Being Like Jesus Means : 2009 Lenten Devotional Guide

Being Like
J esus Means
2009 Lenten
Devotional Guide
Prescott United
Methodist Church
Lenten Devotionals
Lent
is the time of year when we prepare
our hearts for the days preceding J esus
Christs death on the cross on Good
Friday and culminating with His glorious
resurrection on Easter.. We cry out,
The Lord is Risen! and respond with
He has Risen Indeed!
To share out walk during these forty
days, many members of our church
have shared their feelings on this years
theme, Being Like J esus Means . . . .
We want to thank every contributor
for sharing your thoughtful messages in
this years Lenten Devotionals.
BobandMaryEllen Dyer
1
My Compass
Addison Hawley
Being Like Jesus means can be completed as either a statement or a question.
Those who know me will be certain that I will view it as a question. As a statement, it is
limiting and guides our thoughts to current views. As a question, we are directed to a
broader view including what others think and maybe even a really close examination of
what Jesus demonstrated during his visit here on earth.
For some 2,000 years untold volumes, including many different versions of the Bible,
have been written about who Jesus was, what he said, what he meant, what he
accomplished, what we should believe, what we should question, what we should do and
not do and how we should approach others relative to our beliefs about the foundation of
the Christian faith.
To answer the question, Being like Jesus means.? requires that I assimilate some
of this vast store of knowledge. But the strongest basis for my answer must be drawn from
my trip of discovery as I have sought the foundation for lifes guiding principles. I
acknowledge that I have not defined my final destination and that foretells a trip still in
progress. As it continues, as it must, I will find comfort with where I am but feel a strong
need for a reasonably good compass going forward. The following thoughts are the eight
primary points of my current compass as I seek a final answer to what Being like Jesus
Means.?
1. The details of beliefs are non-critical to the basic beliefs.
2. The World has both good and evil and good will prevail, if defended.
3. Love is the fuel that generates understanding and acceptance.
4. Faith is the foundation of Hope and Hope is the promise of tomorrow.
5. Forgiveness is hollow if left unpronounced.
6. Prayer is most rewarding when done one-on-one with God.
7. Compassion and empathy are the starting blocks of giving and service.
8. Grace shared is Grace received.
As each step is taken, the compass points may be refined
but the goal B e i n g L i k e J e s u s ! must remain.
Prescott United Methodist Church BeingLike JesusMeans 2009 Lenten Devotional Booklet
2
I Would
F ollow J esus
VirginiaWilliams
The Gospel of John affirms: For
God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son that whosoever
believes in Him shall not perish but
have everlasting life. This son,
named Jesus, became the worlds first
Christian missionary as he pro-
claimed: I am the Door; the Light of
the world; the living Bread; the Vine;
the Way, the Truth and the Life; the
Resurrection. I want to follow Jesus
because He reveals that He is the Way
to God, our Father.
As adult learners, we may be
growing in some comprehension of
these pronouncements by Jesus. As
children we found simpler statements
sufficed: Jesus loves me; this I know
for the Bible tells me so. In between
childhood and maturity some of us
thought we didnt need Jesus (or
God), as we were enveloped in a
university atmosphere of intellect-
ualism, would-be cynics, sophisti-
cates; or we lost Him in our love of
materialism, humanism, success or
just indifference . . . or even, perhaps,
in some churches that omit Jesus.
In these crucial days, many of
us feel a hunger to know Jesus more
fully, to return to our rootsto have
Jesus as real to us as when we were
children. Also, we yearn to discover
meaningful ways to worship Him and
feel His presence in our everyday
living. In His Sermon on the Mount,
Jesus shows the way for us to connect
with Him: We must be poor in spirit,
pure in heart, hunger and thirst after
righteousness, be a peacemaker,
willing to be persecuted for His sake .
. . be a light for other persons so they
will praise our Father in heavenand
be a servant of love so that God will
be glorified through Jesus. I want to
follow Jesus because He gives specific
maxims for living our Christian
journey.
While these are virtues to live
by, being a follower of Jesusbeing a
Christianisnt something we do for
Him or for other persons . . . It is
something He does to and in us
because, when we accept His love and
forgiveness and put our faith, trust
and love in Him, Jesus becomes not
only our best friend but the Lord of
our lives, our companion throughout
each day. If lifes load becomes too
heavy to bear, He carried the burden
when we call upon Him. This gives us
an extra measure of Grace for our
travel alone or in community. I would
follow Jesus in joyous moments and
also in the darker hours of my lifes
journey. Blessed assurance! I would
rather have Jesus than anything this
world could afford to giv
3
Gods I n Hi s Heaven
JerryJackson
The situation, as outlined to my dad, was explained
like so:
There was a train operated by a brakeman,
fireman and engineer whose names were Jones,
Smith and Walker, but not respectively. Riding on
the train were three passengers named Mr. Jones,
Mr. Smith and Mr. Walker.
Mr. Smith lived in Detroit and the brakeman
lived halfway between Detroit and Chicago.
Walker beat the fireman at billiards.
The brakemans nearest neighbor was one of the passengers who earned twice
as much as the brakeman, who earned $2,000 a year.
The passenger who lived in Chicago has the same name as the brakeman. Mr.
Jones earned $3,000 per year.
Who was the engineer?
Such a set of circumstances tends to boggle my mind, in that the
shallowness of my thinking knows no depth. So, conveniently, I prefer not to fiddle
with the riddle. In fact, I dont even tackle crossword puzzles because of the
frustration involved in not being able to come up with the right words. However, I
posed the above conundrum several years ago in a column, and a fellow church
member, Don Wigal, readily came up with the answer. You see, Don is himself an
engineer, although to my knowledge he has never operated a locomotive and his
motive is not loco, as they say south of the border. (Please forgive me that
reference; I simply got carried away.)
But, back to my dad and that rascally riddle. He had no earthly idea as to what
the answer might be, but he had a heart bubbling over with joy at the time because
it was December of 1945 and my brother, Gene, was safely home from the war after
serving as an Army medic during fighting in the Solomons and the Philippines. And
so, after giving the riddle a mere modicum of thought, Dad penned this little poem:
My mi nd i s al l muddl ed; I cant seem t o know
Who i t was pul l ed t he t hr ot t l e and made t he t r ai n go.
But her e at t hi s Yul et i de, t he Peace Fl ag unf ur l ed,
Gods st i l l i n hi s heaven; al l s r i ght wi t h t he wor l d!
Might I add a humble Amen! and prayer for a Middle East repeat performance?
4
JESUSbySpecial Delivery
Jean Phillips
He was a boy when it appeared
that he was somehow special.
He turned the tables as he grew
and was uncommon special.
In later years he spoke and taught
with words and wisdom special.
He gathered followers to preach
his faithful message special.
And when strong faith developed,
disciples, too, were special.
Until predictions set him free
by painful test so special.
His sacrifice declared ahead,
his dedication special.
The lasting life of J esus love
indeed, for us, is special.
5
Being Like J esus Means . . .
Pat Unkenholz
In June 2009 the church of my childhood will celebrate its 100
th
year
of proclaiming the Gospel. Those 100 years encompassed many drastic
changes in fortune, from grinding poverty to its present-day oil-well
wealth.
Many fascinating stories are being shared as centennial committees
are delving into the annals of history. Not the least of these is the record
book of the Official Board minutes over the years.
Some entries during the Great Depression years bring a smile to our
lips:
The church treasurer reported a bank balance of forty-four cents.
The decision was made to oil the church floor and this would
take place after choir practice, with each choir member
contributing ten cents to purchase the oil.
The Pastors salary for that year was set at $600. (Thats not a
misprint!)
What does this say to us in 2009? Even in times of severe economic
recession, Gods people remained faithfuloften giving at great
sacrifice. The fruits of their sacrifice have been multiplied many times
over. This happens today as well!
It brings to mind Jesus teachings on the giving of
two copper coins by an impoverished widow whose
gift Jesus said surpassed that of the rich who had
given out of their plenty.
There is a challenge here for us as we reflect on
dedication and sacrifice. Let us be like Jesus in our
total commitment.
6
He Emptied Himself
Rev. Stan Brown
Have this mind among yourselves, which you have in Christ Jesus,
who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God
a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant
Philippians 2:4-7
Being like J esus means to make self-sacrifice the foundation of our perspective
on the world. What a harsh term: self-sacrifice! At first hearing there seems to be
nothing beautiful about it. But the beauty comes in seeing the blessing others can
receive by our acts of love and kindness. The beauty is in the discovery of being
at-one with God.
From Nazareth to J erusalem the life of J esus was centered on giving himself to
others. There were times he could not even eat for the pressure of crowds needing
his attention. There were times he attempted to take his small prayer group on a
retreat for needed refreshment, but the crowds followed with their demands. He
even retreated to other provinces to escape for a respite (Caesarea Philippi,
Phoenicia, Decapolis, and Bashan) but each time he was recognized and set upon
by persons in need. In every situation he gave his attention and energy to the
immediate need and gave up his own time for R & R.
Of course, the supreme act of self-sacrifice was when He gave his life up to
torture and death while being consistent to love and unwilling to compromise the
will of God. Here is the rub that confronts us. Love in a world of hate is going to
suffer, and even get crucified. To deny myself and
give myself up to the requirements of Love is the final
stage of being like J esus. I cant speak for you, but it
is a commitment I hesitate to make. In this Lenten
period I need to search my mind, soul and heart
regarding the sacrifices I need to make if I am to be
like J esus. By Gods grace I will have the courage my
Master showed as he prayed in Gethsemane, Father,
not my will but Yours be done.
