Morton, Jan 10

Scripture: Colossians 3:12 (NIV Study Bible) – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Message: An email received some time ago from a friend related the story of a passenger in a taxi who barely escaped a terrible accident when a rude driver pulled out in front of the taxi, cursing and shouting before speeding on. The taxi driver who was noticeably upset stopped, smiled and motioned the offender to proceed. The frightened passenger asked the driver “How did you remain so calm?” The driver replied “It’s The Law of the Garbage Truck! Many let their garbage pile up with anger, losses and frustrations and when their truck is full they dump it on others. If that happens to me......rather than spread their garbage further, I simply stop and pray for God’s mercy on that person.”

We, at times, feel our “trucks” become too full; we feel unable to deal with all that comes at us on a daily basis. We may even show our frustration by passing it on to others. When that happens we just need to stop and remember that God can take “our garbage” and recycle it in His time and in His way. He can make our garbage new and reusable in ways that can be lessons for our lives and for others which can be beyond our comprehension.

Family Activity: Your family story through a modern day stained glass piece. Pick up some magazines, with good photos inside, which can be cut up. Reflect on what story your family wants to tell together. Select and cut out photos and words from the magazines to tell the story of what the past year has looked like for your family. Cut, or glue these pieces to a sheet of pasteboard or card-stock. These cut-out photos and words are representative of all the different pieces of glass that come together to make one larger story of your family, as a part of God’s family.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I’m feeling discouraged, please give me patience to wait on what You would have me do. And, Lord, help me to always remember as I drive my daily “truck of life” to be considerate to others and realize that they too may need Your comforting touch just as much as I do. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scriptures: Proverbs 2:6 (NIV Study Bible) - "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Matthew 6:27 (NIV Study Bible) - "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life."

1 Kings 19:11b-12 (NIV Study Bible) - "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."

Message: Although we're not supposed to, we as humans worry; at least I do. We often feel that no one is listening or helping with the many problems we encounter. The "loud" concerns of this world get our attention and we don't stop often enough to seek and listen for God's quiet answer to our problems.

Jesus had patiently tried to warn His disciples that He would "leave them". Can you imagine their dilemma? They didn't understand and questioned, doubted and worried about: HOW and WHEN would He leave them? WHAT would those who denied Jesus then do? HOW would their own lives would be affected?

The disciples heard and understood the angry shouts of those bent on destroying Jesus, but because of their fears, Jesus' repeated quiet words to them just didn't "soak in". Often we are just like the disciples looking for answers WE want, but not listening to God for answers. Instead of worrying, we need to listen and remember that life's paths have problems, but we can maneuver around them with God's help.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to not worry; I know You are in control, but my human nature is impatient. Whisper Your encouragement to me every day in Your still small voice to remind me that whatever happens that You are always with me. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scriptures: Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Acts 1:lb-3a (NIV Extract) - "...all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive."

Message:

A tiny babe was born long ago
To unlikely parents in a manger so low
That baby grew to become our Savior
The one predicted, the one waited for.

He walked among us to teach us the way
How to treat each other and the words to say
He chose disciples and they helped spread the Word
They spoke God's message and many heard

Our Father sent Jesus to teach us the way
But, his enemies decided to have it "their" way
They plotted and planned and made a decision
He had to go that was their mission.

The plans were made and the day finally came
To get rid of the "enemy" so things wouldn't change
The Crown of Thorns they placed on His head
To...further...the...insult before he was dead

Jesus suffered the walk down the Via Dolorosa
To the place of the skull that solemnly rose there
They placed Him on the cross to be rid of the threat
But little did they know Jesus was not done yet

They had no idea that Our Savior would live on
to complete "God's mission" before He was done
He willingly died for us! That we can't deny
BUT HE IS OUR SAVIOR AND HE IS STILL ALIVE!

Written by Jan Morton 2021

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I can't begin to wrap my head around all of these events, but I know that You ARE alive and that You ARE my Savior and that You are the One who helps me through every day in every way. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV Study Bible) - "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Message:

I sat on my porch, wondering what to do next,
But, the more I thought, the more I became perplexed.

