Holy Days and Holidays: Keeping Your Sanity and Your Spirit

Holy Days and Holidays: Keeping Your Sanity and Your Spirit

By the time you read this article you will have finished most of a roasted turkey, yams, and the rest of your Thanksgiving dinner. You might have even braved the Black Friday crowds. In any case, you’ve experienced the first major holiday of the winter season and probably some of the insanity, as well.

Studies show that many people experience depression and sadness during the holidays. While the reasons vary, we all find ourselves, at one time or another, wishing we could just hide away from everything around us. At a time when we celebrate families, friends, and our Savior, the stresses of the season can drag us down.

Depression can be situational (caused by our circumstances) or physical (chemical imbalance or disease). Whatever the cause, how can we avoid and/or deal with depression during the holidays and throughout the year? Believe it or not, you can find the answer in the Scriptures.

A Few Examples of Situational Depression in the Bible

King David: “I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart” (Psalm 38:6,8, NIV; David is depressed because of his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah.)

Jeremiah the prophet: “I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, ‘My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.’ I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.” (Lamentations 3:17-20; Jerusalem had been destroyed, and famine consumed the city.)

Apostle Paul: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Symptoms of depression include hopelessness and feeling defeated, deserted, or deprived. Causes can include the recent loss of a loved one, loneliness, financial and physical stresses, among others. People experiencing depression, even for chemical reasons, often have negative thinking patterns—ingrained habitual thinking about themselves and the world around them.

Dealing with Depression

First of all, if you are experiencing depression, or the “blues,” please talk to your doctor to rule out physical causes. Many physical maladies can bring about depression, including thyroid problems and hormonal changes, among others. By the way, it is okay to take medication for depression, even if just temporarily to help you work through a tremendous change in your life, such as a death, divorce, or other major loss.

Second, it is important to change the negative thinking patterns that are keeping you bound by depression. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside. Talk to someone about your feelings of depression, alienation, loneliness, etc. You are not alone.

Scriptural Responses to Depression

1. Is your depression originating in disappointment with yourself or guilt from your past? Confess your failures and your sins that you may be forgiven. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

2. Change your way of thinking about your past, your present, and your future. Don’t let the opinions of people around you drown out God’s opinion.

The Past: When we continually blame and criticize ourselves, we are disagreeing with God. Even when we don’t “feel” it, we need to remind ourselves that God is faithful and, when we have confessed our sins, God forgives and redeems us from the guilt of the past (1 John 1:9). Even if you don’t feel “forgiven,” tell yourself the truth, that God loves you and wants the best for you.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

The Present: Circumstances change—employment, financial struggles, physical problems, and even persecution can cause emotional trauma and depression. Change your thinking by taking an eternal view about these things. You may not understand why things happen, but that’s what faith is about, knowing that whatever comes our way, God is with us.

“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7,8).

The Future: Again, only God can see the future and know what is to come. A healthy view of the future, then, is one that recognizes God’s care for us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Everything I experience today is a part of the future God has planned for me. I don’t need to see the future to know that I can walk toward it without fear.

3. Practice faith in God by choosing to find the positive. “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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8,9).

4. Pray for those who have hurt you or caused your feelings of loss. Prayer is a therapeutic practice. You cannot hate someone when you are praying for them. Jesus said, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44,45).

5. Practice thankfulness for God’s involvement in your life. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19,20).

As you celebrate the holy days and holidays this year, my prayer is that you will find hope in God’s Word, strength through God’s Spirit, and help for the problems that come your way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Mary Kay
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Living through Our Joseph Moments

This past week I “invented” a new term: the “Joseph Moment.” Most of us know the Old Testament story of Joseph. The favored son, Joseph angered his older brothers, who got even by selling Joseph into slavery. Eventually, Joseph fulfilled God’s call on his life, becoming second only to Pharoah, and through this position, he saved his entire family from starvation and death.

What is a “Joseph moment”? It is a time when you are misunderstood, misjudged, or mislabeled. A “Joseph moment” leaves you feeling lost and wondering what in the world, or in heaven, is going on and maybe even doubting your faith in God.

As a young man of seventeen, Joseph was already sensitive to the things of God. He had dreams implying the great leader he would become, but when he shared those dreams, his brothers became jealous and sold him into slavery. Yet, Joseph lived through the moments of betrayal and servitude by staying faithful to his abilities, to his God, and to the gifts he had received from God. Thus, he was able to fulfill God’s call on his life and be, eventually, reunited with his family.