7
Being like J esus means . . . being a servant
GeorgeM Randle
For even theSon of Man did not cometobeserved, but toserve,
and togivehis lifeas a ransomfor many. Mark 10:45
My late friend, Bert Slater, operated an auto parts store in the community that was
my first parish in Arizona. In bold letters on a sign in the back of his store were these
words: WE SELL MERCHANDISE, WE GIVE SERVICE. It was the soundest of
common sense. It should be the first principle in everyday business life. Our experience
is that it often isnt.
In the Kingdom of which Jesus often spoke, the standard was that of service. Even
Jesus, himself, thought of himself as a servant.
Halford Luccock has reminded us that we enter the world in a passive voice. We are
acted upon before we act. We are loved before we love. We are served in all kinds of
ways before we serve. Jesus implied that the rulers and potentates believe they are
entitled to live in the passive voice . . . being served, waited upon, always receiving, never
giving. In our own culture we are encouraged to work hard, become prosperous and
achieve a consistent rise in status in which we become a boss, maybe even the president.
Strangely enough, Jesus will not even let us be a servant to a selected clientele. He
implies that we are to be a servant of all.
In his book, CreativeMinistry, Henri J.M. Nouwen wrote, Teaching becomes
ministry when the teacher moves beyond the transference of knowledge and is willing to
offer his own life experiences to his student; a new liberating insight can come about and
real learning can take place. Preaching becomes ministry when the preacher moves
beyond the telling of the story and makes his own deepest self available to his hearers,
so that they will be able to receive the Word of God.
Being a servant, then, means that the old adage is true; The gift without the giver is
bare. Becoming a servant suggests that our lives are on the line. Jesus said that his
life was given as a ransom for many.
Let Charles Meigs poem be our prayer:
Lord, help melivefromdaytoday
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel topray
Myprayer will befor Others.
Others, Lord, yes, others
Let this mymottobe;
Help metolivefor Others
That I maylivelikeThee.
Amen.
8
Make Sur e
They Know
Serah Pelis
. . . Just as you did it to the l east
of these who are members of my
famil y, you did it to me.
Matthew 25:40
I spent last summer in the park
mingling with and really getting to
know the homeless people, many of
whom you see at our soup kitchen.
Taking being like J esus very
literally, I tried to discern what the
above words really mean. I usually
contribute to local organizations
which assist the poor, but viewing
did as the past for do, I came to
realize that always using a
middleman didnt make me feel that I
was actually doing anything.
So I spent last summer with
Prescotts poor and homeless,
spending about ten or fifteen hours a
week hanging out at the Courthouse
lawn where they are in warm
weather. The one rule I set for
myself was that I wouldnt give or
lend any money.
Thats not what they really
desired anyway, as most of them
receive some sort of small check
each month. Of course they could
pool funds and rent a permanent
place to stay, but homelessness is a
subculture, a need-based lifestyle
predicated on hard lives and bad
breaks. Many are mentally ill and
have fallen through the cracks.
So I spent hours getting to know
them, their stories of how they got
where they are, why they have no
contact with living relatives. I gave
aspirin to those with headaches,
listened to problems about poorly
fitting dentures or slow-healing
sores. I scratched up something to
cover those who had fallen asleep
after sundown. Being handicapped
myself, I commiserated with many
having similar problems.
They slowly began to reciprocate,
buying me a Coke or a cup of tea;
someone always finding me a coat
when I was chilly. They are the real
people, as they would like to be
acknowledged. Next time you pass a
homeless, often grubby person, do
what J esus would do. Look them in
the eye and smile, or say hello. If
youre offered a hand by one of
them, take it.
They are different; make sure
you see them as equal. Make sure
they know you do.
9
Being like Jesus means . . .
Jack Hotsenpiller
When I first heard this topic, I immediately thought of an old book titled In His Steps,
written by Charles Shelton (1897). I got this book as a Christmas present from my
Grandma Sarah Hotsenpiller in 1935. I was 11 years old.
My dads mother was a very religious person. She and Grandpa would live with us for
six months or so, and then with my aunts the rest of the year. I remember that if I said
Darn, she would say, Now, J ackie, thats a cousin of the other word. No beer drinking
for Dad, no card playing, etc. But I loved her.
I dont remember reading the book, for that was 74 years ago. However, I still have
the book. It must have made an impression on me, since it has gone with me everywhere
Ive moved in all these years. I havent read it for a long time, so I went to the bookshelf
and took it down, blew the dust off and opened it up. On Page 6, I found this quote:
What does following J esus mean?
It is a fictional story of a pastor of the First Church of Raymond. A down-and-out
character calls at the parsonage, asking for help finding a job. The pastor treats him
politely, but turns him away. This character shows up at the church Sunday morning,
comes up at the end of the service and makes a speech. He tells his story about losing
his job and not being able to find work. He says he gets puzzled when he sees so many
Christians living in luxury and singing, J esus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow
thee. Whereupon, he keels over. The pastor takes him home and cares for him. The man
dies on Saturday night in the pastors house.
The pastor is, of course, shaken up by his death, by his story and by caring for him for
a week. In church, on Sunday, there is quite a crowd because of what happened the
previous week. At the end of his sermon, the pastor challenges members, saying, I want
volunteers from First Church who will pledge themselves earnestly and honestly, for an
entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question, What would J esus do?
and then follow J esus as exactly as he knows how, no matter what the results might be.
He asks those who agree to meet him after the service. Quite a group meets with him,
and some agree. Of course, questions arise: How do we know exactly what J esus would
do, etc. The pastor says that one has to do what one believes He would do.
The rest of the story is about various members of the church and their experiences
and troubles trying to do what J esus would do. As the stories unfold, each person has to
decide for him or herself what path is the right path.
I dont really know why I have kept this book all these years. It must have meant
something to me; maybe even means something to me today.
Each of us, when faced with a situation, must ask this question and then decide what
to do. I cannot tell you, nor can you tell me what the right steps to take are in each
situation.
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to do what I believe J esus would do,
no matter what the consequences. Amen.
10
Walking Humbly
KayKeeley
On the bulletin board above my desk at
work, I kept a prayer. The prayer asked
God to free me from the need to be the
center of the Universe and the desire to
be in control of everything. It was a prayer
that I would trust and respect others
opinions and ideas even when they did not
coincide with mine; that I would be honest
even when it was uncomfortable. The
prayer went on to ask God to restrain me
from the need to be right and instead to
walk humbly as a servant to those I meet.
J esus valued relationships. To me,
experiencing J esus is knowing the joy of
touching, or being touched, in
relationship, by other human beings.
Being like J esus is acknowledging how
grateful I am to be a part of a church
community that allows me to contribute,
that nurtures me, challenges me, and
admonishes me when I am not like J esus.
Being like J esus means taking care of
businesstoday and trusting that He will
take care of tomorrow. Being like J esus
means getting up every morning, thanking
Him for another day and asking what He
wants me to do with that gift of time.
11
BEING LIKE JESUS means . . .
loving all creatures, whether human or of the field.
Jean Phillips
Our every action should
be compassionate and
considerate, but minding the
tongue is one important
philosophy toward temperate
behavior and respect for
others.
J esus example leaves
no question as to proper
outreach for the comfort of
those less fortunate or of
nonhuman nature. Being pure
of heart can only bring
blessings to the disciple who
honestly seeks the path of
truth and love initiated by
J esus in a ready world of long
ago.
R
E
S
P
E
C
T
12
He Is Our Mentor
AnnG.Ross
I believe that to be like Jesus we need to study his teachings as found
in the accounts of his ministry in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John. Jesus was, as we would say today, their mentor. I feel that I could
do no better today than to make him my mentor. While searching through
the gospels, I found an interesting message in Matthew 23, verse 23,
where Jesus tells his followers not to be like the Pharisees who obey some
of the teachings of the law, but not the really important teachings such as
j u s t i c e , m e r c y , and being l o y a l . These are things I need to practice as well
as Jesus attributes of compassion and empathy.
We can never be just like Jesus; however, our goal is to try to be more
like him.
Luke tells us in chapter 6, verses 27-36, that Jesus tells us to love our
enemies, do good to those who hate youpray for those who are cruel to
you. Verse 36 tells us to show mercy to one another just as our Father in
Heaven shows mercy to us. How very difficult this is for us. We must pray
always for Gods Spirit to help us do this. Luke chapter 6, verse 37, relates
these words of Jesus: Dont judge other people, and you will not be
judgedforgive and you will be forgiven. We need to keep asking for
Gods Holy Sprit. Verse 10 in chapter 6 tells us that everyone who
searches will receive. The one who searches will find, and everyone who
knocks will have the door opened.
In John chapter 14, verses 23-31, Jesus comforts us and tells us to
trust in God and in the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send to us in
Jesus name. Verse 27 tells us dont let your hearts be troubled or
afraid. May we receive Gods Spirit and rejoice in our Savior Je s u s as we
remember his death and celebrate his resurrection
Quotes are taken from The Everyday Bible,
New Century Edition clearly translated for Life.
13
Living Like Jesus Means . . .
. . . Laughing and Being J oyful
LarryChristensen
On the third day a wedding took place at
Cana in Galilee. J esus mother was there,
and J esus and his disciples had also been
invited to the wedding. J ohn 2:1-2 NI V
What image does a wedding reception suggest to you? Laughter?
Music? Singing? Dancing? Whoopin & hollerin? Practical jokes? Miles of
smiles? Hugs and kisses? Fantastic foods? Pleasurable beverages?
