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Jan. 23 devotional

2012-01-23T10:52:00.001-05:00

Dr. Gary G. Kindley
Pastoral Counselor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
www.drgk.org

Scripture
So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah. (I Kings 17:15-16)

Good Times in Drought Times
The story of the prophet, Elijah, and the widow who, with the help of God, supported each other during a three-year drought is a wonderful passage of scripture (See I Kings 17). It is a story of faith, interdependence, resurrection, and God's loving providence. The story also demonstrates that a drought – substitute the term "tough times"—need not be only bad but can be a time of good.

Drought times can be an opportunity to discover God at work, because (for a change) we are looking for God to be working. We hope that God will see us through our predicament and so we are more keenly aware of God's presence.

Drought times can be an opportunity to learn something from our difficulty, or through discomfort. We can choose to examine how we handle suffering, resentment, grief, failure, disappointment, despair, isolation, or waiting.

Drought times can be an opportunity to re-examine how we handle relationships and how we look at other people. What might we learn about ourselves from even the difficult people whom we encounter? Do we own our poor choices, negative traits, destructive habits, or self-centeredness that contribute to failed relationships or damaged friendships?

Drought times can be very revealing. Several years ago, during a season of drought, the water's edge of the Sea of Galilee receded to a record low. Archaeologists made a startling discovery buried in the mud—a fishing boat, much like the ones used by Jesus' disciples, dating from the same era. Using advanced restoration techniques, the boat has now been cleaned and preserved and is on display for tourists from around the world to examine. It was the "find of a lifetime," but would never have been revealed were it not for suffering a time of drought!

May we grow as Christian disciples in good times and bad, and discover that God's presence along our journey can make any time a good time to be both hopeful and alive.

Prayer
Loving God, when the waterline is low and I see only mud, help me to look beyond and see the possibilities in times of drought and difficulty. Amen.

January 18 devotional

2012-01-18T10:36:00.001-05:00

Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the realm of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18. 15-17

A Word of Hope
I recently picked up a self-help book that is a collection of reflections by Richard Carlson. The book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, was first published in 1997, and I'm sure that is about the time that I first read it. The brief reflections are things that most of us know, but just need to be reminded of. For example, one of my favorites is: When You Die, There Will Still Be Things in Your Inbox. How true.

Perhaps my favorite suggestion is the one that invites you to think about people with whom you are having difficulty. It might be a family member, a colleague at work, a friend, or just someone who rubs you the wrong way at an event or in a store. The suggestion is to hold that person in your mind and imagine them as a little child. Carlson's point is that it is hard to dislike someone, judge someone, hate someone if you are thinking of what they must have been like as an innocent child.

Of course, a long time ago, Jesus asked us to consider children and their place in the realm of God. Jesus challenged the people of his day who believed that children were little more than servants and were to be seen and not heard, to think differently about children. Turning the tables on his listeners, Jesus welcomed little children into his presence and then said a rather extraordinary thing. He said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the realm of God like a little child will never enter it."

He must have been right about that. Children have the uncanny ability to see what we miss, to love in ways we would never consider, and to live within the mystery and imagination of God. They are generally unashamed of their voices, their bodies, their laughter and their tears. In short, they live fully authentic lives.

Maybe that is why when you look at someone with whom you are in conflict or with whom you struggle, to see them as a child can actually transform how you think of them. It is hard to hold a grudge, hard to hate, hard to be angry with someone when you think of what they must have been like as a child who sang, and played and loved unconditionally.

Of course, Jesus said that we would need to consider becoming like children if we really wanted to fully enter into the realm of God. So, why not take a page from our children? Use your imagination and see if you can get yourself to be more child-like. It might be the best thing you do for yourself and others all day. Then, perhaps, you can have a child-like compassion for those with whom you disagree.

Prayer
Holy One, remind me that now and always I am your child, so all I have to do is be fully, authentically who you created me to be. Then, may I enter into your realm. Amen.

