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2024 Journeys That Surprise Us 1 25 24 2023 Timely Words 2 28 23 2022 God’s Gift As We Journey Through Grief 3 16 22 This Season Is Our Gift 12 11 22 2021 Life Through The Son 3 16 21 |
2020 Trusting Always 4 9 20 Finding What Is Lost 5 6 20 Seeing Through A Shepherd’s Eyes 12 17 20 Faith In The Unknown 12 22 20 2019 What Leads Us Closer To God? 12 10 19 2018 The Greatest Gift 12 20 18 2017 Wait For The Lord 12 21 17 |
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Christmastide - Friday, January 5, 2024 |
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Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15 (NLT) – “After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother’ the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called my Son out of Egypt’.” Message: I have been thinking about Journeys for a while. I don’t know about you, but I cannot imagine a journey with no itinerary, not knowing where I will stay, where I will get food, find work or a way to raise money for the trip. As a control freak, I don’t usually wait for instructions from angels of the Lord. But here is Joseph, trusting and believing in this message and willing to follow instructions to “Fulfill” the plans that God set before His people of the Old Testament. I also think about Joseph going to Egypt, the place where His ancestors were saved, enslaved, killed and escaped to the Promised Land. How fearful would he be? Joseph was committed to protecting Jesus and Mary, but his profound trust in the Lord led him. It was a journey of discovery, with Joseph trusting God for direction. Joseph was the perfect choice to fulfill God’s promise so that His Son could be “called out of Egypt”. When I think about journeys of my own, I think of journeys that surprise me and the gifts I have received by taking them. Not all journeys are for pleasure, but they can bring new surprises. Think about the times you have received the “Gift of Discovery”. Joseph was surprised I am sure, but what I think about the most, is trusting God to lead us into the places and the discovery that they bring. The New Year will bring us all opportunities to journey and to discover. Prayer: Father, as we move through these special days of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, lead us to trust in Your promises that brings us closer to You as we continue on our journey. Lead me to trust in Your promises that bring me closer to You. Touch each person with Your gift of love so we can pass on that love to all Your world. Amen.
Patti Etzkin |
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Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
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Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) - "'For I know the plans I have for you, 'says the Lord.' They are plans for good not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" Message: It's about Time - it's so fleeting and we don't think we have enough of it. Our time seems to be focused on what we have decided we deserve. We feel rushed, out of breath and exhausted most of the time. There never seems to be enough of it! Jesus knew He had limited time and He focused on teaching His Disciples and, ultimately, us on how to use our time. · Next time - I'll serve. · When I'm not so busy - I'll say yes. · When the kids are on their own - I'll show up. · When I retire - I'll have lots of time. · When my latest project is done - I will support a project for others. Can we slow down now and begin to let Jesus lead us and show us how to use the time we have. Remember Jeremiah tells us what is planned for us, and it is a plan for good. Make the time to study God's Word; make the time for Prayer; make the time for reaching out to others and create something new. We are walking with Jesus toward the Cross and there is no better time to fulfill God's plan for us than right now. Let us be there intentionally focused on what is truly important. Choose God's time and see where His path leads you. Jesus chose God's Plan for Him and look what has happened through the resurrection! Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me shift my time demands so they are centered on You first. Stay with me as I rearrange my priorities so what I think is my time becomes Your time. Amen.
Patti Etzkin |
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Wednesday, March 16, 2022 |
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15 (NLT) – “For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: we who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.” Message: Many of you know that I am grieving the loss of my husband, Steve, as well as his twin brothers Alan and Michael. All have died in the past sixteen months. As I am trying to find my footing, all my family is trying to find theirs too. Indeed, right now the entire country and world is grieving for the losses during this pandemic and also trying to find their footing. This passage gave me a reminder of the promises we have as believers. He will return as well as ALL who have passed. This is where my strength comes from. There is so much power in these words. As a believer, my feet are securely planted once again in the Word of God. From this position, I will begin to move forward, knowing my beloved husband and family are with Him, and I will see Jesus at the same time. Prayer: Father God, You are my steady rock leading me to solid ground. Bring Your Gift of peace and comfort to all who are grieving; help our understanding to know that You are always with us, to steady our life, and to guide our feet. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Third Advent Sunday, December 11, 2022 |
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Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NLT Extract) – “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Please read the entire text in your Bible.)Message: I have been thinking a lot about the seasons of our lives and especially this “season of my life”. This season is one of happiness as well as one of grief for those we are missing in our lives. While I lived in Florida there weren’t many weather seasons; sure we had some cold weather, but it didn’t last long. We approach some of the seasons of our personal lives in the same way. It changes us if we allow Christ to be the center of every season. When we think of the gift God has given us in the birth of His Son, we can only feel Gratitude and Joy, but the Season of Grief is there too, because we know “the rest of the story”. Thinking of the Season of Advent there is so much preparation, but it is also to remind us that we must open our hearts again to the Christ Child. Remembering this Season, and even counting the days on the calendar until the Christ Child comes, we can anticipate the Joy of the Gift we have been given in the name of Jesus. Let us make sure that we search each day of this Advent Season for the Gifts Jesus gives us and make it a Joyful Advent to all whom we meet. Family Activity: Using a container of your choice (a bowl, a dish, a jar, a baggie – anything can work), ask each family member to write down their discovery of JOY for the day and store them. Have each person share their joy aloud as a discussion, or use them as things to be thankful for in bedtime prayers. Do this each day until Christmas (or keep going!). On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, pull out the “Joy Jar” and reflect, as a family, on the joys as a way to celebrate the joy and gift of Jesus’ birth. Prayer: Slow me down Lord. Help me to look around and claim all the gifts You bring me each day. Help me to open my heart and receive each day of Advent as a new birth of the Joy You give. Keep my eyes focused on this Season, the Season of Your gift, Your birth. Amen.
