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Wednesday, April 16, 2025 |
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Scripture: Mark 15:15 (RSV) – “So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” Message: As I read this passage, the thought came to me of how dangerous pleasing the crowd can be. Most of us only want to fit in, but fit in where? Even today we can see what going along with the crowd can do. That’s how riots begin, and we’ve all seen what harm they can do. Pilate knew deep in his heart that Jesus was innocent. If he had any doubt of that, he would not have gone to such efforts to release him, but he didn’t want to go against the crowd. Oh, we can say this was all part of God’s plan, but I think there is something else that Jesus is trying to teach us. Pilate didn’t have to be the betrayer. Jesus didn’t want to lose even one soul, but Pilate was more afraid of the crowd than the truth he saw in Jesus, and it cost him. What about us today? Are we following Jesus’ example or are we still swept up in the crowd? Instead of looking to other denominations, friends, leaders who think they have the right answers; shouldn’t we be asking, “What would Jesus do, what would Jesus say about this?”. We know He is the Path, the Way. Instead of looking around, why don’t we look up? Prayer: Father/Mother God, You came not only to pay the price for our sin, but to show us how to live and love. Help us to pay as much attention to the 33 years You walked this earth as we do to the last 6 hours You spent on the cross! We are thankful for both. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 |
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Scripture: Mark 16: 5-7 (NIV) “As they entered the tomb they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed.’ He said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Message: As I read this Scripture, I find myself asking, “Where am I looking for Jesus?” Am I looking in an empty tomb, in a church building, or in the Bible? He is in all those places and, in searching there, we learn about Him; but where is He today?
Many years ago bracelets with the initials WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) were very popular. You still see them occasionally today. Perhaps the better question is, “What is Jesus doing?” I often look for Jesus when looking through photo albums of family members and friends. While remembering the past and the good times we shared, I enjoy spending time with them today and looking forward to spending time with them in the future. The same is true of spending time with our Lord. We don’t have to wonder what He would have done in any situation, because He’s still living today. I find Him more in the Bible, in prayer and in His children rather than in church buildings.
When we make room for Him, Jesus even lives in us. After we have invited Jesus into our lives, Jesus commands us to introduce Him to those with whom we meet in “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:16-20 – please read this in your Bible).
On this Easter Sunday morning, where are we looking for Jesus? Are we looking outside or inside? Just as He did that very first Easter, He goes before us, preparing the way. He is also with us in the form of the Holy Spirit as we worship and celebrate the greatest miracle that’s open for all God’s children throughout the world!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to live within us. May we always be aware that Your Holy Spirit is within us everywhere we go. He is Risen! Let us celebrate Your Resurrection Gift of Jesus to mankind today and every day! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, February 17, 2024 |
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Scripture: Matthew 6:9 (NIV) – “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’”. Message: You will recognize this as the first line of The Lord’s Prayer. I encourage you to read the entire prayer (Matthew 6:9-14). However, I want to focus on how Jesus tells us to address the Lord Our God, creator of all things! He is teaching us how we should talk to our Lord God, so why does He say “Our Father” instead of “My Father”. It has always seemed a little strange to me when I’m alone and praying the Lord’s Prayer. Maybe it’s because He wants us to remember that the God we are praying to is also the God of who, or what we are praying about. The only time that I remember Jesus praying for Himself was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed that “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 6:39b), but then He remembered that the Father to whom He was praying was also the creator of those who were about to kill Him in one of the cruelest ways known to man. Jesus then adds to His prayer: “Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 6:39c). When I pray, I must remember that my God is also the God of all mankind. It doesn’t matter if people acknowledge God or not, He is God of all creation, and all humanity are His children. If the world realized that we are all praying to the same God, would that change the way we pray, especially for others? Family Activity: Make a mosaic Prayer Cross. Cut out a large cardboard or poster board cross. Then cut out many squares of different colored paper. Place the squares in a box next to the cross with a glue stick. During Lent, whenever a family member prays, they glue a square to the cross. Set aside family time each day to talk about the day and pray, adding squares to your mosaic Prayer Cross. The goal is to cover the entire cross by Easter. Prayer: Father God, You are not just my God, but the God of all creation. When I pray “Our Father” instead of “My Father”, I remember that You love all of humanity unconditionally. Thank You for making me a part of Your creation. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday, March 7, 2023 |
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Scripture: Matthew 6:9 (NIV) - "This then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,'" Message: You will recognize this as the beginning of what we know as "The Lord's Prayer". I encourage you to read the entire passage (Matthew 6:9-13), but my focus for some time has been that Jesus is telling us that God's name is to be hallowed. It is to be used reverently and with great sincerity. What does that mean, really? Do we take it seriously? I must confess that sometimes I have not. Oh, I wasn't being intentionally irreverent, but I have said "Jesus" out of frustration, or shock. Odd that I never used any other name in that manner. I've never said "Ruth" (my mother's name) or John or Susan in frustration, anger, or shock. Why do I use Jesus' name in that manner? I could make excuses and say that I'm calling out to Him, but I'm really not - I'm just expressing my anger, or frustration. In the past when others have used God's and Jesus' names in that manner, I would sometimes answer "Yes.....?" I'm sure they thought I was being a "smarty pants", but I was just looking for a gentle and maybe even light humored way to remind them that they were using a name in vain Name that is to be hallowed. The Biblical meaning of hallow includes: sanctify, consecrate, venerate, or revere. Scripture tells us to first take the beam out of our own eye so that we can see clearly to take the speck out of our neighbor's eye OUCH! Expressions are difficult habits to break so what I have determined is this: when I do slip and invoke the Lord's Name, I must finish the sentence. Since I have called Him by name, I'm going talk to Him about what is happening then and there! My intent is to grow even closer to our Lord! At the very least, I'll no longer feel guilty about invoking the Lord's name in anything less than the hallowed manner He deserves. Prayer: Father God, You are to be revered in all that we do and say. There is none greater than You - NONE! Hallowed be Your Name. Amen! Teresa Cunningham |
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Sunday, April 16, 2023 |