January 16 devotion

2012-01-16T11:09:00.001-05:00

by
Rev. Dawson B. Taylor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
Executive Minister

Scripture
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. Amos 5:24

A Word of Hope
Today we remember the birthday of one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; who would have been 83 years old yesterday, However, we know that his life was cut far too short by assassination in Memphis, TN. It is the custom of churches to honor saints at the date of their death, not their birth date, however, we cannot overlook the impact of Dr. King on this day.

One of the things that Dr. King is best remembered for his seventeen minute speech that we know as the "I Have a Dream" speech delivered on August 28, 1963, in which he called for racial equality and an end to discrimination. The speech, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement and was delivered to over 200,000 civil rights supporters. The speech was ranked the top American speech of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of scholars of public address.

However, one of the lesser known events of that day is that toward the end of the speech, King departed from his prepared text for a partly improvised peroration on the theme of "I have a dream", possibly prompted by singer Mahalia Jackson's cry, "Tell them about the dream, Martin! Tell them about the dream."

I love that story. And I wonder, if in honor of Dr. King's birthday today, we should all say aloud a dream that we have for our world. Perhaps that is a dream of peace, or a dream of "righteousness [being] like an everflowing stream." Maybe that dream is about renewed relationships or an end to hunger. Or maybe your dream is more personal. No matter how great or small that dream is, today, let us honor Dr. King and let us honor God by dreaming bold dreams of a future filled with hope.

Prayer
Everlasting God, please hear my dream. Amen.

January 9 devotional

2012-01-09T09:48:00.001-05:00

by
Dr. Gary G. Kindley
Pastoral Counselor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
www.drgk.org

Scripture
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

A Word of Hope
I've become aware recently that I am getting better at embracing the unexpected. I'm beginning to thank God for interruptions in my day—granted that some interruptions are more welcome than are others. Some interruptions can help me to refocus on what is truly important in life (people rather than things), while others create new opportunities to practice patience or live out my faith. Unforeseen events and situations can become possibilities for new experiences, new learning, and new opportunities for growth and service.

I arrived on schedule according to my clock and calendar, but there had been a miscommunication and the 9:30 appointment at the local coffee shop was actually to start at 9:00 a.m. The person I was to meet had already left, and had left a message for me with someone at the store. I proceeded to wait in line for coffee and a pastry. Ahead of me was a man whom I had first noticed when I was getting out of my car. He was dressed for cold weather and it was a mild, sunny day. He carried a backpack, and was wearing a neck brace. A new hospital identity band was clearly visible on his wrist. He had approached another patron in the parking lot, they spoke briefly, and the customer had given him some change from his pocket. Now, change in hand, he was attempting to order a cup of coffee.

As he carefully counted the coins in his palm, he eyed the glass display case and realized that he didn't have enough money for anything besides a small coffee. I did what you would have done, I said, "Why don't you let me get this today?" He smiled sheepishly, and accepted my offer. I encouraged him to get something to eat and he ordered a ham sandwich.

We sat down at a table and he explained that he had just been released from a nearby hospital that morning. His brother was to pick him up but had apparently gone on to work, so he would need to wait until the end of the shift to get a ride to his brother's house where he could recuperate for a few days. He had been struck by a vehicle and knocked unconscious after getting off of a city bus the day before. He was bruised and sore, but had declined pain medicine because he was a recovering addict. Any challenges that I faced at that moment suddenly seemed inconsequential after hearing of this man's circumstances.

Whatever your day might bring, be it an overflowing toilet or an encounter with a troubled soul, I think that it can be a step toward greater spiritual maturity when we begin to see interruptions, inconveniences, and unplanned distractions in our day as opportunities to live as grateful, humble people.

Prayer
Teach me, loving God, to see the possibilities and opportunities when I encounter the unexpected. Remind me that your timing has a grander vision in mind. Amen.

January 6 devotional

2012-01-06T11:20:00.001-05:00

by
Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

A Word of Hope
Friday, January 6, 2012 – a new week, a new year, a new beginning – or – so we hope and pray. Advent through Epiphany is the time of the year when I concentrate most on personal introspection and evaluation of my life, work and ministry for the past year. I like our verse for today – though it wasn't a promise addressed to Americans or any other specific group of the future – however – there are still powerful lessons to be learned. This verse contains part of God's response to Solomon's prayer concerning provisions for the people when they deny and sin against God and the covenant they made with God.

