2020 Stewardship Devotional Book

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

Introduction

This devotional booklet was made possible by church members who answered the question

“How do I live out my faith?”. We pray that you will use this booklet as a part of your daily devotions

during the stewardship series and that you will spend time meditating on the same question.

To prepare your heart for this stewardship series, please spend time in prayer during January

asking God what He wants you to pledge and do to help advance His kingdom in 2020. Reflect on

the following questions (the first three questions are from an article written by Rev. Tommy

Herndon entitled “Stewardship 102” from the Virginia United Methodist Foundation April 2019

newsletter):

• What do I want to do with my possessions?

• What do I want to do with God’s possessions?

• What does God want me to do with His possessions?

• How can I honor and glorify God with what He has given me?

As God is steadfast in His commitment to you, we encourage you to renew your commitment to Him

by growing in your trust of and relationship with God, practicing spiritual disciplines, growing in your

generosity, and living as a bold and faithful disciple of Jesus, sharing the gospel wherever you go.

To God be all praise and glory!

The Stewardship Branch

January 5 Choosing What is Better

The theme verses for this stewardship series are Luke 10:41-42, which is from the story of

Martha and Mary: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about

many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

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Jesus is providing us with a simple, but profound, answer to life’s problems and stressors. He wants

us to choose Him, to focus on Him, to love Him, to have a relationship with Him. We will have some

problems and stressors (e.g. problems with finances, family relationships, health issues, work

problems) as long as we live in this world. However, Jesus tells us not to worry. He asks us to

choose Him. Our faith and our belief in Jesus can never be taken from us. Our faith is what helps us

get through life’s problems and stressors.

The following Bible commentary is from the Theology of Work website (www.theologyofwork.org)

and is used with permission as it was originally written. The commentary provides good insights into

the story of Mary and Martha, a story in which we are familiar.

“The story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) also puts generosity in the context of love for God.

Martha works to prepare dinner, while Mary sits and listens to Jesus. Martha asks Jesus to rebuke

her sister for not helping, but instead Jesus commends Mary. Regrettably, this story has often

suffered from dubious interpretations, with Martha becoming the poster child for all that is wrong

with the life of busyness and distraction, or what the Medieval Church called the active or working

life of Martha, which was permitted but inferior to the perfect life of contemplation or the

monastery. But the story must be read against the backdrop of Luke’s Gospel as a whole, where the

work of hospitality (a vital form of generosity in the ancient Near East) is one of the chief signs of

the in-breaking of God’s kingdom.

Mary and Martha are not enemies but sisters. Two sisters squabbling about household duties

cannot reasonably be construed as a battle of incompatible modes of life. Martha’s generous

service is not minimized by Jesus, but her worries show that her service needs to be grounded in

Mary’s kind of love for him. Together, the sisters embody the truth that generosity and love of God

are intertwined realities. Martha performs the kind of generosity Jesus commends in

Luke 14:12-14, for he is someone who cannot pay her back in kind. By sitting at Jesus’ feet, Mary

shows that all our service ought to be grounded in a lively personal relationship with him. Following

Christ means becoming like Martha and Mary. Be generous and love God. These are mutually

reinforcing, as is the two sisters’ relationship with each other.”

PRAYER: As Mt. Pisgah begins its focus on stewardship, please help me, God, to be open to what I

am learning during this series and help me apply it in my life. Help me to continue to grow in my

trust of You. Help me to continue to go deeper in my relationship with You. Help me to grow in my

generosity. I know that everything I have comes from and belongs to You. May my living and giving

reflect this truth. In the name of Jesus who gave His life so we can live forever with Him. Amen.

This commentary is from the Theology of Work Project, Inc., Contributor: Aaron Kuecker and

adopted by the Theology of Work Project Steering Committee April 26, 2011.

January 6 No Stress

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think

about such things” (Philippians 4:8)

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The Bible says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or

praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

A plaque bearing this message hangs in my laundry room to remind me that as God’s children,

He has given us the gift of turning things around. While each of us find that certain issues or

concerns may provide stress in our lives, most of us might say that we just can’t help being

stressed. Stress often owns us, and who really needs that?

Philippians 4:8 tells us WHAT to think about, with the converse being that if we are thinking about

anything other than this, we are prone to getting ourselves off-track…. stressed! I believe we can

apply this message to our family, work, and financial situations. Worry = stress; if we have this in

our lives, we cannot achieve the level of gratefulness that allows joy to push through everything

else.

For me, trusting more means stressing less. I have also found that small stressors can quickly

become great stressors. By jumping on the small ones early on and focusing on what I believe the

Lord wants for me, getting the situation turned around can be the answer to having more joy and

peace in my life.

PRAYER: Help us, Lord, to seek you when we are approaching a stressful time. Surround us with

your love and calmness so that we, too, can meet our stressors without fear. When we call out for

help, we know that you hear us. Amen

Glenna Burkhart

January 7 What Do You Seek First?

“Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What

shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that

you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things

will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

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Matthew 6:31 begins with “Do not be anxious.” That’s easy to say, but difficult to do. These days, it

seems as though there’s always something to cause anxiety. Senseless violence. Corporate layoffs.

