Author: Cindy Lee

Have you ever visited the Sea of Galilee?  It is one of my favorite places to visit. I adore that region of Israel for many reasons, but mainly because Jesus conducted 80% of his ministry there.  Though a storm can arise quickly, I associate that place with peace. 

Tucked in a corner of the sea, there is a little chapel called The Church of the Beatitudes.  It is perched on a hillside overlooking the sea.  On a recent trip there, I thought of the hymn, Lord You Have Come to the Lakeshore.

I don’t know if you are familiar with this hymn, but I like it.  The verses are:

Lord, you have come to the lakeshore looking neither for wealthy nor wise one; you only asked me to follow humbly.  (Refrain) O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me, and while smiling have spoken my name; now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me; by your side I will seek other seas.

You know so well my possessions; my boat carries no gold and no weapons; you will find there my nets and labors.  (Refrain) O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me, and while smiling have spoken my name; now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me; by your side I will seek other seas.

Today, envision Jesus calling you to follow humbly.  See yourself letting go of all to walk side-by-side with him.

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This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 22
• Tuesday – Acts 23
• Wednesday – Acts 24
• Thursday – Acts 25
• Friday – Acts 26

Please Pray for:

• The St. Paul Church family.
• Those who are unwillingly absent.
• Those who are grieving and depressed.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
• The United Methodist Church.
• Our nation and our leaders.
• The World.

Lately I’ve been thinking about some of my favorite hymns. What are your favorites? Sometimes I begin each day humming some oldie-but-goodies. This morning it was Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me. I really like the lyrics to this hymn:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands, can fulfill the law’s demands, could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on they judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hid myself in thee.

These four verses summarize basic Christian theology: We are in need, our attempts for wholeness are limited at best, in Christ there is salvation, we come only in faith, in him we find our all.

If you don’t know how to begin each day, try humming or singing some of your favorite hymns. St. Augustine said when one sings, he or she prays twice. When I begin the day this way, my whole outlook for the day ahead is filled with hope. So may it be for you.

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This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 17
• Tuesday – Acts 18
• Wednesday – Acts 19
• Thursday – Acts 20
• Friday – Acts 21

Please Pray for:

• The St. Paul Church family.
• Those who are unwillingly absent.
• Those who are grieving and depressed.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
• The United Methodist Church.
• Our nation and our leaders.
• The World.

Lately I have been captivated by Acts 2, especially the beginning of Peter’s sermon right after the giving of the Holy Spirit. Peter said, “God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.  But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip” (Acts 2:22-24).

My thoughts are drawn to the first and last verses. What comes to your mind when you read, “God publicly endorsed?” How about when you read, “…for death could not keep him in its grip?”  Meditate on these two powerful statements.  What is God speaking to you when you read Peter’s words?

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This week’s reading:

• Monday –  Acts 12
• Tuesday – Acts 13
• Wednesday – Acts 14
• Thursday – Acts 15
• Friday – Acts 16

Please Pray for:

• The St. Paul Church family as we prepare our hearts and minds for for fall activities & studies.
• Those who are unwillingly absent.
• Those who are grieving and depressed.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
• The United Methodist Church.
• Our nation and our leaders.
• The World.

My morning commute to work is always a time of prayerful reflection. It takes me a good twenty minutes or longer depending on traffic. It is best served in silence. No talking, no sound, just silence. Many days I will think on a word or two and ask God to speak to me around those themes. When I’m really on my game, I don’t wait until I’m driving to have twenty or thirty minutes of silence. By carving out time without driving, I limit the distractions. The days that start this way seem to be better than the days that start differently.  I’m more relaxed and more ready for the day ahead.

How do you begin your day? Consider starting each day in silence or at least giving a decent amount of uninterrupted time for prayerful reflection. If this is new to you, try this:

1.  Remove all sounds (no radio, TV, or phone, etc.)

2.  Be as still as possible.  Focus on your breathing. (5 minutes)

3. Focus your thoughts on something like Promises of God or the Presence of God. (10 minutes)

4. Listen to the sounds around you.  There will be some sounds although you have tried to remove them. (5 minutes)

5. Pray a prayer of Gratitude for what God has given you. (3 minutes)

   

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This week’s reading:

• Monday –  Acts 7
• Tuesday – Acts 8
• Wednesday – Acts 9
• Thursday – Acts 10
• Friday – Acts 11

Please Pray for:

• Traveling mercies for all those on the road this Labor Day holiday.
• The St. Paul Church family as we gear up for fall activities & studies.
• Those who are unwillingly absent.
• Those who are grieving and depressed.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
• The United Methodist Church.
• Our nation and our leaders.
• The World. 

Hugh Latimer, an English Bishop in 16th Century, once said:

“Don’t be too hasty to judge or condemn another person. Love is not quickly offended. 

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