Thursday, August 2, 2012

THE NET - Working

National news in the last two weeks has been filled with the Olympics, politics and tragically, the shooting rampage in Aurora, Colorado. Reports about the alleged shooter in have begun to paint a picture of a lost young man who had become a loner.

Why and how that happens is a mystery. We can be surrounded by people on a daily basis and still not be in relationship with one another. Numerous studies site the benefits of being in relationship with one another.

I will site my favorite:  Matthew 22: 37 - 40: Jesus said, " Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself. These two commands are pegs; everything in God's law and the Prophets hangs from them."  The Message

Clearly we are hardwired to be in relationships, first and most important with the Lord God Almighty and next with each other.

In the spring of 2008 I wrote the following which appeared in Sugar Land First United Methodist Church's  Care and Prayer Newsletter.

Care "Net Working"

Several  years ago Charlie and I had the privilege of owning a beachfront home in Galveston, Texas. Following a storm a net from a large fishing vessel washed ashore and was partially buried in the sand. It fascinated me. I tugged as hard as I could trying to dislodge it from the sand dune. When it would not budge I briefly considered returning to the house to get a saw and cut off a piece of it. I discarded the idea thinking that it would always be a sandy mess. Since that time I have been sorry that I did not try to preserve a portion of the net.

Why?

As I continued my walk that day and in the years since I have thought about Jesus telling His disciples that He would make them fishers of men and I have thought about that charge to us as His followers. I have thought about the net and how it relates to our charge to be fishers of men.

The net was huge. Each rope, in my memory, was as large as a man's wrist. The ropes were a florescent color that would be very visible in the worst weather conditions. The net was woven in such a way that each part moved so that if a strain was put on one portion of the net the rest would be drawn toward the strained area.

Caring for each other in a Christan community of believers is like that net. We should be highly visible so that we can be seen in the storms that assault people's lives. Like the net we should be joined together and flexible enough to move to give support to those who are experiencing storms in their lives. We may be the next one to weather a storm and we may need the net to move in our direction.

I wish I had saved the net! Sandy mess and all it would have been worth the trouble to have the visual as a reminder of our call: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as your self. When trouble comes you will be glad you had help or were there to help another.

Prayer:

Lord, first, thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus the Christ who gave His life in exchange for ours so that we can confidently approach You. Please, make us highly visible, glaringly fluorescent, in the midst of the storms that assail the lives of our friends and neighbors. Show us which direction to move so that we support our brothers and sisters in Christ when they need us and finally keep our hearts open to see and move towards those who need to know You. Amen

Friday, July 20, 2012

Precious in HIS sight

Tuesday the tenth of July, the following scripture started to ring in my ears:

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15 NIV & NKJV

The NLT puts it this way: "The Lord's loved ones are precious to him; it grieves Him when they die."

In the NASB: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones."

July 10th one of the members of my church family was suddenly called home to be with the Lord. He was called home while completing a mission trip to Ukraine with his wife and other church members. A Ukrainian Student died in the same accident and a missionary was seriously injured.

This raises the proverbial question: Why do bad things happen to good people?

If we were concerned only with our church member it might be simply answered. Going home to the Lord is not a bad thing. Having committed our lives to the Lord, being baptized, confessing our sins and following Jesus Christ means that we do not die. We simply go from life on earth to life eternal. We slip the confines of our earthly bodies with all their limitations and complications and find ourselves in Heaven at the feet of our Lord.

What about the family left behind to cope without their loved one? Does God care? Did God ignore the prayers offered for safety of those on the trip?

Wasn't this man doing Your work, Lord?
Weren't all three doing Your Work, Lord?
Why?
Why this man?
Why now Lord?
Didn't your hear our prayers for safety?
Did you just ignore them, God?
What gives Lord?

On earth those questions remain unanswerable.

In His mercy God sends us comfort, the strength to go on, and others from His family of faith to surround us with their love and with His love.

God also sends us HIS Word to edify us. In Ephesians 6 we learn that God, in His wisdom has given us many kinds of protective armor and one offensive tool, the sword. We are told: "take up the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17b Amplified)

So I lifted up the sword, God's Word, for help in answering the unanswerable.

Consequently, another scripture immediately came to mind:

"All creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed." Romans 8:19

As we used to sing this: "All creation is straining on tiptoe just to see the sons of God come into their own."

That song and scripture always paint a word picture for me. In my mind's eye I see all of Heaven's company leaning over  the balcony rails of Heaven looking down on us, eagerly waiting to see what we will do next for the Kingdom of God. I imagine them cheering us on, shouting their approval of our efforts and then giving us a victorious welcome when we reach the gates of Heaven. In the throne room our heavenly Father, with Jesus seated at his side, gives us a high five with the words: "Well done my good and faithful servants."