Accidents and illnesses. Civil unrest. Political discord. I don’t know about you, but these days I

spend very little time consuming the news. A quick glance at headlines is about all I can bear.

I’ve had my own personal anxieties as well. My mother and sister died within months of each other

in 2010. Close family members and friends have struggled with cancer, depression, disordered

eating, divorce, family dysfunction. I’ve been “downsized” from two companies since 2007, my

husband has suffered joblessness, my son is currently looking for work, and several dear friends

have been unemployed or underemployed for years. Just one of those is enough anxiety for a

lifetime.

But the Bible tells us not to worry. And if you pay attention, you can hear this mantra echoed in

today’s popular culture. The remake of The Lion King came out recently, and what is it that Timon

and Pumbaa sing? Hakuna matata. We often translate this as “no worries”; the literal Swahili

meaning is, “There are no worries.” Remember the old Saturday Night Live, with Gilda Radner as

Roseanne Rosannadanna? “Well, Jane, it just goes to show you, it’s always something. If it ain’t one

thing, it’s another thing.” The underlying message? Don’t worry about it. What a blessing to find

biblical truths in unexpected places!

Dig deeper into the “don’t worry” verse from Matthew’s Chapter 6, though, and you hear a message

that’s not often echoed in our popular culture. “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Not the kingdom on

earth, that flawed, broken, keep-up-with-the-Joneses, crazy-upside-down world we live in. The

kingdom of God. We are citizens of the world, yes – of Chesterfield County, of the Commonwealth of

Virginia, of the United States of America, and of Planet Earth. But first, we are children of God. Part

of God’s creation, part of God’s kingdom. First and foremost, this is our citizenship.

So, do not be anxious. And to help you do that: Seek first the kingdom of God. Set your eyes above,

toward the kingdom to come, and toward the God who vows His everlasting love and care. It is His

promise; it is our comfort.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, it’s so easy for us to get distracted by the things we see in front of us – our

families, our homes, our jobs, our communities, and our broken world. It’s hard for us not to be

upset and angry, worried and anxious over what we see happening to us, to our loved ones, and to

the people around us. Remind us, dear Lord, that we are Your children, that we are loved, that we

are first and foremost part of Your family. Help us to seek first Your kingdom – the kingdom of God.

Amen

Mary Ellin Arch

January 8 God’s Work, God’s Way, for God’s Results

“When I look at the heavens, the work of your fingers … what are human beings that you are

mindful of them … Yet you have made them a little lower than God and covered them with glory

and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands.” (Psalm 8:3-6)

“… Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and remember I am with you

always…” (Matthew 28:18-20)

“…You shall love the Lord your God… You shall love your neighbor as yourself…”

(Matthew 22:34-40)

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Our awesome God, creator of all, has blessed us by creating us in His image and setting us as

junior partners and stewards of God’s creation (Psalm 8). He asks that we do God’s Work, God’s

Way, for God’s Results. God’s Work is making disciples, followers, and active-learners of Jesus

Christ – the model worker (Matthew 28). God’s Way, loving God and loving others, is inseparably

exercised in harmony to deliver God’s Work (Matthew 22). God’s Results of this work give God glory

and spread God’s kingdom giving us a glimpse of heaven on earth.

The spiritual disciplines are vital vessels that enable us to do God’s work, God’s way, for God’s

results. They connect us to God the Creator, the Source of our purpose and being. Worship, prayer,

Scripture study, tithes, gifts, witness, and service – these spiritual disciplines both connect us with

the Source and are a means to practice God’s Work, God’s Way. They relieve the stress of thinking

we are alone in doing God’s Work as we “remember I am with you always.” They relieve the stress

and worry of self-centered pride over work and its results as we remember that the work and the

results belong to God. The spiritual disciplines help restore peace, balance, and harmony between

the human condition marred by sin and God’s original intent for humans in creation.

PRAYER: God, thank you for your creation and for creating us in your image. Help us to practice the

spiritual disciplines in order to stay connected to you so we may do God’s Work, God’s Way, for

God’s Results. Amen.

Doug Wagner

January 9 A Sure Foundation

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for

training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for

every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the

dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the

message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and

encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not

put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves

teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander

away to myths.” (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4)

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According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “primacy” means “the state of being first (as

in importance, order, or rank); preeminence.” John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, asserted

that Holy Scriptures should be the preeminent authority for guiding our faith in Jesus Christ, and for

governing our lives according to the ways and will of God. The Holy Scriptures provide Christians the

sure foundation for life, in all things.

“First, to be Wesleyan means to recognize the primacy of Scriptural authority. John Wesley never

left any doubt as to his convictions in this area. In a letter in 1739, he unequivocally stated: "I allow

no other rule, whether of faith or practice, than the Holy Scriptures...." Wesley was so serious about

Scripture playing the primary role in what he thought and how he lived, that his sermons and letters

are infused with Scriptural phrases. It became part of his very language.” Kent Hill, President,

Eastern Nazarene College

The United Methodist Church affirms its position regarding the primacy of Holy Scripture in the

influencing of the Christian’s life this way, as presented on its website: “Through this faithful

reading of Scripture, we may come to know the truth of the biblical message in its bearing on our

own lives and the life of the world. Thus, the Bible serves both as a source of our faith and as the

basic criterion by which the truth and fidelity of any interpretation of faith is measured.”

