Bread from Heaven

Day 12: February 28^th Thursday

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-21

"The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim; and Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but” against the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’“ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’“

In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.’“ The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.” But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted."

Read this story from the Book of Exodus. God delivered the Israelites from slavery and they are out in the wilderness.  Moses is their leader.  God is guiding them every step of the way.   They are not out there long before they become very hungry.

So God says to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day.”

God gives them only enough manna—bread—for each day. 

The Israelites have to trust that God will make it rain bread tomorrow.

What do you depend on God for?  Do you trust that God will provide tomorrow?

Ask God to give you a spirit of trust, of dependence on God.

How might you live your life differently if you depended on God for everything?  Discuss this idea with a trusted friend or family member today.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Striving for the Kingdom

Day 11: February 27^th Wednesday

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

"He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

In this passage from Luke Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry.  This is more easily said than done!  Have you ever seen a bumper sticker that said, “Don’t worry. Pray!” That is what we are going to do today.

An old Quaker way of praying is called “Holding Them in the Light.”

We will try this way of praying today.  Think of a situation you are worrying about.  Think of a person you worry about.

“Hold” that person or situation in your hands as you pray. Literally hold your hands as if you were holding them in the palm of your hand. Feel like you are surrounding him or her or the situation with God’s steadfast love and blessing. Let different people and problems come into your hands.  Pray for them all.

Ask God if there is anything you can do beyond your prayer. 

Maybe send a note of encouragement?  Maybe ask some to lunch? 

Whatever God reveals to you to do—do it!

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

YOU are the Body of Christ

Day 10: February 26^th Tuesday

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way."

Read the scripture.

Who is the body of Christ?

Ask God to show you.

Who is the body of Christ? Where is the body of Christ? 

Are you an eye or an ear or a month or a hand? How do you function in the body of Christ?  In your prayer today ask God to show you how you participate in the body of Christ.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Pressing On to Know the Lord

Day 9: February 25^th Monday

Scripture: Hosea 6:3 

“Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Sit quietly.  Read the passage from the Prophet Hosea.  Ask God to guide your reading.

Read the passage again.  Consider:  How is God’s coming like spring rains that water the earth?

If God is the rain what are we?  Are our souls like earth ready to spring forth life?  What is the earth like with no rain?

Can you think of a season when it did not rain for a long period of time? What was that like?  How can we receive God like rain?

Pray: Gracious and loving God, I want to know you.  I want to know you inside and out.  I want you to come to me like the dawn.  I want you to water me like the spring rains water the earth.  God, make me ready to hear your word, make me ready to see your face, make me ready, God, to know you. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Mary and Martha

Day 8: February 24^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

"Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke when Jesus visits Mary and Martha.  

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

What did you hear in worship this morning about this passage?  Did you have a new insight into it through a prayer we prayed or the sermon or a hymn?  Write about it. 

Ask God to show you even more about this story. 

How do you practice intentional ways of connecting with God?  Ask God to give you the courage and willingness to continue that practice.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Free Day Saturday!

Day 7: February 23^rd Saturday

Scripture: You Choose!

Saturdays will be a “free day.”  Choose a favorite scripture, one you have never understood, one you are curious about, one you’ve heard recently and read it.  Ask God to show you a new insight into the words.  Read each sentence slowly.  Let the words sink in.  Ask God to reveal the meaning throughout your day.  Pick a sentence and repeat it over and over again as you do the dishes or go on a walk or work on a project.  Have you noticed anything new?  At the end of the day thank God for all he has shown you today.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

What scripture did you choose? Why?

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Day 6: February 22^nd Friday

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Read this verse from 1 Thessalonians.  We read this same verse yesterday as we practiced praying without ceasing.  Today we’ll focus on giving thanks in all circumstances.

For a moment clear your mind.  Sit quietly and breathe deeply.

Think of a time in your life when you did not want to thank God.

Ask God to bring this memory to the surface.  How did you feel? What was the situation? 

Now ask God to show you how you could have thanked God in that moment.  How would that have changed the situation?  Why do you think Paul tells us to give thanks in ALL circumstances?  Ask God to show you the answer to this question. 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Pray Without Ceasing

Day 5: February 21^st Thursday

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The Apostle Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonian Christians.  They had heard the gospel and because of their faith they were suffering.  Paul writes to encourage them, he writes with thanksgiving for them.  Paul reminds them of Christ’s love for them and urges them to act with that same self-giving love.  

Read the scripture from 1 Thessalonians. Paul tells them to “pray without ceasing.”

One way the ancient Christians practiced this “praying without ceasing” is called The Jesus Prayer.  When you are doing a task that doesn't require a lot of brain power like washing the dishes, working on a car, etc. repeat in your mind "Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."

Today try to think this sentence over and over again no matter what you are doing.  At the end of the day, think about how your day would have been different if you weren’t always saying, "Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Eyes of Jesus

Day 4: February 20^th Wednesday

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:35-38

Read the scripture passage slowly.  Write down any words or phrases that jump out at you.

