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2025 Becoming Like Children 3 11 25 - Jim Where Is Jesus? 3 29 25 - Donna 2024 Learning To Pray 2 19 24 - Jim Tears 3 22 24 - Donna Our Unique Gifts 12 6 24 - Donna 2023 Early Morning Walks 12 10 23 - Jim Stay The Course 3 31 23 - Jim Kindness Is Love 12 5 23 - Donna |
2022 Scraps Of Love 12 4 22 - Donna Coming Out Of The Dark 12 14 22 - Jim 2021 Why Worry? 12 1 21 - Jim Faith Of A Child 12 15 21 - Donna |
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Tuesday, March 11, 2025 by Jim |
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Scripture: John 1:1-18 (NIV) – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” Message: When I first chose this Scripture for Lent, the way it reflects the first chapter of Genesis, caused me to question, “Does it belong to Advent, or to Lent?” I think it’s appropriate to either. “Word” is used many times in the Bible. I always thought it was to emphasize that God was speaking to us through the Holy Spirit. But John’s use in his Prologue means something deeper to me. In John’s Prologue, “Word” paints a picture of Jesus that is beyond our comprehension. The original Greek meaning for “Word” is “Logos” referring to divine wisdom, principle, or reason. To the ancient Greeks, everything had a “Logos”, even the universe. Logos is something that underlies the spoken word. If we recognize the Logos of something, then we can live in harmony with it. So, for Jesus it wasn’t just about following the “Law”, but He made it deeply personal, as in: “Follow Me”; “Love Me”; “Be Like Me”. These are the bases of how we should relate to, and interact with, God which require our whole being. God desires us to have a loving relationship with Him in a meaningful way, like children do. Jesus speaks about children frequently in the Bible, because He saw them as a representation of innocence, trust and faith; these qualities are essential for entering the Kingdom of God. God valued their pure receptiveness to His Love, without the burdens of worldly concerns. We are called to become like children. Prayer: Dear Lord, help me step beyond the study of Your Word, to truly feel Your presence in me through Your Spirit. Help me to practice “Logos” in a loving relationship with You with childlike innocence. Guide me to extend these feelings to my brothers and sisters in our community. Let me be like this, not just through Lent, but for the years ahead, becoming a new creation in Your image. Thank You Lord. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Saturday, March 29, 2025 Where Is Jesus? by Donna |
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Scripture: John 14:3 (NIV) – “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”Message: The New Testament of the Christian Bible is sprinkled throughout with promises of the return of Christ to earth. Some of the familiar proclamations can be read in Revelations 22:7a, 12:10-12 and 20:4-6, Matthew 24:26-30, Mark 13:26-37, Luke 21:27-36 and in John 14:1-6. The idea that Christ will return suggests that He is not here on earth.However, I believe Jesus is omnipresent and with us every day, if we open our hearts and minds to His presence! Recently, after Hurricane Helene, I was watching a street weather reporter stop in the middle of his broadcast and suddenly hand his microphone to someone on the sideline. He then proceeded to wade through almost chest high water to rescue a petrified woman in a flooded car. He carried her back to safe ground! She felt the arms of Christ saving her and he acted on behalf of Christ! I witnessed Christ giving Hope, Joy, Peace and Love in a big way. It happens in small ways too. We act Christ-like when we bring a meal to the family of a newborn, when a grocery clerk takes you to the item you cannot find, when we offer a listening ear, or help out a stranger, a neighbor, or a co-worker. In most cases, it takes only our time, patience, and caring and loving concern. Each morning ask God to clothe you in His Goodness and Love so that you can receive and be the Hands and Feet of Christ before His Second Coming. We are the givers and receivers of His Love. We don’t have to wait and wonder! Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be more intentional with my thoughts, words and actions. This morning fill me with love, kindness, patience and selflessness, so that I might be able to witness Christ on earth, and be like Christ at every opportunity. Help me to love others, and to see and share all the Goodness He is providing on this earth. During this time of hurricanes, floods and desperate people in need, may I be a conduit of Jesus’ Saving Grace today and always. Amen. Donna McElhose |
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Monday, February 19, 2024 by Jim |
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Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV) – “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” Message: Although I attended church with my family when I was young, prayer had never been part of my life. I thought the pastors were the only designees who could pray correctly, with their necessary eloquent words. Unfortunately, I thought all those “Good things” that happened in my life and family were merely coincidences. I really didn’t know how to pray, and I lacked the confidence to say the right words. Wow, how naïve I was back then. Many years later I realized how selfish this life style was. I learned that prayer wasn’t about using liturgical words. I was over-thinking it. I didn’t need to read about it, just do it! An awkward prayer is certainly better than none at all. Praying out loud was something I didn’t think I could ever do. Now it is a major component of my faith and daily life. I don’t know if there is a “proper” way to pray. What I do know that works well for me; just having a conversation with God, being specific and always giving thanks for His presence in my life. Along with Fasting and Almsgiving, Prayer is one of the three traditional pillars of the Lenten season. Although all three are vital, Prayer is the cornerstone of our Lenten journey and is vital to all of our actions in life. God isn’t interested in where and how we do it. He just wants us to do it from our heart with true conviction. And guess what, I found it works! Prayer: Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, transform me during this Lenten season, giving me strength to commit myself to grow closer to You each day. Let my prayers be filled with encouragement for others, nourishment through You to fulfill our Lenten season promises to You, and to sustain our Lenten promises throughout the year. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Good Friday, March 22, 2024 Tears by Donna |