So, yes, our prayers were heard. Our ultimate safety is not remaining in this world but in having a place at our Heavenly Father's table waiting for us with our name on a card stating: This place is reserved for_________." (insert your name here.)

Psalm 116:15 assures us that God is close to us and we are precious to Him. He chooses the time to call us home, into His presence. Each life is valuable to Him.

In Matthew 10:29 -31 Jesus himself tells us: "Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to Him than a whole flock of sparrows."

Where does this leave the family left behind?

They are loved and protected by their family of faith, watched over by their heavenly father and cheered on by the whole host of Heaven as they walk forward day by day.

Psalm 56:8 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (NLT)

God is intimately acquainted with our lives. Every aspect of our lives, no matter how minuscule is of concern to Him. We can confidently and joyfully participate in all of life knowing that God is compassionate and aware of the disappointments, frustrations, anger or grief as well as the joys and triumphs we face in life. Each one of our tears is collected by Him, inspected carefully and treasured. They are as valuable to Him as precious jewels. Enduring under His care has a purpose and glorifies Him.

We can rest assured that having accepted the gift that defies description, the gift of the life of His very own Son, Jesus the Christ, in exchange for our lives; He will wipe away all the tears from our life forever. Revelation 21:4

Finally, God's Word gives us additional assurance: "None of this fazes us, because Jesus loves us. I am absolutely convinced that nothing - living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8; 38 & 39 (The Message)

A HUG!

A hug from God Almighty. Our loving Father in Heaven sends us a hug and the assurance we are HIS!

Lord God Almighty, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ to walk this earth in flesh and blood, to experience all that we experience and then to return to You leaving us with the comforter, the Holy Spirit, to edify and guide us. Thank You for your Word to use as a guide and as an offensive weapon. All praise be to Thee for saving a place at Your table for those who have accepted the gift of Your Son, Jesus, as their Lord, Savior and Friend. Amen.

Monday, May 7, 2012

An Ordinary Day With Jesus

Several years ago my Pastor, Martin Nicholas of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church announced a sermon series on ordinary days with Jesus. The title sparked memories of trips to the Houston Medical Center with older friends and parking places that seemed to appear when needed, grocery money extended, conversations that seemed guided by the Lord himself and many other ordinary but extraordinary every day occurrences that just seemed touched by a grace that could only come from the Lord Himself.

I sat down to type but what emerged was far different from what I imagined. Although, at the time my grandchildren were only a dream what emerged was a children's poem about all that the disciples of Jesus Christ witnessed as they followed Jesus' call to: "Come follow me!"

So, Avery, Nathan and Cooper, here is your poem.

AN ORDINARY DAY WITH JESUS
An ordinary day with Jesus
It's extraordinary to be sure
People come in droves
Filling highways and the roads,
They even climb to mountain tops
And crowd the seashore beaches
Some come to see
Some come to scorn
Some frown with displeasure
Others find great pleasure
Some will be rich
some poor
some will have reputations less than pure
Some will be dirty
Other will be clean
Some will wear rags
And some will will wear royal garments
Some will limp
Other will be blind
Some are quite strange,
Well, out of their minds
Some will look
And their eyes will be open to see
Others will remain unseeing
Some will hear
What HE has to say
Others will turn away
There will be men
Children and women
There will be brothers
Sisters and cousins
To numerous to count
Some will share their lunch
Others will keep what they have
And go away sad
Some are proud men
Of great importance
Some Synagogue teachers
Others will be preachers
Some are humble fishermen
Some carpenters
Some tax collectors
Despised to be sure
Others are just as ordinary
As you and me
Come join Jesus
on His path
See for yourself
What He has will last
Crystal clear water
That satisfies every thirst
Bread that is fresh
and fills every need
Every care can be placed at His feet
Hurry children
Come while you can
He is ready
He is waiting
Don't delay
This might be your big day
An ordinary day with Jesus
Extraordinary to be sure
Incomparable to anything
You might endure.
It will be curious
You will experience the incredible
The day will be amazing
Of that you can be sure
It's an ordinary extraordinary day with Jesus
Come sit at His feet
come crowd around
Listen with ears that hear
Open your eyes to see
Allow your heart to be touched
You will receive so much
Open your hands to serve
You have so much to gain
You'll never be the same
He sent His Spirit
To come along side
To comfort and edify
Invite Him to walk with you
To be at your side
Today and always
It is the delight of Jesus
To be with us
He'll show you the way
Don't delay
Come, come right away
Jesus is waiting
He's asked you to come
To join Him in life's
Greatest adventure
You'll never be the same
Don't you hear Him?
He is calling your name
Every ordinary day with Jesus
Of this you can be sure
Will be an extra ordinary extraordinary day!

with gratitude to my savior, Jesus the Christ, who invited me to join Him in extraordinary, ordinary days.

mary schmerker


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars

We have this treasure in fragile clay jars! (2nd Corinthians 4:7 and Jeremiah 32:14.)