According to the gospel of J ohn, it was just such an occasion that set
the stage for J esus first miracle. However, we tend to focus on the
phenomenon of water being turned into winea high-quality, top-of-the-
line fermented juice of the fruit.
I n the culture in which J esus grew up, a wedding was a social event of
great magnitude and consequence. Perhaps we should examine the
character traits of a person who would bring joy and merriment to the
celebration and save the host from embarrassment and disaster.
I n J esus, Man of J oy, author Sherwood Wirt states, J esus was a man
of such joy, such merriment, such gladness of Spirit, such freedom and
openness that he was irresistible. Based on the lingo and culture of the
First Century, J esus had a sense of humor and overflowed with joy during
his walk on earth. Without a doubt, a sense of humor and the confidence
to be lighthearted are traits to be celebrated and adopted on our journey
through life.
According to the gospel of J ohn, J esus told his disciples the night
before his crucifixion, I have told you these things so that you will be filled
with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! (J ohn 15:11, NLT) To live like J esus
means demonstrating not only the joy of knowing J esus, but also
displaying the joy of J esus everywhere we go and in everything we do.
14
Bei ng li ke J esus means . . .
ClydeneRice
Seeing the world through His eyes,
Let humility be reflected in us.
Seeing need and filling it,
Being free with nurturing, encouraging words.
Pray often; listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
Being thankful and accepting Gods answer.
Let anger go, as it is a stumbling block to our faith,
Forgiving generously, giving freely, loving unconditionally.
By our actions, bring Glory to our Father in Heaven,
Looking forward to being with our Heavenly Father forever in paradise.
15
Being like J esus means...
Dick Unkenholz
Feeding the hungry - as in helping with
the Granite Creek Feeding Program.
It means providing clothes for the poorly
clad, through the efforts of Open Door.
It means ministry to the widows,
widowers and the lonely through Stephen
Ministry.
It means blessing the children around us
through Sidewalk Sunday School and Kids
Care.
It means going to all the world, whether
to neighbors in Caborca, orphans in
Ethiopia, or the homeless in New Orleans.
It means visiting the ill and the
hospitalized as many Prescott United
Methodists and their pastors do on a
regular basis.
It means the Angel Tree ministry to the
children of prisoners.
It means showing outreaching love in
daily activities and contacts with family,
friends and strangers.
And being obedient to the call of a God
who thinks each of us to be gifted and
important.
It means facing life with the attitude
expressed in Frances Havergal's hymn: "I
am listening Lord, for Thee, what hast Thou
to say to me?"
16
Being Like Jesus
JoanSprain
Being like Jesus means
to me that our world must
change in many ways and,
hopefully, our nation can
be the leader. We have
forgotten the message He
has delivered to the
people: Love one
another. (1 John 4-7);
Nation will not take up
the sword against nation,
nor will they train for war
anymore. (2 Isaiah 4);
Share your food with the
hungry. (58 Isaiah 7).
Our nation is involved with the problems of today recession,
depression, national debt, budget cuts. The list could go on
forever. These are real problems for our country and they do need
to be addressed. But let us not forget that other countries are
suffering too, many of them more than us.
We have made a start with a new president. Who would have
thought we would ever have a black American president? Let us
start with that.
With courage and wisdom, let us reach out to the world with
open minds and open hands, and start a new plan; one that feeds
the hungry, reduces disease, protects our environment and
eliminates war.
This can be accomplished if we renew our faith in Jesus and
follow His teachings.
17
Being Like Jesus Means . . .
Concern For Your Fellow Human Beings
ChrisOrth
This phrase reminds me of our churchs Christian
Education Director in California, who handled our youth
programs, and her willingness to counsel all us stray
souls, no matter how much time or at what time of day or
night we needed her help.
Millie was a lady who considered it her job not only to ensure that all
the children and youth in the various church programs received the proper
education in the Christian faith, but also to be sure that we all had healthy
and meaningful life experiences. She organized an evening program with
three other churches in the community (Independent Baptist, Presbyterian
and Christian Church), along with the United Methodists. We would rotate
each week among these churches for our programs. The result was that we
started being very comfortable in discussing our own faith and in hearing
other understandings of what it meant to be a believer.
But Millie did not stop there. She encouraged all of us to be tolerant,
especially with individuals from foreign countries, as well as finding the
young people that needed a little extra care. She ensured that children
who were not familiar with American sports would get the necessary
fundamental training, such as in basketball, and be included on the church
team. They would be encouraged to travel with the team and be allowed
to play in league games, maybe for only a few minutes, but nevertheless be
made to feel a part of the team.
When older youths or recent graduates went job hunting, she would
counsel them in writing resumes. When one recent grad needed a costly
medical evaluation, she found and arranged for it at an affordable cost.
She, together with her husband, stood in as parents of the groom at his
wedding when his parents were unable to attend. In this particular case,
she and her family even hosted the rehearsal dinner at their home.
Throughout her life, she continued to stay in contact with all those in
the groups she touched. Even when she became quite elderly and started
to lose her sight, for a while she was able to write letters herself. Then her
daughter took over the writing for her, as she dictated, to be sure that we
knew she still was there for us.
The commitment, to always be there and to serve her fellow human
beings, definitely fits the phrase, Being like Jesus . . .
18
Being Like J esus
A Tribute to Evelyn Moore
EddieMefford
Evelyn was and is a pastor by profession. She served parishes in Canada and I have been
fortunate to have shared and enjoyed many of her delightful and often funny tales of her pastoral
experiences. She is also an outstanding musician and served PUMC as organist for many years,
retiring due to health issues. Her chosen professions to serve God and her sisters and brothers
make her a candidate to Be Like J esus. But I would like to share a deep, dedicated, caring part
of this special lady.
Evelyn had a neighbor, Gary Aldridge. Gary was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given
about four weeks to live. Evelyn had her share of health problems but because Gary was so ill
she made a point to go over to visit, read from her prayer book and serve communion. She made
Gary and his wife J an a promise to write a letter everyday.
Her first letter was written October 13. 2007. Evelyn is a beautiful storyteller and her first letter
told of a young man that performed a puppet theater at PUMC the Sunday before. It also con-
tained a wonderful spiritual message telling Gary, What we can know is that eye has not seen,
nor has ear heard, neither has it entered into the mind of man the things that God has prepared
for us in the heavenly realm. We can be sure it will be wonderful. If God has made this earth so
wondrous, what wonders await us in heaven.
Each day Evelyn wrote a letter. The letters told of dreams, experiences and natures beauties;
but every one had a wonderful spiritual message. Each was a mini-sermon. She often drew little
illustrations. Her letters were so meaningful to the Aldridges. J an saved each one carefully, and
she and Gary looked forward to the next days letter. Evelyn never failed to write as she
promised. Gary did not just live four weeks; he lived 89 days. His last letter was dated J anuary 9,
2008. Letter 90 was written to J an and Renee here on earth, and Gary with our Lord J esus in
heaven. She wrote:
He has put on invisibility:
Dear Lord, I cannot see, but this I know
That though the road ascends and winds out of my sight
That there will be no night;
And thou wilt guide him there as here
And thou wilt hold him dear.
How comforting those words had to be. She reassured the family that she knew J esus was
present in Garys room and that it was safe to trust your life to his care. What loving dedication.
How like J esus.
J an made a promise to her beloved husband, Gary Aldridge, that she would take all of
Evelyns beautiful letters and have them made into a book. The book is beautiful, the letters
meaningful and moving. Evelyn gave one book to the chancel Choir of PUMC, Both leaders and
followers, with gratitude and love always. I have the great honor of being the Trustee of the book.
Each week I read aloud one of these wonderful short sermons to the choir. They are wonderful
and I am blessed for this opportunity. I would be delighted to share reading some of her letters to
any of you.
Evelyn is a very special lady and J esus has blessed her and us for having been a part of her
life.
19
It Takes Patience
SubmittedbyClydeneRice
The Lord gives his people strength,
the Lord blesses them with peace.
Psalms 29:11
One day, while in the mountains, I stood up at an enormous
spruce tree. Its tip reached up to the sky like a church steeple
pointing up to God. Birds and squirrels had made their nests in
its wide-reaching branches.
For many years, it has grown there, unmoved by summers
heat or winters storm. With its roots pushed deep into the heart
of the mountain, it seemed to say, Here I stand.
Lord, I want to be like the tree, I prayed, a strong shelter
in the middle of lifes storms, unshaken and giving praise to you.
How can I be like this tree?
Thats when I noticed something lying on the ground. Some-
one had dropped a lapel pin. Written on it were only two words:
Practice Peace.
Strength and peace come from abiding in Christ.
from A Cup of Comfort
20
H e Was a Gambler Too
Rev. Stan Brown
And they crucified him, and divided his
garments among them, casting lots
for them, to decide what each
should take.
Mark 15:24
One of my favorite poets is G. A. Studdert Kennedy. He was a chaplain
in World War I, and while suffering with his fellow soldiers in the trenches
he wrote some very soul-searching verses. Many are fitting for our Lenten
meditations, but the following in particular reflects our theme, Being like
Jesus means It suggests that going to the cross of sacrifice for others
requires a huge amount of trust in Almighty God. To be like Jesus is really a
gamble, that the Father God will use our sacrificial acts for the ultimate
good of others. Here is how Chaplain Kennedy said it:
And sitting down, they watched him there,
The soldiers did;
There, while they played with dice,
He made His sacrifice,
And died upon the Cross to rid
Gods world of sin.
