Saturday, April 29, 2017

Faith Things I’ve Learned From Ringing Hand bells
Meghan Hamsher

Psalm 150:3-5 NIV   3. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4. praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5. praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

In May, we will be celebrating Music Appreciation Sunday.

Did you know that the first tuned hand bells were developed by brothers Robert and William Cor in England, between 1696 - 1724?

Hand bells -1st set = 10 - were first brought to the United States from England by Margaret Shurcliff in 1902.

In our church, “English” hand  bells were added to the music program in the late 1970s.
Faith Things I’ve Learned From Ringing Hand bells

  1.   We’re totally screwed without a director.   Without a director, we are just a bunch of random notes at multiple random speeds.   When we pay attention to our director, we pick up our bells at the same time, we are at the same tempo, and it sounds like ... well ... music!   If we don’t put Christ as the Director of our lives, our lives get extremely messy, we start losing the focus to our lives, and lose the meaning of our faith.

2. It’s a combination of individuals and teamwork.  Each person has their own set of bells to work with. When one or two people aren’t there, it makes a huge difference.  We must learn to work with each other and listen to one another.  We have two parts of our faith:   individual, personal relationship with God sharing the Good News with others, church isn’t the same when people aren’t there!

3. Every bell is unique and has its own challenges.  Some of us prefer the low to middle-range bells; others prefer the “tinkly” high bells.  God says that each of us is a masterpiece, each unique;   each of us has our own experiences and challenges in our faith-walk.  Each of us has different skills, but we all seek to serve the same God.

4. The music tells us how to play the piece ... The key of the piece (what bells to ring), notes (when to ring the bells),  rhythm (how to ring the bells),  tempo (slow down, speed up) volume, rests, holds, repeats, techniques (bonking with mallets, mart, pluck, shake, tower swings, thumb damp, echo, gyro-wawahs).

God's Word to us is the Bible; it gives us direction on how we're to live our lives.
5. We love our excuses!  There is quite a list of excuses ... from “my partner got me lost” to “the page refused to turn/page turned messed me up” to “the bell refused to cooperate”....  Sadly, we have a list of excuses as to why we don’t participate more in church activities and why we don’t spread the Good News outside our “comfort zones”.

6. Practice is a lot of hard work, and sometimes can be very frustrating.  We spend a little over an hour every Wednesday rehearsing, improving our bell skills.  And yet, sometimes, the next week you’d think we never saw the piece before.  We have to keep working on strengthening our faith.  Sometimes we get challenges that really test our faith.

7. It makes us feel good when we’ve put a lot of love & work into it.  There’s nothing better than knowing that we’ve done the best we could do and hearing  “I really enjoyed listening to the bells today.” God decided it was worth putting all of His love and work into each of us.“For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us on a cross...”  God loves it when we actually slow down and talk to Him.  God loves it when we realize we can’t do everything on our own and turn things over to Him.  God loves it when we actually thank Him for what we do have.  God loves it when we admit that we are all sinners and ask for forgiveness.


Prayer:  Dear God,   Thank you for giving us the gift of music, and that we can learn about You as we praise you!  Go now in peace,  Go now in peace,  May the Love of God surround you , Everywhere, everywhere,   You may go!

Friday, April 28, 2017

AMAZING GOD 
Susanne Udvari

I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.  In this  godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.  But take heart I've conquered the world.  John 16:33  

The Message

Many of you may order online from Amazon where you can buy anything from household items, tools, toys, etc. with the click of a button.  It arrives within 48 hours, right at your door, with no shipping charges!!  Isn't this what we would like our God to do – deliver the answer to our prayers immediately, and deliver the answer we choose. 

I recently listened to a lecture by a teaching director at a Bible study where she emphasized that what we need is an Amazing God, not an Amazon God!!  Just as Moses and the Israelites had to realize that God moved carefully and methodically, we also must not expect to receive immediate answers to our prayers.  Instead of providing a quick trip across the desert, God kept the Israelites wandering for 40 years as he taught them many lessons about obedience, Holiness, and God's provision.