Faithful to Our Abilities

Joseph found himself in a terrible situation. Carried away from his home and family, he landed in the home of a powerful Egyptian as a slave. He could have chosen to rebel and refuse to work. He could have chosen to try to run away. However, Joseph chose to be faithful to who he was, to his strengths, abilities, and talents. He worked hard and was soon recognized for his talents and hard work. Potiphar placed Joseph in charge of his household and possessions. Genesis 39:6 states, “So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

In our Joseph moments, whether at work, at home, or at church, we may find ourselves feeling betrayed and misjudged. A statement is misinterpreted and, all of a sudden, we find ourselves on the outside looking in, kicked out of the clique, persona non grata. Our first response might be to become bitter and angry, to turn aside from the work before us and go our own way. Why keep trying? Just give up! Nothing ever works out anyway!

Living through our Joseph moments, in spite of our problems or our feelings, requires that we carry on, using our skills and talents. As we are faithful, God is able to bless us and to bring His will to pass in our lives. Where in your life are you misunderstood, misjudged, passed over? Choose to walk forward in faith, believing that God has a plan and will bring it to pass. Remind yourself of Paul’s words “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Faithful to Our God

Joseph could be called the king of setbacks. Sold into slavery, he begins to get ahead in life, gets a promotion, but once again, a Joseph moment occurs as Potiphar’s wife propositions Joseph. It would have been easy to accept her proposition, that is, if he did not have an abiding faith in and commitment to God. Joseph chose to be faithful to God and to his employer. He refused to do anything that would harm Potiphar or his household, and he fled from temptation.

Some of our biggest temptations occur when we are successful, when everything is going right in our lives. We are at the top of the world and begin to feel as if we can do anything. Marriages are destroyed, employment is lost, on and on, because we forget the first thing, that is, our commitment to God. Where in your life are you successful right now? Remember the proverb: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). When we allow our successes to turn our head and lead us away from God’s will, we will fall.

Faithful to Our Gifts

Potiphar’s wife, to save her own reputation, accused Joseph of attacking her, and once again, Joseph is accused wrongly and is thrown into jail. He was faithful when sold into slavery and faithful at the top of his game. Joseph could have succumbed to self-pity and anger as he sat in jail. He worked hard and again attained success, as the warden put him in charge of the prison. Still, Joseph rejected fear and stayed faithful to God’s gifts. Pharoah’s cupbearer and baker each experienced a prophetic dream while in prison. Joseph used his gift to interpret their dreams.

Even though I am being faithful to my abilities and being faithful to God, I must be willing to use the gifts God has given to me. What spiritual gifts have you received from God? The New Testament lists many gifts that are given to the church for its benefit and God’s glory. Have you chosen to hide your gifts because you were hurt before? Are you withholding God’s Word from others because you don’t want to get in trouble or be misunderstood? In our Joseph moments we must have the faith to step out, in spite of our fears, and be God’s representatives, God’s hand extended, wherever we find ourselves and in whatever situation.

In good times and in bad, Joseph chose to be faithful to his abilities and worked to the glory of God. He chose to be faithful to God and resisted the temptation toward pride and self-indulgence. Finally, he chose to use God’s gifts for the benefit of others, in spite of his own situation. Eventually, Joseph was freed from prison and made second in charge of Egypt. He led the country through times of abundance and times of famine and saved many lives through his wisdom and faith.

Don’t give up. Don’t be bitter. Don’t be angry. Be faithful with your abilities, faithful to your God, and faithful with the gifts God has given you. You will have your ups and downs, but through it all God will be with you and will sustain you, as God sustained Joseph. You may not become vice-president, but you will make a difference in your community and your world.

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Is It Well?

Our Sunday school is growing, and I am enjoying our study of the Apostles’ Creed. In fact, we have had much good discussion and will continue studying the first tenet—I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth—next week. Join us, if you are able, at 10 a.m., for coffee, a bit of fellowship, and great study and discussion. Is your faith important to you? Then come and learn about the foundations of the Christian church with us.

A few weeks ago, someone asked me, “Why does God let young people die? Is there a reason for God’s choices?” I have to admit that I had no answer except to say that only God knows our days and our seasons and only God knows the reason. This afternoon, while contemplating this article, I received word that a friend had perished in a serious car accident. The question resurfaced once again: “Why?”

It is hard to deal with the death of a loved one. And it is hard for me because I don’t have all the answers. I want to fix things, to make people feel better, to explain things. However, although I am “God’s representative,” I usually can’t explain God’s plans or choices, especially when they don’t seem to make sense.