He was a gambler too, my Christ,
He took His life and threw
It for a world redeemed.
And ere His agony was done,
Before the weltering sun went down,
Crowning that day with its crimson crown,
He knew that He had won.
21
Can I Lear n
to Follow?
Margaret Hawley
Being like Jesus meansforgiving. Jesus showed us the ultimate in
forgiveness as he hung on that terrible cross and said those
unforgettable words: Father, forgive them, for they know not what
they do. So, surely this is a side of his character we ought to emulate.
I think about and wonder what I would have done if I had suffered all
the pain and indignities of that day and event.
I think I probably would have been railing at those who were
responsible for this happening to me, and forgiving them never would
even have been considered.
And, yet, there it is, and again we are to pray for those who
despitefully use us. I cant remember being despitefully used, but I
can remember times that I have been the target of words that were
hurtful, even though they may have been warranted, even from a
person I loved. However, knowing that they really loved me, I would
forgive and forget.
Peter asked Jesus: How often shall my brother sin against me and I
forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him: I do not say
to you seven times, but seventy times seven. There is really no way I
can ignore that mandate. I will try to remember and follow, follow,
follow.
22
Attempting to Be Like Jesus
DougIverson
Being like Jesus would mean, first of all, having tremendous motivation, and an
understanding that it was something one ought to strive toward no matter the risk.
This would have nothing to do with sin, with the threat of hells-fire and damnation, or
with doing good works, but because one had received the gift of Gods grace and
inexhaustible love.
Most difficult, it seems to me, is to be the peacemakers Jesus calls us to be, in
our families, at church, among our wider circle of friends, and on behalf of our nation
and world.
Jesus said, You have heard that it was said to love your neighbor and hate your
enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that
you may be sons and daughters of your Father in Heaven. Instead of being conten-
tious, how often am I willing to be a good listener? In a society where it is often
thought foolish, am I willing to be a conscientious objector? Should I, should we, be
calling our church to be the conscience of our nation rather than its servant, out of
love for a nation that sometimes needs to be put right. I am, I believe, certainly called
to have the courage and conscience to do so. Scripture reminds us to beware of the
powers and principalities, those forces in any country, for instance, who will send
their young men and women to war, even pre-emptive war, fully conscious of how
many of them will come home irretrievably damaged and often ignored and forgotten,
or not come home at all. If the carnage of repeated warfare, where one war gives life
to the seeds of the next, is to be stopped, who better to begin the process than those
wishing to be like Jesus?
We are no longer fighting one another with club and sword, but with nuclear arms
that threaten to annihilate us all, as we stray further and further from Jesus intent for
our lives. World War II General Omar Bradley said, We have grasped the mystery of
the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. The world has achieved brilliance
without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and
ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about
killing than we know about living.
If I am even to attempt to be like Jesus, and if we Christians are to stand for more
than the status quo, it seems to me we need to move away from ideas like peace
through war, and the idea of overcoming fear through domination. As always, we
need to love our neighbor, whomever our neighbor might be: the impoverished, the
down trodden, the HIV/ Aids orphans. Jesus said that, along with loving our God, sums
up the law and the words of the prophets.
Difficult, yes. Impossible, maybe. However.
23
I Want to Be Like Jesus
VirginiaWilliams
I would be like J esus . . .
But what was J esus like
When He preached in the Temple,
Fed the multitude on the hillside,
Healed the man who was blind,
Talked with the woman at the well,
Forgave another woman caught in sin,
Mourned for his friend Lazarus
(The Bible said, He wept
shortest verse in the Bible)?
Throughout the ages artists have tried to portray Him
Through the prism of their understanding.
The painting closest to my heart,
A portrait entitled The Compassionate Christ
By an unknown American artist, Fern Beckham,
Reveals a loving countenance with the suggestion
Of a smile . . . and a tear drop in each eye.
The picture hangs on a wall of my bedroom
Where I see it first in morning, last at nighttime.
I would be like J esus
Loving, forgiving,
Strong in faith, tender in heart,
And in that light of life Ill walk
Till travling days are done.
24
LeighDowning
I love the question, What Would J esus Do?
I miss seeing those remind-er bracelets. The
practice of asking that question has the potential
to bring about a profound awareness in our
everyday lives. Our world would be quite a differ-
ent place if all human beings not only asked
themselves that question, but followed the
guidance fromJ esus teachings.
I was deeply moved last month when our daughter, who is a freshman in college, told me that
when she is faced with a problemor a question, she asks herself, W.W.M.M.D.?Meaning What
Would My MomDo?Oh, my! Hearing that took my breath away. Then I realized I ask myself the
same question! I checked withmy mom, and she still asks that question, even though her momdied
several years ago! What a wonderful legacy of love and security and wisdom.
Lord, I want to be like J esus in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be like J esus in my
heart.
I love that verse froman American Folk Hymn in our United Methodist hymnal calledLord, I
Want to be a Christian. Howcan this intention affect our everyday lives? Are there steps we can
take, signposts pointing the way to God, guidance at our fingertips? Yes, right here in the Bible,
Book of Matthew! Printed in red are quotations fromJ esus. Here are some marvelous examples:
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (Matthew5:7)
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. (Matthew5:12)
25
What It Means
To Follow Jesus
EldonBrown
First of all, I rejoice in our Wesleyan
heritage which provides us, not with
doctrinal statements to believe, but with
guidelines for faith and practice. We take
seriously Pauls admonition to work out
your own salvation. So, necessarily, this is
what it means to Eldon to follow J esus.
For me to follow J esus, it seems to me
that I must know myself, this one and only
in all creation me, with my particular and
peculiar interests and gifts. And perhaps I
cannot really only know myself until I find
that something or someone bigger than
myself to follow. Thats where J esus
comes in. However, in order to follow
J esus one must also know as much as
possible about J esus and his teachings.
There is a humongous difference,
for me, between J esus as interpreted by
Graeco/Roman/Western culture and that
Middle Eastern, Aramaic-speaking J ew.
Wondrously, in spite of that difference, his
core message comes across the same:
What must I do to experience that quality
of Eternal Life that goes on forever? Well,
What is the Great Commandment? To
love God with all ones heart, soul, mind
and strength and to love ones neighbor as
ones self. I cant help wondering how
different the Church would be if we simply
followed J esus.
For me, the strength to begin and to
live this journey of loving God and neighbor
comes from following J esus. This does not
mean riding on J esus robe-tails. It means
to nurture my own relationship with God
the way he did, that I might be open to
Gods yearnings for me the way J esus was
open. And how to do that? One of the most
curious and disturbing pieces of the Gospel
story is that, in spite of their asking about
prayer, there is no mention of the disciples
ever actually praying. When the disciples
could not cast out demons, J esus
instructed them, This kind of healing
comes only with much fasting and prayer.
The implication is obvious. It seems that
every time he turned around, J esus went
off to be alone with God in prayer. Yet,
even to the last, there in the Garden, when
he asked the disciples to await him as he
prayed, with sweat rolling down as blood,
he went back and found them asleep. I
cant help wondering, are we yet asleep?
Finally, I must confess that following
J esus in loving God has seemingly come
easier for me than loving my neighbors,
since God first loved me, and they dont
necessarilyand they includes all Gods
children, and especially the poor and
impoverished, the starving of body and
soul, the marginalized and powerless, the
lost and imprisoned. It actually scares me
to think of what it means to take up your
cross and follow me in loving all Gods
children. Self-sacrifice is not one of my
favorite phrases. Pray for me.
26
` Our Pr ayer
GeneShaffer, Ph.D
O , God, your sea is so great and our
boat isso small.
We know your hand is on the tiller,
guiding us through the tempest of sin and
strife.
Fill our sails with your love and under-
standing; direct us to that distant shore of
forgiveness and peace.
Fill our cup with your bounty as we
share with others; allow the Power of Love
to overcome the Love of Power in this
misery-filled world.
O pen our eyes and allow us to see the
true glory of your mercy; stay with usaswe
walk with your crucified son.
Help us to rededicate our lives in service
to our church and to our fellow man at this
time of Lent.
27
W h a t I t M e a n s t o M e t o B e L i k e Je su s
EldonBrown
Since, as an adult, I began to know Jesus, I have been convinced that to be like
Jesus would mean that I would so challenge my faith tradition and my secular culture
that, by the time I was 33, I would be crucified. The conclusion is well-evident. I
have been much more comfortable being more like Peter who followed him from a
distance. (Matt: 26:58).
However, as I have shared before, the only way to even begin to be like Jesus is to
get to know Jesus as well as possible. For me this means using every tool of cultural
research and language to get to know Jesus in his Middle Eastern/Hebrew setting, and
then spending time with Jesus in prayer and meditation, Scripture and the results of
the best research available. That means sorting through everything Ive been taught
about Jesus, to see Jesus and to listen to Jesus himself. So, for me, being like the
Jesus I have been getting to know means spending enough time in prayer getting to
know, experience and internalize the unconditional love and forgiveness of God for all
Gods children, and then seek to let them know. Good News!
It means opening my heart to Gods agape love that wants and works toward the
best I can possibly imagine, and more, for others. It means telling and showing others
how much they are loved, that their sins are forgiven, that no human sin is bigger
than Gods forgiving love. For me, Paul is in tune with Jesus when he says, The letter
of the law kills, but the Spirit gives Life. (2 Cor. 3:6) It is to hear Jesus say, The
sabbath was made for you, not you for the Sabbath.