I rejoice and am reassured in knowing that the inspired Word of God, revealed to mankind through

the Canon, we know as The Bible, provides the standard by which to measure all human life and

behavior in relation to God, the Creator of all things. It is reassuring to know that at times of

confusion about what is right and true, we can look to the Holy Scriptures to find answers. This

means we must study and learn it to the maximum extent possible, to discern, objectively, God’s

truth, if we are to know who He is and how He expects us to live.

Continued on next page

January 9 continued

In times of social, political, and cultural upheaval, it is comforting to know that right standing with

God is sustained as we allow Holy Scripture to inform and guide our decisions and beliefs. God’s

truth is immutable, which is continually revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. We should allow

Scripture to mold us in ways to meet God’s expectations, and not reform Scripture to meet ours. We

cannot rely on modernity, personal experience or sensibilities, or shifting cultural norms to guide

our way when it comes to eternal matters. Holy Scripture shows us the way.

SOURCES:

https://spu.edu/depts/uc/response/april97/sp_thm/wesleyan_roots.html

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/theological-guidelines-scripture

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help all us to seek diligently to understand Your truth for life and eternity

through Your inspired and revealed Word in Holy Scripture, the preeminent authority in guiding our

walk with You, in Jesus Christ. In whose name I pray. Amen.

Andy Givens

January 10 The Way

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with

thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6)

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When thinking about stress, I remembered a few years ago my first mission trip. My husband was

unhappy and angry with me about my choice to go. I put that aside and prepared for an unknown

adventure. Our Associate Pastor went, so I knew someone. We were going by ferry to Tangier Island

for the week. I had too much stuff, so I downsized my purse.

On the ferry, I thought about the last time I visited, as a teenager with my parents. We went over in

my Uncle James’ boat for the day, wonderful memories! We docked, it looked as I remembered! We

walked to the church, unpacked, then Pastor Anita mentioned that daily we would share how we

saw God …. that was stressful (on the spot sharing).

What happened next was beyond most any level of stress imagined. I forgot my hairbrush! My inner

voice screamed things that thankfully weren’t verbalized. I looked again. No! I took it out! I searched

my suitcase. No! Lord, what now? Maybe the grocery store was open? Yes! I ran. My quest started

I searched and searched. No, I felt sick.

Two kind ladies sensed my distress and asked if I was from Bobbie's team, I said Yes! I could tell

they loved our Pastor Bob, they smiled, and we searched, but nothing. They brainstormed, possibly

the “Avon Lady” (maybe my prayer is answered). They called, she checked, then no, then wait, then

she said, “Dog Brush.” YES!!! I walked to her house with the red fence, she was there with the most

perfect brush. She would not take any payment, she just asked for prayers for her sick husband.

Her kindness was beyond anything imagined. This is how God works.

I will forever be blessed by that mission trip. The brush stays in my purse. It was not the only

powerful moment I witnessed, but one of many. I went to help others but gained so much more.

PRAYER: Lord, I pray that we continue, to hear your call in our lives, that we continue to take a

chance traveling the unknown path in our journey and continue to seek to live in discipleship.

Help us not to feel anxious, but to follow your lead, to love others, to show kindness, to be thankful,

to seek miracles, and to be hopeful. May we see Christ in others, and take a step outside of

our comfort zone, to follow "The Way.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Faith James

January 11 Slow Down and Breathe

I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will

have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your

workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.” (Psalm 139:14)

- - - - -

Stress is inevitable; it’s how we handle stress that can sometime overwhelm us. During stressful

times we tend to breathe rapidly through our chest, which triggers our sympathetic nervous system.

This system, our fight-flight-or-freeze response, causes our heart to beat faster, digestion to slow

and our muscles to tense. This is fine when we’re running from a bear, not so good when we’re

standing in the line at Costco.

When we breathe from our diaphragm, we help activate our parasympathetic nervous system. Our

“rest and digest” system helps to slow our heart rate, increase digestion, and aid elimination.

Slowing down and breathing puts our life, daily tasks, and all of our stressors in perspective

We are made in the image of Christ, marvelously complex. Moreover, the LORD has given us a

Helper to guide us and to help us use the systems He set in place so that we can be a witness to

this hectic world. Therefore, I have learned that when I allow the Lord to guide my day; starting with

prayer, focused breathing in quiet time (and monitoring my breathing throughout the day), singing

songs of praise, reviewing/updating my “to do” list regularly and making sure that I have all

business and personal items on ONE calendar, days are less stressful. He gives me peace and

perspective, so that I am better able to resist the tyranny of busy-ness and the stressors of being in

this world.

PRAYER: Lord, help us to slow down and seek you. Help us to replace “busy-ness” with being about

your “business.” Help us to listen to our bodies and to breathe. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

submitted anonymously

January 12 Do You Just GO to Church?

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this

person's religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

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Do you make the most out of church? Have you made a habit of just going to church to listen to the

sermon and then go home? God did not raise us just to go to church to listen to the sermon and

then throw everything out the window that we learned. He expects us to apply it to our daily life. I

can be guilty of this myself. For example, one day in Sunday school I was just fidgeting, and when I

got home my mom asked me what I learned and I could not even tell her. Sometimes we tend to not

even notice that we are guilty of this. One of the ways we can live our faith is by making church not

just a routine but making the most out of it such as actually listening to the sermon and not

sleeping.