In times of loss we all want to be of help, and we often say things like, “She’s better off now,” or “At least he isn’t suffering.” While these statements may be true, and they might help a little, they are just bandages for the deep, gaping wound the family is experiencing. So what do we do? How do we help?

I have found that talking about the deceased—in a good way, mind you—is an excellent way to help the grieving. Telling stories, remembering kind words or funny deeds or special things he or she had done, these can help salve the wound. Another way to help in times of loss is often just your presence: a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, an arm around someone who is feeling lost. When words cannot help, your presence may.

The Bible gives us an example of such grief. In fact, the shortest verse in the Bible tells us that “Jesus wept” at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. Jesus identified with Mary and Martha in the loss of their brother, and He wept, as well, at the loss of his good friend. Was Jesus’ loss any less because He was able to raise Lazarus from the dead? I don’t think so. In fact, I believe some of Jesus’ grief was because he had not been there to prevent the tragedy in the first place. In any case, we know from Jesus’ example that weeping is a part of grief, an important part.

And yet we still ask the questions and wonder what God is thinking. If God is sovereign, and God is, why does God allow these things to happen? And so we pray, and we cry, and we wonder.

Many years ago now, there was a devout man, active in his church and devoted to the. He was successful but had recently experienced real estate losses in the 1871 Chicago fire and, previous to that, the loss of his only son. Wanting his family to get some rest, he booked passage for his wife and four daughters to Europe, planning to follow them after completing urgent business. Unfortunately, on December 22, their ship was struck by another and sank quickly. When the survivors reached land, his wife sent a message: “Saved alone.”

Horatio Spafford, a Presbyterian lawyer and friend to evangelist Dwight Moody, immediately departed on a ship for Europe to be with his wife. The captain showed him the spot where he believed the ship went down, and Spafford penned the words, “It is well; the will of God be done.” These words later became part of the beloved hymn, It Is Well with My Soul.” Having lost all five of his children and most of his wealth, he still had the faith to say, “It is well.”

No doubt Spafford had questions. No doubt he experienced anger and frustration, even toward God. And yet, the depth of his faith speaks even today through the words: “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” Though reeling from grief, he turned to the one thing that could carry him through, the knowledge that God would be with him whatever came his way.

Spafford looked to the cross, to the sacrifice of Christ as the buoy to hold him up in his grief. “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed his own blood for my soul.” Although he didn’t understand God’s plan or God’s reasons, he did recognize that there was a plan, and he once again placed himself in the mighty, strong hands of his Savior.

There are several stages in the grieving process—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and it is important that we never push a person past where they are able to function in that process. If you are grieving today, or helping someone who is, let me offer this word. Even when you don’t understand why, pray. Even when you don’t think you can go on, pray. Even if you are mad at God for the events you are grieving over, pray. You see, God is there even when we are struggling, even when we are doubting. God will never leave you or forsake you. Remind yourself of this truth, over and over again, if need be. And you will be able to say, “It is well with my soul.”

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

The “Examined” Spiritual Life

We began our study of the Apostles Creed in Sunday school today and had a great discussion. I am excited about this study and believe it will challenge all of us to deeper faith and understanding of the Word. (By the way, if you ever wondered what “the quick and the dead” means, it is “the living and the dead.” Good question, Barbara!)

Many years ago, at his trial for challenging the accepted beliefs of the time, Socrates insisted, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This is true, as well, of our spiritual lives. When talking about celebration of the Lord’s Supper, Paul told the Corinthians, “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28,29). This is Paul’s version of Socrates’ statement. We need to examine ourselves so that we don’t fall into a rut that is less faith and more religious practice. He wrote to them again, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

After church today our session (church board) met with representatives from our presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. This was a triennial visit to touch base with our church and to see how things are going. The letter we received from them provided many questions to help us gauge our mission at Ebenezer. These questions are applicable to each of us as Christians, as well, so I thought I would adapt and share some of those in this week’s article so you could use them to examine your own life and faith, prayerfully and with the Holy Spirit’s help.

A healthy Christian focuses on strengths. What are some of your strengths? Ephesians tells us that God has given gifts to everyone. The gifts differ, but they are all given that the body of Christ might be strengthened. What gifts have you received from God? Consider your strengths and talents, then ask if you are using those gifts as God would want. Pray about what you can do in the kingdom of God to help further the gospel and strengthen the body.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:6).
Paul identifies the gifts of prophecy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different tongues and interpreting the same (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12). Are you good at encouraging others? Do you have a ministry of praying for those in need? Are you able to speak a word to help someone who has questions about his or her faith? Determine your strengths and dedicate them to the use of God, your spiritual service.