It is to care more for whats on the inside of a person
than for outward show. It is to include in my love and
care those who are outcasts, scorned, stigmatized, poor,
lost, homeless, hungry, imprisoned, powerless, the least
of these, he says, and the oppressed by the -isms and
false gods of our culture. To some degree, that probably
includes all of us.
To be like Jesus is to be willing to work and possibly
suffer and die for a cause greater than myselfin the
words of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, which means
allowing God to work in and through me to bring a
shalom kind of peace on earth. To be like Jesus is to be
an agent of healing and reconciliation. It is to invite
everyone to my tablethose with whom I disagree, my
enemies and Judas. It is to awaken to my true identity as
a Child of God. In short, to be like Jesus is to be fully
human, fully alive. By the Grace of God, I am on The
Way that leads through all Eternitybut following from
a distance.
28
PhyllisRhyner
Hello, J esus,
I hope you dont mind my asking, but who are you?
Oh, Ive read about you in the Bible and I know your
story. Or, at least, I think I know some things about
you. It can be so confusing, with everyone having a
slightly different slant on how you happened to come
to the Middle East and all the things you did way
back 2,000 years ago. Our Bible has been translated
so many times. Did someone leave out something
that was very important?
Your work and your paths were both spiritual and
political, from what I understand. Paul came after you
died/ ascended, and he has some very specific things
to say about you. It looks like Paul wanted everyone
to acknowledge you. But I keep wondering about
those people here on earth that have no knowledge.
Am I to believe that they are not Gods children, too?
The one definition of God in the Bible says that God
is Love. I like that God is both a noun and a verb. I
read that you are Lord. Recently I read a definition of
lord as the law, which makes sense to me. Your path
was a way, a set of specific rules to find heaven. And
you also said that the Kingdom of Heaven is within
(us). So, it looks like I dont have very far to go.
Our task for this Lenten Devotional has been to find
out how Being like J esus means . . . Thats why I
wanted to ask you, Who are you?
With hugs and my love,
J
E
S
U
S
29
VirginiaWilliams
To Jesus With Love
Your Way, J esus, is LOVE!
This I know because the Bible tells me so.
But I have seen much love-in-action lately;
In a hospital setting, for example, I saw
An elderly gentleman holding a little childs hand
And ever so gently humming the tune
To J esus loves me, this I know;
Two little girls, fighting, fell on a schoolyard nearby,
One girl, turning, helped the other one rise,
Wiping the dirt from the other girls skirt;
A busy woman drove far out of her way
To bring me home just yesterday
And came on in to my little house
To cheer and bless me and just talk.
Oh, the world is full to overflowing
With little deeds of kindness that could only come
From your Way, J esus, that you showed and taught.
Help my eyes to see your love everywhere around me, Lord,
And to share my heart and hand with those that may despair.
30
JoAnnePauls
Jesus Christ has always been my Source of Inspiration. He was
crucified on the cross and freed me from all sins. I want to be an inspiration
to all people . . . To be kind, loving, asking, listening, forgiving, to freely
give and freely receive and give praises, to name a few, and not give in to
hatred.
Jesus touches and leads me each day with such love. Life may not be
what I planned and hoped for, but while I am here, I let Jesus lead the way
and walk by Him in faith until we come to that beautiful realm of Heaven.
Paul writes in the 8
th
chapter of Romans:
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God inChrist J esus, Our Lord.
Thank you, Jesus, for all your blessings and for being with me each day
down lifes highways.
31
Being Like Jesus Means
AddisonHawley
Baptized
Earthly
Infinite
Nurturing
Godly
Lovable
Incisive
Kind
Empathetic
Justice
Enthusiastic
Sacred
Unbiased
Sensitive
Merciful
Equable
Adherent
Noble
Serving
32
BethCottle
In todays world, having trust can be rather challenging. It seems
that so often, people are only in it for their own benefit. In fact, if you
are too trustworthy, others may deem you as nave or gullible.
Trust is one of those feelings that we are nearly born with. As soon as
our little shriveled bodies enter this world, we have to trust that someone
will take care of us. As we get older, we can lose that trust. People may
disappoint us. Our hearts may get broken. Sadly, it seems that the people
we trust the most are the very people that abuse that trust. Sometimes it
even feels like its God who betrays us. God has blocked my way so I
cannot move. He has plunged my path into darkness. (Job 19:8)
So we get bitter. And cynical. And thus begins a vicious cycle of living
a life with our hearts closed, and we drift further and further away from
God and who God wants us to be.
Except thats not living. You cannot fully live if you are afraid. Ive
learned that the opposite of love is not hate, its fear. Its the fear of
someone hurting us, or taking away something from us. How we can open
our hearts to God and others if we keep our hearts protected and closed?
How can we learn to trust again?
How can we learn to trust like
Jesus? Since we lack trust because we
are afraid of being hurt, we need to
learn to open our hearts to love. We
need to conquer fear so we can trust.
And like Jesus, we need to trust in God
and know that he will keep us safe and
protected if our trust in others is ever
betrayed.
Trust
33
Jesus and the Hidden Nature of Authentic Faith
BobFiske
If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
(Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34b, Luke 9:23)
Jesus says, come after me. But what does it mean to follow Jesus?
I am reminded of an old comedic routine wherein a man says to a group of people, Walk this way.
He walks off in a certain direction with a limp and all the others walk behind him . . . also with a limp!
Is this what it means to follow Jesus, to mimic his every move? Is this what it means to have the kind
of faith and trust in God by which he lived? Is it enough simply to ask, What would Jesus do?
I find it strange, when we speak of following Jesus, that we hear so little said about the teachings of
Jesus regarding the nature of faithfulness to God, especially as recorded in that which is referred to as the
Sermon on the Mount in Chapters 5-7 of the Gospel according to Matthew. We have a lot to say in our
churches about how Jesus loves us, the good works we are doing as a demonstration of our
discipleship, the need to practice our piety by being seen in regular public worship, putting on a lot of
fanfare in that which we call our praise of God, or by trying to remake ourselves into more morally perfect
human beings. I wonder, though, if this is all that it really means to follow Jesus. Is this the only
substance of the kind of faithfulness to which Jesus calls us as his disciples and witnesses?
Whether the Sermon on the Mount actually happened the way it is recorded in Matthews Gospel is
irrelevant. The significance of the teaching is found in that which is actually said about the nature of faith
as understood and taken seriously by Jesus. If we read carefully what he says, he reveals that genuine faith
is rarely easily demonstrable. There is, rather, a kind of hiddenness in a faithful relationship with God. If
we are truly faithful in following Jesus we live as incognito christs.
Take, for example, what he says about practicing piety before others (6:1), or giving alms (6:2-4).
Or, how about what he says concerning prayer (6:5cc), or fasting (6:16-18), or a number of other human
activities. Clearly, there is something peculiarly radical about faithfulness as Jesus sees it which is not
easily recognizable. It has to do primarily with not drawing attention to ourselves in anything we might
think, believe, say or do, but truly giving all glory to God.
It is easy for us in life to seek importance as human beings in wealth, status, intelligence, physical
strength, good works, piety, good looks, liberal or conservative thinking, privileged positions in
society, popularity, or almost anything else we can lay our hands on or to which we put our minds. Jesus,
on the other hand, recommends to us the kind of hidden faith by which we are to see our importance as
human beings in only one reality, the reality of Gods unconditional love for us and all of creation.
In other words, being truly faithful comes through self denial. The crosses we are to carry may not
be visible crosses such as that upon which Jesus was put to death, but are more likely those which are
carried silently throughout our journey of life as the persons we are, trusting in the One who breathes LIFE
into us. Out of this faith often comes, as it was for Jesus, a concern for those who seem to have the least
importance, such as the poor, the sick, those in jail, the demon possessed, minorities or anyone else
living on the margins of society. Out of such faith comes also a concern for every person we encounter,
friend and stranger alike, whom we are to recognize as respected children of God. Out of such faith, too,
often comes resistance to those with political or economic power or privilege who use their position to
further primarily their own self-serving aims and purposes, rather than the common good.
If this is truly what it means to follow Jesus, if this is the kind of hidden faith in God to which he calls
us, I dare you to try it! While perhaps not visible to anyone else, it will be in praise of God!
34
B ei ng l i ke J esus means
shar i ng our God gi ven gi f t s
t o car e for ot her s.
Bill Price
Two Bible verses come to mind: Put on then,
as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and
patience. (Colossians 3:12), and Carry each
others burdens and in this way you will fulfill the
law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2). These two verses
are the favorite of Stephen Ministers. Stephen
Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians
are ministers. The responsibility for passing on Gods love is for all Christians, not
just the chosen few. God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put
those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a place to discover those special gifts and use
them to bring Christs love to people in need.
We all have our special and unique God-given gifts. Sometime those gifts are
unknown to us or difficult to discover. Wouldnt it be nice to know those gifts at
birth, and to grow and mature along with them? However, our Lord has sent each of
us on a personal journey of service and discovery. Perhaps it is through serving
others that we discover our blessings. I believe that if we discover our blessings, we
then discover our gifts. Stephen Ministry is a meaningful way to serve others in a
distinctively Christian way and can serve as an opportunity to discover ones gifts
and talents.
I have been told that one of my gifts is to make people laugh. I enjoy laughing
and good humor, and some laughter in everyones life may be important and
healthy. But how could I use this gift in my care-giving ministry? It is difficult for
someone to laugh when he or she is grieving the loss of a child or a spouse, is
awaiting major surgery, is hospitalized or is depressed. Yet, with time and healing,
the Care Receiver can learn to cope, participate in and enjoy the light side of life.