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Scriptures: Luke 19:41 (NLT) – “But as He came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep.” John 11:35 (NLT) – “Then Jesus wept.” Hebrews 5:7a,b (NLT) – “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue Him from death.” Message: The Bible records three times when Jesus wept. So, why are we often reluctant to shed our tears? Children are encouraged not to cry when they are sad or hurt. Adults try to hide their tears. In our culture tears seem to be a sign of weakness. But, are they? Jesus rode into Jerusalem the final time, He felt intense frustration with their hypocrisy. At Lazarus’s grave He felt His friends’ grief and sorrow, as well as irritation for their lack of faith in Him. Jesus was fearful and cried in the Garden of Gethsemane for what was to come. Then, alone and in despair Jesus pleaded with God because He felt forsaken. Jesus’ weeping is always followed by prayer asking God to forgive, to understand, to supply mercy, to heal. Much like Jesus, I think it is important to allow our tears to flow. Our tears are an outward manifestation of intense human emotions. Tears become the conduit that lets us reconnect with God. They bring forth a conversation. We talk to God. We pray. We wait. We listen for His answers of empathy, of guidance, of healing. Tears we share with God can only strengthen us! Prayer: God, help me to face my fears, sorrows and frustrations through my tears. Teach me to pray with a faithful heart that You are listening and will guide me to a place of healing and peace, and empathy for others. Amen. Donna McElhose |
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Friday, December 6, 2024 Our Unique Gifts by Jim |
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Scriptures: Romans 12:6 (NIV) – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Message: My wife can wrap a Christmas present so beautifully that it can be displayed in the window of a department store to encourage customers to come in. Well nowadays, this would probably be more like a post on the internet. I always wrap my Christmas presents too, but the recipient often asks me if it got run over by a truck! Did you know God made us each with special gifts. Part of loving others is knowing how to share these gifts. It means knowing our strengths and serving others in ways that make us shine for God. These gifts can be our creativity using our hands, or they can be our energy and enthusiasm to grow our church and community. Foremost, they should be with our whole heart. The birth of Jesus Christ is the most precious gift we can receive and is the very reason we celebrate Christmas. His love is what Advent is all about. Prayer: Gracious God, we offer You thanks and praise for the gifts we have been given. Blessed by Your grace, teach us to show gratitude by sharing what we have been given to others. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely. Lead us as we share them generously as we show Christ to others. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Second Advent Sunday, December 10, 2023 Early Morning Walks by Jim |
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Scripture: John 14:27 (NRSV) – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Message: I often walk the Seminole Cross County trail early in the morning, as the day is young. It’s so quiet and peaceful. A few days ago, two ladies passed me on their bikes. All I heard of their conversation was “It was good, I liked it, BUT I forgot how loud it was”. With this nugget of my invasion into their private discussion, I guessed they were probably referring to last night’s event they attended. Whatever that may have been? Loudness is much more abundant today with so much activity around us, including social media noise. It’s distracting, affects our ability to concentrate and focus on any endeavor. And for me, it can give me a brief spell of anxiety. The other side of the coin is quietness. In quietness I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in nature and within me. I find that my prayer life is dependent on peacefulness. If I try to focus on prayer when I am in a noisy area, I really struggle. Jesus often sought solitude and peacefulness in his prayer life. He knew the value of “alone time”. A peaceful prayer life can help me learn more about God’s plan for me and what I really want to talk to Him about today. And, perhaps most importantly, am I ready to listen for Him, rather than do all the talking? The candles of Advent welcome our Advent Season. On the second week of Advent, the “Peace Candle,” will be lit symbolizing Christ as Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). It reminds us that Christ will bring Peace to us (John 14:27) and to a troubled world (Luke 2:14). My hope is that your prayer life be peaceful; either in a private prayer room, in nature or your own special quiet place. And that this continues, not just in the Advent Season, but throughout the years. Prayer: Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, help us filter out the excessive noise and visual stimulation in our lives, quiet our hearts and our minds, settle us down, so that we can find You. Awaken our souls so that we can feel the Peace and Joy of Your Presence. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Friday, March 31, 2023 by Jim |