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Scripture: John 19:30 (NIV) - "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished'. With that, He bowed his head and gave up his spirit." Message: These are among the last words that Jesus spoke from the cross. Since you must have lungs full of air in order to speak audibly, especially with any volume, we can conclude that it took great effort for Jesus to speak. Jesus has been hanging for over 6 hours by his wrists nailed to wood so His chest cavity would have been compressed and His breathing very shallow. Part of the cause of death was slow asphyxiation because of energy required and pain caused just to take a shallow breath. For this reason alone, I feel Jesus' words from the cross are the most significant and deliberate in His earthly lifetime. In Advent we started with Christ's birth where His earthly life began. In Lent we turned our attention to the cross, but was that the end? From the cross Jesus says, "It is finished", but what did He mean by that? You will have to determine that for yourself, yet for me it does not mean that the work He began at His birth is over, nor that the story has been written and there is no more to come. Eastertide leads us to Christ's Ascension followed by Pentecost, which means that the pathway has been laid and the door remains open for all. The introduction may be finished and the welcome complete, yet the story goes on for us individually and collectively into and through eternity there is no end! Jesus is alive! He is guiding, loving, forgiving, and carrying each and all through eternity. Prayer: Father God, the groundwork may be finished, yet we know that there is no end, only an eternity with You. Thank You for loving and creating a pathway for us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Thursday, December 21, 2023 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 (RSV) – “And the Angel said to them, ‘Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Message: Born this day…. Have you ever been in the presence of a newly born baby? No creature is more helpless or vulnerable than a newborn. Now go back 9 months before the very first Christmas. A part of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) that created our entire universe and all that is in it became a living cell that began to grow and develop inside a woman who would become His mother. His whole existence depended on her. He willingly traveled from a space of total control and power to one of absolute vulnerability. Do you feel even a little of the magnitude of love this required and that Jesus freely gave? It is a love so great that it took Him all the way to the cross where He again freely gave up all that He had left, His very life! Recently, I had an accident that I felt stripped me (at least temporarily) of everything that was important to me. I could no longer serve at my church, or meet the needs of my grandchildren at a time when their dependence on me was already slipping away. I couldn't even drive and was totally dependent on others to take me where I needed to go. I did not surrender, but rather fought hard to do the things that would take me twice as long as those who offered to help in any way possible. I was having quite a “pity party” when I came across this story in Luke. I began to see the birth of my Lord from a whole new perspective. I gave up nothing compared to Him. The love that it took for Jesus to willingly become one of us overwhelmed me like a tidal wave! My cup does indeed overflow! Just really think about what truly happened that first Christmas and open yourself to the love that is beyond all comprehension. Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for loving me and the entire universe so much that You became like us with all our shortcomings so that we can spend eternity with You. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Monday, March 14, 2022 |
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Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV) – “The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” Message: Have you noticed how the noise of the world around us is so loud and so piercingly painful that when you call out to God for help and direction, it seems He isn’t there? I have. This thought really came home to me when I read this passage from 1 Kings. It immediately came to me that the reality is not that God isn’t there or isn’t listening; the reality is that I am so focused on all that the world is throwing at me that all I hear or see is despair and blind boggling confusion. We often miss that God told Elijah to stand on the mountain “in the presence of the Lord” – not in the presence of the “world”. Elijah had only to wait for the “world” to get out of the way so that he could hear the quiet whisper of God! This passage reminds me to meditate on God’s presence and His Word until the world is shut out. When the fire, earthquake, and powerful wind no longer have my attention, the gentle whisper and love of God becomes clear. I have never liked to be yelled at – it only makes me want to yell back. In the calm, I can hear clearly and focus on what God is trying to tell me! Maybe that’s why so many declare that the best time to pray and experience God is in the quiet of the early morning. Prayer: Father God, thank You for the quiet of the morning. Also, please help us to remember that we hear Your voice more clearly when we shut out the world and focus on You just as Your Son taught us. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday December 21, 2022 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:7 (CEB) – “She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.” Message: In the past, I have always taken this to mean that Mary and Joseph were forced to a stable because of overcrowding and that was quite possibly true. As I read this passage now, I read it through the eyes of two parents about to give birth to a very special child. Mary and Joseph both have been told that “the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:35) is the father of this special child about to be born. I imagine the confusion and anticipation they must be feeling and all the questions they must still have. Does it now make sense that they would seek to be alone and away from the confusion of the times. They still need time to digest what is happening and the roles they are to play in God’s plan. What safer place than a stable? Who would intrude on them there? It is in a stable that they settle in to bring God’s plan into the world. It reminds me that if I truly want time to digest God’s plan for my life and to know that it is truly God’s voice that I’m hearing, I have to get away from the noise of the world. I do this not only by finding a quiet, secluded place and turning off my cell phone, but also by quieting my mind and patiently seeking God’s presence. Let’s take time away from the hustle and bustle of the season and concentrate on “THE REASON” for this Advent Season. Prayer: Father God, help us to seek Your voice and Your direction this Advent as we give thanks for the most wonderful gift ever given to us and to the world! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, February 20, 2021 |
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Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV) - "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Message: During Lent, the favorite topic of conversation is "What did you give up for Lent?". We know that fasting is a form of preparedness, but why fast? What does fasting actually accomplish? These are questions I have often asked myself in the post the answer that I came up with was that whenever I grew hungry, or wanted to do a certain thing that I had given up, it would remind me of what Jesus gave up for me and would bring Jesus, God, and the Holy Spurt to the front of my focus. But, in reading this passage I get a different picture It seems here that instead of "giving up" I should be "giving forward." To fast is not just to miss a meal, but to give that meal to someone who is hungry, not to give up FaceBook time, but to spend that time with someone who is lonely and so on. This also fits with my criteria of how to tell if something is of God, or of the world. You see, the world promotes self while God promotes others. If something is for me, is self-centered, I judge it worldly If something is about others, giving forward, it's from God. Flows inward - worldly; flows out - Godly: this has always been my rule of thumb! With that in mind, how will you fast this Lenten Season'? Family Activity: John Wesley fasted every week from sundown Thursday, to sundown Friday, (liturgical day definition) and before receiving Communion. Wesley encouraged fasting from meat on Fridays. During Lent those ordained were required to fast both Wednesdays and Fridays. Discuss what fasting would he like and consider making a commitment to fast from meat one or two days a week. Prayer: Father God, help me to be a river flowing forth with Your love, Your forgiveness, and Your mercy, not just in this Lenten Season, but for as long as You will use me. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, March 19, 2021 |
