Out Of the Depths I Cry to You, O Lord, By Rev. Dr. Jill Westbrook Mason

Out Of the Depths I Cry to You, O Lord

By Rev. Dr. Jill Westbrook Mason

Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!”

Psalm 130:1,2

 

It had been about a month. Time seemed to stand still. My husband had died suddenly at age 43 from a heart attack. We had an 18-month-old baby boy, our only child. I was going through the motions of life, caring for my baby, but definitely not living life. I was stoic, I could not find joy. How could people laugh, I wondered, when my life and joy had been stolen from me? It came like a thief in the night.

That afternoon, as I was driving home from the grocery store, I was overcome with grief. Up until that time, I had not allowed myself to grieve, fearing I would be unable to function and care for my baby. I pulled over to the side of the road, put the car into park, and pounded the steering wheel while crying out, “God, I need you. I can’t do this alone. It is too hard.” My bottled-up emotions finally broke loose.

As I quieted down, I became aware of the presence of God. I knew without a doubt that God had heard my cries. Although I did not hear an audible voice, God spoke to me on the side of that road. I felt a tremendous sense of release and relief, for I knew that God was with me, I was not alone.

Days passed, and I continued my conversations with God. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I was mad. But always, I knew God was walking with me. They say that time heals broken hearts. Time does lessen the severity, but it is God who heals broken hearts.

Prayer: Gracious and Compassionate God, I give you thanks for all the times I have cried out to you, and you have held me as I cried. Thank you for always walking with me, even when I don’t slow down enough to notice that you are there. I realize that I have drawn closer to you through my times of pain, and for that I give thanks. May all my days and all my ways be a blessing to you. In Christ’s name, Amen.

-Rev. Dr. Jill Westbrook Mason

Even Jesus Grew, by Rev. Jolinne Balentine-Downey

 WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL

 MARCH 22, 2023

Even Jesus Grew

Rev. Jolinne Balentine-Downey

"When [Jesus] went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor." Luke 2:51-52 (NRSV)

Nobody comes into the world knowing it all, not even Jesus. He was born in a stable, slept in a manger, and grew. And Joseph and Mary were amazed.

Adults are like that. We watch in wonder as children gradually discover the world around them. It’s incredible how quickly they grow! My great-niece found her feet two years ago and learned how to roll over. Last year, she ran all over the house, chased the cats, and declared everything “Mine.” Now a baby cousin has joined the family, and Addie has to learn more challenging lessons such as “Be gentle,” “Share your toys,” and “Please.”

Jesus had his lessons to learn. Though it may be hard for us to imagine, the truth is that Jesus grew up just like we do: One step at a time. And one lesson at a time. He did not know it all. Jesus had to be taught, as we all do. He learned from teachers and parents, and religious leaders. He learned from scripture. He learned by asking questions. He knew by challenging the status quo. And he learned by submitting to the will of God.

When I was in college, people used to say, “God isn’t finished with me yet.” But the truth is, God is not finished with ANY of us. Not yet. It does not matter if we are 8 minutes old or 80 years old. We are all still growing and learning.

Dear God, forgive me for acting as if I know it all. Help me be willing to learn from you and the people you put in my path today. Amen.

 

 

The Rich Blessings of Friendship, by Luanne Hearn

 

Weekly Devotional

 March 15, 2023

The Rich Blessings of Friendship

By Luanne Hearn

“So in everything you do, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

Anyone who knows me well would tell you Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it – the lights, the sounds, the colors, and especially the celebrations.  So in early December, when I heard about my 3^rd-grade grandson’s Christmas Program, I turned in my Vacation Request to take off work so I could go and was so excited to attend that Friday morning!  His school is blessed to have a fantastic Music Teacher who certainly knows how to teach the children and put on quite a spectacular show!  From the opening number, when they ran to their places on the gym floor wearing Christmas colors reindeer antlers, and festive scarves, to the final piece performed with black lights and glow necklaces, it was a fun, exciting show.

When they finished, the parents (and others)  were asked to stay in the bleachers while they dismissed all the other students.  Then we were able to go onto the floor to greet our kids. It was like the crowd swarming the field when the home team won the homecoming football game against their rival.  Oh, the hugs and kisses!  And then I saw him.  The only little boy still seated on the floor, as they had been told to wait, with tears streaming down his face.  His teacher knelt beside him to wipe away the tears but was quickly called to another student for Mom to take a picture.  He was so sad and so alone in that gym full of people.  I’m sure his family could not be there because of the “black-out weeks” before Christmas that many employers have during the weeks leading up to Christmas.  If you don’t show up, you get fired.  

For many taking Vacation for a school program is not an option.  I did what I could.  I went over to him to tell him how much I enjoyed their show and to ask him which was his favorite song.  I hope that helped.  But the best was yet to come.  After I went back to tell my grandson goodbye so I could return to work, I watched them begin to gather.  The other children went and sat beside him one by one until there soon was a circle of about six kids talking, laughing, and just being with him when he needed them most!

It warmed my heart, and I thought what a lesson we could all learn from those sweet children.  How much better the world could be if our eyes could just be open to the sad and lonely to talk to them, to encourage them, or to sit and be with them.

Prayer: Holy Father, please open our eyes to see our brother or sister in need.  Help us remember that sometimes all that is needed is our presence.  Amen

 

The Favor of God, By Dr. Jannette Morrow

Weekly U.M.C. Devotional

March 8, 2023

Favor With God

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt on his knees three times that day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

God's favor rests on His children, who put him first – no matter the cost.

In the late 1780s, William Wilberforce made up his mind. Slavery in the British Empire had to stop. Between 1789 and 1805, he (with his friend, Thomas Clarkson) introduced antislavery legislation to Parliament twenty times. Wilberforce stood firm each time without success – despite political opposition, bigotry, economic forces, and his failing health. In 1807 the slave trade, and in 1833 slavery itself was outlawed throughout the empire. While only a few of William Wilberforce's opponents are known today, Wilberforce's legacy is one of a true man of God whose life backed up what he believed.

Over 2000 years earlier, the prophet Daniel stood up to the opposition. As a teenager, he made up his mind to reject Babylonian paganism. As a young man, he interpreted the king's dream and gave God credit. As an older man, he refused to not pray, despite an unjust threat of death by hungry lions. Daniel staked his life on standing for what God said was right. Many others, such as Noah, Abraham, David, and Jesus Christ, persisted, lived out God's purpose for their lives and saw their enemies ultimately defeated. All because of God's favor.

Saving grace, God's unmerited favor through Christ, can never be earned. But there is a favor from God, especially for those who always put Him first.

Heavenly Father, thank you for salvation and grace. Please help me always live in your favor by obeying your word and always putting you first. In Jesus' name, Amen.  

By Dr. Jannette Morrow