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Scripture: John 16:31-33 (NLT) - "Do you finally believe? But the lime is coming - indeed it's here now - when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Message: Can we possibly imagine what it was like to be a disciple of Jesus on His last days on earth and hear these words. Even with the three plus years that the disciples followed Jesus, I can't help but think that these words would make me think, "Man I am not ready, you mean to tell me I will be going out on my own to reach out to others? You're not going to be here to mentor me? My peer group is going to spread out? Then the HOLY SPIRIT is going to come over me and guide me? Jesus you're talking to the wrong guy, I'm going back to fishing.". Those are 21st Century words of doubt, but it makes me think, "Would I be strong enough today to carry forward on Jesus' message, or would I try 'hiding from God'.". When I was much younger I was picked to lead some very complex business enterprises domestically and abroad. It worked, so isn't trying to live like Jesus in our fallen world much more significant? Of course it is! So, my doubts about my mission are lessened, they don't disappear but my heart is now free to do God's Will the way we are taught through our Christian ways. Each step I take in that direction will strengthen my faith; grant me the peace I need to reach out to those in need through not just my words but my actions. Really it's not me it's the Holy Spirit acting in me, so that I can "Stay the Course". Prayer: Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, I know that it is not my place to see all Your plans and to know my role in it. Instead, please give me the faith I need to continue to follow You day by day on the path You have set for me. Lead me to step out in faith today, knowing that You will bring me home. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Kindness Is Love by Donna |
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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NLT) – “Love is patient and kind.” Message: Kindness is an act of giving. It is a simple act that requires our time, our patience, and a desire to be Christ-like towards another person. We can extend our kindness daily with the people we meet at the grocery store, convenience store, neighbors… essentially wherever we are. How many times do we greet someone with, “Hi. How are you?” and walk away before we hear their answer? I have a friend who I have never heard say those words. Instead, he will greet a grocery cashier by asking, “Hi! Have there been any highlights in your day today?” Usually, the person is taken aback for a second, thinks about the request, and then begins to smile and open up! It’s amazing! My friend’s request is genuine, he waits for a response and then will say a few words of delight or encouragement. It only takes a few moments of his time, patience, and a listening ear. The joy through loving kindness is spread around! This brings to mind one of my favorite Aesop’s quotes, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. Truly, the very nature of kindness multiplies and spreads. People in our world today are in such need of kindness! Prayer: Come Holy Spirit and fill my heart with kindness and patience. Give me the courage to act in ways that will please the Lord now, during this Christmas Advent Season and always. Amen. Donna McElhose |
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Second Sunday, of Advent, December 4, 2022 by Donna |
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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT) – “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”Message: Scraps are small pieces of a whole that are discarded, or put aside. One day, as I opened the lid to my scrap bin, I thought about all the hundreds of discarded bits of fabric from previous sewing projects. Some of the most beautiful quilts are made from scraps. It is a difficult task. The colors, prints, fabric sizes, and shapes of fabric are all mismatched! It is just easier to discard the scraps and put them into a basket and put the lid on…. rather than taking the time and effort to sort them and create something new – it’s a scary challenge! These scraps remind me of people in our church, our communities, and our world. God designed us to be diverse. God loves His Creation! Jesus commands us to love one another! God gave each of us gifts that we need to acknowledge, value, and use to create a heaven on earth…. just like a beautiful scrappy quilt. Every part finds its unique place in the quilt! Family Activity: Cut out pictures, or parts of pictures from discarded magazines that remind you of Peace and Love. Glue them onto construction paper or poster board in the shape of a crown to remind you that God is Love, Jesus is Prince of Peace and that we are all called to love others as we love ourselves as unique parts of the body of Christ. Prayer: God, Our Father in Heaven, help me to love others. Help me to recognize the uniqueness of myself and the uniqueness of those persons that You put in my path. May I be encouraged to recognize the value and the worth that I and others have to give in making the world a better place in which all people can live and be loved. Amen. Donna McElhose |
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Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Coming Out Of The Dark by Jim |