Another aspect is - are you applying the sermon to daily life after you hear about it? For example, if

the sermon talks about spreading God's love, you can take it a step further and tell one of your

friends or family about God.

Living out your faith can be a lot simpler than you make it out to be. It can even be just little things

that can help you live out your faith such as inviting someone to church or going home and talking

to your family about what you heard in church.

One of the ways I have taken it a step further is by volunteering to do pro presenter, the slides

shown in the contemporary service. We had been talking about being called in Sunday school and I

just sat there and thought I was not called to do anything. And turns out, the next week one of our

church members asked me if I would be interested in helping and turns out it was my calling. So,

don't get discouraged; it can just be a matter of time. You may even go home and think about what

you can do for months and come up with nothing, and then all of a sudden it might just come to you

without you even realizing. So, the next time you're sitting in church, and about to doze off, think

about the ways you can take the sermon outside of church.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be less of a church goer and more of a word spreader and action

doer. Help me to bless many people in the process. Help me listen to you as you guide the way.

Amen.

Emma Blankenship

January 13 Walk Right Beside Me

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

- - - - -

With so many voices in the world today, all claiming to be “right,” which one do we follow? There are

the voices to earn more money, get a more luxurious home, get a large boat, get a faster car.

Political leaders and news media tell us what we need and don’t need as well as what we should

think and who to vote for.

The world is at a high level of tumult and war. In the name of human and religious freedom and

rights, our schools now need metal detectors, teachers carry guns, and police officers rove the

halls. I could go on and on.

As a Christian I wonder what went wrong. What must God be thinking when He looks down on his

miraculous creation. For me to re-center myself in this chaos, I think of the words from the song

“Walk Right Beside Me” by Celtic Woman:

Don't walk in front of me; I was not born to follow.

Don't walk behind me; We were all born to lead.

Don't walk without me; I might need you tomorrow.

Walk right beside me, Be the real friend I need.

Is God walking right beside you? I know he walks with me and beside me as well as leads me in this

beautiful and wondrous, challenging and chaotic world.

PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name I thank You that You are instructing me every day in the way I

should go and that You are guiding me through the Holy Spirit. I thank You for Your guidance and

leading me to your will, your plan, and your purpose for my life. Thank You, Father, that my path in

faith is growing brighter and brighter until it reaches the full light of day. As I follow You, Lord, I

believe my path in faith is becoming clearer each day. Thank You, Father, that Jesus’ teachings help

me obtain spiritual wisdom. Confusion is sometimes part of my life, but I am not confused about

Your will for my spiritual faith. I trust in you and lean on You for my own understandings of Your

words written in scripture. I acknowledge You in all that I say and do. You are directing my paths

every day. I believe that as I trust in You completely, you will show me the path of eternal life. Thank

you for having a plan for my life. Help me to discern your voice. Give me the patience I need to wait

on your guidance. Understanding your will for my life is sometimes so difficult but Lord lead me in

the right direction and help me to trust you. Always walk right beside me. Amen.

Bill Ferguson

January 14 Praise the Lord, O my Soul!

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my

soul, and forget not all his benefits; Who forgives all your sins and heals all your infirmities;

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with faithful love and compassion; Who

satisfies you with good things…” (Psalm 103:1-5)

- - - - -

Who am I that God, the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the Human One, the Holy Spirit, should

consider me worthy of His attention? Why should the omnipotent God of all creation, maker of

heaven and earth, Creator of the seen and unseen, welcome me into His loving care amidst the

amazing and unimaginable wonders of all the universe?! When I ponder all the amazing works of

His hands, from galaxies beyond the vast expanse of space, to the mysteries of infinitesimally small

atoms, and the beautifully designed intricacies of the human body, to the awesome vistas of ocean

sunsets and gigantic continental mountain ranges; why should He care about me?!

God chooses to enter and reside in my being, making His tabernacle there. I am humbled beyond

description. This faith in His presence, and the hope of His care, soothe my heart and soul,

enveloping my mind in peace. I believe that nothing in life can separate me from our triune God’s

love and care.

Should the exigencies and toils of life defeat me? Shall I not turn to Christ Jesus? (Matthew 6:25-

34; Philippians 4:8-13). It is comforting to know that the LORD, His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy

Spirit are all with me. Of what shall I be anxious? I should rejoice in each day that God has made.

If I truly believe this, that the God of all Creation cares about me, and all human beings, amidst His

almighty power and glory, then I can always draw upon that hope. Blessed assurance can be mine

that nothing in life will ultimately get me down. And, there is no excuse for allowing the seemingly

“little things”—nuisances, irritations, annoyances, frustrations, disappointments, and the like, tempt

me into anxiety, anger, discouragement, fear, or despair.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me remember that You are always with me, and help me sense your

Presence, and hear Your Word. Grant me strength to overcome any sense of stress, fear, or doubt

that might arise from the toils and challenges of life. Thank You for loving me and for caring for me,

and for placing in my life a loving wife, family, and Christian friends who bring Your encouragement

and support in their ways of faith and witness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Andy Givens

January 15 Prayer and Action

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or

about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than

clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet

your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by

worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)

- - - - -

How do I live out my faith in a stressful world? For me the question can be answered with two words

– prayer and action! I am blessed to not have worries over finances, work, and relationships. But as

I age I get very stressed over health issues and the accompanying problems they cause in my life –

not being able to be relied upon by family, church, and friends to be able to do always what I used

to do without thinking. The anxiety stems from worrying about letting people down and not so much

over any pain or discomfort the health problems may cause.