God is faithful!!  He will answer in His perfect timing.  And remember his answers might be yes, no, or not right now!  I have experienced that through situations in my life, God has taught me many lessons instead of just providing a quick fix. He has given me endurance to run the race if I continue to ask Him to lead me.  We are not really in control, but one thing I am sure of is that there is a 100% chance that God is in control!  So the question is, will we endure some detours and hardships by trusting in an Amazing God, not an Amazon God?


Lord, help me to be patient and continue praying even when I do not see immediate answers.  Help me to trust and continue to obey as I wait for you to answer in your perfect timing and to give me strength and patience as I wait.   Amen

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Pilgrimage Reflections: On the Sea of Galilee
Tanya Marshall     

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  (Matthew 14:28-30)

During our pilgrimage in Israel, I tried to picture Jesus in the locations we visited.  Early in the trip we went on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water took place.  We heard the Scripture, and were then asked, “If you had been there, what would you have done, or which character would you have been like in the story?  Would you have quickly stepped out of the boat, like Peter, but then start sinking when you took your eyes off of Jesus?  Or would you have sat back in the boat, like the other disciples, and just watched to see what might happen?  Or would you have done something different than these options?”

As I imagined Jesus and Peter in this scene, I realized that I’d have probably sat and watched from the relative safety of the boat.  I wish I were a bold disciple, but I know I often wait to see what others (seemingly “stronger” Christians) will do.  I depend on the faith of others.  I wish I wouldn’t doubt so much.  I wish I could be the one taking that step into the water, trusting Jesus without waiting for a sure result. 


Prayer:  O Lord Jesus, thank you for asking us to trust you.  Thank you for accepting us where we are, with our particular personality.  But continue to challenge us to a stronger, bolder faith.  Amen.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

DEMANDS, SET BACKS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS
Walt Gorr

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (RSV)

Why is it that no matter how happy my life is I still experience mental "down" periods?

A project didn't work out, a grandchild has disappointed me, I never expected this huge repair expense! Sometimes these "speed bumps" on life's road come too close together.

If I'm not careful, my mood starts "south." It is then that I must remind myself that the Holy Spirit is always with me. The two of us can overcome and help me cope. All I have to do is ask.

[This scripture applies to both physical and mental situations.]


Prayer:  Lord, help me remember that you are with me always. I don't have to solve or overcome problems by myself. With your help, mental and physical challenges lose their influence. Thank you for your constant presence in my life. Amen.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

BURYING YOUR TALENTS 
Roy Behling

"So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you." - Matthew 25:25 (NIV)

Through the years I have heard many preach on the Parable of the Talents. If we look at the parable only in terms of money, it is hard to understand why the master was so angry at the servant who hid his talent. After all, the servant didn't lose the money. However, this is a parable, so perhaps we should look at the "talent' in a broader sense.

Scholars say the term "talent" was first used for a unit of weight (about 75 pounds), then for a unit of coinage (worth more than a thousand dollars in today's terms). The present-day use of "talent" to indicate an ability or gift is derived from this parable. This latter is the definition we use when we talk about stewardship being giving of our time, talents and treasure. Talents in this context is our God-given gifts and abilities.

Certainly, God does not want us to "bury" or hide our talents when we can use our God-given gifts for furthering His kingdom no matter how small they seem. God can magnify any small talent into something wonderful.


Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me. May I put them to good use to Your glory. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Amen.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Virginia (Jen) Shaw

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Childhood memories of my dad's voice singing: "If with all your hearts ye truly seek me, ye will ever surely find me, thus saith our God." These are the words of the tenor aria from Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah." My father was an accomplished singer and fondly I can still hear these words long after he is gone. To listen to this wonderful music, go on your computer to "YouTube Mendelssohn Elijah If With All Your Heart." Your soul will be filled with joy.


Prayer :  Lord, thanks for your daily blessings and your great, great promise that anytime I call on you, you'll be with me!

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Weathering Life’s Changes 
Jan Benard

Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses,   Ecclesiastes 3:1 (Today's English Version)

Because I travel in my job, I am able to see the many differences this country of ours has to offer. Our area has the 4 seasons, which I love, but many areas do not get to enjoy these changes. I sometimes wonder how the people that live in those areas can appreciate what they have when they don't get to witness the cold of winter or the beauty of spring.