"If my people, which are called by my name,…" Observe closely the two fundamental principles being espoused here – first, Israel has been named and called by God. Second, it's essential for the people to acknowledge, accept, and submit to God's guidance and authority. "and pray and seek my face. …" This part is really interesting…..not only are they to pray – they must accept nothing less than being able to enter fully into God's presence. It isn't enough for us to simply pray. We must with faithfulness seek to be fully in God's presence – we must – see God face to face. I believe this is necessary because it is only in the full presence of God that we begin to understand how - just being in the presence of unconditional, non-judgmental and accepting love calls forth transformation.

Essentially, God responded to Solomon's prayer by suggesting four different criteria for forgiveness and continued relationship. I think those four criteria provide the substance to guide our journey through this next year and assist us in determining our success as disciples in the year just gone. God said the people must humble themselves by accepting responsibility for our missteps shall we say. Then we are to pray asking - God and anyone else who may be relevant – for forgiveness. Next we must seek God everyday consistently and then we must change our behavior.

I am mindful every year when I take my introspective journey that I tend to fall far short of the "glory of God". What God and other folks who love me remind me – God doesn't need or desire our promises and resolutions to try harder this year. God wants our lives and behavior to reflect our love and devotion to him/her. What I hope for myself this year – and all the others out there who - like me seem to regularly fall short – is that I continue to try and humble myself, accept responsibility for the messes I create, ask for forgiveness and seek the face of God. I find the more deeply in love with God I fall the more I want to be like Jesus. If we truly love God we will fervently seek to do God's will. Let it be so this day and everyday of this extraordinary new year.

Prayer
Amazing and merciful God guide our footsteps today and fill our hearts with humility, gratitude and wonder. Amen!

January 5 devotional

2012-01-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

by
Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach & Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! Psalm 133: 1

A Word of Hope
My two kids have a strong family resemblance to their mom and me. In other words, one can certainly tell they are our children. We all have characteristics that are shared by our family. In fact, family medical history is important for our personal well being. We may also have shared behavioral and emotional characteristics. In other words, "family resemblance" has to do with the ways people who are related to each other share similar emotional, social, physical, intellectual and spiritual characteristics.

Not only do we have our biological family and our 'family of choice,' many of us have a church family. Many attend worship in a building, some meet in homes and some worship through the internet. The important thing is that we be part of something that is bigger than we are when we are alone. Whatever church looks like to you, you are there because of similar beliefs. There is some kind of resemblance that causes you to feel safe and have hope.

Scripture confirms this:

Do not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10: 25

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with you. Matthew 18: 20

What's more fulfilling than a life lived in friendship and harmony with those around us? Psalm 133: 1 gives us a glimpse of life as God would have us live it: in peace and godly community with our neighbors.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!

If you are not part of a nurturing spiritual family, the beginning of 2012 may just be your wonderful time to consider being part of something bigger than you. I believe you will be blessed. I believe you will feel good about joining a community of like believers. Hope and blessings often come to us in small steps and even when we least expect it. Let 2012 be the year that over-fills you with joy and peace and community.

Prayer
God of grace let me not miss an opportunity to be inspired and be part of something wonderful. Amen

January 4 devotion

2012-01-04T10:56:00.001-05:00

2012 Devotions

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

by
Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Now after the magi had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt. . . . Matthew 2. 13-15

A Word of Hope
Like many of you, I imagine, my family and I spent the weekend of the New Year putting away Christmas. While there was much excitement about putting our Christmas tree up and decorating our home and filling it with presents, that same feeling could not be said for our weekend of putting Christmas away, though there was a sense of relief, of freshness, of openness that washed over us as we swept away the pine needles and put away the decorations.

There are only a few things that remain out in our home that speak of Christmas: Some gifts that have yet to be delivered, our outdoor Christmas lights that require help from a tall ladder to take down, an Advent wreath (after all it is not yet the Twelfth Day of Christmas) and a manger scene carved out of wood.

