rocky places that I can go to simply by accessing them in my mind.  How amazing to see them and know that they could cry out for Jesus!
 Some years ago,  when my husband  was new to Christianity, his travels took him to the Pacific Northwest.  He flew over the Rocky Mountains and then stayed in Seattle where he could look out his hotel windows at Mount Ranier.  He commented that even if one didn’t believe in God before seeing such majesty, it would seem pretty closed minded to see them and NOT believe in God.  In such moments, I think the rocks are crying out again.  - Clara Saxton




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