 I think because of these changes I can enjoy the weather more. As tough as some of the weather can be, this is how our lives can be at times, too. Because I have weathered some of the hardest times, divorce, sickness of parents and death of parents, I know God is with me during all these seasons of my life. He has given me the strength I needed during each of these events.


Prayer:   God, thank you for the different seasons we get to enjoy and for the changes in our lives that show us you are with us no matter what. Help us to continue to come to you with our fears knowing you will guide us and give us strength to continue. Amen.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Jesus Remembers Our Name -  Doug Marshall

John 20:16    Jesus said to her, “Mary!”  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 

When Mary went to the tomb on that first Easter morning it was empty.  She was heart-broken.  Her friend and leader had been killed, and now his body had been stolen.  She saw Jesus, but didn’t recognize him.  It was only when he spoke her name, “Mary!” that she recognized him and her sorrow was turned to joy.

On our pilgrimage, we stayed at one of the same hotels I stayed at last year, the Manger Square Hotel.  For breakfast and dinner, we ate in the hotel’s dining room.  They had a large buffet with many different types of food. They also had a team of waiters/busboys who kept the tables clean and helped serve us.

Last year I had a wonderful conversation with one of the waiters, Luay.  He was college educated (accounting) but this was the only job available to him.  Luay was there again this year, and I recognized him the moment I walked in to the dining room.  He also remembered me, and even remembered my name!  When he said my name my heart was filled with joy

What a joy it is to know that Jesus, our risen Savior, knows us.  He knows our names, our fears, our hurts, and all the things that fill our hearts with shame.  And he still loves us!  Imagine yourself standing outside the tomb, seeing him, and hearing him call out your name.


 Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you that you remember our names.  Help us to live in the joy that comes from realizing that you know us and love us.  Amen.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

COURAGE

Dan Peters

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1: 9

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth – Matthew 5:5

God calls us to be courageous and not dismayed for he is always with us.  Jesus exalts the status of those who are meek.  Is there a contradiction here?  In our daily lives we meet people who display courage and we meet people who are meek; but rarely, if ever, are these attributes displayed by the same person at the same time. Perhaps Jesus calls us to be meek before God as we acknowledge our humanity, our sinfulness, and our shortcomings.  God calls us to be courageous human beings as we strive to live Christian lives, tell the good news of salvation, and demonstrate our faith through service to others.


PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I am mindful of my sin and my shortcomings as I come before you. Make me also mindful of your power to provide me with the courage to do the things you call me to do.
Sara Kobak

Is that a joyous choir I hear? It is the Lord himself exulting over you in happy song. -Zephaniah 3:17 (The Living Bible)

I recently read Zephaniah 3:17 in an Upper Room devotional. I was aware that our Lord cries with us in our sadness and despair. But for Him to sing was something new. Now I imagine Him raising his arms, stomping his feet and shouting when a major joy enters our lives: when we finally get that new job, when a healthy baby is born, or when the cancer is gone. The Lord is with us not only in the valleys but also on the mountaintops. Hallelujah!


Prayer:   Dear Heavenly Father,  Forgive us when we forget to praise you for your many gifts - big and small. Thank you for your comfort in difficult times and for your song in our gladness.    Amen.
Pilgrimage Reflections   Our Similarities
Tanya Marshall 

He (Jesus) said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)

During our pilgrimage in Israel, I was struck with how similar people are everywhere. Here we were in a land 1/3 of the way around the globe, where people spoke different languages, signs were written in strange looking characters, many women wore hijabs (a type of head-scarf), Orthodox Jewish men had side locks, and we heard Muslim calls to prayer broadcast through the streets at 4:00 a.m.
But then would come a moment that showed how similar we all are. Three experiences occurred within about two days that illustrated this for me in regards to children.

First, as we were walking through what seemed to be a very serious political/military checkpoint near the Old City of Jerusalem, a group of 20-30 school boys approached (6 – 10 year olds), all 77 dressed alike, with a couple of teachers. Maybe it was a field trip, maybe a religious class? But they were rowdy, loud, energetic, laughing, and chasing each other, and the teachers were trying to calm them down and keep them in line.