Laughter can be part of the healing process as the Care Receiver is able to share
some laughter or joy.
Nonetheless, for me the best gift of all is the gift of sharing Christs love and
concern for others. Such a wonderful gift! This is the one gift all Christians share. I
hope to share this love everyday through my one-to-one caring relationships. How
do I do this? I try not to solve problems; but rather by listening, caring, praying and
helping the care receiver find his path to healing and wholeness.
Yes, serving as a Stephen Minister has given me unlimited opportunities to care
for others and to know God and to glorify God. In the mercy, grace and love of our
Lord J esus Christ, I am grateful.
35
Being Like J esus
In Prayer
Rev. Stan Brown
He appointed twelve, designating them
apostles, that they might be with him
and that he might send them out to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:14-15
One morning J esus climbed the hill to
a favorite place for prayer, inviting a select
group of followers to go with him. After they
had spent some time up there in prayer, he
spelled out what their assignments would
be if they accepted his invitation to be his
disciples. See the text above.
I am impressed by the order of things
here. This is not at all the way I prioritize
my life most of the time. I usually jump into
the second and third items on Christs
agenda, the busy stuff, and overlook what
for Him was the priority: to be with him. It
should be obvious that on this assignment
hangs the power to accomplish the other
two. We must be with the Source of power
before we are enabled to live the life of the
service for the Kingdom of God. The Son
of God knew this applied to Him as well,
and the importance of this is seen when we
study the verses in the Gospels that refer
to His prayer life.
There is where we are on the horns of
a dilemma. How can we be with J esus on
that peaceful Galilean hillside when the
fretful concerns of family and society press
in upon us? There is a ready answer, if in
this Lenten season we are willing to make
the commitment.
1) Become a faithful participant in a
weekly small group, where Bible study,
prayer and personal sharing are the
agenda. If you cannot find one, then start
one by inviting others to join you.
2) Establish a private time with the
Bible and prayer at least a majority of the
days during the week. Of course, the only
way to do this is make it a priority, and
carve out the time of day or night most
reasonable.
3) Develop a time of family
devotions, perhaps around the breakfast
table if you are retired, or supper time if
you are a working family. The Upper Room
is an excellent guide, followed by group
prayers and discussion.
4) Pray with other persons. Some
of our most intimate times in the Presence
of God can be when we lead in prayer with
a sick friend, during a home visit when
special needs are expressed, at a hospital
bedside, during visits as a Stephen
Minister, or even at the beginning of a
committee meeting. The opportunities are
endless.
5) Perhaps most important of all
ways to be with J esus is to seek out
solitude. Turn off all incoming noise or cell
phones, sit in a cozy place, or take a thirty-
minute walk. A day in the wilderness
alone is a good idea periodically as well.
36
RonYounger
. . . to try and follow His example on how to live our
lives. J esus was the perfect example, and the Bible is our
written guide on how to live our lives.
This is a very difficult task indeed. The Bible teaches
us that we are imperfect, and will constantly be torn
between our good and evil nature (Romans 8:3-17). But
we can strive to do as Jesus taught us to do. We can be
humble, and pray for those less fortunate than ourselves.
We can give our resources and our time to do good work.
We can be unselfish, and think more of others than we do
of ourselves. We can be caring, and help those who are in
need. We can be good examples of
Christians, so that others who do not
know Christ will see Him in us. Our
actions and our deeds will mean more to
others than what we say.
And, in the end, we know that life
here on earth is temporary, and we have a
place in heaven reserved for us. This is
our comfort and our salvation, and
provides us the strength and
determination to do here on earth what
needs to be done.
37
Being like J esus means . . .
GussCampbell
. . . a joyous journey through the days of our lives.
So sing the old hymn and read it slowly with Chas. Gabriel.
More like the master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, More courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me to do.
Take Thou my heart,
I would be Thine alone;
Take Thou my heart and make it all thine own;
Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,
Wash me and keep me . . . Thine for ever more.
38
JimMesserschmitt
In Jesus day, it was customary for a rabbi (teacher) to
surround himself with disciples (learners). It wasnt enough to
gain knowledge from the rabbi. The goal was for each disciple
to be like the teacher.
New Testament teaching stresses that likeness to Jesus
is the goal God has for each of us. With Jesus as our teacher,
we learn to be Christ-like through study of the Word, worship,
prayer, music, listening, sharing, witnessing, and serving.
All of us, not just a chosen few, are given the
opportunity to be disciples of Christ, to follow in His
footsteps, to be forgiven when we stumble, and to be at His
knee for eternity.
39
Leaving Our Destiny To God
Rev. Stan Brown
The hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.
Luke 22:21
One of the mind boggling stories we encounter during Lent is that of
J udas I scariot, who struggled with his own life purpose and destiny. J esus
had not followed the path J udas thought he should take, so this zealous
disciple took matters into his own hands. The story causes me to think of
the times I had my plans all mapped out so sure that my way was the
right way. Then when things did not work out, I wondered why God did
not cooperate.
When I was a young pastor serving a church in rural I llinois, I got it in
my head that I would like to do student work. About that same time an
invitation came to be the Bible teacher and chaplain at Rocky Mountain
College in Billings, Montana. I t was all so exciting I accepted without
making a prayer vigil and without listening to the contrary advice of my
peers. Taking my destiny, and that of my family, into my own hands I
uprooted them, left that congregation, and headed out to experience the
most traumatic year we had ever had. Without going into details, the
whole adventure was a fiasco and we came limping home a year later to
take another church.
I am moved by the way J esus assures us that our destiny is safe with
Him. We do not have to take matters into our own hands like some J udas
trying to force the hand of God. At the Last Supper Christ lifts the cup
and toasts the future, assuring his followers that there is a plan and
purpose behind their trials and disappointments.
During this Lenten time it would be well to gather up all our plans and
dreams and hand them over to the Father God, even as J esus did through-
out His earthly pilgrimage.
40
Being Like J esus?
DianeIverson
The very idea of being like J esus requires more than a casual
acquaintance with the one we would follow. After all, the same one
we call Savior turned over the tables in the temple and had a few
frank things to say to Pharisees. He was in fact gentle and
compassionate. He also said, "go, sell all you have and come follow
me." It seems the first task is to know Jesus. Perhaps the reason there
are so many denominations is that it is human nature to "be like
J esus" in a sort of cafeteria style, wandering down the counter and
saying "I'll take mashed potatoes and the lemon pie, but I'm not
fond of turnips." Possibly, also, it is not meant that we put
everything on our plate, but simply accept the things Christ offers. If
J esus gives me a serving of poverty in order to glorify him, I would
certainly be aware that J esus himself was homeless. If he gave me
wealth, I would need to consider what his demands on that gift
would be as well.
The ultimate gift was his life, not just that he died for us, but
that he lived to show us a better way. The better way is the way of
love and service on this earth. It is the way of the one who speaks
out against injustice. It is the way of one who is reviled and betrayed.
It may also be the way of death for some. I pray for this:
To be steady on the journey.
To keep my eye on the one whom I follow.
To accept the turnips with faith and grace.
To encourage others along the way.
To forgive myself and others.
To love lavishly and without conditions, as if the supply can't
be exhausted, because it can't.
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us
and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
How does Gods love abide in anyone who has the worlds
goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?
1John 3:16- 17
He
Laid
Down
His
Life
For
Us
41
The Tall Order
Margaret Hawley
B e in g like J esu s co m p e ls m e to lo o k a t scrip tu re to
g u id e m e . Wh o H e w a s, a n d is, is d e fin ed b y H is
w o rd s a n d H is w o rks w h ile H e w a s h e re o n ea rth , a s
re co rd e d in th e B ib le b y th o se w h o kn e w h im
p e rso n a lly a n d b y th o se w h o kn e w H im a s w e d o ,
th ro u g h so m e o n e te llin g u s H is sto ry.
H e w a s a te a ch e r, a p re a ch e r, a n e n co u ra g e r,
h e a le r, a n a d m o n ish e r, b u t m o st o f a ll, a lo ve r a n d
fo rg ive r o f e ve ryo n e , in clu d in g (m a yb e e sp e cia lly) h is
e n e m ie s. I h a ve m e t a fe w p e o p le in m y jo u rn e y w h o
se e m e d to m e to b e d ifficu lt to lo ve . So I lo o ke d fo r
e xce p tio n s, b u t th e re a re n t a n y. H is tw o g re a t
co m m a n d m e n ts w e re to lo ve G o d w ith a ll yo u r
h e a rt, so u l, m in d a n d stre n g th , a n d yo u r n e ig h b o r a s
yo u rse lf. T h e y w e re n o t su g g e stio n s, b u t
co m m a n d m e n ts. T h e u ltim a te a ct o f fo rg ive n e ss
w a s h is w o rd s fro m th e cro ssF o rg ive th e m , F a th e r,
fo r th e y kn o w n o t w h a t th e y d o .
T h u s, it is a ta ll o rd e r tryin g to b e like J esu s, a n d
im p o ssib le w ith o u t H is h e lp . B u t w ith H is h e lp , w e
ca n d o a ll th in g s, in clu d in g lo vin g a n d fo rg ivin g . So ,
fro m th e w o rd s o f a p o p u la r so n g , T ry to re m e m b e r
a n d fo llo w , fo llo w . . . a n d w a lk in a n d sp re a d h is
lig h t a n d lo ve in th e w o rld .
42
Being Like Jesus
Means To Be A
Servant
Janet Reeves
J esus was many things; He was a teacher,
He was obedient, He fed the hungry, and He
prayed to be in constant communication with
God. J esus was also a servant to God, and we
can be servants to God in many ways just by
focusing on the various ministries right here
in the church.