It’s a fact of life that aging slows us down eventually, and we won’t always be able to do what we

used to do. Doctors and the medical community can only do so much. What’s a body to do?

Answer: Pray and continue to Serve God and my neighbors at whatever level I can. I pray daily for

healing, comfort, courage, and stamina. With God’s help I can still do many things to be God’s

Hands and Feet in our dysfunctional, unfair world. So many have it so much worse than I can even

imagine. My problems seem small in comparison. God will look after us all. It’s funny how forcing

myself to do mission work, helping family, or working at church when I don’t feel like it makes me

feel better when the work is done!

When I’m feeling defeated by a health issue, I think of the New Testament scripture,

Matthew 6:25-27: “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or

about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food. And the body more

important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you

by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Such a simple concept that calms the anxious spirit. God will provide for us and take care of us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the strength to continue to serve you. If it is your will, give

me your strength, peace, comfort, and healing, so I can continue to be your Hands and Feet in the

world you created and rule. Forgive my anxious nature and bless me with your Mercy and Grace.

Amen

JPA

January 16 Seeing and Reading the Real World

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4)

- - - - -

I spent my 31-year career as a teacher and school psychologist focused on the special needs of

children who do not learn well in their classrooms. Some cannot quickly understand written

symbols. Reading, math, or writing are very hard for them. Some have trouble paying attention:

distractions of movement, noise, social anxiety, or their own emotional state impede their progress.

For 11 of those years I was not only a mother, pastor’s wife, teacher/psychologist, I was a graduate

student of Developmental Psychopathology. I was juggling responsibilities to my family, church, job,

and George Mason University. All my days were busy. Prayer kept me going—for each child, parent,

teacher, administrator who looked to me for solutions. Prayer for myself that I would discern God’s

best guidance over so many settings, and for my own family members in God’s hands for the day.

My mother and her friends lifted me up daily for years while I asked God’s forgiveness for the time,

energy, and attention I was sacrificing to higher education.

Lately, I have realized many of us are living like dyslexics in a world of temptations written across

our lives. We see through the expectations of others at home, at work, in our social network, the

community, even the media. We think what we are taught to think. Is there any other way to live?

I believe we need a living, breathing, restless church to remind us to thirst for God’s Way. We see

and read the world around us as it truly is through prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship with other

Christians. As we accept the power of the Holy Spirit acting through us in service each day, our own

faith grows stronger and our vision clearer. We can discern God’s will every day as we move with

courage into a world that needs a loving God.

PRAYER: In the midst of my distractions and responsibilities, I come seeking your way for me this

day. Give me insight to see where I am needed and the courage to act in the world around me.

Thank you for so many past blessings, for your forgiveness for my sins through Jesus, and for the

power of the Holy Spirit to help me follow in your Way. Amen.

Clair Cosby

January 17 Teach the Faith

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all

your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am

commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when

you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a

sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of

your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

- - - - -

Deuteronomy 6 has shaped my life and ministry. These words were the ones projected over me at

my ordination. They are a reminder to live out my faith. It’s not just enough to believe in my head,

but I am invited (through the words of Deuteronomy 6) to let the Word of God take root in my heart

and transform the way that I live my life.

One of the most important ways that I live out my faith is to teach, to walk others through Scripture

and to help make connections between the words found there and our lives in the world.

For as long as I can remember, I have felt called to teach. As a child, I would line my stuffed animals

(and even my cousins) up and teach them about all sorts of things, going so far as to give them

tests and grades. There was something magical about teaching and being able to share my

knowledge with others and to learn together.

Benjamin Whichcote said, “There is no better way to learn than to teach,” and this definitely applies

to matters of faith. In leading Bible studies, Youth Sunday School, Youth Group, Confirmation, or

sermons, I find that my faith in and understanding of God expands every time. So much is learned

and flushed out in the preparation. So much is unraveled and deepened through debate and

discussion with others. I don’t know that I have ever left a class without feeling like my faith has

been deepened and strengthened, even when it’s been challenged.

Deuteronomy 6 is a reminder to all of us that we are called to teach the faith. For some that

teaching will occur in a classroom-like setting; but for others, teaching may be exemplified through

action, through the way we live our lives as we seek to be the best disciples we can be.

PRAYER: God, we pray for the strength and courage to teach faith to others, and in the process to

deepen our own. Remind us that we don’t have to have it all figured out; there is beauty and

learning in sharing the journey with others. Give us your words when we need them and help us to

live our lives so that your love and grace shine through everything we do. Amen.