As I lit the Advent wreath this morning and looked across to the bookcase that houses the manger scene throughout the year, I was struck by the fact that we never really put Christmas away. You see, once you have let Jesus inhabit your heart you can never really put away Christmas because you will forever be changed.

Such is the case of Joseph and Mary. They participated in a plan of God's conceiving, told to Joseph in a series of dreams. They experienced the birth of their first born child and witnessed with what must have been surprise and skepticism, the arrival of visitors, magi from far away who said that they had seen a star and had come to worship the child. That is the point in the story where most of us consider that Christmas is over. Not so for Joseph and Mary. Once again God breaks into Joseph's dreams and tells him to take his family and flee to Egypt because Herod is bent on destroying the child, and so they go.

I think Mary and Joseph are a lot like us. Once the baby had been born they probably had settled in to life with a new infant, Joseph going about his work as a carpenter and Mary taking care of the house and the child. But you see, they had opened their lives to this child and to God's dream and that meant that they would go wherever and whenever they needed to go in order to bring God's dream into being. The child changed everything.

I suppose that is why I always leave one manger scene out during the year, to remind me that the child changed everything and that we have a commitment to be part of birthing God's dream into the world; a dream of hope and promise of love and forgiveness, of love and life. So, I wonder if you might consider keeping one out in your home or your office during the year as a constant reminder that you never really put Christmas away. Then you may well discover, as Joseph and Mary did that the child changes everything.

Prayer
O Holy Child of Bethlehem, stay close to me this day and every day. Remind me that your life in the midst of my life changes everything. Amen.

December 29 devotion

2011-12-29T10:31:00.001-05:00

Pastor Lynette Ross
Pastor – CoH-Houston Devotion Thursday, December 29, 2011 - Psalm 46:1-3, 10a - Pastor Lynette Ross - Pastor - CoH-Houston - Cathedral of Hope UCC Dallas Texas 2011-12-29 040:00:00

Scripture
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:1-3, 10a

A Word of Hope
We are in that in between time. The tenderness, reflection, and ultimately the majesty, of celebrating the birth of Jesus have passed, but the New Year has not yet begun. Most of the parties are over, and we may be busy trying to put everything away from Christmas while at the same time we get ready for the festivities of New Year's Eve.

In between times though can be tough; even tougher is admitting it. After all, it's the Christmas Season and you're supposed to be happy and joyous. It's not that you aren't, it's just that in between time, and sometimes, only sometimes, we put inordinate expectations on what we think the New Year will bring. As it gets closer, we begin to realize that perhaps we have placed too many expectations on an arbitrary date in time. In the New Year we had expectations that we were going change our attitude about our job, or change jobs, or find a job. We were going to get fit, lose weight, and restyle our wardrobe. All those closets, drawers, and cupboards will be ship shape in an instant once the New Year comes. I could go on, but you get the picture. So that in between time, once the glow of Christmas wears off, and we realize we have created unrealistic expectations about the New Year, can be deflating and disheartening.

In those in between times in my life, those that just happen, and those that I create, two things have helped me. One is to take deep, deep breaths of life and as the Psalmist tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God!" Revel in it, drink it in, and find your center again. The other thing that helps me in those in between times, as well as those times when I struggle to have perspective, is to be of service to others. It's amazing how being of service to others takes my mind off me and changes me; it brings me so much more than I give. As the New Year approaches and we all contemplate what the New Year will bring, let's all find ways that we can be of service to others. Just look around – the opportunities are endless!

Prayer
Dear God help me to be still and know that your presence and steadfast love are always with me. Help me to embrace opportunities to be of service and in the process bless others. May I discover that when I reach out to others I am enriched beyond measure.