Second, later that day we were waiting at a bus stop for Elias, our driver, to pick us up with ouran. I leaned on a ledge near three girls that looked like sisters, maybe ages 5, 8, and 12. 1 simply asked the middle one her name, hoping she knew some English. She said it was Denya (spelling?), and she asked my name, and then excitedly told it to her older sister. It was a short dialog, but we made a brief connection and shared some smiles.

Third, one evening our whole group was invited to dinner at the tour company owner’s mother-in-law’s home in Beit Sahour, a neighboring town to Bethlehem. There were four generations of this family there, including the three children of the tour company owner (ages, 3, 5, and 7, I think).
 George, the 5 year old, and I had a fun talk about the tricycle he sat on, his sisters, his age, his school – typical things anyone can talk about with a child. Then he gave many of us stickers, and sang “If I Were a Butterfly,” a children’s song I hadn’t heard since 1982!

A world apart, but these were typical exchanges that could happen anywhere. What a blessing to see we’re not so different after all, but all God’s children, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.


Prayer: Thank you, God, for the reminders that no matter our nationality, color, or creed, you are the Creator of us all. Help us to work for peace and unity, through Christ. Amen.
Jerusalem Visit 
Jan Weber

Matthew 28: 1-10 NRSV

While in Jerusalem, we visited two sites where the death and resurrection of Jesus could have occurred, and found out that there are at least four others with evidence to support that they could be the place. The most widely known traditional site is at the Church of the Holy Sepulchure which is currently within the walls of Jerusalem, but wasn't in the first century. It was difficult to imagine this as a site because the church is built over top of anything that was previously there.

We climbed a staircase and could have stood in line to reach under an altar behind a curtain and feel the rock which is considered to be the top of Golgotha. Downstairs it was an hour wait to go inside a small shrine, the size of a walk-in closet, which is directly underneath the dome of the large cathedral, to see a place where the tomb is traditionally supposed to be. It was very beautiful and ornate, but was crowded and hard for me to relate to.

Another site we visited was just outside the walls of the city. They showed us a rocky hill that appears to have the face of the skull, although the pictures they have of the same hillside 100 years ago, before a bus station was put in at the bottom and a Muslim cemetery built on the top, made the skull easier to see.

We toured a beautiful garden site around the base of the hill, that is meticulously cared for, including small areas to conduct worship and communion, one of which we used for that purpose. Then we were taken to an area in the garden where a tomb dating back to the time of Christ's death and resurrection was found. We were able to go inside and see the tomb. Although this site was much easier to relate to as a possible place of the crucifixion and resurrection it was very spiritually moving. It was enough to know that at either place I was near where Jesus carried the cross and died for the sins of the world, but most importantly rose from the grave for the promise of eternal life for us all.

 In the words of our Swedish guide at the Garden Tomb, Bertel, who admits that as Scandinavian he is not an emotional person, but sometimes gets so excited he almost thinks Alleluia, "He who was on the cross, and in the tomb, is now on the throne."


Prayer:   Father, Thank you seems like such a small word when we think of all that you have done for us. Your love for us is amazing. Help us to feel your love in our hearts and spread the Good News to your beloved children. He is Risen!'  Amen.
Judy Yeck

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old received divine approval. By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear.     Hebrews 11:1-3 RSV

This chapter in Hebrews is the beginning of a quick history of Israel, how God worked in and through men and women to accomplish His plans. I can't help but think of the early people of Sharon who struggled to get to worship, and kept going until we became the church we are today. We don't remember their names, but their work lives on in the life of Sharon. Their dreams and prayers have been answered. As we continue on into the next hundred years, we too will leave 'footprints'. So by faith, let us continue to pray and work for God's Kingdom here in Moon Township.


Prayer:   Heavenly Father, as You were with the early founders of our church, may we continue to pray for your guidance and blessings, for the growth and continuation of this, Your church in Moon Township. Thank you in Jesus' name, Amen
Nancy Moore

Anthem sung by Sharon Community Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir on April 9, 2017. Words and music by Graham Kendrick.

AMAZING LOVE

My Lord, what love is this that pays so dearly;
That I, the guilty one may go free.
Amazing love, O what sacrifice,
the Son of God, giv'n for me;
My debt He pays, and my death He dies,
that I might live, that I might live!

