February 29, 2012 - Kyle Bostian

Read Psalm 136

I will never forget what my boss said the day I started my first "real" job at the engineering firm where I had been a college intern. After filling out the paperwork, he said, "We are like a family. No one ever quits, and no one ever leaves. We love it here and we hope you do too."

For seven years, I enjoyed being the youngest member of that family. There were ups and downs, but for the most part, I loved my job. I never gave serious thought to leaving, and I thought I would end my career at the same company where I started. I had a six minute drive to work, and things were perfect.

When the call came to go to the conference room one Monday morning in August, my thoughts were on my upcoming vacation. We had all heard the rumors, but no one gave them much credence. When I got to the room, the company's smartest engineer was already among those there. I made the smart comment: "Well, Dave, if you're here, I'm relieved. This isn't going to be a layoff meeting."

It turns out, it was. An hour later, I was packing my things, and wondering how I would tell my wife. She was home, painting the house so it would be finished before we left town. Panic was setting in. As I pulled out of the office parking lot, I remember saying to myself, "God, I cannot do this alone." Truthfully, it was said more in vain than as a prayer.

When I arrived home, though, I felt a deep sense of calm and well-being as I gave the news to Becky. She took the news well. After talking it over, we decided that it made sense to get my resume and some cover letters out, and then go on our vacation anyway. The trip turned out to be one of the greatest vacations we ever had, and it did much to relieve the stress we were both facing.

It was only later that Becky and I revealed to each other that we were both panicked, but felt a need to remain calm to reassure the other that it would work out. And, it did work out. I'll never forget, though, that feeling of calm and well-being. I felt that God had brought that sense of peace to me, and through Becky, had assured me that she would pull through this as well.

Prayer: Lord of Lords, God of Gods, your mercy and love for us knows no bounds. Help us to remember your love for us in those times we begin for forget it. Amen.

Prayer Concern: the unemployed and those struggling financially.

February 28, 2012 - Justus Benson

Read Numbers 6:22-27

In the spring of 1983, I was working as a motorcycle messenger in the Washington, D.C. area. I had been doing this for at least a few years, I can't remember how long, but after riding through a very long, very cold and very rainy winter and spring, it seemed like forever.

I was 24. My desires for a love life were at best a disaster with no light in sight. I was struggling through Prince Georges Community College, and my aspirations for an academic life were also the roughest of roads. It had been a long winter and I had no springtime in my heart, although the calendar said was so, so I guess it was.

More exactly, it was time for the cherry blossoms in Washington. That afternoon I picked up a package on Capitol Hill and was delivering it to someplace in Georgetown, unremarkable in all respects. I headed west on Independence Avenue.

I suddenly was mad at myself for not remembering it was cherry blossom time, as the traffic, and the pedestrians (who would seemingly mindlessly walk into the road). Ugh! This was going to a waste of time! (Messengers are paid by the piece.)

But stunningly, the place was virtually empty! - A cab here or there. A curtain of cherry blossom petals was blowing across the road from right to left at about a 45 degree slant. It was very beautiful. It was emotional; it felt like this moment in time was made for me. The petals were making little pink tornadoes as they whirled across the road. I changed lanes to blow my bike right though them. The petals were so thick it was like the star field simulations screensavers or a pink snowstorm only more intense.

Then it happened. I mean I was fully in the moment. (Being fully in the moment at all times is the only healthy option for motorcycle messengers.) The best I can describe it was like a physical sensation, but a real sensation like looking at this page.

I felt I was being hugged as a father comforts a child. The non-verbal sensation message was clear, "I am with you". It lasted more than a moment, enough to really feel it. Then it was gone.

I thought did that really happen? - am I having some issue? I had to answer myself -- Yes, that happened, but maybe, it some sort brain indigestion; interesting but not overly meaningful. I went on to deliver the package and waited for my next job. It just so happens, another unrelated job came along, going from Georgetown back to Capitol Hill.

A little unusual, but only a little bit. I picked it up and decided I could risk going back the way I came. I rode through the pink snowstorm of cherry blossoms, riding my bike again through the cyclones of petals, as I crossed near the bridge there; I again felt the very same sensation, as if to say, “No you’re not imagining it”, “No you’re not hallucinating, I am with you".

I haven't related this story to very many people, but relate it to you this way:

God is with us, God is with us humans, each and every one.

Prayer: We all find ourselves in need of direction at times. Thank you, Lord, for lighting the way. Amen.

February 27, 2012 - Ray McKinnon

Read Matthew 28:16-20

As Christians, there’s an inner passion we all have. Some say its God calling (nudging) you to do something. And if you are willing to step out of your comfort-zone and follow it, you may be surprised were it leads you.