A healthy Christian responds rather than reacts. What are some things that you have had to respond to recently in your Christian life? How many relationships have been ruined, or damaged greatly, because of reaction or over-reaction? The Bible calls us to be thoughtful and considerate, not only of those we like, but also of those for whom we hold contempt. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons [and daughters] of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:33,34). James told his readers, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” Take time to understand others instead of jumping at the chance to be right. Think and pray about your response to a situation instead of reacting without thought.

Healthy Christians develop caring relationships. What are some ways you care for others? Throughout the Bible, God’s people are called to be an extension of God’s compassion. Some of the most caring actions are the simplest: a card for someone you haven’t seen lately, a visit to the nursing home, helping someone in need, donating food to the OACAC food bank. When we give of ourselves, not just from our excess, we show God’s care for others. These relationships extend further in our lives to co-workers, neighbors, and others in the community. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

Healthy Christians challenge one another. What are some ways you challenge your friends and family to faith? Despite what some believe, the Christian life is not a marathon we run alone. God has placed us in a family, and part of that family relationship calls us to challenge each other in faith and spiritual growth. Hebrews commands, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (3:13), and Paul told the Thessalonians, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thess. 5:10,11).

Are you a believer in Christ? Examine your life, strengths, responses, relationships, and how you care for and challenge others. You might be surprised by what you find, and you will definitely receive guidance when you invite the Holy Spirit to accompany you in this journey.

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay Glunt
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Who Will You Be?

Another wonderful Sunday at Ebenezer Presbyterian! We missed a few of our friends because they weren’t feeling well. Hope to see you next week!

Next Sunday we will begin a study of the biblical foundations of the Apostle’s Creed. This collection of faith statements presents a summary of Christian doctrine. It was written at least 150 years after all the apostles had died and was put together to by church leaders to pass on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In fact, in many churches the Apostle’s Creed is still an important part of the Christian education program.

Sunday school begins at 11 a.m. in our fellowship hall. We are at the corner of Main and Garrett. I look forward to meeting you there. Whatever church you choose this Sunday, make it a point to go to Sunday school. You’ll be surprised what you can learn there!

Who Will You Be?

This weekend thousands of children and even adults will be dressing up as part of the celebration of Halloween. Even though the origins of this holiday were part of Celtic practices, as the church grew in the lands originally conquered by the Romans, pagan holidays were replaced by Christian ones and the original practices blended in. By the way, the word “Halloween” is actually a contraction of All Hallows Eve, the evening before All Saints Day, November 1.

Early in my faith journey, I avoided Halloween and encouraged my churches to hold “Fall Festivals” where the kids could dress up and have fun in a safe environment, at the church. I didn’t participate in the “pagan” celebration any longer. As a newlywed we declined to participate by not passing out candy to children. Imagine my surprise when the child at my door was accompanied by the dean of students of my Bible school. At least he didn’t flunk me for not having any candy for his daughter!

Once I had children, everything changed. I remembered the fun I had dressing up as a child and going door-to-door with my friends. And I had a great time dressing my kids. I made costumes ranging from a train engine, to a pixie, to a race car driver, to a video game personality, not to mention Sponge Bob and Gary the snail. While I have certain restrictions—their costumes are not to represent evil or death—my kids can enjoy the celebration. I suppose I am comfortable with Christian children dressing up on Halloween because I have confidence that this one night of fun will not change who they really are—children of God.

As we grow and learn in life, we “try on” many things. Young people imagine what they will be when they grow up: a teacher, a mechanic, a lawyer, a doctor or nurse, and the list goes on. Throughout the years they investigate many avenues and, hopefully, by the time they reach college, they will have found a future that fits who they are. The problem with wearing costumes and masks, however, is not having fun and dressing up, or in trying out a new approach. The problem occurs when we fail to take off the masks in our everyday lives.

What masks do we wear? Jesus criticized the religious leaders because, although they had the appearance of being religious, they were largely selfish and unspiritual. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean” (Matthew 23:27).

The real shame of “dressing up” is when we do so all the time, when we portray what we WANT to be, but fail to make the choices to actually BE that person. Like the Pharisees and the leaders of Jesus’ day, many church members say the “right” words, carry the “right” Bible, and sing the “right” songs, but lack a growing relationship with God. God forbid that we should be so.