December 22 devotional

2011-12-22T11:05:00.001-05:00

Tommy Weisbecker
Minister for Congregational Life, Youth & Spiritual Formation, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Let's hear it from Sky, with Earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from Sea. Let Wilderness turn cartwheels; animals, come dance! Put every tree of the forest in the choir—an extravaganza before God, as God comes to set everything right on Earth and treat everyone fair. Psalm 96 (Eugene H. Peterson's The Message)

A Word of Hope
Sometimes it felt in 2011 that our world was turning upside-down. But a New Year is upon us, and I believe it is our God-created destiny in this New Year to set everything right and treat everyone fair…

The Judeo-Christian Scriptures are clear about the idea that God is glorified in our stewardship of the planet. Psalm 96 tells of our entire planet in unison—sea, land, and sky—singing God's praises. Genesis 1 tells of our God creating human beings in God's own image, "so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth" (Gen. 1:26-27).

In my Internet-surfing this weekend I stumbled upon a TED talk (www.ted.com) by Pavan Sukhdev on "the economic invisibility of nature." Sukhdev points out that most of the planet's natural capital, what he calls "ecological infrastructure" goes unnoticed simply because it is "invisible". Most of Nature's riches, because they are invisible, aren't valued in the marketplace at all. This is a problem for environmental stewards for the simple fact that we cannot manage what we do not measure.

God literally entrusts us to care for all living things. You and I together have the power to revolutionize business as usual—to discern the important difference between public benefit and private profit, and to acknowledge that our planet's ecology is an interconnected whole. What degrades an ecosystem, or just one of God's creatures, degrades us all. As Christians we are called in our daily lives to empower this way of thinking and, wherever possible, to make a difference. God's promise is in you and me—the walking, talking instrument of the living Christ.

Prayer
Eternal God, help me to make a difference. Help me to be your instrument. Thank you for the gift of this planet and for entrusting me to care for all its creatures! It's so beautiful. I love you. Amen!

December 21 devotion

2011-12-21T10:09:00.001-05:00

Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Now a discussion arose among the disciples of John the Baptist. They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3.25-35

A Word of Hope
Tonight marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of our year. It was Julius Caesar who established December 25 as the date of the solstice celebration for the people of Rome. Much later the Christian Church would lay claim to December 25 as the day on which Jesus Christ was born. Over the years there has been much debate as to why December 25 was chosen. Some believed it was because the date was nine months from the announcement of Jesus' birth by the Angel Gabriel to Mary. Others believe it was an effort by the early church to claim the day for Jesus Christ over all the Roman gods and leaders. I don't know that it actually matters why December 25 was chosen. What matters to me is the rich symbolism of what the early church was trying to say to us about the birth of Jesus.

When his disciples pointed out that Jesus was now out and about baptizing people and many were flocking to him, John the Baptist made it clear that he was not the Messiah and that he must decrease while Jesus must increase. What is interesting to note is that the early church placed the birth of John the Baptist on June 24, near the Summer Solstice. So, John the Baptist was born at the point in which, at least in the northern hemisphere, the days begin to grow shorter, or decrease.

It was appropriate, then, for Jesus to be born on or near the Winter Solstice, the point in the year when the days begin to grow longer, or increase. The birth of Jesus then becomes the moment in time when light is coming into the world. And isn't that just what we have been waiting for and talking about during this Advent Season? So, you see, the absolute accuracy of the date of Jesus' birth is not nearly as important as what the birth of Christ means to us. I, for one, hope the birth of Jesus Christ means a great deal to you and that you wait with anticipation for the coming of the Light of the Word into your world, into your life and into your very being.

My prayer for you, this Christmas, is that the birth of Jesus, the coming of Light into our world, will be real, very real for you and that in turn, you will be one of the followers of Jesus who help usher light into the lives of others. Merry Christmas.

Prayer
O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to me, I pray. Cast out my sin and enter in, be born in me this day. Come, Eternal Christ, Light of the World. Amen.

December 16 devotion

2011-12-16T10:42:00.001-05:00

Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you ….. Isaiah 41:10

A Word of Hope
The past few days I have awakened early in the morning to beautiful, wholesome echoes of rain falling sweetly against my windows. Looking through the window, I could see the wind moving tenderly through the trees causing the rain to slide effortlessly to the earth. I snuggled into the warmth of my bed listening to what – for me – is music. The rain and wind were doing a dance together. A dance blended into melodies only God and angels can create. Sounds way beyond my abilities to articulate with the eloquence it deserves.

