The Cashier....Monday

5/18/15

As I sit here to write I am looking for something in my day that was encouraging. Then I remember the cashier. Because I didn't plan dinner far in enough in advance (which means, I didn't plan it at all) the meat is still in the freezer. I head to the grocery store.


After picking out a few items I go to check out. In line I read magazine covers as I wait, when another cashier pops his head around the corner and cheerfully announces "I'm open." That kind of news makes most of us smile, and I happily change lanes. Then the cashier surprises me by asking, "Your name is Mary, isn't it?" I concede that it is and thank him for remembering. 

But the real surprise is how pleasant it made me feel. This was a new cashier, not one of the regulars who I've been saying hello to for 15 years. The positive feeling stayed with me as I drove home and reminded me of the affect it has on others when we remember their name. 

Here is a 20-something year old young man, being a light at the local grocery store. He is using the platform God has given him - the 2 square feet of space at the register - to make a difference in people's day. He's not just doing his job- not one of the regulars has ever called me by name. Oh, they are friendly, and I do like them, but this young man is doing something different. 

This young man has inspired me. As I go through my week I will be looking for opportunities to do something different.  

 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10 NIV

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that 'doing good' can be as small as a smile or calling someone by name. Pleas give me eyes to see and a heart to recognize opportunities this week to make a difference in somebody else's day. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

RELATIONSHIPS... Sunday

Devotional for 5/17/15

Relationships are built over time.  For some people it is easy to form friendships, seeking out connections with others and quickly forming ties.  For other people it is more difficult, perhaps even building walls around themselves to keep others away.  They may fear being dependent, abandoned or hurt.  Some relationships are very superficial acquaintances, while others are deep and lasting.  Sometimes when one has bared their soul to another over time and trusted them with their deepest darkest secrets, the bond feels sacred.

Relationships can also end.  This may be due to it being a casual connection that simply drifts apart.  Or one person moves away making it more difficult to maintain contact.   At other times one person grows and the other does not, so the imbalanced relationship no longer works well.  Some endings happen suddenly while others dissolve gradually over time.  Sometimes we may be happy to move on and get away from someone who is unhealthy for us.  Other times the departure is painful due to divisiveness or betrayal.  Or that sacred interconnected relationship changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

That is what happened to me this past week.  A very close relationship built over time that was cherished by me is taking a new turn that I did not anticipate.  While I still have my other beautiful relationships, like that with my husband, family and close friends, it hurts to see this other connection become much more distanced.  It is leaving a big hole in my heart because she means so much to me and has helped me beyond words.  She has changed my life.  It literally brings tears to my eyes as I mourn my loss.

I can only imagine that the disciples felt as much and probably more sorrow when they saw Jesus crucified.  They had left everything to follow him and learn from him.  He had changed their lives and now he was leaving them in a way they never anticipated.  And then Mary Magdalene could not find his body in the tomb - she too was devastated to tears.  Little did they know at the time that this was necessary to bring even greater glory to the story of their lives.  Because of God's sacrifice of his Son on the cross, all people on earth are given the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven with him.  The empty tomb did not mean Jesus was lost and gone forever.  It meant He rose again and walked with them on earth until he ascended into heaven.  And by the power of the Spirit, the disciples were given faith and spread the good news to all who would listen.  Their temporary "loss" of Jesus became their gain, and the whole world's gain!

Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage: rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Dear Jesus, help us to remember your special relationship with the Father - being humbly obedient unto death - creating your special relationship with us as our Savior through your resurrection.  May we reflect that relationship with others as we serve them and bring them the Good News of salvation.  Comfort us as we grow in our relationships and as they change, knowing that you will be with us always, helping us through difficulties and reminding us that sometimes what appears to be heart-wrenching can turn out to be heart-growing!  Forgive us when we forget to lean on you in all things.  In your name we pray,  Amen.

written by Jan Andersen

FIRST THINGS FIRST...Saturday

5/16/15

                                            

"You shall have no other gods before me." 

 Exodus 20:3

     This is the first commandment which was given to Moses and the people of Israel after their delivery from the hand of pharaoh in Egypt.  This is what God rightly expects from all of us.

   

  Is Christ first in your life?  Take a minute to look at how you spend your time, how you use your talents, what you spend your money on.  Then you will know if you put Christ first in your life.

     Are you a one or two hour a week Christian or do you give the Lord devotional time every day?  Do you help promote the programs at your church, tell others about your faith in Jesus, volunteer in your community?  Do you generously support your church with your tithes and offerings or give your leftovers -- if you have any?

     

God expects all of His followers to live different lives from the rest of the world.  He put us first by giving His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins.  He has prepared a place in His heavenly mansions for all who believe in Jesus.  He blesses us daily with all we need to sustain our lives and loves us unconditionally.

     In return, we need to recognize Him as God and place Him in Hi rightful place in our hearts, first, above all else.

Written by 

Carol Steficek