A young person once told me, “I can’t come to church yet. I still have too much wrong with me. Once I clean up my life I’ll serve God.” The truth is that nothing we can do will ever earn us “points” with God, only with people who look at outward appearances, at our dress-up selves (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus said that he came for those who needed help. “On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12,13).

So dress up this week and have fun, but after the party is over, take off the mask, put away the costume, take a deep breath, and be yourself, the person for whom Jesus died on the cross. Open your heart to God and to your brothers and sisters in Christ. As James instructed, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous [person] is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

There will always be people who dislike one part or all of who you are. And I can guarantee someone will disagree with your choices in life. But God loves you just the way you are, and that’s a promise. Only after you have accepted God’s love and forgiveness, the Holy Spirit will help you make the changes that will transform you into the person God has planned for you to be.

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Jewels from Grandma’s Button Box

The Jewels in Grandma’s Button Box

How wonderful to see the sunshine streaming through our church windows Sunday morning. Goodbye, clouds. Hello sun! I hope you have had an opportunity this week to enjoy the departure of the clouds and return of somewhat warmer temperatures.

We have one more week for our study of the book of James. It has been a great time of growth for all of us. If you are interested in studying the Bible but don’t have a Sunday school class, why not join us at 10 a.m. next Sunday? We’ll have the coffee on!
When I was little I loved to look through my grandma’s button box. It was an old candy can with a picture of a fancy lady on the top in a beautiful gown. All over her gown were scrumptious-looking candies. I spent hours memorizing every part of that lid, but the real treasure was inside.

Children have an unjaded way of looking at things, and I was no different. These weren’t just cast-off buttons from dresses long worn out. Sure, some were just ordinary 2- and 4-hole buttons from shirts and house dresses. But there were many that I just knew were valuable. Among others, there were shank buttons of different colors and shapes that were encrusted with “diamonds” and “precious stones,” a few that were clear and faceted, and several black buttons with large, sparkly “diamonds” in the middle.

I spent hours poring over those buttons, imagining the beautiful dresses and gowns they came from, and wondering about their value. I loved those buttons and hoped that someday those pretty buttons would be mine. Of course, that was long before I realized they were made of rhinestones and plastic, among other things.

Learning the truth about the buttons changed how I looked at them, even though I still thought they were pretty and would have loved to have some of them for craft projects. And thinking about them reminded me of a Victorian children’s hymn called Precious Jewels, especially the third verse:

Little children, little children
Who love their Redeemer,
Are the jewels, precious jewels,
His loved and His own.
Like the stars of the morning,
His bright crown adorning,
They shall shine in their beauty,
Bright gems for His crown.

According to the world’s view, most of us are like those buttons in my grandma’s button box. We are often cast off, odd, not fitting in with others. Some may view us as cheap, just a little button, not good for much else, just plastic and rhinestones. But God sees us differently. Just as I loved those buttons and wanted them for my own, God sees us as His precious jewels to shine in His kingdom. What the world rejects, Jesus died to save. The things that those “in the know” fail to recognize, God sees as valuable and redeemable. And what governments and administrations see as weak and worthless, Jesus will gather to His side.

Not sure you agree with me? Then listen to what the Bible says about your value.

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:24).

“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7).

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

By the way, while I was researching for this article, I found out that buttons are probably the most popular collectible in the world. Your “Collector” values your presence in His collection. You can count on that truth. God sees you as valuable not because of who you are or what you have done, but because you are God’s creation, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. God loves you!

If you aren’t sure about God’s love and that you are truly lovable, come to church on Sunday and hear it from God’s Word. We’d love to have you join us.

Hope to see you soon,

Pastor Mary Kay
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

How to Celebrate a Birthday

Many thanks to everyone for your wishes for my birthday.  It was a wonderful day for celebrating and for worship. 

Our gospel reading this week was from Mark 10, the story of the rich, young ruler.  He had a deep desire to know God beyond the normal “good living” of the day.  He already followed the rules, but wanted something more.  Unfortunately, when challenged with leaving everything behind to follow Jesus, he decided he wanted his “stuff” more than following Christ.  Our challenge for this week was to examine our lives and determine what we are holding as more important than filling that “God-shaped hole” in our spirits.

Speaking of birthdays, I did a little research on birthday celebrations.  In some cultures, birthdays aren’t even celebrated, and in some Asian countries everyone becomes a year older on the celebration of the new year, despite when they were born.  In other countries, two birthdays are celebrated:  a person’s actual date of birth and the feast day of the saint whose name they were given.  Some traditions include a birthday cake with items baked into it.  Folklore says that if you get the piece with the coin, you will be rich someday.