Lying very still, I allowed the sounds to renew me. I stood up, unable to resist going outside. I opened the door and stepped outside on the porch: the rain embraced me with an intensity that overwhelmed me in memories. Memories of women – ah yes – women, their embrace, kindness, friendship, love – healing me and loving my brokenness into new life. Memories of late night conversations with all kinds of people saying all kinds of heated, passionate and wonderful things – of great food and splendid people to share it with – adventures great and small – some dubious and all fun.

The rain poured down on me calling me to relinquish the images and sounds from the past. The rain wasn't forceful – nor soft – just right. The smell of it invigorated me – the cool warmth teasing me into alertness too intense for so early in the morning. The rain quickly drenched me. Soon the wetness and wind began to chill me – reluctantly I stepped back inside and out of my wet clothes into the towel I had waiting. I turned the heater on and allowed the warm wind to dry me. I put on dry sleep wear, laid back down and slept peacefully until 6:30, thankful that when I awakened, rain was still gracefully and steadily falling.

In those moments I felt the possibilities of not being afraid or dismayed, assured that the promises of God—though ancient, mystical and mysterious—are, nonetheless, true. I felt the strength and arms of God upholding me and helping me be who I was created to be. I call Isaiah the Advent prophet, perhaps because it seems to me he more than any other prophet understood who the coming messiah would actually be: the maker of all things new.

Prayer
Almighty God, everlasting mother/father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your goodness that we may not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. In all we do, direct us to the fulfillment of your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

December 14 devotional

2011-12-14T10:40:00.001-05:00

At last! The assigned readings for this coming Sunday are beginning to look like Christmas. Of course, it is about time; this Sunday is the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. This week we get to read about Mary, and the anthems begin to talk about pregnancy and birth.

Unfortunately, when I read the lessons this morning to begin working on Sunday's sermon, it wasn't a manger scene that came to mind. What I thought of was a teenage African-American girl who rode my bus when I was in school. She was pregnant and probably about Mary's age. Living in the South, she probably would qualify as a peasant living at the edge of society.

What sticks out in this memory is how she was treated by the teachers. Even African-American teachers held her in contempt. Her fellow students ridiculed her behind her back, and even those with kindness looked at her with pity for one who had done something dumb and had no idea what she was getting into.

Today, teenage pregnancy is much more common, of course. No one beyond the family gives it much thought. I'm not sure that is progress. What does the church do about this? Do we sit in moral judgment as though this act for which there is proof is somehow a worse sin than all those secret acts of passion that leaves no evidence behind? Or do we simply shrug our shoulders at a sign of the disintegration of the family and society at large?

The truth is this is still a big deal. I don't mean teenage sex. I mean the lives involved. The teenage mother's life has been altered in ways her undeveloped consciousness is incapable of comprehending. And what of the life she bears? Americans disdain the government getting involved with child-rearing, but we all bear responsibility for who this child will grow up to be or what they will grow up to do.

No, the government might not have a role, but we do. The church and people of faith must care about teenage mothers and their children. If we don't, we just might miss the birth of One who might save us. Maybe not from our sin, but at the very least this child may grow up to be the one who gives us CPR or discovers the cure for cancer. Like God, we, too, must believe that a child is the only hope for eventual salvation.

Blessings,

Rev. Michael Piazza, co-pastor of Virginia-Highland UCC, Atlanta, GA

December 10 devotional

2011-12-10T09:23:00.001-05:00

The Prophets of Advent – Cost and Joy

December 10, 2011

Isaiah 53: 1-5 (KJV)

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities."

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel, pastor of Victory UCC in Stone Mountain, GA

We should never assume that our celebrations of the advent of God in Christ Jesus will attract and appeal to everyone. Isaiah's prophesy about the life and sufferings of Jesus are enough to prompt the question: Is anybody really willing to celebrate and to follow a messiah of sorrows, who was acquainted with grief?

The advent of Jesus is not just about his manger; it is also about his mission. A mission that would render him stricken, smitten of God and rejected by men and women. Where is the merriment in that? Those of us who celebrate not just the manger but the mission of Jesus are aware of this poignant paradox.