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Scripture: John 1:5 (NIV) - "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Message: As 2020 draws to a close, I find myself in a very somber place. I don't think anyone would disagree that this has been a very "dark" year. First the world wide pandemic forces us to separate ourselves and robs many of last precious minutes with their loved ones. Churches were forced to close, businesses were lost and people became afraid to seek medical help for fear of exposure to the virus. Not only are health care workers caused to work long hours, but they are separated from families for fear of infecting them. The political environment left many not knowing what to believe or who to trust. Racial biases brought forth death and destruction at an alarming scale and distrust took another leap. I don't think there is anyone on this planet who won't be glad to see 2020 "in the books". AND YET ....... Existing media was broadened to include services that had not existed before. Churches sought means to take their programs and fellowship into our homes instead of out having to gather in a closed room. I saw people sharing supplies with those who were lacking, shopping for those who were at a greater risk. I saw people wearing masks because it protected others. Even the environment improved by the ozone layer repairing itself at an amazing rate when cars were used only for necessity and emissions decreased because factories were closed. Health care workers became surrogate family for those critically ill because their actual family were forbidden access. I see paragraph one as "the darkness" and paragraph two as "the light." God did not create the darkness; it was already there. God did bring the light - He is the Light - that will always shine, no matter how the darkness surrounds us. Prayer: Father God, help me always to keep my focus on your ever-present Light, for you are my rock, my comforter, and the Light of our world! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, April 17, 2021 |
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Scripture: John 2:3-10 (NIV) - "When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, 'They have no more wine.' 'Woman, why do you involve me?' Jesus replied. 'My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water'; so they flied them to the brim. Then he told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.' They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, 'Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best until now.'" Message: I have gleaned so many messages from this scripture and yet I have often wondered why this would be the first miracle Jesus performed in his ministry. No one other than the disciples, Jesus' mother, and the servants even knew what actually happened. W at made this miracle so important to be his first? The answer came washing over me like a huge, but gentle wave this morning. Jesus cares about even the smallest, most insignificant details of our lives! I've always known that in my head, but I never got the full meaning until this morning. Just realizing that point is so important for all of us to fully grasp. Jesus made this his first miracle (even though His "hour has not yet come") because He cares about the smallest details in each of our lives. I think that until we understand that, we leave a big hole in our relationship with Him. We are quick to go to Him in a crisis (and boy is our world in a crisis on so many different fronts), but we tend to endure and struggle through the "hiccups" on our own. Left untreated the "hiccups" can become large, detrimental and unmanageable problems. Jesus turned the water into wine because it mattered to His mother and to the wedding couple ‑ even though the wedding couple may have been totally unaware. Just got a glimpse of another message from this miracle that you may see in a later devotional. For now, just know "Jesus does sweat the small stuff' right along with us and for us if we only ask. Prayer: Jesus, You are indeed Lord of my life because You do care about the smallest details of my life and all our lives. Thank You, thank You, thank You! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Sunday, December 5, 2021 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:7 (ASV) - "And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Message: Over two thousand years ago, Jesus came into this world, but because He did not fit the expectations, many did not recognize Him. People knew He was not just an ordinary man, but they had no idea He was the Son of God. They were expecting a mighty, conquering warrior that would destroy their enemies. When a praying, healer showed up telling us to forgive our enemies and to respond in love, the world was sure He couldn't be the Messiah they had been promised. Sometimes I wonder if we don't have the same misconceptions today. We expect Jesus to grant our desires and to bless our adventures, but do we ever stop and ask what God's plans are for our lives? Wouldn't it be better to ask to be a part of God's plans rather than to ask God to be a part of our plans? Wouldn't we be better off to seek plans that come from our Creator rather than relying on those plans we conceive with our limited knowledge and vision? I'm reminded of a famous quote by John F Kennedy - "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!" I would adapt that to say, "Ask not what your God can do for you; ask what you can do for your God." As long as we listen and follow God's plan we are bound to succeed. Family Activity: As we light the Candle of Preparation today, cut out or help cut out pictures that remind you of peace. Glue them onto construction paper, or poster board cut into the shape of a crown to remind you that Jesus is coming as the Prince of Peace. Prayer: Father God, show us Your plans for our lives, for our congregation, and for our community. We trust You and want to be guided and used by You for Your purpose. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, February 29, 2020 |
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Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) – “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 7:12 (NIV) – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Message: Have you ever noticed how many laws we are governed by? Not only that, but there are Federal laws, state laws and local laws. You can do things in some states that are perfectly acceptable, but will land you in jail in others. Each country has its own laws and if you travel outside the United States you had better be aware of them. It can be very confusing and even scary. I have always found that if I follow the two laws that Jesus gives us in Matthew, then I never have to worry about man’s laws. Whenever I’m faced with a decision, I simply ask myself how I would want to be treated if I were in the other person’s shoes (Matthew 7:12). If I do that, then I’m usually well within any laws made by man. It’s so simple and yet so very profound. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, let us keep these two truths in the forefront of our minds. It’s the answer to having a great relationship with God and a great relationship with each other. Family Activity: Make a Mosaic Cross. Cut out a large cardboard cross, or just draw a large cross. Cut out a large cardboard cross or just draw a large cross on a piece of poster board. Then cut out many squares of different colored paper. Place the paper in a box next to the cross along with a glue stick. During Lent, whenever a family member does a good deed or makes a sacrifice, he or she glues a square to the cross. The goal is to cover the entire cross by Easter. Set aside family time each day to talk about the day and then glue the colored paper on the cross. Prayer: Jesus, as we remember You and all You have given for each of us, let us follow Your teachings and Your laws. Help us not only to be good listeners, but to act upon them, too. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020 |
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Scripture: Matthew 6:12 (GNT) – “Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.” Message: You will recognize this passage as a part of the model Jesus gave us for use when we pray. For most of my life I’ve just thought this means that if I want to be forgiven, then I have to forgive others. While that is very true, it has come to mean even more to me now. We are asking God to forgive as we forgive. The word “as” here could mean “in the same manner”. “Forgive us in the same manner that we forgive others”. God’s forgiveness is complete and instant. Isn’t that what He is telling us? We are not only to forgive, we are to forgive without question and to forgive completely. The next time you pray this model prayer, consider the manner in which you forgive, and what's God saying to us? It rather goes in parallel with the command to treat others the way we want to be treated, doesn’t it? Prayer: Father, please help me to remember that I not only need to forgive, I want to forgive the way You forgive. I need the help of Your Holy Spirit to teach me how to do that. Thank You for Your faithful love and forgiveness. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Thursday, April 16, 2020 |
