Susanne Udvari  -Excellence versus Perfection

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of  God.”  Philippians 1:9

I have been thinking about two words – perfection and excellence – in relation to our walk with the Lord.  Perfection is all about ability but excellence is about availability.  Trying to be perfect can sap us of emotional energy.  Pursuing excellence in our work for the Lord gives birth to more spiritual energy.  Excellence can inspire and perfection can intimidate.

Paul writes to the Philippians about loving more and choosing wise actions that would truly help others and glorify God.  As we grow in our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, we will try to do all to serve Him in a most excellent way. 

Excellence is attainable, perfection is not.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only person who ever has, or ever will be perfect.  So, let us go about our days knowing that we will never be perfect, but we can serve those around us with excellence, with God’s help.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, as he is reminding them to do good works, he says, “These things are excellent and profitable for people.”  Titus 3:8  the author of Hebrews  also writes, “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”  Hebrews 8:6

May we each serve others and Sharon church with the excellence that comes from being filled with Christ’s love and power.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to serve in an excellent way, depending on you to fill me up, bringing glory to you in all I say and do.  Amen

Grace Peters

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead.” James 2:15-16  Life Application Bible, NIV

When our first son was transitioning from the church nursery to the 3-year-old Sunday School class, I gave it a big build up, “You’re going to love it. You will read stories and sing songs about Jesus; you will learn so much!”  After about three weeks, at pick up time, he greeted me, with hands on hips, indignantly protesting, “Well, we didn’t DO much Jesus!”

Children are concrete thinkers and they need to see us acting out our faith. The world also needs to see us projecting our Christian faith in God’s love and grace in concrete acts of caring and compassion for others. We often meet God when we serve those who are hurting and vulnerable. His love and warmth shine through us and enrich us as much as those we serve.

Prayer:  God of grace and love, thank you for giving us many opportunities to act out our faith in deeds of caring and compassion.  Help us to use these opportunities to witness to your kingdom.  Amen 

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd........ Myra Leigh Tokar

Memorizing scripture or anything else for that matter, has always been a challenge. Since this is a favorite, I really wanted to meet this challenge. Someone suggested trying to visualize the place, person or situation to better remember the words.

So I envisioned those green pastures, the still waters and actually feeling my soul being restored. I could feel the presence of Jesus, my Lord and Shepherd. As I walked through the "valley of the shadow of death", I feared no evil. The rod and staff of my Shepherd comforted me.

 I can see the Lord preparing the "table before my enemies and anointing my head with oil". Yes, my cup indeed overflows. Each time I pray this Psalm, I am reassured that I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and I can feel the comforting presence of my Shepherd. The meaning is much more than words.

Prayer:   Lord, you know how many times I've prayed this Psalm; during stress, sadness, illness and always before surgery. Helps us to always envision your presence and feel your loving arms about us. Thy name be praised.    Amen

THROUGH GOD'S POWER   Roy Behling

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." - Matthew 16:18 (NIV)

In this verse Jesus chooses Peter as the rock on which to build His church. But we also see throughout scripture that Peter had several weaknesses. He often spoke before he thought the situation through. He was impulsive, abrupt in his actions, and discourteous to those around him. Peter was the disciple that cut off the ear of the high priest's guard as Jesus was being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Peter said he would die before disowning Jesus, but as Jesus predicted he would deny Jesus three times before the crucifixion. Jesus was aware of Peter's shortcomings and failures, yet He saw Peter's true heart. He knew Peter would go on to do great things for God's kingdom.

Just like Peter, we have many shortcomings and frequently fail at our endeavors. However, when this happens we must never think that God can't use us. Through God's strength and power, we can achieve all that we are called to do.

Dear Lord, help me to remember that I can rely on Your strength to accomplish what You call me to do. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Amen.

GUIDE US, DEAR LORD  Judy Lentz

Genesis 17:1  When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty” (Hebrew  El-Shaddai).

Every day we experience a multitude of ways that others guide us - through MapQuest, various GPS’s on our phones or in our cars, turn signals, Siri, helpful responses to inquiries at the store, comments from loving friends, parental guidance, internet sources,  etc.  The list can go on and on.   We rely on the help of others to simplify our days, to answer questions, seeking advice to keep us from getting into trouble, to aid us in accomplishing our mission or way again.  These are just a few of the many reasons we look to others.  And when that help comes from a human source, we gratefully acknowledge to them our heartfelt appreciation.

How often do ask Jesus to provide guidance for us in times of need?  Do we seek his guidance as often as we seek the help of others or are we hesitant?  Do we acknowledge our appreciation to Him as easily as we do to others?  He is our El Shaddai “ God Almighty, all sufficient one.  He knows our needs long before we bring them in prayer to Him.    We owe Him everything for sacrificing His life for us.  Not only is He the most knowledgeable about guiding us in the right direction but He is also the most loving.  Trust in Him.  He asks only that we come to Him to express our concerns and He promises to respond in gratitude and appreciation.  Listening for His response, hearing the Holy Spirit’s guidance and giving thanks for all that He has done for us remembering that He is God Almighty, El-Shaddai.

Prayer:  We thank you for the guidance and love you show us when we come to you in prayer.  You are our El Shaddai.   You light our way.  May we always seek you first before asking others and keep our ears open for your response.  In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Susanne Udvari - Glory

“We pray that you will have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory strength God gives.  It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us.”  Colossians 1:10, 11 (The Message)

When problems in this life require us to stick it out over the long haul, we need to be careful of passing time with a negative, gloomy face.  God does not desire to see us endure in this way.  He gives us His “Glory-Strength” to empower us, to strengthen our soul.

The dictionary defines glory as radiant beauty, brightness, magnificence, and splendor.  So, any strength infused with God’s magnificence and power is sure to be better than our own flawed human strength.  God gladly gives us Glory-Strength!  His spirit empowers and strengthens us when we need it most.  Think about His limitless power -  He can give us more than enough to spill over into Joy.  We must seek this, pray for this, look for God in all circumstances.

As it says in Ephesians 3:16 “that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His spirit in your inner being”.

So let us endure the unendurable drawing on the vastness of God’s Glory-Strength!

Prayer:  Lord, help me to live each day with your Glory-Strength, approaching all circumstances with a joyful, positive attitude.  I know this can never be accomplished with my own power but only by relying on you.  May I seek your will and share the amazing gift of your love with everyone around me.    Amen

POEMS FROM THE PAST...The following poem was found in Sharon's archives from a booklet published in the 1960's by members of the congregation.  This untitled poem was submitted by Mrs. S. W. Hixson.

When days are filled with worldly snares,

Ask God to help.  He truly cares.

He sent His Son to earth to show

How much He loves us here below.

Don't make a move without His guiding,

Ever in His love abiding.

Lean on Him if strength is wanting.

Love and faith He gives undaunting.

Though doctor, lawyer, student, wife,

Take Him with you through your life.

If you but ask, your spirit humbling,

He'll surely keep your feet from stumbling.

Take Him then to work or school

And you will live the Golden Rule.

As each thought and act you know He'll see

You'll live as the Christian He wants you to be.

Prayer:  Remembering those who are a part of Sharon's history