And so they watched Him die despised, rejected;
But oh, the blood He shed flowed for me!
And now, this love of Christ shall flow like rivers;
Come wash your guilt away, live again!

Amazing love, O what sacrifice,
the Son of God, giv'n for me;
My debt he pays, and my death he dies;
that I might live, that I might live!
Amazing love.


Prayer:   Dear Lord, all that I have comes from you. Help me to use all things to your glory. I ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son, my Lord. Amen.
BURYING YOUR TALENTS
Roy Behling

"So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you." - Matthew 25:25 (NIV)

Through the years I have heard many preach on the Parable of the Talents. If we look at the parable only in terms of money, it is hard to understand why the master was so angry at the servant who hid his talent. After all, the servant didn't lose the money. However, this is a parable, so perhaps we should look at the "talent' in a broader sense.

Scholars say the term "talent" was first used for a unit of weight (about 75 pounds), then for a unit of coinage (worth more than a thousand dollars in today's terms). The present-day use of "talent" to indicate an ability or gift is derived from this parable. This latter is the definition we use when we talk about stewardship being giving of our time, talents and treasure. Talents in this context is our God-given gifts and abilities.

Certainly, God does not want us to "bury" or hide our talents when we can use our God-given gifts for furthering His kingdom no matter how small they seem. God can magnify any small talent into something wonderful.


Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me. May I put them to good use to Your glory. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Amen.

Jesus Remembers Our Name

Doug Marshall

John 20:16    Jesus said to her, “Mary!”  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).
 
When Mary went to the tomb on that first Easter morning it was empty.  She was heart-broken.  Her friend and leader had been killed, and now his body had been stolen.  She saw Jesus, but didn’t recognize him.  It was only when he spoke her name, “Mary!” that she recognized him and her sorrow was turned to joy.

On our pilgrimage, we stayed at one of the same hotels I stayed at last year, the Manger Square Hotel.  For breakfast and dinner, we ate in the hotel’s dining room.  They had a large buffet with many different types of food. They also had a team of waiters/busboys who kept the tables clean and helped serve us.

Last year I had a wonderful conversation with one of the waiters, Luay.  He was college educated (accounting) but this was the only job available to him.  Luay was there again this year, and I recognized him the moment I walked in to the dining room.  He also remembered me, and even remembered my name!  When he said my name my heart was filled with joy

What a joy it is to know that Jesus, our risen Savior, knows us.  He knows our names, our fears, our hurts, and all the things that fill our hearts with shame.  And he still loves us!  Imagine yourself standing outside the tomb, seeing him, and hearing him call out your name.


 Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you that you remember our names.  Help us to live in the joy that comes from realizing that you know us and love us.  Amen.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Ann Mizer  

Walk humbly with your God

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8

Oh it sounds so simple, be just, have mercy and walk humbly with God.  We all have good intentions, but we also have the human frailties of acting without thinking.  I believe I have an idea of what being humble means, but I know that words can come out without thought; my focus may be misaligned or self-centered.

Words are like toothpaste, once out you can’t squeeze them back into the tube.  Gratefully, God shows us mercy and we should try to do the same to our fellow men and women.  Sometimes things happen and we don’t even realize that we have offended or mistreated someone.  Keeping this verse in my mind I hope will help to make me more thoughtful and humble.

Prayer:  God teach me to walk humbly with you, remind me to have mercy and to be just in my actions and words and decisions.  Amen.


Thursday, April 13, 2017

Walt Gorr

WHEN IS JESUS IN YOUR LIFE?

"And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20.

Is he like a plumber? You call on Him only when you have a plumbing problem? When the problem is fixed, you forget about Him.

Do you complain when you have a leaking faucet and can't find a plumber?

We are fortunate to have a Savior who says, "I'm here for you 24/7."

Recently I read the following:    "Walk Closer to God.

Jesus doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He is always available--even when we don't feel that he is. And when you practice his presence by faith, you'll find that feeling will follow.

Do you expect Jesus to go with you everywhere you go? Do you think about whether or not he'll be comfortable everywhere you take him?

Jesus is not someone who lives in a box that you can take out on Sundays and put in storage the rest of the week.