There are some strange traditions.  In England, the friends lift the birthday person in the air by his hands and feet and raise him up and down to the floor, one for each year, and then “one for luck, two for luck and three for the old man’s coconut!” A second one is from Atlantic Canada, such as Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, where the birthday child is ambushed and their nose is greased for good luck. The greased nose makes the child too slippery for bad luck to catch them (from www.birthdaycelebrations.net).

Birthday celebrations have become big business. I have to admit, I have been a part of prolonging that business with my kids!  Around the world birthdays are celebrated with family and friends, a time to be thankful for another year of life.  I know that some of us, women especially, don’t like to celebrate or announce our ages, yet there is something intrinsically valuable about celebrating the anniversary of our birth.

In Psalm 23, having already stated that the Lord is his shepherd, the psalmist also states “surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” I think that is a good start to our plan for celebrating the anniversary of our birth.  Every birthday celebration should include a time of thankfulness for God’s care throughout the year that is past and a prayer for the years to come. 

Proverbs states, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”  The start of a new year is also a good time to remember and to honor those who have gone before.  In many cultures of the world, a child receives gifts only after honoring his or her parents, a practice that is kind of lost on our society. An important gift we can give to our children, to our friends, and to ourselves, is to stop and consider our lives in light of God’s wisdom.

A birthday celebration is a time to be thankful, but it isn’t a time for pride or arrogance.  Jesus told the story of the rich fool, who was having a tremendously successful harvest (Luke 12).  He tore down his barns, built new ones, and said to himself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”  But that night his number was up, and his riches and possessions were left behind.  As you celebrate your birthday or someone else’s, take time to catalog your blessings and possessions, but do so in order to be thankful.

A time of celebration can also be a time to share with others.  Several years ago, a friend invited me to her birthday tea. She told me that in her tradition the birthday person invites friends over to celebrate, and the hostess gives gifts to her friends.  What a novel idea! 

James wrote, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” When celebrating our birthdays and other special occasions, we can glorify God by using the opportunity to give gifts to others.  Celebrating a birthday is a great time to care for those less fortunate or to do something nice for someone else.

Several years ago, my daughter wanted to have a birthday party but wanted to invite too many kids.  As a compromise, I offered to let her invite as many children as she wanted IF she agreed to designate her party for a charity.  She chose the food pantry here in Springfield.  Twenty-some children, a birthday cake, and several games of bowling later, we had 6-7 boxes of food to deliver to Crosslines, and all the kids had a great time.  The next year her friends brought items for the C.A.R.E. animal shelter.  These parties cost me a little bit more, but the joy of knowing my daughter and her friends were helping others was worth it.

Whether you admit your age or not, when your birthday rolls around, why not include these four practices as a part of your celebration:  Thank God for the years of your life, remember the things you have learned and take time to honor those who have cared for you, inventory your life and your possessions and be thankful to God for all you have received, and take the time to share your blessings with others. 

Whether it is your birthday or not, my prayer is that you will be blessed as you seek God’s grace and recognize God’s goodness in your life.

Pastor Mary Kay

revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Living in the Land of If Only

I love Communion Sunday.  Celebrating at the Lord’s Table with other believers brings me back to my roots, to the reason I am a Christian:  the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  As we celebrated World Communion Sunday this past week, I was in awe of the thought that not only in Greenfield, but throughout Missouri, the U.S., and the world, believers were celebrating at the same table.  No, they weren’t all carved of wood in church buildings with stained glass windows.  Some may have been in storefronts using a folding table.  Others may have been in a home with doors and windows shuttered, hiding from an oppressive government. Nevertheless, for one day we recognized that we are one body, one people, the Body of Christ.  What a family!

LIVING IN THE LAND OF “IF ONLY”

We are all familiar with Dorothy who, after hitting her head, found herself in a strange land, seeking the wizard of Oz to get her back home. As she walked through that land with her strange companions—the tin man, a scarecrow, and a lion—she found many strange, frightening, and beautiful things.  But when she wakes up from her travels, at the end of the movie, we realize that it was all an elaborate dream.  But what a dream!

Unfortunately, mostly without the excuse of a bump on the head, we often choose to live in another land of wonder, the land of “If Only.”  In that land, we can ignore the realities of life around us. In the land of “If Only” there is no need for personal responsibility, no need for commitment, and surely no requirement that we consider others in our decisions.  Every citizen of the land of “If Only” can interpret his or her own circumstances in any way possible.