J esus set many examples of service. A
special one happened the evening before his
crucifixion. He got down and washed the 12
disciples feet as a lesson in humility and
service. I have set you an example that
you should do as I have done for you. I tell
you the truth, no servant is greater than
his master, nor is a messenger greater than
the one who sent him. John 13:15-16
Dont consider yourself too important to help somebody. Leaders in the
church should be servants. J esus rejected the temptation of self-glorification,
knowing that the way of love is humility and servanthood. His concern was
not with recognition for himself, but recognition of God. Let us follow this
example and live for the love of J esus, let us obey Him. To this you were
called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you
should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21
For J esus, the hour of His greater mission was approachingdying for the
sins of the world. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am,
my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:26
The Lord wants us to follow in His steps. He wants us to be equipped to
teach, to lead, and to have the humility of Christ, to be a servant. Go and
serve God and serve each other with acts of kindness, compassion, and love!
43
Bei ng li ke J esus means.
DoreenN. Rickard-Morrow
As for me and my household,
we will serve the Lord. -Joshua24:15
I have been called upon by God many times
in my life to serve in various ways. My service
has taken me as close as Prescott, Arizona, to as
far away as Pucallpa, Peru, and many points in
between. The most recent was a calling to go on
amission trip last summer with twelve others to
Santa Ana, El Salvador, and build classrooms.
What was I thinking when I replied to an email
frommy roommate I had on the trip to Peru by
saying, Yes, I would love to go? I wasnt really
thinking, I was following my heart on another
adventure and life changing experience with
God as my tour guide and faith coordinator.
When we arrived at the San Salvador
Airport, I was abit apprehensive and, yes I will
admit it, scared. That was all put to ease when
we entered the gates of Iglesia Biblica de Elohim
for the first time to be greeted by Pastor
Eduardo and the entire congregation. Que
Dios te Bendiga or May God Bless You
coming fromthe mouth of each person looking
at me with the abounding love of God in their
eyes and the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Their
passion and excitement for praising God the
Father and His Son Jesus Christ were over-
whelming and contagious as both spread into
my heart and soul.
I will tell you the work was hard. The
muscles pulling in my back frombending over
the handmade sifting screen for hours as my
hands cramped up fromgrasping the piece of
wood custom-carved with a machete to fit my
hand by my new friend and brother in Christ,
Israel, gave me a true appreciation for those
who do this on aday-to-day basis. That parti-
cular work was done for the purpose of sifting
local river sand into fine sand used to make the
concrete for the brick layers. The aching hands,
swelling fingers and fatigue I experienced while
either tossing bricks to the men who were
throwing themto the second floor, or catching
the thrown bricks and stacking themwhile on
the second floor, soon went away when I saw
the progress we were making on the walls of the
two classrooms that would hold the young
students as they learned of the word of God.
The cramped hands and scraped knuckles were
just momentary pains incurred while bending
steel and attaching it to rebar with Charlie, my
friend and brother in God. The pain was soon
forgotten when witnessing the steel
reinforcements for the walls being put into
place, holding the structure together. Someone
had said to me that the work I did with the steel
would be hidden and never seen unlike the
beautiful brickwork that was being done. I
know that was true, but I told themto consider
this; the steel was the heart that holds all of
those beautiful brick walls together, just as Jesus
is the steel reinforcement that holds my blessed
life together. In looking back at the pain and
aches I experienced while working on the
project, none of it can compare to the suffering
that Jesus endured on the cross as he died for
our sins. The pain I felt was healed and soon
forgotten unlike the memory of what my Savior
had endured for me and all mankind.
Working together side by side, shoulder to
shoulder and heart to heart with the people of
El Salvador was truly a life changing experience.
I was asked recently, When you get back from
a thing like this, how long does it take to get
over it? Honestly.never! I entrusted a piece
of my heart to the people of Iglesia Biblica de
Elohimto take care of while I got back to my
life here. I know they are taking gentle and
loving care of it until I can go back to check on
it. Please remember that we are all on this earth
together, and brought into the lives of others
for a reason and a purpose
My command to thee is this: Love each other
as I have loved you.-John 15:12.
To each one of you.Que Dios te Bendiga!
44
what next?
Pastor Carol Mumford
Scripture reading: Matthew 9:18-26
Recently, some miracle stories
have caught my attention . . .
Theres the incident involving the
U.S. Airways pilot, Chesley Sully
Sullenberger, and the way all on board
that recent flight survived the crash
landing in the Hudson River. Thats a big
one, for sure, for the number of lives that
were saved.
Then a close friend of mine phoned,
excitedly, the other morning to share his
latest miracle story. Hed been hit hard in
the recent economic downturn, by losing
one job and experiencing severe
cutbacks in another. Because of limited
funds, he had enlisted to do some home
repairs himself, but unfortunately did not
have all the needed materials. He
desperately needed a couple of 2x4
boards.
Driving to work the next day, what
should appear in the road in front of him
but two 2x4s! As he evaluated the
situation, looking around to see if there
was any evidence of anyone anywhere,
there was nothing. The boards had
obviously been on the road a while, their
appearance revealed, and there was very
little traffic at the time. There were no
identifying marks. Acutely aware of his
need, he was ecstatic at what he saw as
a simple, unexpected and timely gifta
miracle!
My friend thanked God in recognition
of the blessing, as I am sure so many did
on the U.S. Airways flight. This reminded
me of how caught up J esus always was in
miracle stories. There was the wine at
the wedding feast, the loaves and fishes,
the story of Lazarus, the woman at the
welland so many more! J esus, the
miracle worker, seemed to be forever in
the midst of wonderfully and
miraculously healing and redeeming
situations, from the simplest to the most
dramatic.
For the people around himthen
and nowperhaps being like J esus
means to get caught up in those same
stories, but also to recognize miracle
stories when they happen to us, no
matter how small Maybe being like
J esus means to have our eyes open to all
the miracles continually around us, those
wonderful things that are happening
virtually all of the time. For us, it is living
in an awareness of the way God works
actively in our lives and simply seeing the
blessedness of all creation and our place
in it, with J esus by our side.
One woman simply touched the hem
of J esus garment, we are told, and she
was healed. As we travel to the cross at
this Lenten time, we are reminded of the
ultimate miracle we might experience
the life-giving nature of the death and
resurrection of our Lord! J esus wants us
there.
May we all be totally caught up in all
the miracle stories of J esus that
continually surround us and to which we
can give ourselves. The Lord works in
often mysterious ways!
45
JanLynne
Praying long hours
praying and thinking daily about our own deepest needs and the
needs of others in our family, community, nation, and world?
Turning water into wine
believing in the transformative power of love?
Turning the other cheek
using good listening skills and diplomacy instead of muscle or
military strength to solve problems?
Befriending lepers and eating with tax collectors
mingling with the homeless with their unwashed smells ?
the mentally ill with their incoherent stories?
neighbors that let their dogs bark?
gays? lesbians?
Turning over the tables of the money changers in the Temple
being angry enough at injustices to speak out against greed and
policies that keep people poor or oppressed?
Loving ones enemies
loving and praying for Liberals?
Conservatives? Vladimir Putin? Osama bin Laden?
Living as Gods son
accepting Gods free gift of unconditional love for ourselves and
extending it to every person in Gods world?
46
Loving Service
DavePolhemus
It is difficult for me to see Jesus as
a "God" figure. There is no way that I
could even pretend to be like him. Nor
can I see Jesus as a Miracle worker. I
can neither walk on water or change
water to wine. If that is who Jesus is, I
might as well give up now.
However, when I look at the life of Jesus,
the miracles fade into the distance and
instead, Jesus becomes a scope through which
I can see God. It is in Jesus that I can see how
God loves, how God cares, how God
challenges us, how God has dreams for us.
Almost anyone with a sense of beauty and
wonder can find God in creation. Any scientist
can find God in the mysteries of mathematics
and physics. Any anthropologist can find God
in the intricacies of the living things. The
mystics can find God in the contemplation of
the music of the spheres. But none of these
show God as a God of love. Not even in the
Old Testament writings can you find a God
who loves. God is one to be worshipped, and
approached with a sense of awe. In Jesus, we
find one who talks with God, using the loving
term "Daddy."
In Jesus we find one who calls us to loving
service. Jesus models the person I would like
to be. This is what being like Jesus means.
47
Warning Signs
Janet Reeves
A while back I had a dishwasher that was
getting old and began making clanging and
rattling noises when I would run it. I knew that I
needed to get it repaired. But I put it off for a
while, thinking I had plenty of time before the work
really needed to be done. This went on for several
months. As time went on, the dishwashers noises
became much louder. One evening as I was
loading it, I had hopes that it would run for one
more load since I had planned to call a repair
technician the following day. So I ran it again, the
same as I had done every evening. It was clanging
and rattling just as it had been doing for quite some time. Then suddenly without
any warning, there was silence. I walked into the kitchen, looked at the dishwasher,
and saw smoke coming out of the vents of the dishwasher. The dishwasher was
broken beyond repair, never to run again. You see, for several months I had ignored
the warning signs. Ignoring the warning signs cost me a dishwasher. Isnt it possible
that to ignore warning signs may cost the gift of eternal life? We do not know when
our last day on earth will be.
There are all kinds of warning signs. There are warning signs to make us aware
of danger such as slippery floor, children crossing sign, or do not enter when
flooded sign, etc. Fever warns us of sickness and infection. Physical pain can warn
us that something is wrong with our body.