Rev. Amy Crisp

January 18

Moses experienced many of the most stressful episodes in the Bible. Under a death sentence from

Pharaoh for murder, Moses escaped to the land of Midian. There the Lord himself recruited Moses

to confront Pharaoh and ask for the release of the Hebrews from slavery. Moses claims to be

unsuitable in every way. When he finally does the job, the Lord had for him, he ends up annoying

the most powerful man in the world and causing more work for the Hebrew people. Moses is getting

squeezed on four sides, from God, Pharaoh, his own self-doubts, and the Hebrew people.

Even after succeeding in leading his people through the Red Sea, there are times when the people

are thirsty, hungry, grumpy and ungrateful. Not to mention stubborn and disobedient. I would say

that Moses was in a constant state of stress.

There is one story in Numbers 20 we rarely mention. The Hebrews are without water again, and

they are not happy. What are the options? A desert is, by definition, without water. There is no

spigot to turn on, no Walmart with 4 million cases of water. This is a problem that only God can

solve.

God intervenes and instructs Moses to gather the people and speak to the rock. Instead Moses

strikes the rock; the people get the water but because Moses did not follow the Lord’s instructions,

he is forbidden to enter the promised land. What went wrong here?

I think Moses succumbed to the temptation to steal credit for the miracle. He makes it appear that

he is the one who caused the rock to split open and release the water. Perhaps stress got the

better of him. Moses took an opportunity to show the people that God still cared for them, and

turned it into a show of his force, where the water comes not from God but from Moses striking the

rock.

So, let us be careful when taking credit for our accomplishments. We have no idea how many

people received a nudge from God to bring about all the coincidences that resulted in “our”

success. And if we are ever in a situation when only God can bring about the solution, please let

God have the glory!

PRAYER: Dear Father in Heaven, we are grateful for the people you place in our path, both to help

us and for us to help. May we be worthy servants to do your will on this earth, and may we never

forget the sacrifices You made for our comfort. Amen.

Dan Farrell

January 19 PBPWMGIFWMY

For today’s scripture please read Luke 15:11-32.

- - - - -

When I feel anxious or stressed, my thoughts often turn to a dear friend from my Youth Fellowship

days back in the mid 70’s. Tommy flipped a lapel of his jacket revealing a hidden button with the

letters PBPWMGIFWMY. I could not guess what the letters meant, so Tommy shared it was an

acronym for Please Be Patient with Me; God Isn’t Finished with Me Yet.

My friend Tommy was a committed Christian, and I know he believed that if everyone was gentler

with themselves and others it would make for a better world. I have never thought of these words

as looking to be excused from living a more righteous life. Instead I find these words remind me of

God’s continuous grace for my own failings, which in turn frees me to follow the call to be loving and

forgiving of others.

The acronym reminds me of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The father must have felt

exasperated with and worried about his young son who had squandered his wealth on wild living.

He had to be hurt by his son’s abandonment, but he welcomed him home with loving arms. I think

of that young son who had hit rock bottom but knew a hope deep down that his father would see to

his basic needs if he returned to work for him. I think about the father who patiently explained to

the jealous older son, “You are always with me and everything I have is yours. But we had to

celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is

found.” (Luke 15:31-32)

When I feel stress either due to circumstances beyond my control or because of my own failings, I

remember Tommy and his button. I remember my favorite parable about the Father’s loving

patience with his sons. I pray.

PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for your enduring patience for all of your children. Help me to

remember that each of us has different life experiences but all need grace from you and each

other. Help me and all of your children to be patient with others because we know you are not

finished with us yet. Amen.

Sheryl Irby

January 20 Being Still

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the

earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

- - - - -

Stress is something all of us deal with. It’s a part of life. Experiencing stress is not necessarily a bad

thing. In fact, it can be quite normal. It shows we care about people, that we take our

responsibilities seriously.

The danger comes when stress starts to overwhelm us. No doubt all of us have experienced this as

well. Our day to day lives are affected because of the anxiety we feel. We’re tired but can’t sleep.

We find it hard to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Things that were once life-giving now drain our

spirits. Our relationship with God suffers. We find it difficult to pray. Our friendships suffer.

So, what’s the answer?

Psalms 46:10 gives us a powerful insight:

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.”

Often times when we are feeling high levels of stress, we find it difficult to slow down. Even when

we are physically not moving, our minds race. We find it hard to simply stop and rest. Yet this is

exactly what the Scripture is instructing us to do. Instead of doing more and more, do less. Stop and

allow God’s peace to fill you.

As you spend time with God in prayer and scripture reading, your heart and mind becomes still.

Realize that taking a few minutes to recharge is not the end of the world. In fact, this time of quiet

and reflection can help manage the stress we are feeling.

This year can be different. Take time to be still.

PRAYER: Lord, help us to slow down, to be still. Remind us that you are with us and desire to enter

our hearts and lives more fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rev. Bob Cooper

January 21 Be Still

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child

is my soul within me.” (Psalms 131:2)

- - - - -

Growing-up as a pastor’s daughter, I experienced the church community as a natural extension of

my family. My earliest childhood memories consist of playing hide and seek amidst the headstones

in our little country church’s graveyard, canning apple butter with the women, and making crafts for

the Lord’s Acre Sale. When my dad was assigned to His next church, in the suburbs, we were soon

folded into a new church family and the memory-making continued with pot-luck suppers followed

by hours of swinging with my friends on the big metal swing set in the church yard, Christmas

caroling/hayrides to visit the shut-ins, and counting down the hours together over board games on

New Year’s Eve. I suppose my sister and I were given an automatic “in” being the pastor’s kids;

however, it seemed that those around us felt that same sense of community, too. We did life

together, for better and for worse.