24 hrs after Hurricane Katrina made land fall in 2005, the death toll from the impact on 7 states reached 1,836. 24 hours after a 7.0 magnitude quake struck Haiti in 2010 predictions of the death toll had reached 90,000 plus people. Later, that prediction would come true.

With my involvement on Missions teams responding to natural disasters in Mississippi and Haiti, I have witnessed firsthand the suffering from natural disasters. Being on mission teams to help in the rebuilding effort simply means responding to God’s calling, to step outside your comfort zone and follow the example of Jesus Christ. It has opened my eyes and my heart.

Why volunteer? It’s the foundation of our faith. The Bible is full of stories of ordinary people who responded to a call, to a whisper to “come follow me”.

Thought for the day: Is Jesus calling you?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we know that you are with us to the end of the age. We are thankful for those who have answered your call to spread your word in service to others throughout the world.

Prayer focus: VIM teams

February 26, 2012 - Rev. Harry C. Cole

Read 1 Corinthians 8:13-11

Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life

Olive Richmond died. I no longer remember the date, not even the year; but it’s a sure truth, Olive Richmond died. I was a young child at the time. Perhaps I was ten or twelve, I don’t know. But regardless, her dying, on whatever day that was, changed my life—and my young theology—forever.

Olive Richmond was the wife of our pastor, the Rev. Dr. Clifford Richmond. As a child, I adored them both. He was the preacher whose sermons effortlessly joined scripture and Christian experience. She was the gentle lady, who had such a special kinship with all of creation that even ordinarily wary animals were drawn to her. She was a special lady. So when Olive Richmond was diagnosed with cancer, not only did I pray, but the entire church was joined as one in prayer.

You understand, I was a child. I knew the scripture about moving mountains with faith only as large as a grain of mustard seed. And had not Jesus said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer believing, you will receive”? Well, friends, this child of God believed. Perfectly. Absolutely. And while so many would claim that her dying was a kind of healing, her death was not the prayer of faith I had prayed nor the result scripture so clearly promised this young child. Scripture, I discovered that day, was vastly more complex than I had been led to understand.

St. Paul had said, “When I became a man, I put away childish things.” Well, on the day Olive Richmond died, this young man put away forever the idea that scripture was simple matter, easily divined. Since that day, scripture—like Lent and even life itself—would be seen by this young man to be laced throughout with generous portions of contradiction, wonder, and mystery.

Prayer: God, this life you have given us is full of contradiction, wonder, and mystery. We are thankful for your Spirit, which guides our walk through that life from within. Amen.

February 25, 2012 - Carl Reed

Read Phillipians 4:10-13

The day that changed my life was October 25, 1986. A friend and I were replacing the shingles on our Dutch style shed. From the scaffolding thinking that the claw of the hammer was securely over a nail - I yanked and in a moment I was falling head down to the ground. With several broken ribs and shattered transverse processes I was admitted to Bethesda Naval hospital.

During my stay, Linda brought a hand drawn poster from my 4th grade Sunday school class with Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We played praise music and began our journey trusting God every step of the way. My physician said " it is amazing that no internal injuries have been found." I believe the angels guided my fall and thus I landed on my back.

In 1996, my back pain became intense and debilitating. I was told if I had surgery, my chances of walking again would be 50-50. We prayed, the surgery was done and today, Linda and I walk everywhere, enjoy hiking mountains and continually give thanks for God's grace.

Life is fragile and plans and dreams can change quickly. The bible study I was leading as well as the monthly mission team meetings took place in my bedroom. It matters not what your situation in life is - to me what matters is serving Jesus as best as you can. I am forever thankful that after 'my fall' - Linda and I ran to God and not from Him. As the psalmist David in Psalm 73 wrote "But God is my strength; He is all I ever need. How wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign Lord and to proclaim all that he has done!"

Prayer: "My God, my strength, you are all I ever need. We rejoice in all we are able to do through you and thanks to you. Amen."

Prayer Concern: Those Recovering from Surgery.

February 24, 2012 - John Wesley

Read Romans 8:15-16

On May 24, 1738, John Wesley experienced the influence of God at a meeting of a group of Moravians on Aldersgate Street in London. His account, from his journal, follows:

Wednesday, May 24. I think it was about five this morning that I opened my Testament on those words, “There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, even that ye should be partakers of the divine nature” [II Peter 1:4]. Just as I went out, I opened it again on those words, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God” [Mark 12:34]. In the afternoon I was asked to go to St. Paul’s. The anthem was, “Out of the deep have I called unto Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Oh, let Thine ears consider well the voice of my complaint. If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? For there is mercy with Thee; therefore shalt Thou be feared. O Israel, trust in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his sins.”