Do I clean my kitchen, wash the linens on my bed
Or clean my shower and wash the car instead?

It all seemed so "not worthwhile" and why should I worry
Because no one would see it, so what was the hurry?

Instead I started thinking of the blessings that were mine;
The list started small, but then I realized it was so fine!

That list grew and grew until I simply ran out of time. Oh, the things I had and to think it was all mine!

My health, roof over my head, food, a vehicle I could drive,
Flowers in my yard, church, good friends and that "will" to survive.

I thought "Wow, this all sounds good; I guess I've done OK!!"
Then... God stepped in before I could get totally carried away.

He said "My child, counting your blessings is certainly not a bother,
But remember, what you have comes only from The Father.

"You're blessed, but the gifts you've been given are not totally "free";
In return I want you to really "see", "believe," and to tell others of Me."

He faded from sight and as the tears in my eyes were receding
I realized this visit from God was just what I'd been needing.

Written by Jan Morton 2020.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please be a constant reminder that only through You are we truly blessed. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scriptures: Matthew 2:2b (NIV) - "We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

Luke: 2:30-32 (NIV) - "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

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.^"

Message:

As I sit pondering that Christmas is near
I really am not very excited I fear.

The last few years have not been the same;
My life has changed; decorating seems almost lame.

Do I decorate, or do I just dream of doing so?
I just can't get excited to "go with the flow".

Oh, but I enjoy the lights, the star, the tree;
They've always SO meant Christmas to me.

What if I don't? What will be Christmas?
Well, just the date and the story I guess.

BUT....After all, what does it all mean?
The tree, the lights and the manger scene?

To me the tree means life, so fragrant and alive;
The lights so bright suggest happiness for life.

The star so bright brings hope for future days;
The manger scene is a reminder of where our Jesus laid.

So, let's pray with the Holy Spirit in mind,
That each person becomes aware and kind.

Let's decorate for His birthday, me and you,
And never forget exactly why we do.

So bring out the candles, lights and good cheer
For The Christ Is Born OUR SAVIOR IS HERE!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for coming into our lives . Thank You for teaching forgiveness, joy and for always being there as our bright shining star and hope for the future. Let us continue to see the beauty of bright lights and hope, and the life You have given us. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scripture: Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV Study Bible) – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Message: Music has always been my great love. As a member of our choir I rehearse on Wednesday, nights, often arriving tired after a long day. But on leaving I realized how much my "Christian Batteries" had been re-charged by singing God’s praises. Sunday, mornings, after singing 2 services, I would leave with the same feeling of being "lifted up" by singing God’s praises with thanksgiving. But, Monday, morning would bring another busy week and my mind was not focused on God.

Now, while being home every day, I find myself being so much more aware and thankful for the smallest of things that God does for me. God has not changed because of the virus; I have!!

I recently lost my credit card, but God provided the right person to return it to me. I’m now so aware of how many ways God is watching over me; where previously I would think "Wow, am I lucky!" Now I say "Lord, thank You for helping me make that decision, for catching me as I started to fall, for helping me remember what I needed to do and thank You for reminding me to call that special friend".

I’m reminded that I can do nothing without Him. I’m now thanking Him for things which used to seem insignificant. God and I have also had many a laugh! I believe God has a sense of humor (He must have with me) and I find it easier to laugh at myself (and with Him) at my human antics during this period as He and I maneuver this new road together, I continue to SING HIS PRAISES, while HE MAKES ME GLAD!!!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, now that we’re home bound and some of the mad rush of each day has ceased, I realize so vividly how close You are to me every second. Help me to remember this when the world returns to a kind of normalcy. Let me not forget this time when I felt closer to You. And Lord, let me ALWAYS sing Your praises and enjoy our laughs together. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scripture: Psalm 8:1 (NIV Study Bible) – “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”

Message: One of my favorite pieces of music begins:

“When I gaze into the night skies
and see the work of your fingers;
the moon and stars suspended in space.
Oh what is man that you are mindful of him?”