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Scripture: John 15:7 (NIV) – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Message: This sounds like Jesus is telling us that He will give us what we pray for and there are other scriptures that sound the same way. We all know that sometimes God says “no” for whatever reason, but this scripture leads me to believe that God will give me what I ask for. Then I saw it! The very first part of this scripture gave me my answer. First, we are to “remain in God” or, “stay connected to God”. That means to really talk with Him and listen for Him to talk to us. It also means to look for God in everything we do. Second, we are to keep His word in our heart. That means not just to read them, but to concentrate on them and apply them to our daily lives. It even means to memorize them to be able to call on them throughout our decision making. If we do those two things, our focus changes from what we want to search for God’s truth and His plan. When our focus changes, our prayers are most likely to change, too. Those are the prayers God is promising to give us. What joy! There is no double meaning here, but I only saw the truth when I took time to focus and ponder what God was trying to say. God always keeps His promises, we just need to be certain we understand the promise. Prayer: Father God, Your Word is true today and always and Your Word leads us straight to You! We want to stay connected to You so that our prayers are a reflection of Your will for us and all Your creation. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, April 24, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Hosea 6:11 (RSV) – “For you also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed, when I would restore the fortunes of my people.” Message: Even though I have always considered myself a “city girl”, I did grow up in a rural southwest Georgia farming community. I also married a “farm boy” who truly loved the farm and was never far from it. For this reason I understand what it means to plant a crop, and the need to water, till and fertilize it in order to produce a good, healthy crop. That’s why this passage got my attention. What will my crop look like at the eternal harvest? The seeds were good because God planted them, he also provided the sun and the rain which comes in the form of prayer. The fertilizer comes from his Holy Word, the Bible. The weeds and the locusts are from this world and will try to squeeze His crop, or at least diminish it. How I tend His crop will determine its yield. What will my/your crop look like at harvest time? Prayer: Lord, I want to arrive with an abundantly mature harvest when I present it to You on that glorious day. Thank You for the tools You have provided and the help You have given me to make it so. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, May 1, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Mark 6:47-51 (NLT) – “Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage! I am here!’ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed,’” Message: As I read and re-read this passage I hear God speaking to me in so many different ways. As I write this, the entire world is in a battle with the coronavirus, and trust me, that definitely qualifies as a struggle against things that seem to be out of control. The first thing I notice here is that Jesus saw the disciples' struggle, but had intended to pass them by. He must have known they would prevail, or He would not have intended to pass by; but when He saw their fear and aloneness, He went to them. He tells them to take courage and reminds them of His presence. In the same way He comes to each of us. As you and I struggle with all of the panic, fear, isolation, devastation of this world-wide virus, Jesus is still saying “Take courage! I am here!”. Just hearing those words calms my spirit. When I become overwhelmed with the fear of today and the future, I’m going to remember Jesus’ words in the midst of the storm – “I am here!”. Just as our presence, when our children were afraid calmed them, in a powerful way Christ’s presence can calm us today and every day; all we have to do is seek Him. If we just take time to look and listen, we can find Jesus at work, even in our panic and fear. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being here in the middle of all of life’s storms. As we acknowledge Your presence, our spirits are comforted and we are strengthened to face whatever the day may hold. You are our rock and comfort! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Matthew 6:12 (GNT) – “Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.” Message: Some of you may recognize this scripture as it is the same that I used in my Lenten Devotional that appeared on March 31. The thing is that when I read my own words, they hit me square in the face and into my very soul. How quickly I had forgotten my own revelation! With all of the hoarding, price gouging, and selfish denial of the requests made of each of us to contain this virus and the helplessness that all of this brings, it’s difficult not to become angry. I caught myself in the middle of a sentence, about to say there was a special place in hell….. Fortunately, I stopped before I got that far, but I was definitely headed in that direction. Not that long ago I was convicted to pray that hell would be empty and now I’m about to wish people to be sent there? Then I opened my devotional – my own heartfelt words – and fell to my knees. I also remembered Pastor Mike’s prayer, “God, I can’t; You can; please do”. The answer to contain this virus is to put others first. If everyone wore a mask to protect others, then the virus would have nowhere to go! Lend a hand – don’t point a finger. Jesus forgave the universe from the cross. He didn’t make any exceptions, or forgive anyone more than any other. Jesus is our example today and every day, no exceptions. To forgive is to love. To love is to know and reflect Christ. Let’s walk and live like Jesus. That’s what it means to follow Asbury’s mission: “to know the love of Jesus Christ and Pass it on!” Prayer: Father God, help us to forgive as You forgave and, when we do so, let us feel and know the full measure of Your love! We can’t share what we don’t know, and we want desperately to share You with this very broken and suffering world. For we know that Christians may be the only Christ this world will ever see. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Thursday, June 4, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Exodus 14:21-22 (NIV) – “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” (Please read Chapter 14 in its entirety in your Bible to get the full story)Message: We probably know this story well, but reading it today, in the light of the coronavirus, it seems even more real. We are trapped in our homes just as the Israelites were trapped by the Red Sea. The virus is between us and the food we need; the jobs we depend on; the loved ones who are hospitalized or in assisted living homes; the fellowship we crave. To go out into the world, we risk getting the virus. If we contract the virus, who will care for our families, our animals. I identify with the Israelites on the shore of the Red Sea today as I never have before. How is God going to hold back the virus the way he held back the waters of the Red Sea? He does it with businesses providing home delivery. He does it with people making masks, so that we each can protect each other. He does it with children drawing messages and pictures on sidewalks for us to see on our day walks. He does it with people providing music and songs in their front yards while others enjoy it from “their space”. He does it with clergy bringing worship services to us over the internet. He does it with neighbors coming out to say hello, when they would never look up before. Through the virus, God is using people to remind us of Jesus’ great commandments: 1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength; and 2) Love your neighbor as yourself. Notice the first word in each commandment is LOVE! God didn’t cause this virus, but He’s using it to teach the whole of humanity to love! Prayer: Father God, thank you for bringing something so vital as loving others out of something so horrific as this virus! Help us to love first always. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday June 9, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Mark 12:29-31 (NIV) – “‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, 'is this: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’” Message: We are all worried about contracting this COVID-19 virus. We are all limiting our contact with others, but that is almost impossible for any real length of time. During this interim, many people are making masks and sharing them with others. The real truth here is that these masks don’t offer us any real protection from the virus, but they DO offer protection to all those we come in contact with. The good news is that if everyone is wearing masks, then we are all protected. In reality, BY PROTECTING OTHERS, WE ARE ALSO PROTECTING OURSELVES! Now that’s Biblical! Christ told us it is one of the two greatest commandments. First – Love God; second – Love Others. Only in loving others do we truly know love. Christ even included it in the Lord’s Prayer He gave us when He told us to ask God to forgive us in the same manner that WE forgive OTHERS. It has never been about us – it has always been about others. If there is a lesson to be learned from this deadly pandemic, it is that only by protecting others can we truly protect ourselves. This virus has affected our entire universe. If our entire universe can just glean that one fact, then we truly will have MADE LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS!!! Prayer: Father God, we can use this virus for good if we can just grasp and practice the most important thing Your Son tried to teach us – that You come first and next comes others. Only when we are last will we become first – Your son said those very words. Help us to take care of others always with Your help. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, July 3, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: P roverbs 31:8-9 (CEB) – “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.”Message: That is a powerful directive. We, both as Christians and all who believe in the one true God, are called to care for and to protect the poor and the marginalized of this world. How do we do that? I have always been taught, and firmly believe, that two wrongs do not make a right – never have and never will. So, is responding to violence with violence the answer – where the stronger, the more violent seem to win? History seems to say no! Is there such a thing as righteous violence? It seems to me that violence begets violence and always returns in greater measure. So what is the answer? Wendy Mass, author, wrote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Richie Hartig reminded me in a recent service that hurting people strike out in pain. We need to treat the cause of the pain, rather than lash out at the symptoms. If we get rid of the cause of the pain, then the rest takes care of itself, but how do we do that? Last night I saw police officers marching alongside the protestors. I saw officers reaching across barricades to hold hands in prayer. I saw policeman “taking a knee” in respect and caring for all the “George Floyds” of this world. I saw healing. I saw human beings, not races, not ethnicities. You might ask, “What has that to do with Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12a (CEB) – ‘Therefore, you should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you;’?” If that police officer had treated George Floyd in the manner he would have wanted to be treated, then the outcome would have been very different. The answer is so simple and yet life changing! Prayer: Father God, please help us to remember Your words to treat others as we would want to be treated. You have shown us how to truly live in community. Even in the violence of the cross, You treated others as You wished they would have treated You. Help us always to remember, for that is the only way to truly heal this world. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Wednesday, July 8, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV) – “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’” Message: In this passage God is telling Moses who He is. He is Lord – the very ‘Top Guy’, there is no one over Him! Then He tells Moses, and Moses tells us what kind of God He is. The very first things God says is that He is a compassionate and gracious God (He has sympathy and empathy and is concerned and courteous). He is slow to anger. That doesn’t mean He won’t get angry; remember Jesus in the Temple and then remember how much Jesus had endured from the religious leaders before He expressed His anger. Now come the traits we most want to identify with; “abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin”. I think these are the traits that we most want to remember.But now comes the rest of the story, when God says He does not leave the guilty unpunished. When we think of loving and forgiving we rarely think of punishment. Yet, what earthly father who truly loves his children doesn’t punish them when they need it? Sometimes our actions alone result in what we might consider punishment. The difference is, when a loving father punishes his children, he does it with love and a true concern for their welfare and their future. Perhaps that is what Jesus is trying to teach us when He tells us that God is our Father in heaven. Punishment that comes through unconditional love is beneficial and helps us to grow, while punishment that comes from anger is destructive. God tells us that He loves us and forgives us, which means His punishment always has a loving purpose. Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving me enough to teach me Your ways and allow me to understand what happens when I choose a wrong path. Your loving forgiveness provides me with the courage to come back home to You. Help me remember that when I relate to others. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, July 17, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Genesis 1:27 (NLT) – “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Message: We have all witnessed racial discrimination, whether black, oriental, or Latino. Unfortunately, I think some just think it’s a reality, sad, but true none the less. We make laws against it, but those laws haven’t stopped it. Our constitution says all men are created equal, but it seems no one really believes that, so let’s go to a higher authority. Let’s look to the One who created us. Our Bibles tell us that we were created in the image of God and yet we are all so different….. but are we really? We’ve all heard the saying that beauty is only skin deep and if we are honest, we know that to be true. Well, our differences are only skin deep too! I gave anesthesia for those having surgery for 40+ years and not once when the incision was made did we find any differences. Internally, we are all made the same, it’s only the outside covering that is different. We all have different facial features, body builds, hair and eye color and we celebrate that! Now we just need to learn to celebrate our different skin colors, too! Prayer: Father God, help us to remember that internally, where it really counts, we are all made the same and in Your image. Help us to celebrate Your love for variety on the outside and oneness on the inside. We are all built the same and by the same Master, we just have different slip coverings which should bring us joy, through which we must celebrate our diversity and forever banish hostility, for You are our perfect Creator! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Monday, October 12, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Mark 12:41-44 (NLT) – “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’” Message: Today, as the financial report for our church was given and mention was given to the number of pledges made and the amount of increases in pledges, I thought of this scripture and this poor widow. I doubt seriously that she would have made a pledge because even giving her all, the amount was so small. I’m also certain that the widow was completely unaware that anyone was watching her. As the offering plates were passed later, I noticed that there was cash as well as marked envelopes in the offering plate. That reminded me of a time when I was about to place cash in the offering plate and my young son handed me an envelope from the back of the pew. I told him to put it back, that we don’t always need to get credit for our giving. Sometimes we just give and no one knows where it came from (that’s my favorite kind of giving). Of course, just as Jesus saw what the widow gave, He always sees us, but the fact that He was watching did not motivate her to give. I think it was her love of God that caused her to give all that she had, knowing God could bless even that little bit. Prayer: Father, while it is important to keep a record of our finances, please let us never forget that some people give without keeping an account. Help us to remember that just because some may not fill out pledge cards, that does not mean that they are not giving financially and often in many other ways to Your Church. You have blessed all our giving, both free giving and accountable giving and that is why we give. Thank You, thank You, thank You. Amen Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: John 3:16 (NRSV) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” Message: If there was ever one verse in the Bible that stands alone without losing any of its meaning, this is the one. It speaks of a love that far exceeds our meager understanding. I would submit that it is this very love that gave Christ the strength to endure the cross. Since this very love enabled Christ, then certainly it will enable me to face my yesterdays, my todays, and my tomorrows with a peace and excitement that will be contagious to all those around me. This is what Easter is all about! Easter shows us that God’s love can conquer anything this world has to throw at us. God’s love created us, and it is God’s love that will take us into eternity! God won at Calvary and that is an eternal victory! Prayer: Father, help us to open our hearts and minds to accept Your love and then to allow that love to flow through us and into the world. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, October 30, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Mark 1:9-11 (NLT) – “One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, ‘You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.’” Message: Oh how I long to have my Lord utter those same words when I meet Him face to face on that glorious day. I am not perfect, and trust me, I make many mistakes. With that said, I know that if Jesus loved me enough to go to the cross so that my mistakes (sins) would be paid for in full, then God will not take them into account on that marvelous day. Because of Jesus, my sins will not overshadow my relationship with my Creator. Because of Jesus, I can hear my Lord express His pride and acceptance of me. Prayer: Lord, thank You for a love so great that it allows my desires to outshine my actions. I pray that it is my love for You that shines through to all those I meet in such a way that they will come to know and love You! Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Thursday, November 6, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Matthew 14:25-33 (NIV) – “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost’, they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ‘Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come’, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Message: There are many lessons to be learned from this story. There is the example of what happens when we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to pay attention to the world around us. There is the example that with a firm faith we can accomplish all that Jesus promised. However, the lesson I like the most is what can happen when we have the courage and faith to get out of the boat. We give Peter a hard time about his failures, but the thing I like most about Peter is that he never let his failures stop him. Even when he denied knowing Jesus, he asked for, and received, forgiveness and went on to be one of the leaders of our faith. Peter was not afraid to be wrong. Peter was more afraid of doing nothing. He knew that God was in control and could use even his mistakes for good. Also note that Peter asked Jesus’ permission to walk on water before he got out of the boat. He didn’t just get out on his own and expect to do all that Jesus did. It was only when Jesus told him to come, that he got out of the boat without making excuses as to why he should stay in the boat. Prayer: Jesus, help me to have the courage to get out of the boat when You call. Help me to keep my eyes on You and not on the world around me, so that Your will and not mine will be done. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday, December 15, 2020 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:6-7 (NIV) – “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Message: We are probably all familiar with this Scripture, but as I reflected on this passage I wondered where I have placed Jesus in my life. I know that Jesus resides within me. While that may be at least a little better than the choices He had the night He was born, just what space have I made available for Him? Is He in a sleeping bag on the floor anywhere I could find extra space? Is He on a hide-a-bed pull out from my couch? Is He in a guest room that I make temporarily available when I really need Him? Or, is He in the master suite? He is the Master – my Master – and He deserves not only the very best I can offoffer, but a permanent place for the good and the bad times, and even the OK times. What place have you reserved for Jesus, not just for this Christmas, but for eternity? As for me, I think the “master” suite has His name all over it. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for blessing me and even more; thank You for allowing me to bless others in Your name. The “master” suite is all Yours, not only for the holidays, but for this entire year and every year to come. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Wednesday, March 13, 2019 |
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Scripture: Joshua 1:5 (NIV) - "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Message: Last year was my first year without my husband, Sam. After one of the Lenten Luncheons, I was missing him terribly and so very lonely without him. I felt the need for some alone time with God, so I headed to the Chapel, but felt pulled to the lakeside pavilion instead. I was sitting on one of the benches telling God how empty, alone, and lost I felt when I noticed a jogger go up on the platform, place her recorder on the railing and kneel in prayer. I had gotten up to leave when she finished praying and began to leave, too! That's when she came up to me and said, "you look like you could use a hug." "Oh, I sure could," I answered and received the biggest bear hug ever! She then asked if she could pray with me explaining that she had felt God steering her to me. We knelt together in prayer and I thanked her for following God's guidance. I had never seen this lady before and have not seen her since. The fact that she was a complete stranger let me know that she was sent by God. He was letting me know that He heard me and was providing for me. Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for sending this sweet angel to let me know that You will never leave me. Remind me of this sweet lady when I encounter someone in need. You always keep Your promises, even those made in the most ancient of times. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, March 30, 2019 |
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Scripture: Matthew 6:9 (NIV) - "This then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, thy name be hallowed;'" Message: Jesus tells us here that we are to call God, "Father". Jesus refers to God several times as our Heavenly Father. I did not have a good father figure in my life and for much of my life no father at all, but I did have a marvelous, Christian grandfather. Even though he went home to Heaven when I was about 11, he left me with a deep understanding of what a father should be and how a father should love. Granddaddy had a favorite chair and most of the time my brother and I knew we could find him there if he was home. If we were ever afraid, sad, had something exciting we wanted to share or more often in trouble with anyone, we had only to make it to Granddaddy's lap to be safe. He would pull us in, wrap his arms around us and hold us close as long as we wanted. Granddaddy's lap was complete safety that still washes over me when I think of him even now. That's what our Heavenly Father does for us. He pulls us in close, wraps His arms and Spirit around us keeping us safe and secure. Prayer: Father, thank You for such a wonderful grandfather who helped me understand who You are and what You mean to my life. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Wednesday, April 17, 2019 |
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Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) - "...our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom faith depends from start to finish: Jesus who, for the sake of joy that lay ahead of him, endured the cross, making light of its disgrace, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. " Message: I often reflect on the large white cross over the altar while I'm waiting for a service to begin. It seems so strangely empty when I think of all the pain and suffering it caused our Lord. How could something which bore so much pain and evil appear so serene and peaceful? Then I felt as if God was telling me that the cross is empty because the grave is empty. Jesus overcame the cross and made something so ugly and horrific to be beautiful just as He overcame something full of decay to be full of life for eternity. I never want to forget what that cross cost my Lord and I always want to remember the promise it stands for. That cross is the cross of the future - not the cross of the past. Prayer: Lord, may we never forget the cost of our sin that was paid for by You on the cross of Calvary. At the same time, let us remember that is not the end of the story. You took away our sin, conquered death and then gave us eternal life. Let all creation glorify Your name. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday, February 20, 2018 |