If you've invited him into your heart, he's there! He goes where you go! And that's something to think about."


Prayer:  Lord, we thank you for your constant presence in our lives. Help us to remember that we are never alone. We don't have to seek you. You are with us always. Amen.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Judy Lentz 

Testing of your faith develops perseverance

James 1: 2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Earlier today, as I drove through a country road near home, I noticed a church sign that read “Tests make good testimonials.” The sign caught my attention and quickly reminded me of a time when I faced trials as my faith was being tested and as a result the testing of my faith developed perseverance in me.

As a young girl, I belonged to the Methodist Church in Coraopolis. When I was in eighth grade, I had the opportunity to go to our church camp, Jumonville, for a week with other church friends. While there, I met Rev. Dippolitto – isn’t it strange how some names stick so firmly in our minds? His compassion and charisma helped me overcome my awkwardness when he encouraged individuals to come to the altar if you had a worry that he could help you pray about.

After accepting his invitation, I vividly remember telling him about my father’s alcoholism and how I had prayed and prayed and prayed that he would stop drinking. I said that God was not answering my prayers and I couldn’t understand why. Rev. Dippolitto helped me understand that God has a plan that will be revealed in time – not one that always matches our timeline so I should not be discouraged but instead remain faithful and continue to pray. In the meantime, our family continued to struggle with the many trials created by the disruption alcohol causes in the family dynamics.

Perseverance describes my behavior for another seven years. I faithfully prayed – day after day, year after year never giving up, remembering the wise counsel of Rev. Dippolitto. I didn’t know what God’s plan was but I trusted that it would be revealed in time. In the meantime, my father continued drinking caused him to lose all that was near and dear to him. He lost his family, his job, his health and finally his dignity - all due to the sin of alcohol.

At his lowest point, he was admitted to Sewickley Valley Hospital on the verge of death. Dr. Charles Clarke, who no doubt was part of God’s plan, was able to convince my father to quit drinking.

 For the first time in my life to that point, I met the sober man I had heard so many wonderful stories about. That’s when I came to recognize the pure joy of faith, perseverance and gratitude to God for revealing His plan and showing His faithfulness to me in answering my prayers. Yes, tests do make good testimonials, wouldn’t you agree?


Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father – thank you for testing us and developing our perseverance so that we might be able to experience the pure joy that comes only from you. It is often hard to understand why we are being tested. Give us the strength and courage we need to persevere and trust that with patience, your plan will eventually be revealed to us. Amen.
Mark Mizer   

SCIENCE CANNOT EXPLAIN THE “WHY”

‘Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and thy Dominion endures throughout all generations.’ (Psalm 145, vs. 13)

In the 1930’s the Age of Rational Thought began its reign in creating a palpable and enduring tension between scientific or rational thought and traditional religious beliefs. With rational thought the world could be explained in scientific terms with the goal of eliminating the need of the mystery and magic of an unseeable God.

Evolution theory and survival of the fittest provided much of the foundation for this ‘discipline’, further explained and ‘proven’ through a growing understanding of physics, chemistry and biology. In my mind there is no doubt that our scientific methods have led us to living longer and hopefully healthier lives. Science has opened the heavens to exploration. Science has made our lives easier and more convenient. But, science cannot explain the ‘why’.

 Can science explain the love between two people who commit their lives together in marriage? Can science explain the love that exists between a parent and a child? Can science explain the joy I have when I walk into Sharon Church and see my brothers and sisters in Christ?

I do not have a problem with science but I do have a problem with people who use science as an alternative to believing in a mysterious and wonderful living God, trying to convince others of their ‘proven truth’.  In our post- Christian Modern world we need God more than ever.  I believe without God, there would be no science and no magic to life. There would be no existence.


Prayer: Wonderful and mysterious Lord, we seek meaning in ways that cannot include You as the foundation of all existence and being. Our hearts are hard as stone and our minds closed to your magnificent love. With and in Your power melt our cold rejection of Your love and grace. Amen.
Power of Prayer     

Judy Lentz 

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

 When you pray, do you pray for the physical needs of yourself and others? What about the emotional and spiritual needs of those we love? As a whole person, we are made up of the interactions of mind, body and spirit. If we heal the body but do not heal the mind or spirit, we are only partially healed. These parts are so interchangeable and dependent on the other parts, we need to pray for the whole person.