“I Felt My Heart Strangely Warmed”

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

I began to pray with all my might for those who had in a more especial manner despitefully used me and persecuted me. I then testified openly to all there what I now first felt in my heart. But it was not long before the enemy suggested, “This cannot be faith; for where is thy joy?” Then was I taught that peace and victory over sin are essential to faith in the Captain of our salvation; but that, as to the transports of joy that usually attend the beginning of it, especially in those who have mourned deeply, God sometimes giveth, sometimes withholdeth, them according to the counsels of His own will.

After my return home, I was much buffeted with temptations, but I cried out, and they fled away. They returned again and again. I as often lifted up my eyes, and He “sent me help from his holy place.” And herein I found the difference between this and my former state chiefly consisted. I was striving, yea, fighting with all my might under the law, as well as under grace. But then I was sometimes, if not often, conquered; now, I was always conqueror.

Source: The Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes we feel your spirit working within us in an unmistakable way. At other times, it can be more difficult. We pray that you will keep us watchful for your spirit at work. Amen.

Prayer Concern: Those seeking spiritual discernment and direction.

February 23, 2012 - Anonymous

Read Matthew 25:34-40

Reflections on working at the cold weather shelter
(evenings that have changed my life)

So many faces, so many soiled clothes, so so many dirty hands, some
don't smell too good...

So many polite, meek, grateful people; grateful for the help you give...
So many thankful people when you give them a towel, a washcloth, a bar
of soap....
So many thankful people when they get a bag of thier clothes returned
folded and clean...
So many thankful people when you give them a smile...

"Do you have any noodles or crackers tonight? Thank you so much."
"Do you have a cup for coffee, 3 sugars and a creamer please."
"May I please have a wake up call so I can get to work."
"Thanks for comiong tonight, come back please."
"You remembered my name, thank you."

The initial unpleasant feelings fall away quickly as I spend a little
time with them. Their grateful gestures and words flood the evening
and tiime pases quickly. It becomes a priveledge to help and serve
those less fortunate. I will never look at someone on the street the
same again. As I pull away, I find myself looking forward to the next
time I can be at the shelter. Everytime I hear the song "The Face of
Christ" by Chirstopher Rice, I think of my friends at the shelter. The
chorus goes like this...

"How did I find myself in a better place?
I cant look down at the frown on another man's face
Cause when I stoop down low, look him square in the eyes,
I get this feeling, that I just might be dealing with the face of Christ."

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for all the wonderful things you have done for me and all the blessings I have today. Help me to treat all others with charity, compassion, and tolerance. Make me mindful of the needs of others so I can be lead to help and serve, as you teach us to do. In your name I pray. Amen.

Prayer Concern: The Homeless.

February 22, 2012 - Bobbie Parsons

Read Philippians 4:6-7

When we visited our eldest daughter when she lived on Long Island and we traveled on the Long Island Expressway, I was always grateful I did not have to do the driving because of the heavy traffic and aggressive drivers. But the time came when our son-in-law was seriously ill in the hospital. His family came from Oregon and I went to help out. One day several family members needed to be taken to the Islip airport in rush hour on the Expressway. My purpose in being there was to support our daughter so I knew I was the one to volunteer to take them; although I felt very anxious, especially with my 4 year old grandson in the car.

As we got in the car I prayed, "Father God, I can't do this alone. I need you to drive this car." A second later I heard a voice in my head say very clearly, "Bobbie, you only have to drive one block at a time." That is what I did and all went well.

That experience reinforced my understanding that in difficult times, instead of relying on myself, if I turn to God and put my trust in Him, God will give me that extra dose of energy, courage and wisdom to carry me through.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the energy, courage, and wisdom you provide us in times of need. Help us to remember that, when we feel we need help, we can always rely on you.

Prayer Concern: Travelers.

Calvary UMC Lenten Devotional

During this season of Lent, we will share a devotional, usually written by a fellow church member, every day on this blog.

The theme for the sermon series for Lent this year is "24 Hours That Changed The World." To tie in to that theme, we've asked for members of the church to write about a day that changed their life, and, either at the time or after a period of reflection, recognize the presence of God in that day.

We have attempted this project at Calvary several times in the past. It is only made possible by the contributions from members of our church community. We thank everyone for sharing their stories and hope that studying them helps you develop your faith during this important season in the life of the church.

If you have a contribution to share, space is still available, but we ask that you act quickly. You can send submissions to dailycalvary@gmail.com.

There are several ways you can follow the daily posts on this blog. If you have an RSS reader, you can subscribe using the link on the blog. You can also follow us on Twitter at @dailycalvary or on our Facebook page, "Calvary UMC Daily Devotional." (We hope to have a link as soon.) Finally, paper copies of devotionals will be issued in several installments, and will be available at the church starting at the 7:30pm service on Ash Wedndesday, February 22nd.