Yet, still we joyfully celebrate the coming of our Christ, for we understand what Isaiah understood: suffering for the cause of God's realm is redemptive in every sphere of life. In fact, the suffering of Jesus is not ancillary but integral to our celebration of Advent.

Prayer

Lord, during this Advent season, let our celebrations and actions reveal to us afresh the redemptive power that only comes through our sacrifices for others. Amen.

December 7 devotional

2011-12-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

"Can You Hear Me Now?"

December 7, 2011

Hebrews 1:1

"Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days God has spoken to us by a Son, whom God appointed heir of all things, through whom God also created the worlds."

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel, Victory UCC, Stone Mountain, GA

How many times have we abandoned all efforts to communicate with persons who were non-responsive? After a few unanswered messages or e-mails we've had it!

After all, who would even want to communicate with someone who obviously doesn't want to talk and couldn't care less about building any kind of mutual relationship? What kind of person would keep reaching out and trying to establish dialogue with people who are obviously not interested? That kind of person would be God.

Our whole history is a chronicle of God's patient and persistent attempts to open up a divine—human dialogue with those of us who isolate and insulate ourselves by talking only among ourselves. The advent of every prophet was an invitation for us to dialogue with God; the rejection of every prophet was a refusal of that invitation.

And just when we thought God might have abandoned the effort, God, instead, turned up the volume, wrapped the message up in human flesh and spoke to us in the living language of sacrificial love personified in Jesus. Can we hear God now?

Prayer

Lord, after all of our dismissals and rejections of your call, thank you for never giving up on us. You have spoken clearly to us through your Son and we hear you now. Amen.

December 6 devotional

2011-12-06T10:09:00.001-05:00

Rev. Alejandro De La Torre
Associate Pastor for Congregacion Latina, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" "a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for God.'" (Mark 1: 1-3)

Prepare The Way
As you may know, this year we have begun reading Mark's gospel which starts with these words: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus the Messiah". Gospel means good news. And the good news that the listeners are about to hear is that God, our God, is coming to us to dwell among us. There is no better news than this. So this announcement is a great and joyful one.

But it is very interesting that this announcement is accompanied by an invitation of repentance, with a call to transform our lives, to produce a change: "And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."

Well, it is very understandable to include this call, because, since the great news is that God is coming to us, the requirement for this coming is for us to prepare the way, taking away the obstacles that will be distractions to God's arrival.

It is as simple as when we invite somebody to come over to our homes. Knowing that they are coming, we make all kinds of arrangements and clean the house just to be ready to receive our guests and guarantee that they will enjoy their stay with us.

Advent is a time in which we are invited to lay low, to fill up, to bring low, to make straight, to level the various paths in our lives, in order to remove all differences that exist in our personal relationships and toward the whole world. It is a call to open our hearts and communicate and share our hope and our commitment to make this world a better place in which we all may live peacefully.

But, let me tell you, this process of change should be a joyful one, knowing that at the end the presence of the Messiah will bring full meaning to our lives.

So, continue your journey of Advent, do not stop the process of transformation of your life, and next Sunday come to church and share in community the joyful dimension of faith.

Prayer
Oh Emmanuel, Come! Come Jesus Christ, come! Come to us and fill our hearts with joy. Amen

December 2 devotional

2011-12-02T09:38:00.001-05:00

1 Thessalonians 1:5

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance . . ."

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel, pastor of Victory UCC in Stone Mountain, GA

As we approach the celebration of the incarnation of God in Christ at Christmas, our ears are already filled with the festive, majestic words of the season. "Shalom," "Glad tidings to all," "Peace on earth," "Wise men still seek him," "The greatest gift of all," "For unto us a son is born; a child is given," "Silent night, Holy night," "Behold the star," "Joy to the world!"

But despite the beloved choruses of our holiday hymns, scriptures and salutations, the Apostle Paul suggests that what God has given to us through Christ Jesus can never be adequately proclaimed through words alone. For in Christ, God has given us much more than a good word or a good sentiment or a good idea. In Christ, God has given us the power of word made flesh. In Christ, God shows us the awesome power we have when we take lofty principles and incorporate them into everyday human practices. In Christ, the concept of good is realized and personified in a human character to which we can all relate. In Christ, God invites us to simultaneously embrace the full humanity and the full divinity that is in each of us.