 God hears our prayers. He knows us before we pray. He knows our needs but we must come to him in prayer so that those needs can be answered. The prayers of a righteous man are indeed powerful and effective. Next time you pray for your physical needs or the physical needs of those you love, add prayers for the emotional and spiritual needs of that person too. Praying for the whole person is doing just that.


Prayer: Dear Lord and Savior of us all – we pray for those we love as whole persons – we ask that you care for them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Make each one of us whole so that we can serve you in every way possible. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Sara Kobak

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it...now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.  I Corinthians 12:26-27 (NIV)

Just before Christmas my 19 month old great-niece contracted a bacterial infection.  My brother sent me an email asking for prayers for her.  I sent out a request to the thirty members of Sharon's prayer chain.  We became a part of an army of prayer warriors.

During the three days in which Cameron's body fought the terrible invader, I was amazed by the response from across the country on her mother's Facebook page .  Friends, family, and many strangers posted prayers and words of comfort for this young family.

Even though I was miles away, I felt a part of the body of Christ as never before.  Something I had only felt within my own church family.

Sadly, Cameron could not defeat the infection.  But the overwhelming support from the body of believers helped then and continues to lift my nephew and his wife.

They will welcome a new child in March, who, too, will become a part of the body of Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are always there to support us in times of trouble.  Please help us to be the body of Christ: to listen to and comfort those who are hurting.  Amen


 (I was inspired to write this after reading a recent Upper Room entry.)
Ann Mizer - How am I serving the Lord? 
  
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15 NIV

I like this scripture, especially the second sentence (because, actually, I don’t know the gods of my ancestors or the Amorites).  But I give pause and wonder what does this mean?  How am I serving the Lord?  Is it visible to others?  Is it intentional or is just habits and routines?

I believe that I see in my adult daughter signs that our household did honor and serve the Lord as she grew up, because she has carried this into the next generation with my grandsons.  I hope that it is apparent to my friends that my faith is important to me (and my household), apparent that we honor God, and that we practice our beliefs and we share them with others.


Prayer:  Lord guide me to serve you.  Help me to do so consciously and intentionally.  Forgive me when I fall short of this and direct me back to the right path.  Amen.
Grace Peters

"I am the Church, You are the Church, We are the Church Together; All follow Jesus all around the world; Yes, we're the Church together!" Song by Richard K. Avery and Donald S.Marsh. Word,c 1972 Hope Publishing, 1972

 One of my favorite memories is that of my children coming home from First Sunday School joyfully singing this song. This simple song makes it quite clear about who is responsible and accountable for the support of the Church-meaning the MISSION of the Church - all follow Jesus all around the world, ah, there it is the Great Commission.

You and I,WE, are responsible for the continued growth of this Sharon church with a small "c"and Christ's larger Church with a capital "C". We EACH have individual ownership and the responsibility that comes with ownership. Church staff comes and goes but the congregation remains to carry on God's work. This ownership also has rewards - the Holy Spirit works wonders when we dedicate back to God a generous portion of what we have been given.

Second Corinthians vs. 10-15 tells us that God rewards us with increased righteousness, it promises that "you will be made rich in every way so you can be even more generous and thankful to God." God promises his Grace to those who are generous in supporting his Mission; he promises the gift of eternal life!! Do we have any other investments that promise so much?


Prayer:  Dear God, we thank you that you have called us to own your mission at SCPC for 200 years. We are grateful that your Spirit has been constant among us in both good and bad times. Your grace and love have enabled us to do your mission in this church and in the larger Church. Please, keep us faithful and generous as we "Dream the Future" and move forward into the next 100 years. Amen

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Mark Mizer

We need God more than ever.

In the 1930’s, the Age of Rational Thought began its reign in creating a palpable and enduring tension between scientific or rational thought and traditional religious beliefs.

With rational thought the world could be explained in scientific terms with the goal of eliminating the need of the mystery and magic of an unseeable God.