As I enter middle-age, I now look back on those years growing up in the church with fondness and

gratitude. It was here, in the playing, worshipping and serving together, that I learned what love is.

And it was here that God’s promises took root in my soul. The foundation was laid for the days

ahead. The days of establishing a new marriage, finding our way in the working world, navigating

infertility and wearing the title of “special needs parents.” The days when our strength grows weary

and responding in a loving manner takes more energy than we have on our own. Drawing deep

upon this foundation, I remind myself to be still. And in this quiet place, I find calm. I remember to

trust that God intends to make good in all things. I remain open to the idea that while “good” might

look like God changing the situation, it may also look like just the right person coming along beside

me, or the strength and tools to do the next right thing. In all the beauty and mess, I can rest in the

comfort of God’s presence and promises. But first, I need to breathe deeply and be still.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, may each of us build a firm foundation based on Truth and Love. And when life

feels messy and confusing, remind us to be still and allow You to quiet our souls. For it is in You,

Lord, that we find renewed strength and direction. Amen

Kristin Blankenship

January 22 Workplace Drama

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such thing.”

(Galatians 5:22-23)

- - - - -

When I hear the word drama, I think stress, family drama, work drama, and the list goes on.

Sometimes, stress seems constant coming from different directions in life. There are days when

every word is taken wrong, an explanation makes it worse, everything stacks up. My inner voice

says it isn’t all about me, it is about perception. I remind myself that I don't know what others are

dealing with, there are things that I am not aware of, and they have their own journey.

I recently found myself in a work drama. An employee made false accusations, yelled, and it

escalated up to HR where she yelled more. It was stressful. Even with management’s support. It

was bizarre. I attributed it to stress. She was angry with her own preconceived self-induced stress.

For several months it continued. Then a miracle, she got a new job, but her drama continues.

All of this made me think about what is different in my life. Then, one of Mom's constant sayings

came to mind, and no it wasn’t "Lord have mercy” or “Vanity be thy name". I am not sure where she

got that, but I heard it often. The one saying that came to mind was "There but for the Grace of God

go I.” This employee doesn’t want a church family. In a past conversation she said she didn’t need

or want to attend church. It was filled with hypocrites, and she can read her Bible when she wants.

She is missing what I found - love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, and patience. Having a church

family and choir gives me a sense of community and much more. Hearing the Word and being with

other believers, all relieves stress. God’s message brings us all hope and strength during the hard

times.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, our Father, I pray that you watch over us during the week. Help us to hear your

voice as we struggle, help us feel your Spirit in our lives, and help us to love others as they struggle.

May we be your hands and feet as we seek to do your will. Help us to help others hear your voice

and find peace and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Faith James

January 23 Be Prepared to Give an Answer

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who

asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and

respect.” (I Peter 3:15)

- - - - -

In our current society, Christianity is under attack. Non-believers from all sides are demanding that

Christian symbols and teachings must be removed from public view. Why are these people making

such a determined assault on our values? In one sense, it is because they are afraid. If our

Christian values are based on truth, then those who decry them are in a serious predicament. They

either have to radically change their lifestyle or else admit that their way of life is wrong.

Saint Peter tells us that it is not enough to have faith. We must be able to justify that faith to

anyone who asks and that means we must be able to give evidence that our faith is reasonable.

Fortunately, for those who may struggle with doubt, the evidence for God and the resurrection of

Jesus is all around us. Nature may act as if belief in God is unnecessary, but God's fingerprints are

all over it. There are numerous studies that confirm this. All you have to do is look around. The

evidence is there.

PRAYER: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be

done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as

we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for

Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Ken Kohlstedt

January 24 With Me Wherever I Go

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:9)

- - - - -

I was nine years old when I gave my heart to Jesus and baptized shortly after. I can’t say I have read

the Bible every day, but I do read the Bible and attend Sunday School as well as worship services

and other spiritual services.

My faith grew by attendance at church and the fellowship with other Christians. In West Virginia, I

was deeply involved for 40 years, attending worship, Bible study, and teaching Sunday School to

children, and on committees. At Mt. Pisgah, my husband and I have continued to be involved in

everything we can.

Through the years I have felt God’s presence when I have been ill and on two occasions my doctors

told me “I thought we weren’t going to be able to save you but for some reason you lived. It wasn’t

anything I did!” I knew who was present! The scripture in Joshua 1:9 is dear to me for that very

reason. I KNOW He is with me and will be as long as I remain faithful to Him.

PRAYER: God, thank you for always being with me through the good and the bad times. You have

blessed me richly through these many years. Amen

Mary Zinn

January 25 Pleasing God

“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every

good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his

glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to

the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of

light.” (Colossians 1:10-12 )

- - - - -

Periodically, I like to look back on my life and see how God has had His hand in my life. I think of my

maternal grandparents who never missed a Sunday going to church. My grandmother was always

baking a chocolate chess pie or homemade yeast rolls (they were so good right out of the oven

slathered with butter!) to give to neighbors who just came home from the hospital. My grandfather

was a faithful Bible reader, reading some chapter every day. My Mom followed in her mother’s

steps. She lived out her faith by serving in many various capacities at church, generously helping

others, and being a witness to Jesus throughout her life. My paternal grandparents demonstrated

their faith in various ways, such as loving others; helping people however they could; providing

words of encouragement to others. My Dad has always given of himself and expresses his faith by

volunteering his time, doing daily devotions, and generously sharing his resources.