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Scripture: Mark 15:33-34 (NLT) - "At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. Then at three o'clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'" Message: At times, all of us, if we are honest, feel God has abandoned us. Our minds and beliefs tell us this isn't true, but our hearts and emotions still leave us feeling alone with a strange silence. When this happens, we start trying to answer why, so that we can confess and once again feel the comfort of God's presence. This morning, I sensed God saying to me: "Why do you feel that you have caused these feelings? If my very own Son experienced feelings of being abandoned, and He is perfect in every way, why do you feel that you have done anything to cause these emotions?" Then I felt God telling me that even though Jesus and I both felt God had abandoned us, He had never left. He was still there and always would be. The proof came when Christ rose from that dark, deep grave and presented all humanity with the 'key of life'! We just need to "be still" in our thoughts and deeds, look up, remember that Christ has walked that road before us, and give God the time and space to shine through the darkness. Prayer: Father God, thank You for showing me that feelings of darkness and loneliness are just a part of this world, but not Your world! Thank You for keeping the light on always, so that when I can finally open my eyes, I will understand that You were always there: "footprints in the sand." Help us to remember that the bad times help us to appreciate even more the joy You bring. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Tuesday, March 13, 2018 |
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Scripture: John 2:5 (NLT) - "But his mother told the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'" Message: If you are familiar with this story, you will recognize it as Jesus' first miracle, performed at the wedding in Cana. There are so many lessons here, but the one we'll examine today is what took place between Jesus and His mother, Mary. When Mary saw a problem, she took it to Jesus. She simply informed Him of it with no further explanation. What really stands out to me is Mary's response when Jesus told her His time had not yet come. She didn't argue with Him, didn't try to convince Him differently, and didn't try to shame Him into taking action. Mary simply went to the servants and told them to do whatever Jesus said. I would have tried to argue with Jesus to get Him to see the importance of the situation, but Mary simply stated the problem and waited. What happened next was totally up to Jesus, and Mary accepted that. I want to remember this example and trust Jesus to handle things as He chooses- not as I choose. Mary knew what I need to remember: Jesus can be trusted to act because He truly cares. Prayer: , I trust You to take care of my needs and my relationships. Help me to remember Mary's actions and to wait for Your response. I know, as Mary did, that You care and You can be trusted always. Amen.Teresa Cunningham |
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Monday, March 26, 2018 |
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Scripture: Genesis 9:14-17 (NIA) - "'When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.' Then God said to Noah, 'Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.'" Message: We all experience dark times in our lives, times when we are unable to see or feel the sun because the clouds are too thick. The sun is still there, but we can't experience its warmth and light. I have been going through just such a time since the loss of my husband and best friend, and I know I am not the only one. Somehow, that knowledge does not make the grief any less intense. In the midst of this, I remember something my mother said when I was in the throes of a divorce. She reminded me that only once in the entire history of the world did it rain continuously for 'forty days and forty nights. Even then, she said, when the rain stopped, and the waters receded, a whole new and much brighter world opened up. The Biblical Hebrew meaning of the number “forty” includes: new life, growth, transformation, and a change from one task to another. My “forty days” may be six months; they may be a year or more, but my mother and my Bible tell me a whole new world awaits. I must be faithful as Noah, Abraham and Jesus were faithful, and God will show me the way—just as He will for each one of us. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the rainbows. Please let us feel Your warmth even when we are unable to visualize it. Remind us to always look up to see the rainbow you have placed to remind us of Your love and Your promise of bright tomorrows. Amen. Teresa Cunningham (Editor’s note: changes agreed with author) |
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Wednesday, December 12, 2018 |
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Copyright Issue - Devotional cannot be viewed at this time Teresa Cunningham |
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Monday, December 17, 2018 |
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Copyright Issue - Devotional cannot be viewed at this time Teresa Cunningham |
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Thursday, March 30, 2017 & Monday, November 16, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Matthew 28:19a (NIV) – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,” Message: These were Jesus’ last words to His earthly followers, so in my thinking, that gives them great importance. The question is, "How do we follow that request?" You know, there is an old adage that seems to have stood the test of time – “Actions speak louder than words.” A few days ago, we were behind a car at the stop light, There with two young men in the car. They were laughing, “high fiving” each other, jumping around in their seats so vigorously that the car was actually bouncing up and down and shaking from side to side. Their actions were so exaggerated that we decided that they must be high on something other than life, and gave them a wide berth. As I was driving home today, I remembered the Methodist symbol of the Cross and Flame that is attached to the rear of my car, in a rather prominent place. I wondered how people viewed me, which led to consider how they view my Church, which led to how they viewed my Lord! Even driving down the highway, we are telling the world about Christ and showing the world what it means to be a Christian. Prayer: Lord, may I never forget that even on the highway, I may be the only face of Christ that someone in this world will ever see. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Friday, April 7, 2017 & Saturday, November 21, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Mark 12:29-31 (NLT) – “Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” No other commandment is greater than these.’” Message: We all (as Christians) know that God is the one and only God. That much we know, but exactly what does it mean to love Him with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength? I was thinking on this when it occurred to me Jesus answered that very question with His second commandment, which we often refer to as the “Golden Rule”. We think about treating each other as we want to be treated, but what about treating God the way we want to be treated? When I need companionship, would I want that person to ignore me because they are too busy? When I have important information, or just want to express my love for someone, would I want to be ignored because they are watching a favorite TV program? What I never realized before, is that by giving us the second commandment, Jesus is showing us how to obey the first commandment which dates all the way back to Moses on Mount Sinai. Prayer: Lord, we accept that You are the One true God, and we earnestly seek a relationship with You. Thank You for Your love and patience as we seek to grow ever closer to You, as we come to understand You through Your Word, the Bible. Amen.