Patti Etzkin |
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Tuesday March 16, 2021 |
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Scripture: John 5:17, 19-21 (NIV) - "In his defense Jesus said to them, 'My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.' Jesus gave them this answer: 'Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.'" Message: How much clearer does Jesus' message have to be? I read these words and am reminded that I don't always remember that it ALL comes from God. Jesus reminds us again and again that what he does comes from His Father. If then, we are followers of Jesus, everything comes from God, including life after death and the promise for our future. So many times we forget that everything we are grateful for did not come to us because of anything we have done. I look at my life with such amazement and am so grateful for it. Who knew a little girl from a small farming community could follow her heart and find success far away. I know it did not happen because of anything I did, but with connection to many, many kind believers who guided me in so many ways. So many friends stepped out in Faith so I could learn that Faith comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. Nothing more than that, nothing else will lead us to fulfill our destiny. I know I'm not done yet. Jesus said that God is in everything through His Son. I will indeed follow Him, and invite you to step out in Faith as so many of our foremothers and forefathers have done. He will show us the way through the Cross. Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart, mind and dreams come from my relationship with You. I am grateful for Your words that guide me. I ask for Your guidance today and every day. Take my hand and never leave me. I know as long as I focus on Your Son, Jesus, You will always be by my side. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020 |
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Scripture: Luke 23:46 (NIV) – “Jesus called out with a loud voice ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’. When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Message: Jesus final words are from Psalm 31:4-5; these words were spoken by King David as he expresses complete dependence on God; David’s life (and our lives) are in God’s hands. Jesus would have known this message from David and how David had complete trust in God. When we rely on God we are trusting that God is in charge of our life. Even in what we think of as the most awful experience we must trust that God is with us. Jesus knew that and always put His trust in His Father. I remember a Good Friday, service many years ago. I may have been a teen. It was truly a dark and rainy afternoon; the service was in my old, dark traditional church. The message was not necessarily memorable; there was no choir. At the end of the service I heard from the balcony beautiful words which proclaimed the true message of that day; “Were you there when they crucified my Lord.”1 The deep baritone voice bore into my soul, maybe for the first time as I pondered those words. The song, based on an 1899 American Spiritual, is considered a plantation hymn. When I think about where this message came from, slavery, I can think of nothing worse. These brutalized, enslaved people reminded themselves that God is in charge. He was in charge of their lives, of my life and of your life. All you have to do is put your trust in Him. Jesus did, and He knew His Father. No matter where we are on our Faith Journey, this time of Lent reminds me that God loves us all so very much, that He sent His Son to come among us. Prayer: Father God, the words of that precious hymn remind us that You are where our trusts rests; nothing else can give us security and peace. Your love for us makes us whole and You and You alone become our Anchor. For all the tears shed, You hold them all in Your heart. Open our hearts to welcome Your Son into our lives because He is Risen. Amen. Patti Etzkin 1. “Were you there when they crucified my Lord” by William E Barton published in Old Plantation Hymns. 1899. Public Domain since 2000. |
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Wednesday, May 6, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: John 20:13-14 (NIV) – “They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.” Message: I have been thinking a lot about Mary Magdalene these past few days and thinking about loss; loosing things and people. It can be sad, bring tears, feeling lost myself. When this happens we somehow blame others first because we don’t want to admit our part in the loss. Even when we move away from the blame game, we somehow still can’t bring ourselves to admit our part in the loss. Part of admitting it, I think, is when we realize we must move toward the pain. We, like Mary can’t see what is there. Was it her clouded eyes? Was she so overcome with wondering where His body might be she couldn’t recognize who was standing in front of her. I remember seeing people out of the context of where we usually see them, so that we feel kind of off balance and may not even remember their names. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed with grief, we cannot remember who was with us during these difficult times. We move to isolate ourselves from loss, from pain, from grief. We remember when circumstances were different, happy, secure; but those memories are just what we need to remember that Jesus is by our side, in front of us, and next to us with His arms around us. Jesus is our refuge in both the storms and the calm seas. As we continue to move through this pandemic alone, lonely, grieving what we feel this loss has taken from us; Jesus is here, right in front of us, in memories, in sadness, in joy and has His arms around each one of us. Like Mary Magdalene, we will recognize Jesus when we move toward Him in prayer, thanksgiving and love. Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to always recognize You when we have deep feelings of loss, grief and sadness. Help us to reach out to You first, not become blind to Your gentle arms ready for the hugs and the sense of security. Even in this time of separation from many we love, we can never lose sight of You. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Thursday, December 17, 2020 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:8-12, 15 (NIV) – “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” Message: As we continue to focus on outward stresses like the COVID 19 Pandemic, the child is coming to us this Advent. We aren’t ready to receive Him as our eyes are focused elsewhere. Think about who really saw Him - Shepherds were looking for Him after the Angels arrived. The Shepherds knew He was promised and God would make His promises happen. The waiting was the hardest thing, but these Shepherds were willing to wait and then follow. Think of their Joy and excitement to be some of the first to see, truly see the Christ Child and to know that God’s promise has been fulfilled for them. Fulfilled for us and for all. We just have to see anew that Gods promises are ALWAYS fulfilled. We are God's own when we see anew the Babe. Let us look and seek as the Shepherds did. Prayer: Father God, we come to You asking to open our eyes to Your presence in every moment of our lives. We ask for Your guidance as we walk toward Your promise, Jesus Christ. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Tuesday December 22, 2020 |
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Scriptures: Matthew 2:6 (NIV) – “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” Micah 5:2 (NIV) – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Message: As I read these two passages, they show me that we build upon our past that brings us to today. The three Kings were basing their message from the past and applying it to that time for them to begin their journey toward the Christ Child. How many times do we journey toward something new and unknown, using information we have received in the past. This can be a new vocation path, a new study path, preparing for a new opportunity to fulfil a goal we realized was finally within our future. Think about those Three Kings looking for divine guidance and then starting an unknown journey toward the promise of the Christ Child. There is excitement and maybe some fear and trepidation also as they embarked on their journey. They could have made a terrible mistake by going back to Herod and reporting. That journey away from the Child had a huge impact on the future. A journey for us may have a huge impact on our Faith journey. Are we ready to follow our Faith journey? Let us begin our next journey knowing that our relationship with Jesus will guide us and protect us as we start with that First Step. Let us be like the Three Kings, following the star to the Christ Child. Prayer: I ask for Your wisdom to help me focus on where You would have me go. Wake me up to know You are always with me as I begin the First Step toward the future You would have me experience. I pray this in Your precious Son Jesus' name. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Tuesday, December 10, 2019 |
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Scripture: Psalm 27:14 (AKJV) - "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." Message: If we do not wait patiently for God's coming in glory, we start wandering around, going from one little sensation to another. Our lives get stuffed with newspaper items, computer shopping, shopping, television stories and gossip. Then our minds lose the discipline of discerning between what leads us closer to God and what doesn't. Without waiting for the second coming of Christ, or waiting for when Christ calls us, we will stagnate and become tempted to indulge in whatever gives us a moment of pleasure... but when we wait and have the Lord to look forward to, we can already experience Him in waiting. Prayer: Help me to live with an "Advent Awareness" that God is always ready to come to me with His saving power. Let me experience You in the waiting of Advent. Show me what things I must cut out, or reject, because they move me away from You and Your loving kindness. In the Holy name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Thursday, December 20, 2018 |
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Scripture:
Psalm 40:8-9 (NIV) –
“I desire to
do
your will,
my God, your law is
within my heart. I proclaim
righteousness in
the
great assembly; I
do not seal my lips,
Lord, as you know.” Message: The greatest gift anyone can give is service to another. And the greatest gift anyone can receive comes in accepting that gift of service. Jesus came to show us how to serve, how to touch others, how to create order out of chaos, how to soothe hurts of loss and need. We must be the givers of those gifts. At this time of year, we all get caught up in the gifting; let’s see what we can give in the way of service. Remember, the greatest gift ever given was Jesus’ birth. God gave that gift, and we have received its many blessings. Now, let’s turn those blessings into gifts for others. Your gift might be one day of service once a month, one red bag, one day to visit a lonely neighbor, one moment to think of someone and write a note. There are so many ways we can gift others that show we have received the blessings of Jesus. What greater way to thank God for His gift to us? Prayer: Dear servant God, how often I resist even the hint that I need to serve others? Help me to be open to Your grace that will move me to serve others freely. In Your Son's holy name. Amen. Patti Etzkin |
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Thursday, December 21, 2017 |
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Scripture: Psalm 27:14 (NABRE) - "Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!" Message: As we walk toward the manger, I think about waiting. It's hard to wait. We have difficulty being patient for anything. We live in an instant world. Instant answers, instant orders, instant television shows - why, we can even view an entire series, one show right after another. It's called binge-watching. Our lives get stuffed with inconsequential matters, and we still cannot wait for the Lord. He is here, among us, around us, with us every moment, and we are impatient. Why doesn't Christmas come sooner? Will we stagnate and become tempted to indulge in whatever gives us a moment of pleasure? Let's remember: When we have the Lord to look forward to, we can already experience Him in the waiting. Prayer: Father, allow me to wait, wait for Your presence, coming to me annually, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly, moment by moment. And allow me to experience your birth in me. Amen.Patti Etzkin |
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