What was Jesus doing?  Write down Jesus’ actions.  How did Jesus look at the crowd?  With compassion.  This is how Jesus looks at us.  Jesus has compassion for us. 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to look through the eyes of Jesus?

For a moment, consider how the world might look through Jesus’ eyes.

Grab your newspaper or go to your favorite news source on the internet.  Ask God to lead you to a news story you can pray about.  Once you’ve found your article, read it as though you were Jesus. Ask God to help you look at the situation, at the people in the story, through Jesus’ eyes. What do you see?  Pray as the Spirit directs you. Is the Spirit motivating you to do anything?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

The Spirit Intercedes for Us

Day 3: February 19^th Tuesday

Scripture: Romans 8:26 

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” -Romans 8:26 NRSV

Sit quietly for a moment.  Focus on your breath.  Breathe deeply in through your nose.  Hold the breath for a count of ten.  Release it.

Read the scripture for today. 

Ask God to guide your reading.

Think about a time when you did not know how to pray.  Was it a joyful time?  A tragic time? A time of sadness or worry?  A time when you did not know what you would do? A time of stress?

Ask God to remind you of a time when you did not know how to pray. 

What was that experience like for you? Write it down.

Can you look back on this time and see how the Holy Spirit was praying for you?

Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Read John 20:19-23. 

How is this like the scripture we read yesterday?

Read the passage from Romans one more time.  Ask God for blessings that you need: mercy, forgiveness, grace...  Be as specific as possible.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below. 

Apart from the Breath of God, We Are Dust

Day 2: February 18^th Monday

Scripture: Genesis 2:7

“Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” -Genesis 2:7 NRSV

Last Wednesday we observed Ash Wednesday.  We gathered together at Cameron UMC, sang hymns, read scripture, and we each went up and had a cross of ash smeared on our foreheads.  As the pastor did this we heard “Remember, you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

We do this every year to start the season of Lent, to start our journey to the cross.

We do this to confront our mortality. 

Read the verse from Genesis.  God formed Adam from dust and breathed into him the breath of life.  Apart from the breath of God we are dust.

God has given us life.  Apart from God we have nothing.

Take some time today to thank God for all God does for us.  For waking us up, for giving us food to eat, and people to love and a church family we can lean on for support.  As you go about your day, notice the gifts God gives you.  As soon as you notice it, thank God for it.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Temptation

Day 1: February 17^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test." When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.” -Luke 4:1-13 NRSV

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke when the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

Do you notice anything with this reading that you didn’t notice this morning in worship?  Write it down.

An old Quaker practice of praying is called “Palms down, palms up.” 

Close your eyes and sit quietly with your palms facing down, resting on your knees.  While in this position hand over to God all you want to get rid of: anxiety, worry, concern about a loved one, anger, greed, anything that is tempting you to separate yourself from God.

After a while, once you have given over all the negative to God, turn your palms up.  While in this position ask God for blessings.  If you have given God your concern about a loved one, pray for him or her.  Ask God for patience and a spirit of love and kindness.  Ask God for blessings that will draw you closer to him. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and empower you to turn away from temptation and to turn to God.  

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

A Holy Lent

Welcome to the new blog for Lebanon United Methodist Church!

We as a church are covenanting with one another to pray for our families, our church, and our community through this season of Lent.

Often you hear folks say that they are giving up chocolate or soda for Lent.  This is a good practice of the self-denial we are called to during Lent.  But it isn't the only way we experience Lent. You can choose to give something up or add a discipline. The whole point is to draw closer to God.  Just as it says in James, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (4:8).

The discipline for Lent we have chosen together as a church is: Prayer.

This Sunday, February 17^th, we’ll pass out our Prayer Journals.

We’ll also share each day’s devotion on this blog.   

Feel free to share your insights and prayers in the comments section.

Tonight we worshiped with the Valley Parish at Cameron UMC for Ash Wednesday.  Rev. Nancy read the words from The United Methodist Book of Worship to invite us all to observe a holy Lent.  Read these words again as we prepare to journey together to the cross in this Holy Season.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

the early Christians observed with great devotion

   the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection,

and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration

   there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation.

During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.

It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins

   and had separated themselves from the community of faith

      were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness,

   and restored to participation in the life of the Church.

In this way the whole congregation was reminded

   of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ

      and the need we all have to renew our faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church,

   to observe a holy Lent:

   by self-examination and repentance;

   by prayer, fasting, and self-denial;

   and by reading and meditation on God’s Holy Word.”

  

Thank you for committing to this journey of prayer. Prayer changes things. I believe that.  Prayer changes things within us and outside of us.  So beware!  Because you have committed to spending time with God in prayer, your life is going to change!

Let us all keep a holy Lent.