Instead of working to fix a problem, residents retreat to “if only I could get a new job,” or “if only she would change,” or some other “pie-in-the-sky” phrase to explain away their own problems or lack of growth.  In northern “If Only” people dream about winning the lottery, or the Home and Gardens or some other sweepstakes, but fail to use what they have now to make a difference.  Northern If-Only-ers can’t see the blessings of the present, but live in a dream world hoping that somehow, someway, something will change.

Denial isn’t the only problem in “If Only.”  West side residents specialize in regret and despair.  “My life would have been so different if only . . . (you fill in the ending).  Living in hopelessness because of the losses of the past is prevalent.  I can hear a young Marlon Brando whining, “I could have been a contender” (from the movie On the Waterfront.)  Someone caused their problems way back then.  It wasn’t fair, and they can’t change the past. But they can’t seem to accept the past and move on, just use it as an excuse for not trying anymore.

Residents on the south side of “If Only” live in the successes of their youth, when things were going right. “If only things could be like that now.”  The children of Israel lived in this neighborhood many times in history.  “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1).  Having once been a people mighty, strong and faithful to God, their desolation now kept them from finding peace and joy while in exile.

Are you living in “If Only”?  I have good news for you:  You can move into a better neighborhood.  There is plenty of room for you in God’s blessings and grace, but it takes a change of attitude.

First, recognize that without dependence and faith in God, in spite of lottery winnings, sweepstakes, or some other windfall, you will be tomorrow who you are today.  “As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. . . . I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (1 Corinthians 6:1,2). Don’t wait until tomorrow to put your life in God’s hands.  And if you are already a believer, don’t stay in “If Only.”  Trust God today and put feet on your faith, living a full life today where you are.

Second, if you are a western If-Only-er, using the wounds and/or failures of the past as your excuse for today’s despair, it is time to accept and/or admit the past and recognize God’s forgiveness.  Forgive yourself and forgive others.  “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1, 2).  The past has no hold on those who have found peace in Christ.  Lay down your failures, forgive those of others, and allow God to bring you freedom in mind and spirit.

Finally, if the pride of the past is keeping you from living a full, spiritual life today, it is time to let go of your past successes and joys so you can recognize God’s blessings today.  When the people of God were in Babylon, God spoke through the prophet saying, “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. . . . Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper’” (Jeremiah 29:4-7).  In other words, stop thinking about the past and live your lives.  In due time I will take you home.

Bloom where you are planted.  Faith in God tells us that wherever we are, God is there as well.  God has an office in “If Only” and is ready to relocate you to a place of peace and joy.  Affirm the joys of your past, forgive the lackings in yourself and others, and let tomorrow take care of itself.  Live today in the grace of today, or as Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry [or dream] about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay Glunt
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church

 

LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD

Sunday brought another beautiful day of travel to Greenfield and another wonderful morning of Bible study and worship.  It was great to see June Davis, who is feeling better, and also to hear from Juliana West the good news about her daughter and granddaughter Stephanie and Marcie Noad’s continued recovery from their car accident injuries.  Of course, we continue to pray for them and for the young man who remains in the hospital from that accident.  We also remembered in prayer the young high-school girl who was hit by a car last week in Springfield.  These incidents remind us that, because we never know what the next moment will hold, it is important to keep our relationship with God current and fresh.

The study in James took us further into chapter 4 today, where James chastises the believers for putting their worldly relationships before God, cautioning them (and us) that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  Humility before God requires that we (1) recognize God’s holiness and righteousness, (2) admit our own sinfulness and inability to attain that holiness, and (3) receive the grace and mercy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.  Without these three, we will find ourselves in opposition to God.

Today’s lectionary included readings from Esther and Mark, and the theme of our worship service was “Letting Go and Letting God.”  Esther found herself in a place where she had to choose between the comfortable, secure life of the queen and standing up for her people. We often need to make hard choices, as well. Our challenge from these passages was to stand up for God’s purposes not only in our own lives and families, but in our society, as well. 

Next Sunday, October 4, is designated World Communion Sunday.  You may remember that this observance was first celebrated in 1936 in Presbyterian churches in the U.S. and overseas as a sign of our unity in the Body of Christ.  Through the ensuing years other Protestant churches have joined the observance, including the United Methodist Church, the Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, Reformed churches, and others.  As you celebrate at the Lord’s Table this coming Sunday, even if you are not a part of the mentioned denominations, my prayer is that your congregation will join ours, and believers worldwide, in praying for unity in the body of Christ as Jesus also prayed.