God sends us warning signs. Has God been sending you a warning sign about
your life? Is God telling you to do something you havent been doing or to stop doing
something you have been doing?
Dont ignore warning signs from God. There is no guarantee of another day on
earth. If you havent received Christ already, today is the day for your salvation!
Jesus loves you. He wants you to have purpose in life, forgiveness for your sin, and
eternity with Him in Heaven.
The Bible says in John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be
saved. --John 14:2
48
H op e In Th e Fa ce of O u r M or t a li t y
Rev. Stan Brown
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing
with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Whenever I read a book by James Robinson, Bishop of the Church of
England, I was brought up short with his shining new insights. In 1983 he
was told that he had an inoperable cancer, and had only six months to live.
In one of his last sermons at Trinity College, Cambridge, he said that he and
his wife were determined to know the whole truth about his condition. He
said, Christians are those who should be able to bear reality and show
others how to bear it. Or what are we to say about the Cross, the central
reality of our faith?
Bishop Robinson went on to thank God he was granted the gift of
advance knowledge of his impending death. He said, People sometimes say
of a coronary, `What a wonderful way to go, and as a process of dying for
the individual concerned it must be preferable to much else. But it usually
gives you no warning, no chance of making up your account. Still less does
it allow loved ones to prepare. And preparing for death is increasingly
recognized as a vital part of the process of grieving, of bearing reality
Then the Bishop said this startling thing, God is to be found in the
cancer as much as in the sunset. If He is not, then He is not the God of the
Psalmist who said, `If I descend into Hell there thou art also
Going on to speak of his cancer the Bishop said, I have discovered this
experience to be full of grace and truth. I cannot say how grateful I am for
all the love and kindness and goodness that is disclosed, which I am sure
were always there but which it has taken this to bring home.
In the midst of Creations groaning (Romans 8:22f), those who would be
like Jesus are revealed as the sons and daughters of God. We are the Easter
people. While death stalks the world, we have joy in our hope that life has
more to it than this. We have climbed to the top of the mountain and looked
over, and seen the glorious life beyond. That hope gives us the freedom to
find joy and meaning here as we serve the needs of others and boldly face
our own mortality.
49
Why I Go To
Church
Roger Stewart
Because I am human, I go to church.
Being human, I am weak. I am weak in
will, weak in purpose, weak in faith. The
only sure antidote for my weakness is the
Original Source of Strength. To find it, I
go to church.
Being human, I am lonely. I am lonely
for human comradeship; I am lonely for
spiritual companionship; I am lonely for
divine company on my road through life.
To find them, I go to church.
Being human, I am wandering. I waver
between choices; I vacillate between
indulgences and obligations; I flounder
among conflicting desires and duties. To
find the way to steady my course, I go to
church.
Being human, I am insufficient. I am
only partly adequate; I am only partly
realized; I am only partly become. To find
my fuller sufficiency, I go to church.
Being human, I am unsatisfied. I am
not quite content with material things
only; I am not quite filled with material
pleasures solely; I am not quite at peace
with material offerings exclusively. To
find a deeper satisfaction, I go to church.
Being human, I lack confidence. I am
consumed by doubts; I am harassed by
fears; I am staggered by the weight of
responsibilities. To find full confidence
by the assurance I do not stand alone, I
go to church.
Being human, I must work. I cannot
work well without ever-present help; I
cannot work well without values not
based on money; I cannot work well
without regular renewal of visions of
greater attainments yet possible. To find
these visions, I go to church.
Being human, I am frightened. I am
frightened by my responsibilities; I am
frightened by my tomorrows. To find a
safe hiding place, I go to church.
Being human, I influence others. I am
to someone unknown a book to be read; I
am to someone unknown an example to
be copied; I am to someone unknown a
help or a hindrance. Lest I be a worthless
book, lest I be an ill-worked example, lest
I prove a stumbling block rather than
step, I go to church.
Being human, I am taught by others. I
am the child of Christian parents; I am
the grandchild of Christian leaders; I am
the great-grandchild of Christian
pioneers. To keep my precious heritage
secure, I go to church.
Being human, I am hungry. I am
hungry for earthly leading; I am hungry
for spiritual comfort; I am hungry for
eternal reassurance. To satisfy my
hungers, I go to church.
Being human, I am called. I am called
to witness in daily performance; I am
called to witness in private living; I am
called to witness in public service. To
answer the call, I go to church.
50
Feed My Sheep
Harriet Hotsenpiller
Videos, books, media abound on the
topic chosen for our Lenten Booklet for
our church. For example, an exciting DVD
series, Living the Questions, is produced
in Phoenix by two young pastors. Our Bob
Fiske is introducing us to many theologians
followed by lively discussion. Seize the
opportunity if you can!
Being Like J esus Meansbrings me some memories:
as a tiny lass trudging through trees in our beloved woods, stopping to climb
a few. I sang for J esus and sang made-up songs for J esus. I wonder now
about my theology!
sharing with husband J ack at a Methodist Family Camp on Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin; some real alarming yet comfortable ideas about J esus, God, the
Spirit.
called to serve the Conference United Methodist Women. I was afraid to
risk; I did and the rewards were great!
Being Like J esus MeansJ ohn 21:15-17, here quoted fromThe Message
Bible, the Bible in Contemporary Language:
After breakfast J esus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of J ohn, do you love
me more than these?
Yes, Master, you know I love you.
J esus said, Feed my lambs.
He then asked for a second time, Simon, son of J ohn, do you love me?
Yes, Master, you know I love you.
J esus said, Shepherd my sheep.
Then he said a third time: Simon, son of J ohn, do you love me?
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, Do you love me?
so he answered, Master, you know everything there is to know. Youve
got to know I love you.
J esus said, Feed my sheep.
Prayer: J esus, you have blessed me with your love and grace. Hear my songs
and help me to feed your sheep. Amen.
51
Lord,
I Want
to Be a
Christian
Buz Davies
At some time or another, most of us
have sung the song Lord, I Want to Be a
Christian; its one of the great songs in
our United Methodist hymnal. You might
remember that the four verses plead to
the Lord that; Lord I want to be more
Christian; more Loving; more Holy; and
more like Jesus in my heart.
Remembering the song, I asked myself
what it means to be more Christian,
loving, holy, and like Jesus. As always, I
find the Bible is the best place to find
answers to these types of questions.
For me, being a Christian means
accepting Jesus into my life and
recognizing Him as Lord and Savior of my
soul. To be a Christian means that I seek
to follow His teachings and
commandments, and I believe and accept
His grace and forgiveness when I sin.
To be more Loving becomes real to
me in 1 John 3:16-18. This is how we
know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down
His life for us. And we ought to lay down
our lives for our brothers. If anyone has
material possessions and sees his brother
in need but has no pity on him, how can
the love of God be in him? Dear children,
let us not love with words or tongue but
with actions and in truth. Said in
todays terms, we need to walk the talk.
A good description of being more
Holy is found in Psalm 15: 1-5. Lord,
who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who
may live on your holy hill? He whose walk
is blameless and he who does what is
righteous, who speaks in truth from his
heart and has no slander on his tongue,
who does a neighbor no wrong and casts
no slur on his fellowman, who despises a
vile man but honors those who fear the
Lord, who keeps his oath even when it
hurts, who lends his money without
usury and does not accept a bribe against
the innocent. He who does these things
will never be shaken.
Jesus himself tells us what it means
to be like Jesus in John 8:12. I am the
light of the world. Whoever follows me
will never walk in darkness, but will have
the light of life. To be like Jesus means
to reflect His light in both the darkness of
this world and that of Satans. Have you
ever noticed when the bright light of the
sun beams through the windows their
dirtiness is exposed? Matthew tells us to
let our light shine before men, that they
may see your good deeds and praise your
Father in heaven.
Lord I want to be more Christian in
my heart. What does it mean to be
something that is in your heart? Proverbs
4:23 tells us that the heart is the
wellspring of life; Above all else, guard
your heart, for it is the wellspring of
life. God knows our hearts and minds.
Others around us can and do observe our
words and actions and make judgments
on the purity of our intentions and
hearts. For out of the overflow of his
heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:43). I
believe that if God is in your heart, then
your wellspring of life will be full of love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness,
gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and
self-control.
Lord I want to be a Christian. Why?
Because Jesus loves me. How do I know
this? The Bible tells me so.
52
BEING LIKE JESUS MEANS . .
MaryEllen Dyer
There is no way I can really be like
Jesus. No way! He knew the wisdom of the
ages. He also knew why He was on earth
and what He had to do. He cared about
each person, even the children and both
men and women. He challenged the
leaders, both Roman and Jewish.
I can follow Jesus and love Him. I
can care about those in sickness and
sorrow and I can pray for them. I can help
feed those who are hungry. I can enlarge
my world to pray for an end to wars and I
can pray for our troops and all the young
people who give their lives for their
countries. I can also pray that the blessed
Lord will give me direction in how to serve
him.
But I am afraid to hang on a cross.
I shudder when I think of the ghastly
pain He had to endure on his cross and He
did it willinglyfor us!
Lord, you paid the price for our
souls. Help us to serve You!
P r e s c o t t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
5 0 5 We st G u rley S treet
P re sco tt, Arizo n a 8 6 3 0 1 -3 6 1 7
(9 2 8 ) 7 7 8 -1 9 5 0
E m a il: p um c@ca b le o n e .n e t
Web p a g e : p resco ttu m c.com

Being Like Jesus Means : 2009 Lenten Devotional Guide

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