Running in Faith 2002 February

"Running in Faith" is an electronic devotional guide written by members of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. Each week, writers use their personal interpretation of scripture to write an inspirational message they hope will help readers take their Sunday faith into weekday lives. Your comments are appreciated and, when related to a particular devotion, passed to the writer. We hope you will share these devotions with friends and coworkers. We are always happy to add new names to our e-mail list. Please contact us if you wish your name to be added.
Devotion for the week of February 2, 2002 Submitted by Rosemary S. "And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.'" Matthew 3:16 The first Sunday after Epiphany (January 13 this year) is celebrated as the Baptism of Jesus. The dove descended at the baptism of Jesus, and is also well known from the story of Noah and the ark. The dove is also prominent in the book of Psalms and the Song of Solomon. The dove is acknowledged as a sign of peace. I found a simple origami dove many years ago and have used it for handmade Christmas cards and special greeting cards, for workshops at local and national women's group conventions and conferences and as a basic "bird" for teaching children origami. It can be made up in any color paper for school or scout classes. To me, perhaps the most meaningful use is the following: In the early 80's, my friend Ellie Matthews, then president of the NJ Lutheran Church Women organization, was invited to participate in a study tour of Europe, including visits to Poland and both West Germany and the newly opened East Germany included. A week or so before she left, she called and said she had just found out that she was supposed to take a bunch of "swaps" to share with the people they visited. I tried to think of something that was light to carry, inexpensive, and could be obtained in a large number in a short time. The little white dove fit all the criteria, and while watching television that night, I folded a hundred or more of these doves, stuffed them into a large envelope, and mailed them to her. They were a hit with the travelers and the people they visited. Since I included instructions for folding, the women spent time on the plane or waiting rooms folding more and gave them away. Any size paper will do, and they are relatively fast and simple to construct. About six months later, Ellie called and asked if I read National Geographic and cited a certain issue. I looked it up in the library, and here's what the reporter who wrote an article on middle Europe wrote, "At Auschwitz, I came across a group of Lutheran Women from the United States singing softly as they placed tiny folded paper doves on the barbed wire fences surrounding the former prison camp." These women were Ellie and the rest of the group, and those were the doves I had folded! The fact that this reporter was there at the same time and noticed the women and was impressed enough to write about it in a well-known national magazine gives me "Holy Ghost bumps". Another friend, when I showed her the article, remarked, "What a coincidence." I believe it was not a coincidence, but a miracle, which may be called "God's little coincidences". (I would be glad to give you the instructions and help you learn to fold this reminder of the love and grace of God.) We thank you, almighty God, that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon your children the forgiveness of sin and have raised us to the new life of grace. Bless us, O Lord, with your presence, enfold us in the arms of your mercy, and keep us in your love forever. Amen (Baptismal Prayer, Occasional Services)
Devotion for the week of February 11, 2002 Submitted by Ken T. Scripture Readings: Psalms 139:1; Psalms 25:5; Job 30:24; 2 Corinthians 3:12 Search me, Lead me, Teach me, Stretch me, Use me (Psalms 139:1) "O Lord, Thou hast SEARCHED me and known me." King David recognized that the Lord knew him well. It seems that being open to a search is an important step for each of us to take if we are to be receptive to living a God fearing life. Too often we move on our own path and neglect to pause and reflect on the best way for us to live our daily life. We need to be willing to have our thoughts, our actions, and our personal relations face the scrutiny of a thorough search. Being searched will help us face our shortcomings, and more importantly, strengthen our resolve to overcome them. (Psalms 25:5) "LEAD me in Thy truth and TEACH me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day." We have been searched and known. A logical next step is to open up and ask to be led. We are continually fighting the desire to do what we want to do rather than what God wants us to do. Each of us needs to pray to be lead in the truth. We also need to be taught. This verse in Psalms 25 highlights the relationship of being lead and being taught. We grow in our faith when we read the Bible, attend worship services, participate in Bible classes and discussion groups, read Christian materials, and listen for God's voice each and every day. We grow as a Christian when life long learning becomes our goal. (Job 30:24) "Yet does not one in a heap of ruins STRETCH out his hand, Or in his disaster therefore cry out for help?" We shouldn't wait until disaster strikes to stretch out for help. I like to think that the word stretch should be an integral part of our Christian life. We should pray to God to stretch us. Study after study has shown that we are capable of accomplishing much more than we do. We only scratch the surface of our potential. Sometimes we think, "Why am I expected to bear this burden?" or "I will never be able to perform this task at my church." Instead, I think that we should pray, "Thank you Lord for stretching me." (2 Corinthians 3:12) "Having therefore such a hope, we USE great boldness in our speech." Our final step in service is to say "use me!" As 2 Corinthians 3: 12 states, it is important to speak out with boldness. This is certainly one way that God can use us. However, there are many people like Moses who don't feel they have the ability to speak out. Maybe this is an area that we need to be stretched! However, we all have different talents. Let God lead us in the ways in which we can be most effective. We need to open our hearts to the needs around us and pray, "Use Me." Lord, we pray that you will search us, lead us, teach us, stretch us, and use us. Amen