Many other people have impacted my faith journey – my sisters, husband, other family members,

friends, ministers, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, Christian authors, work associates,

etc.

Of course, God is continuing to shape me and my faith. As I continue to grow in my faith, I look to

Jesus and how He lived his life. What did Jesus do – He did His Father’s will; He did what was

pleasing to God; He glorified God; He loved others; He served others; He focused on the least, the

last, and the lost; He prayed; He humbled himself; He gave His life. Although I will never be able to

completely live as Jesus did, His life does serve as a role model for me to strive to follow.

I’ve found the following to help me in my faith journey:

• Praying for God’s help each morning and asking Him to show me what He wants me to do that

day

• Saying breath prayers during the day (breath prayer consists of one word or a few words)

• Reading devotionals and the Bible and memorizing Bible verses

• Reviewing each day and thanking God for three things I’m grateful for

My faith journey is a lifelong process. I know God is not finished with me yet. When things are going

well, I praise and thank Him. When I’m having a stressful day, I remind myself that I’m not in

control. God is in control and He is with me. Those two promises are enough to get me through

whatever I’m facing that day as well as whatever I’ll face throughout my life.

Continued on next page

January 25 continued

Examples of Bible verses showing us how God wants us to live:

• Psalm 37:3

• Micah 6:8

• Philippians 4:6-7

• Colossians 1:10-12

• Colossians 3:23-24

• Ephesians 4:1-2

• 2 Peter 1:3

• 1 Timothy 6:17-19

• Romans 12:1

PRAYER: Dear God, thank you for the people who you have sent into my life to help me grow in my

faith. Use my life to help influence other people. Thank you most of all for Jesus, who shows me

how to live a life that pleases and glorifies You. Help me to live that kind of life. Thank you for your

promise that You will be with me always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Elizabeth Farrell

January 26 How Well Are You?

“Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is

it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.’” (2 Kings 4:26)

- - - - -

I love a good story. But I admire a good backstory. You see, I’m a writer. I know firsthand how hard it

is to write a good story. A good story is strong on plot, character, pacing, flow, language, structure,

accuracy and grammar. If any of these elements is less than perfect, the whole story suffers – and

so does my enjoyment of the reading of it.

Backstory is the one element I left out of the list above, and it’s perhaps the most important.

Backstory is what happens to characters before the time frame of the story being told. A good

storyteller takes as much care developing the backstory as the story itself, yet much of this

prewriting never makes it into the finished piece. Only bits of the characters’ past are shared, but

the entire backstory forms the spine of the story, strengthening the tale as much by what isn’t said

as by what is.

One of my favorite hymns is It Is Well (With My Soul). Written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford, it has a

heartbreaking backstory. Spafford wrote the verses after all his children had perished, his son in

the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 (which also ruined Spafford financially) and his four daughters at

sea (while aboard the SS Ville du Havre, sunk in 1873). Just imagine: To lose all your children, and

your livelihood, and then to write a hymn declaring that your soul is well? Well, as in at peace, in a

state of gratitude. You won’t get that backstory by singing the hymn, but it makes the song the thing

of beauty that it is.

The same is true of the scripture above. Much had happened prior to the greeting of the prophet

Elisha’s servant to the Shunammite woman. Elisha and the woman were well acquainted; the

prophet had stayed with the woman and her husband, at her invitation, on his previous visits to

Shunem. Grateful for the hospitality, Elisha had asked, “What can I do for you?” The woman

demurred, but when Elisha learned she was childless, he promised her a son, who arrived just as

Elisha had prophesized.

But some years later, when the son was grown, he became ill and died. Upon his death, the

Shunammite woman said to her husband, “Please send me one of the servants and one of the

donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and return.” Her husband replied, “Why will you go to

him today? It is neither new moon nor sabbath.” Verse 23b says, “And she said, ‘It will be well.’”

There it is again. Well. “It will be well,” the Shunammite woman told her husband. And shortly after,

to Elisha and his servant: “It is well.” Can you imagine? Not long before, the woman had embraced

her son “on her lap” (verse 20) as he lay dying. And then: To be at peace in the face of such a loss?

To go forth so boldly, with such trust?

Continued on next page

January 26 continued

How are things in your world? No doubt you have the usual concerns, as do we all. But despite

those very valid concerns: Are you grateful? Have you maintained your trust? Is there still faith in

your soul?

Is it well with you?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we have received so much from You, but sometimes we forget these blessings

and focus on what distresses us. Remind us, dear Lord, that no matter what happens to us or

around us, as long as we have You, it is well. Amen.

Mary Ellin Arch

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113

804-794-5856 ● office@mtpisgahva.org ● www.mtpisgahva.org

804-794-1720 ● preschool@mtpisgahva.org ● www.mtpisgahpreschool.org