Evolution theory and survival of the fittest provided much of the foundation for this ‘discipline’, further explained and ‘proven’ through a growing understanding of physics, chemistry and biology.

In my mind there is no doubt that our scientific methods have led us to living longer and hopefully healthier lives. Science has opened the heavens to exploration. Science has made our lives easier and more convenient. But, science cannot explain the ‘why’.

Can science explain the love between two people who commit their lives together in marriage? Can science explain the love that exists between a parent and a child? Can science explain the joy I have when I walk into Sharon Church and see my brothers and sisters in Christ?

 I do not have a problem with science but I do have a problem with people who use science as an alternative to believing in a mysterious and wonderful living God, trying to convince others of their ‘proven truth’.  In our post- Christian Modern world we need God more than ever.

 I believe without God, there would be no science and no magic to life. There would be no existence.

Prayer: Wonderful and mysterious Lord, we seek meaning in ways that cannot include You as the foundation of all existence and being. Our hearts are hard as stone and our minds closed to your magnificent love. With and in Your power melt our cold rejection of Your love and grace. Amen.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Judy Lentz    

Acronyms Can Help

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit was leading you in a certain direction only then to begin to question whether your plans are from your own heart instead of from God? How do we know when the motivation for the direction we are taking is truly God led rather than for our own desires for power and recognition?

There are a couple of acronyms that might help you answer your question.

 One acronym is WWJD? What would Jesus do? Are you looking at your own interests or the interests of others? If Jesus was sitting with you and you shared your plans with him, would he smile or frown?

The other acronym is WIIFM? What’s in it for me? Are your plans being driven by your personal desire rather than the desires of God? As the scripture says, your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Can you ever think of a time that Jesus was looking for a WIIFM?

When we put ourselves last and others first, we know we have an attitude the same as that of Christ Jesus. Putting ourselves before others, our efforts are lost in selfish ambition. Listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit and follow up with the two acronyms: WWJD and WIIFM.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father – open my ears to hear your plans for what you want me to do. Forgive my selfishness when I make plans without your blessing. Redirect my thoughts and guide my attitude to do what Jesus would do. I want Jesus to always be my role model. Correct me when I put myself first instead of last as Jesus would do. Know that my heart wants to do whatever is pleasing to you.

Amen

Monday, April 3, 2017

Mark Mizer

A.C.T.S. Prayers

Acts is one of my favorite books of the New Testament. But, did you know ACTS can also serve as form of prayer?

A - Adoration. Praise be to God in the Highest. Let God know how much you appreciate Him. Express your love for Him.

C - Confession. Confess your sins to him. Tell Him you know you've fallen short.

T - Thanksgiving. Glorify God with thanksgiving for his love, faithfulness and sacrifice of His Son, Christ Jesus, who died to save us from those sins.

S - Supplication. Tell God what you want, no matter how big or small. It may be selfish. Or, it may be something you hope for someone else. You can be quite candid with God. You can tell Him what you like and don't like. You can tell Him about someone you don't like without feeling guilty. You can tell Him you would like to be financially wealthy.  God understands. And, if you can't tell God what is in your head and heart, who can you tell?

(And, if your prayers are answered in the way you wished, you may want to spend some extra time on 'T'!)


Prayer: Lord, hear our prayers. Amen                             
Mark Mizer

O God, thou art my God, I seek thee, my soul thirsts for thee; my flesh faints for thee, as in a dry and weary land where no water is. (Psalm 63, vs. 1)

When I was a teen in high school I played football. Football practice starts in the hottest time of year, August, and is quite physical. So, a person sweats a lot, especially a bigger guy like me. But, in the old days when I played we were not allowed to drink water during practice or games because conventional wisdom told us it would make us sick to our stomachs!! Practice and playing games were tortuous to me because of thirst for water. Today, athletes are supposed to drink all the water they want because it is necessary to stay hydrated. Not drinking water is what makes a person ill.
When I read the first verse of the 63rd Psalm I always think about the intense thirst I experienced on the football field and how miserable I was. And, then I think about how miserable I would be without God, my God. It is not my body that thirsts for water, but my soul that thirsts for the living water. 

Praise be to God.


Prayer: O God, my God, quench the thirst in me and fill me with Your Spirit. Amen