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Scriptures: John 8:12 (NIV) – “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” 1 John 1:5b (NIV) – “God is light, in him there is no darkness at all.” Message: As I scoured the internet looking for soul music of the 90’s that refers to darkness and light, I found many. Perhaps one of the greatest artists that wrote and sang one was Gloria Estefan, “Coming out of the Dark”, trying to find hope and love after recuperating from a near fatal accident. When we are in the darkest parts of our lives, hope and faith are the core values for getting us into the light. In our Christian religion, darkness has come to mean “all that separates us from God”, because God is light. As I think about all the things on my schedule for the holiday season, turning darkness into light is not on my list. Then as I rethink it, the birth of Jesus is all about turning darkness into light. In the very beginning of the Old Testament we learn, with the story of Adam and Eve violating God’s covenant, humanity is cast into darkness through pain, suffering and strife, and cut off from the light of God. Jesus came to us to restore our relationship with God on earth so we can lead a life the way He wants us to live, so we can feel His Spirit. Jesus came to teach us how to live in the light, how to live in the Kingdom of God, and how to live like Him. No matter our past mistakes or our present fears, Jesus can give us a new life in Him. So, the significance of Jesus’ birth comes to light, both metaphorically and literally. No matter how busy we are in this Advent season, take time to light a candle, and think about why Jesus became our Savior. Prayer: Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, thank You so much for bringing Jesus into our lives. May we grow in His teachings to become more like Him in our actions and in our thoughts while sharing His light within our church, community and the world. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Why Worry? by Jim |
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Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) - "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all that he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in the Christ Jesus" Message: It's the Advent Season, celebrating Jesus' birth. But, like many of us, I get caught up in getting the right gift for my in-laws, or when do I have time to do my shopping, and how in the world will I get all the cooking done, and how will I pay our holiday credit card bills in January? Worry, it's what we all do. For me, I started early in life; worrying about being on time for an event, worrying if the airplane was going to be late, worrying if I was going to get home in time to say good night to the kids. And the list goes on and on; in fact it gets worse with age. I try to control my thoughts, focusing on the moment, but that doesn't solve my problem. Worry is discussed many times in the Bible, so it must be important to God. And for good reasons. It not only takes away our energy and passion, it also drains us of our hope and trust in God. So what's the antidote to worry? In Philippians, the Apostle Paul reminds us to stop and thank God for all He has given us; let's count our blessings! If we remember all that God has done for us, we can look forward to tomorrow with assurance that He will continue to provide. It's feeling the Holy Spirit's presence in our hearts and feeling the peace that time with Him provides. Worry! We need to stop it. God will relieve us of our worry if we ask Him it doesn't always mean He will give you the best outcome, but what He does provide is Peace. How does God show His faithfulness to you each day? Jot down the reasons to be thankful, a sure cure for worry. Prayer: Dear Lord and Heavenly Father teach us to seek Your presence during our excessive times of worry. Help us to believe that through Your Love and Peace we will renew our energy and passion and become worry free. Amen. Jim McElhose |
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Wednesday, December 15, 2021 Faith Of A Child by Donna |
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Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NRSV) - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Message: Every Christmas I am reminded of a cold winter night in the sandhills of western Nebraska. It was the morning of Christmas Eve in 1974. My three-year-old daughter was enthusiastically describing the details of the "Baby Alive" doll Santa was going to bring her. I had gift-wrapped a cheap, generic baby doll! A quick phone call to a toy store manager (60 miles away) informed me he had only one left! He was traveling north after work and would bring it to my house. No problem, right? It was such a relief! Well, a winter storm developed into blizzard like conditions by nightfall. My faith surrendered around eleven o'clock in the evening. I went to bed. There was no store manager, no "Baby Alive" doll .... only a howling wind, falling snow and the midnight darkness. My daughter's faith and trust were going to be shattered! Lo' and behold at 4:30 am on Christmas morning, I awoke to the sound of my doorbell! With apologies in hand, this humble man gifted me with a "Baby Alive". He had lost track of time at a Christmas party. My loss of faith was restored! An hour and a half later, my daughter came bounding down the stairs, hugged her new doll from under the tree and said, "See Mommy, I told you Santa was going to bring me a "Baby Alive"!!! Prayer: Oh, Heavenly Father, help me to keep my faith and trust in You. You have faithfully answered my prayers better than I could have imagined! Faith and Trust are the foundation of our relationship. Help me to remember that You work on Your Time not mine. When I am waiting in the darkness of my prayers, my God is at work! I must remember to trust, to be patient and to know that God will do wonders. God can be trusted, and He is always Faithful! Amen! Donna McElhose |
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