Devotion for the week of February 18, 2002 Submitted by Lynn W. "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith." 1 John 5: 1-4 A Lenten journey seems to be a struggle when one is evaluating their life and reflecting on what it means to be a child of God. At baptism, I was welcomed into the family of God as His child and my sponsors promised to teach me the commandments, Lord's Prayer and learn to read the scriptures. Unfortunately, my sponsors were not around for my spiritual guidance. My uncle died of cancer when I was in the fifth grade and my mom's friend kept her distance with family hardships. At an early age, I made a distinction between my father, who raised me in this world and God my Heavenly Father, my confidant. I experienced God's love in my life which gave me faith to live. My faith in Jesus Christ has overcome the worldly issues I deal with daily but I still struggle with matters of the heart. As a parent of older children, my heart breaks when their choices do not seem to be my expectations. It makes me realize that love is deeper than the outward hug or kiss, that their choices may need a listening ear, an encouraging voice, a prayer or two, as I let them go. What parent wants to see their child live in a low income neighborhood or begin a family before completing their education? The choices are not mine and yet a burden to my heart to watch. My extended family has commented and criticized what I should do as a parent. If I love my child, shouldn't I bring him back home? Love for a parent or a child may mean letting go, as I struggle with those matters of my heart. Now I need to let God's love intervene in the lives of those I love and watch for the blessings so that it will not be burdensome for me. These Lenten reflections will be examining me as a child of God through Jesus so that I can overcome the world's values in spite of other people's opinions about me. I do not need the world's acceptance because my faith has won the victory through Christ. Mother Theresa described how a Christian should live out their faith from her book Words to Love By (pg. 77): "At the end of life we will not be judged by How many diplomas we have received, How much money we have made, How many great things we have done. We will be judged by, "I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in." Hungry, not for bread, But hungry for love. Naked, not for clothing, But naked of human dignity and respect. Homeless, not only for want of a room of bricks, But homeless because of rejection." Luther's Prayer of Acceptance Dear Heavenly Father: Teach us to trust the Spirit You have breathed into us. Give us grace to believe Your Word, by which we are made as Your children. Help us to understand that we belong to You, even though we are undeserving of your love. Help us to see Your judgment and mercy in the suffering and death and resurrection of my Lord Jesus Christ. Cause us to accept again the new life in Christ which You have given us by faith. Enable us to live without despair and without pride. Lead us to know with joy that You accept us as a whole human being. Father, teach us one more thing. Show us that in this new life You give, we no longer have to build walls of fear to protect ourselves from others. Help us to live cheerfully and generously, so that others may receive You through Christ's Word and work in us and begin to live in You. Bless us and keep us for Jesus sake. Amen.
Devotion for the week of February 25, 2002 Submitted by Melanie H. "And he (Peter) went outside and wept bitterly." Luke 22:62 I enjoy reading from a most gifted Christian writer named Max Lucado. In the excerpt below he talks about some of the often overlooked attendants at the cross when Christ died. There was one group in attendance that day whose role was critical. They didn't speak much, but they were there. Few noticed them, but that's not surprising. Their very nature is so silent they are often overlooked. In fact, the gospel writers scarcely gave them a reference. But we know they were there. They had to be. They had a job to do. Yes, This representation did much more than witness the divine drama; they expressed it. They captured it. They displayed the despair of Peter; they betrayed the guilt of Pilate and unveiled the anguish of Judas. They transmitted John's confusion and translated Mary's compassion. Their prime role, however, was with that of the Messiah. With utter delicacy and tenderness, they offered relief to His pain and expression to His yearning. Who am I describing? You may be surprised. Tears. Those tiny drops of humanity. Those round, wet balls of fluid that tumble from our eyes, creep down our cheeks, and splash on the floor of our hearts. They were there that day. They are always present at such times. They should be, that's their job. They are miniature messengers; on call 24 hours a day to substitute for crippled words. They drip, drop, and pour from the corner of our souls, carrying with them the deepest emotions we possess. They tumble down our faces with announcements that range from the most blissful joy to darkest despair. The principle is simple; when words are most empty, tears are most apt. Speak a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus Christ for having sacrificed Himself for your benefit. Amen
Year 2002 Index