LETTING GO

A good friend shared this anonymous piece with me this week, and I thought I would share it with you.  It is important that we “let go” of worldly things and “let God” work in our lives, but it also important to understand those things that we need to let go of so we can grow emotionally, as well as spiritually.

To “let go” does not mean to stop caring; it means I can’t do it for someone else.

To “let go” is not to cut myself off; it is the realization that I cannot control another.

To “let go” is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To “let go” is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To “let go” is not to try to change or blame another; it is to make the most of myself.

To “let go” is not to care for, but to care about.

To “let go” is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To “let go” is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To “let go” is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To “let go” is not to be protective; it is to permit another to face reality.

To “let go” is not to deny, but to accept.

To “let go” is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To “let go” is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To “let go” is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To “let go” is to fear less and love more.

My prayer is that this week you will find the grace to “let go” of the things that hold you back from faith and find the reward that comes from “letting God” work in your life. 

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay

revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

TIMES AND SEASONS

Despite the rain on Sunday morning, we had a wonderful time of Bible study and worship. Our study of James 4 made us all contemplate our motivations in prayer.  James said, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (v. 3).

Out of curiosity I looked up this verse in The Message, a paraphrase of the Bible.  “You wouldn’t think of just asking God for [what you want], would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.”  Tough words!

James knows us!  Even separated by thousands of years, his words still challenge us and our approach to life.  In these challenging times, we pray for many things, and yet I believe we must remember Paul’s testimony in Philippians 4:12,13:  “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Should we ask for help from God?  Definitely!  But the secret is our relationship with God.  When we recognize that God is with us, no matter what the situation, we can pray with honesty and integrity, not seeking selfish gifts and the “easy way out” of our problems.  Why would God want me to go through a struggle?  Paul knows that secret, too.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

TIMES AND SEASONS

It is truly hard for me to believe that by the time you read this it will be fall, a brand new season.  When I was a child, the change of seasons and passage of time often seemed to drag by, but as I’ve aged (don’t tell anyone), time seems to fly by, and I find myself wondering where the time has gone.  We learn from Ecclesiastes (and the 60s band, the Turtles), that there are times and seasons specific to each of our lives.  I no longer think as I did in the past.  My priorities have changed, and the important things, well, they have changed, too.

It is much easier to recognize the “seasons” when we talk about change of weather and the cycle of plant life.  But recognizing the seasons in our lives and what God is doing is much harder to do.  How can we understand what God is doing within us as we face each new day and each new season? 

First, it is important to recognize that there are only two things consistent in life:  God is always present and everything else will change!  Friends will come and go. Family members will be born and some will pass away.  We will gain possessions—some of which we will treasure, some we will cast away, and some may be taken from us.  Things will change, but God remains the same.

Second, it is imperative to recognize that God has a plan for each of our lives, not just an ethereal “get to heaven someday” plan, but a purpose.  “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). These words were written in the context of Israel’s exile in Babylon, having been forcibly removed from their homes by Nebuchadnezzar.  In this context, God spoke through the prophet telling the people to settle down and live their lives to the fullest in their situation, knowing that one day God would return them to their homeland.  In each season of our lives, we need to “make the best” of whatever comes our way, knowing that each day is part of God’s working in not only our lives, but the lives of others through us. 

Finally, it is absolutely necessary to grow in faith as we are transformed into the image of our Savior.  Any plant that does not grow will be pulled from the garden and replaced with another.  And to live well in every season of life, we must be continually growing, changing, and developing our faith in God.  If I don’t know who God is, how can I know what God wants for me?  And if I don’t know what Jesus would do, how can I know what I should do?  Everything that comes into our lives has a purpose, many of which we may never know until the day we meet God face to face.  When we respond in faith to God, in every circumstance, even when we don’t understand, we will find ourselves not only being stretched, but also growing in hope and trust. 

Soon, the leaves will change and fall from the trees. We will take out our winter clothes and pack away those from summer and prepare our homes for the cold winds to come because we recognize the season in which we are living and the one that is to come.  In the same way, take time to think about the season where you find yourself today.  Approach each new experience with the knowledge that God is with you and will always be so, that God has a plan for your life and is working that plan out, and that each day is a new opportunity to grow closer to and become more like Jesus.  Enjoy fall!

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay Glunt