Teresa
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Wednesday, April 12, 2017 |
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Scripture: John 3:16 (NCV) – "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life." Message: I have three very close friends suffering with cancer, and two of them found out after the cancer had a very strong hold on their bodies. All around me I see disasters and difficulties that bring me to my knees. I'm earnestly praying for my friends and others, but bad news just keeps flooding in all directions. This morning in my prayers, God reminded me of John 3:16. If God loves me, my friends, and even you, so much that He would give - not just allow, but actually give His only Son for us, then He will protect us and keep us. That much love is a mighty shield that can't be destroyed! God has us! Prayer: Father, God, thank You for Your powerful and endless love. Thank You for reminding me, and all of us, of the power of that love. We are Yours and all will be well! men. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, December 16, 2017 |
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Scripture: Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"Message: How many times have I read this verse or just had it pop into my head? It has always brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. This morning, as I was opening my Bible to read, the verse popped into my head again, but this time the emphasis was on its second half: "I will say it again: Rejoice!" Why the need for repetition? Could it be that, especially in these times, Paul's words need to be repeated so we understand the importance of rejoicing in the Lord? With all that is going on in the world, in my life, and in my loved ones' lives right now, rejoicing is far from the surface of my emotions. When this repeated verse came to my consciousness, it made me realize that I do have a lot to rejoice about. I have the One True God in my life, and He is in total control. Even more than that, I can trust Him always. When I feel lost as to what comes next, I can trust God, and that means everything to me. I can let go and trust in Him. And that, my friends, is something to rejoice about again and again and again! Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that I can and should always rejoice in You. When I'm in Your presence, You bring peace and joy into my life. Please keep us ever-aware that we have everything to rejoice over. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Saturday, December 3, 2016 |
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Scripture: Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Message: This is a promise that God makes to His people over and over again. When I have the promise of God to walk with me and protect me, why do I keep trying to do everything or even some things on my own? When I keep my eyes on Jesus, even though I still fear the uncertainties of this world, I also feel safe and secure in His love and protection. I know that He is not only able, but that He will protect me. I have always known that God was "able", it's the willing part that I've had trouble with. I'm learning that He is always willing to give as long as I am willing to receive. It's the receiving part that I had to come to understand. When compared to what others I love are facing, my problems seem small, so I tried to take care of myself and give God more space to handle the life-threatening and life-changing needs of my loved ones. I have learned my minor problems are just as precious to God as those life-threatening problems of others and not only can I take them to Him, He WANTS me to take them to Him. When I turn to God, He knows that I love Him, that I trust Him with all that I have, and that I depend on Him for everything. Prayer: Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord! You are my rock and my security and most important, my hope for my existence now and my future to come. Help me to love you and to love others with the same love that you have for me. Amen. Teresa Cunningham |
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Monday, March 16, 2015 & Tuesday September 8, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Matthew 27:46 (NIV) – “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” Message: If Jesus, the Son of God, and a part of the Trinity felt forsaken and alone, why should we feel that something is wrong with our faith and our walk with God if we feel alone and apart at times? I find comfort in knowing that, if even Jesus can have these feelings, then certainly I have nothing to fear when I experience these same emotions. I can know that it is temporary, just as it was for Jesus and that I have only to hold fast to my faith and my God. Also, it is important to know what Jesus did when He experienced this separation – He turned to the Scriptures. This verse is a direct quote from Psalm 22:1, written by David. Jesus went to the Scriptures for comfort and direction when He felt abandoned. And just as Jesus went to the Scriptures, those same Scriptures are there for us in our dark times and our good times, but we have to be familiar with them and know how to search the Scriptures for the guidance we need. The only way to have that knowledge is to have studied them daily and become familiar with God’s Word and the direction it affords us. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your everlasting Word that has always been there for us and will always be there for us in our time of need, as well as our time of joy! Help us to remember that we have only to seek Your guidance through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit to once again know that we are safe in Your eternal care! Amen.
Teresa Cunningham |
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Wednesday, April 1, 2015 & Monday, October 5, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) – “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Message: No matter what God has planned or asks of us now or in the future, we have the promise that He will not send us out alone. He will always be with us, even to the end of the age. Unlike Jesus on the cross, we will never be left alone. Not long ago my granddaughter became lost at a school runners competition involving many schools in this area. When her age group ran and crossed the finish line, she was nowhere to be found. When we found her I scooped her up in my arms and clung tightly to her. I promised to hold her close until she felt safe and ready to get down. That is what Jesus and his Holy Spirit does for us. He is always there to hold us tightly and keep us safely in His arms until we are on solid ground. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your strong arms that keep us safe at all times. Help us to remember His promise when we are feeling lost and “in over our heads.” Amen.
Teresa Cunningham |
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Monday, December 1, 2014 & Wednesday, January 20, 2021 |
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Scripture: Luke 1:38 (NIV) – “‘I am the Lord's servant’, Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Message: We are all familiar with this Scripture. Mary has just been told that she is to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to God's only Son. She is a virgin, although engaged, in a culture that does not tolerate pregnancy outside of marriage and yet she is so obedient in her faith that she agrees. God has directed others in ways that would lead most of us to question obedience. Noah must have been a laughing stock when he built the Ark, Abraham left all he knew for an unknown land, but never before was death a real possibility for following God's will. Yet, Mary trusted her God and followed willingly as the angel directed. It seems to me that there is a great lesson here. Because of her obedience, our Savior was born and provides through His life and death and life again, our assurance of life eternal. We should all learn from Mary's faith and obedience. Prayer: Lord, teach me to do Your will and to trust that the things that You lead me to do, even when I don’t understand the reason, trusting that they are for Your glory and for Your Kingdom. Amen.
Teresa Cunningham |
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