"Running in Faith" is an electronic devotional guide written by members of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. Each week, writers use their personal interpretation of scripture to write an inspirational message they hope will help readers take their Sunday faith into weekday lives. Your comments are appreciated and, when related to a particular devotion, passed to the writer. We hope you will share these devotions with friends and coworkers. We are always happy to add new names to our e-mail list. Please contact us if you wish your name to be added.

Devotion for the week of February 2, 2002
Submitted by Rosemary S.

"And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.'"
Matthew 3:16

The first Sunday after Epiphany (January 13 this year) is celebrated as the Baptism of Jesus.

The dove descended at the baptism of Jesus, and is also well known from the story of Noah and the ark. The dove is also prominent in the book of Psalms and the Song of Solomon. The dove is acknowledged as a sign of peace.

I found a simple origami dove many years ago and have used it for handmade Christmas cards and special greeting cards, for workshops at local and national women's group conventions and conferences and as a basic "bird" for teaching children origami. It can be made up in any color paper for school or scout classes.

To me, perhaps the most meaningful use is the following:

In the early 80's, my friend Ellie Matthews, then president of the NJ Lutheran Church Women organization, was invited to participate in a study tour of Europe, including visits to Poland and both West Germany and the newly opened East Germany included.

A week or so before she left, she called and said she had just found out that she was supposed to take a bunch of "swaps" to share with the people they visited. I tried to think of something that was light to carry, inexpensive, and could be obtained in a large number in a short time. The little white dove fit all the criteria, and while watching television that night, I folded a hundred or more of these doves, stuffed them into a large envelope, and mailed them to her.

They were a hit with the travelers and the people they visited. Since I included instructions for folding, the women spent time on the plane or waiting rooms folding more and gave them away. Any size paper will do, and they are relatively fast and simple to construct.

About six months later, Ellie called and asked if I read National Geographic and cited a certain issue. I looked it up in the library, and here's what the reporter who wrote an article on middle Europe wrote, "At Auschwitz, I came across a group of Lutheran Women from the United States singing softly as they placed tiny folded paper doves on the barbed wire fences surrounding the former prison camp."

These women were Ellie and the rest of the group, and those were the doves I had folded! The fact that this reporter was there at the same time and noticed the women and was impressed enough to write about it in a well-known national magazine gives me "Holy Ghost bumps". Another friend, when I showed her the article, remarked, "What a coincidence." I believe it was not a coincidence, but a miracle, which may be called "God's little coincidences".

(I would be glad to give you the instructions and help you learn to fold this reminder of the love and grace of God.)

We thank you, almighty God, that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon your children the forgiveness of sin and have raised us to the new life of grace. Bless us, O Lord, with your presence, enfold us in the arms of your mercy, and keep us in your love forever. Amen
(Baptismal Prayer, Occasional Services)

Devotion for the week of February 11, 2002
Submitted by Ken T.

Scripture Readings:
Psalms 139:1; Psalms 25:5;
Job 30:24; 2 Corinthians 3:12

Search me, Lead me, Teach me, Stretch me, Use me

(Psalms 139:1)
"O Lord, Thou hast SEARCHED me and known me."

King David recognized that the Lord knew him well. It seems that being open to a search is an important step for each of us to take if we are to be receptive to living a God fearing life. Too often we move on our own path and neglect to pause and reflect on the best way for us to live our daily life. We need to be willing to have our thoughts, our actions, and our personal relations face the scrutiny of a thorough search. Being searched will help us face our shortcomings, and more importantly, strengthen our resolve to overcome them.

(Psalms 25:5)
"LEAD me in Thy truth and TEACH me,
For Thou art the God of my salvation;
For Thee I wait all the day."

We have been searched and known. A logical next step is to open up and ask to be led. We are continually fighting the desire to do what we want to do rather than what God wants us to do. Each of us needs to pray to be lead in the truth.

We also need to be taught. This verse in Psalms 25 highlights the relationship of being lead and being taught. We grow in our faith when we read the Bible, attend worship services, participate in Bible classes and discussion groups, read Christian materials, and listen for God's voice each and every day. We grow as a Christian when life long learning becomes our goal.

(Job 30:24)
"Yet does not one in a heap of ruins STRETCH out his hand,
Or in his disaster therefore cry out for help?"

We shouldn't wait until disaster strikes to stretch out for help. I like to think that the word stretch should be an integral part of our Christian life. We should pray to God to stretch us. Study after study has shown that we are capable of accomplishing much more than we do. We only scratch the surface of our potential. Sometimes we think, "Why am I expected to bear this burden?" or "I will never be able to perform this task at my church." Instead, I think that we should pray, "Thank you Lord for stretching me."

(2 Corinthians 3:12)
"Having therefore such a hope, we USE great boldness in our speech."