An incredible thing happened yesterday. Ladies came to a Bible Study called JOY in Sugar Land ,Texas.

You would be justified to ask: "Why is that so incredible?" "Why on earth is attending a Bible Study remarkable?"

Well, for one thing, our average age is probably in the neighborhood of 70. Some come with walkers. One comes in a motorized wheel chair. Several are recently widowed. These factors by themselves are not what makes the attendance remarkable.

Some remarkable attendance factors: One person came yesterday after receiving a diagnosis of Breast Cancer the day before. Another came even though her husband is very ill. The mother of another attendee is was hospitalized and being very difficult. Others came with problems I don't even know about. They came!

Some arrived late. Others left early. Some chatted by the coffee pot even though their small groups had already begun. Others lingered by the coffee pot long after most had gone home.

All this is remarkable and wonderful. The ladies came. They shared what was happening in their lives. It wasn't a gripe or gossip session. They shared their lives with one another in the context of studying God's Word. They loved each other. They cried with and for each other. They laughed with each other and their burdens lightened.

When they left they carried the light and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ out into the world with them.

Now, that is remarkable. That is an achievement!

Lord, help us to always carry Your light and love out into the world. Amen.


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Do You Believe in Miracles?

Yes!
Yes Lord I believe in miracles.........
Because I am one.
Each heart beat follows the previous heart beat.
Each breath follows the one before it.
The sun hangs in the sky and we do not burn up.
The moon lights the night sky and we do not freeze to death.
The planets hold to their prescribed courses.
The stars hang in the sky and do not crash to earth.
When the Stars fall they are a beautiful sight to be hold.
Year after year winter fades, spring arrives and the earth turns green once again.
All the while we watch in wonder from our place in this temporary island home ,
Planet Earth created by You Lord, for Your Glory,
We watch and wait with bated breath for You to return and take us to Your home in glory.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Going Home

"Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for." Luke 2:3 (The Message)

Several years ago both of our sons were due home for Christmas on the same night. One was traveling in from UT Austin and the other flying in from the mountains of Utah with our first "grand dog". I waited at home for one to drive in and "grand dad" apprehensively drove to the airport to meet the other son and his rather large, fluffy, white Samoyed puppy. I was cooking favorite foods and waiting. Every time there was even the slightest noise I would run to the door to see if one or the other son had arrived. I couldn't wait to greet the boys and meet the grand dog! Suddenly everyone was there. Everyone was hugging and talking at once with the fluffy white Samoyed licking us joyfully.

The scene was very different in Bethlehem on that first Christmas. No one was waiting with the smell of food wafting from the doorway. No beds had been made. No one was there with open arms. Doors were shut. Was there scorn? Here was a very pregnant teenage bride with her future husband. They were seeking shelter and comfort. People must have looked the other way. The weary travelers were turned away. Their only refuge was a stable. Their only welcome the warm breath of the animals. Their only beds were made of rough scratchy hay. No waiting relatives with arms of comfort and love ready to embrace the weary couple and their infant son.

Is there someone or something that you need to welcome into your life this season? A friend, relative or even a stranger? A new idea? Or perhaps for the first time ever you might invite the Lord of Lords and King of Kings to dwell in your heart?

Lord, help us to open our hearts to others this season. Show us how to open our arms to those who are hurting. Please keep our minds open to new ideas and challenges. Open our hands to serve you, please. Most importantly open our hearts to receive your Son. Amen.

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Empty Page

Four hundred years of silence!

Four hundred years of drought!

Not a single drop of refreshing, hope filled words from the Lord God Almighty.

Silence.

Was Yahweh finished?

Was HIS word complete?

Would the Lord of the universe ever speak again?

Would HE send a new prophet?

Silence.

Four hundred years of silence.

Had the people of the promise finally exhausted God?

Was God exasperated with HIS people?

The faithful waited patiently in a spiritually dry climate.


Lord, how quickly we grow weary of waiting. We are an instant messaging generation. We want microwave responses. we crave instant gratification. Could we have survived four hundred years without your fresh life giving word?


Lord, we praise and thank you for your living word. We praise and magnify your name because you sent us your living word to walk among us every day of our lives. You, in your great mercy sent us your son, Jesus the Christ. No matter how many words of thanks we ever express, they will never be sufficient to thank you for this indescribable gift, your Son,Jesus the Christ, Emanuel. The "with us", ever present Lord willing to walk with us every day of our lives. Amen