“O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of your name
Transcends the earth and fills the heavens.... Alleluia”.

“The Majesty and Glory of Your Name”, words Linda Lee Johnson, music Tom Fettke.

Another beautifully written song, “Holy Spirit Rain Down” by Alvin Slaughter, reminds us that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Friend and that we need to be open to, and touched by the power of the Holy Spirit so that our hearts can be changed as we stand on God’s Word as the very foundation of our lives. It also reminds us that God rains blessings down upon us each and every day.

As we spend more time at home it has become apparent that I had in the past, in the rush of each day, become too busy to notice the beauty around me…. the beauty and wonder of the rising sun and the cloudless skies as I walk each morning, the breeze as I sit on my patio watching the squirrels, the wonderful stillness without traffic as evening approaches, wonderful friends, and music, beautiful music! And, now with each of us experiencing differing problems in dealing with the virus at hand, I have gained a sort of peace when I dwell on what I DO have instead of what I don’t have or can’t do. And music, beautiful music is that magical “get me through this day” blessing each day!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so very much for music. You teach us in many ways, Lord, and music is a soothing, calming way to communicate the majesty, wonders, and beauty of Your hands. I pray that You will continue to remind us each day of what You’ve given us to enjoy. And Lord may we, as we enjoy those blessings, be reminded that YOU ARE GOD, and You are always near. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV Study Bible) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV Study Bible) – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘this is the way; walk in it.’”

Message: Years ago (long before cell phones), my husband Dave and I were on a trip through Canada. We decided to take some unknown back roads for scenery. After traveling for many, many miles we realized that we had not seen a house, a person, an animal, a building, a car, or any other sign of civilization. The sky was covered in dark clouds and a storm was brewing. I became frightened and said: “Absolutely no one knows where we are if something happens!!” As I said that, I turned to look out my driver’s side window, the clouds had parted; in the middle of those dark ominous clouds were small white clouds that formed a perfect cross. Bright sunlight streamed from behind the cross formed clouds. I stopped and grabbed the camera, but by the time I did so the sky was again nothing but dark threatening clouds!! We said to each other: “He is telling us that He knows where we are.”

Life presents many situations like this. There are times when we are totally alone and lost, geographically, physically or mentally, and feel that no one understands “where we are”. But God tells us that although it may feel that way, He is always by our side, shining through those dark clouds. And, like our experience in Canada showed us, we don’t need a “picture” of God’s love on film to remind us that as we go through this journey of life we are never alone. Trusting in Him is the perfect directional compass that will show us the way back into His loving arms.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for always being near. There are times when we may not feel Your touch because we are not surrendering totally to You. But, help us on a daily basis to see the image of Your Cross, with the sunshine in the background, guiding us in everything we say and do. Amen.

Jan Morton

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Scripture: Isaiah 26:4 (NIV Study Bible) – “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Message: It is 2020, a year we will remember as a year that turned lives upside down. With the Virus came uncertainties, surprises, heartaches, tears, inconveniences, and a helpless sense of losing all control over what we believe to be “normal”.

Try to imagine what the people in Jesus’ time thought when a mere “Baby” was born to a virgin......in a cattle stall........ to young unlikely parents....... and who, beyond belief of so many, was given to them as the Savior of the World. There must have been a feeling of total awe and uncertainty at the change in what they had previously perceived as “normal”. This was made even more surprising when that Baby, the Promised Savior who healed and helped so many, later suffered by being nailed to a cross to die for each one of us. There was nothing normal about any of that!!!

In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we judge by what is “our norm”. Back then some believed and some did not but that, in no way, altered the outcome of what changed the world and our lives forever. We need to pray, realizing that the world around us may change, and remembering that God came to earth as That Baby to become a part of each of our lives. He assures us that whatever our circumstances or upheavals may be, He is always there as the constant rock.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as simple as the above words are, I pray that You will give me the courage and the knowledge to deal with each day....and to always know that whatever the circumstances, You ARE my Lord and my rock forever. Amen.

Jan Morton

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