Our final step in service is to say "use me!" As 2 Corinthians 3: 12 states, it is important to speak out with boldness. This is certainly one way that God can use us. However, there are many people like Moses who don't feel they have the ability to speak out. Maybe this is an area that we need to be stretched! However, we all have different talents. Let God lead us in the ways in which we can be most effective. We need to open our hearts to the needs around us and pray, "Use Me."

Lord, we pray that you will search us, lead us,
teach us, stretch us, and use us. Amen

Devotion for the week of February 18, 2002
Submitted by Lynn W.

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith."
1 John 5: 1-4

A Lenten journey seems to be a struggle when one is evaluating their life and reflecting on what it means to be a child of God. At baptism, I was welcomed into the family of God as His child and my sponsors promised to teach me the commandments, Lord's Prayer and learn to read the scriptures. Unfortunately, my sponsors were not around for my spiritual guidance. My uncle died of cancer when I was in the fifth grade and my mom's friend kept her distance with family hardships. At an early age, I made a distinction between my father, who raised me in this world and God my Heavenly Father, my confidant. I experienced God's love in my life which gave me faith to live. My faith in Jesus Christ has overcome the worldly issues I deal with daily but I still struggle with matters of the heart.

As a parent of older children, my heart breaks when their choices do not seem to be my expectations. It makes me realize that love is deeper than the outward hug or kiss, that their choices may need a listening ear, an encouraging voice, a prayer or two, as I let them go. What parent wants to see their child live in a low income neighborhood or begin a family before completing their education? The choices are not mine and yet a burden to my heart to watch.

My extended family has commented and criticized what I should do as a parent. If I love my child, shouldn't I bring him back home? Love for a parent or a child may mean letting go, as I struggle with those matters of my heart. Now I need to let God's love intervene in the lives of those I love and watch for the blessings so that it will not be burdensome for me. These Lenten reflections will be examining me as a child of God through Jesus so that I can overcome the world's values in spite of other people's opinions about me. I do not need the world's acceptance because my faith has won the victory through Christ.

Mother Theresa described how a Christian should live out their faith from her book Words to Love By (pg. 77):

"At the end of life we will not be judged by
How many diplomas we have received,
How much money we have made,
How many great things we have done.

We will be judged by,
"I was hungry and you gave me to eat,
I was naked and you clothed me,
I was homeless and you took me in."

Hungry, not for bread,
But hungry for love.
Naked, not for clothing,
But naked of human dignity and respect.
Homeless, not only for want of a room of bricks,
But homeless because of rejection."

Luther's Prayer of Acceptance
Dear Heavenly Father:
Teach us to trust the Spirit You have breathed into us. Give us grace to believe Your Word, by which we are made as Your children. Help us to understand that we belong to You, even though we are undeserving of your love.

Help us to see Your judgment and mercy in the suffering and death and resurrection of my Lord Jesus Christ. Cause us to accept again the new life in Christ which You have given us by faith. Enable us to live without despair and without pride. Lead us to know with joy that You accept us as a whole human being.

Father, teach us one more thing. Show us that in this new life You give, we no longer have to build walls of fear to protect ourselves from others. Help us to live cheerfully and generously, so that others may receive You through Christ's Word and work in us and begin to live in You. Bless us and keep us for Jesus sake. Amen.

Devotion for the week of February 25, 2002
Submitted by Melanie H.

"And he (Peter) went outside and wept bitterly."
Luke 22:62

I enjoy reading from a most gifted Christian writer named Max Lucado. In the excerpt below he talks about some of the often overlooked attendants at the cross when Christ died.

There was one group in attendance that day whose role was critical. They didn't speak much, but they were there. Few noticed them, but that's not surprising. Their very nature is so silent they are often overlooked. In fact, the gospel writers scarcely gave them a reference. But we know they were there. They had to be. They had a job to do.

Yes, This representation did much more than witness the divine drama; they expressed it. They captured it. They displayed the despair of Peter; they betrayed the guilt of Pilate and unveiled the anguish of Judas. They transmitted John's confusion and translated Mary's compassion.

Their prime role, however, was with that of the Messiah. With utter delicacy and tenderness, they offered relief to His pain and expression to His yearning.

Who am I describing? You may be surprised.

Tears. Those tiny drops of humanity. Those round, wet balls of fluid that tumble from our eyes, creep down our cheeks, and splash on the floor of our hearts. They were there that day. They are always present at such times. They should be, that's their job. They are miniature messengers; on call 24 hours a day to substitute for crippled words. They drip, drop, and pour from the corner of our souls, carrying with them the deepest emotions we possess. They tumble down our faces with announcements that range from the most blissful joy to darkest despair.

The principle is simple; when words are most empty, tears are most apt.

Speak a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus Christ for
having sacrificed Himself for your benefit. Amen

Year 2002 Index