Such Good News can never be conveyed in words alone. This Good News requires a passionate presence among people, the strength to forgive and the humility to be forgiven, the faith to keep searching for light despite the darkness of night, and, oh yes . . . the willingness to approach grown-up things through the eyes of a child.

Much more than the words we speak, we must seek to become the incarnation of Advent this season.

Prayer

Dear God, in addition to the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, give me the will and the capacity to act out the meaning of Advent through Christ who animates me. Amen.

November 21 devotion

2011-11-21T09:29:00.001-05:00

Rev. Dawson B. Taylor
Executive Minister – Dallas, Cathedral of Hope UCC

Scripture
"Now as they went on their way, [Jesus] entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:38-42

A Word of Hope
Barbara A. Tyler wrote an article entitled "A Change in Plans" in Today's Woman magazine. Here is part of what she wrote:

"Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming, I've made a few small changes:

Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect. The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this is Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas."

And here we are at the beginning of the week of Thanksgiving and the holiday rush begins! The reality is whether we've uttered them aloud or not, we have expectations of what this holiday season will bring. Some of us will be expecting certain meals, traditions or gifts. Some of us will be delighted and some of us will be disappointed; that is the human condition. Just like Martha was frustrated and Mary was delighted in our scripture lesson for today.

However, I believe that God has given each of us the ability to decide whether we will be frustrated or delighted. This season, I invite you to "keep the main thing, the main thing" and not worry so much about traditions, food or gifts. Make this a holiday season about hope, joy, peace and love. As people of faith, we are called to live into that calling. May it be so in your household this season.

Prayer
Loving God, allow me to delight in this holiday season. Amen.

November 16 devotion

2011-11-16T10:41:00.001-05:00

Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach & Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Ask and keep asking and you will receive. Seek and keep seeking and you will find. Knock and keep knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Ask, Seek and Knock
"God is for you... not against you!" That may seem terribly obvious, but consider also how many people seem to have gotten the message that God is not for them. I talk to people every week for which religion has somehow given them the idea that God is against them, waiting to punish them and always judging and never accepting!

But be sure of this one thing; you were created by God to be happy, successful and filled with a deep sense of the joy of life! There is a bigger God available to you; a God who says to you, "Seek and you shall find; ask and you shall receive; knock and it shall be opened to you."

The difficulty that most of us have is that we do not realize that we already have all the potential we need to have a fulfilled life of faith!

If you have the desire to have a faith that can overcome your life's major problems and long for a richer relationship with God that can help you pack more life and joy into living, you are on your way. Gather up your courage to engage in the great adventure!

Jesus said, "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible for you." Plant a seed of hope with God and check on it regularly. Water it; do not forget all about the garden you have begun. Do not let it get chocked out by the weeds of worry and negativism.

I would like to ask you to do something this next week. Write these words on the back of a business and read it several times each day. Carry this little card with you and be reminded of the amazing divine promise, "Nothing shall be impossible!"

Prayer
God, thank you for your promise of hope that through you, nothing is impossible. Amen

November 14 devotion

2011-11-14T10:13:00.001-05:00

Dr. Gary G. Kindley
Pastoral Counselor at Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
www.drgk.org

Scripture
"This is how much God loved the world: God gave God's Son, God's one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Christ, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." (John 3:16 adapted from The Message translation)

"Belonging or Behaving?"
In both simple and complex ways, people have used various words and expressions in an attempt to define what it means to be a Christian. The theologian, Karl Barth, once summarized his Christian theology with the familiar lyrics of a song I learned as a child: "Jesus loves me, this I know because the Bible tells me so." One of my favorite definitions of what it means to be a Christian is a simple statement of belonging: "A Christian is someone who belongs to Jesus."

What does it mean to belong to Jesus? For me, it means to be valued and accepted just as you are, whoever you are. Jesus really does love you! That is the heart of the Good News!

I want to belong. I want to be accepted. I want to matter—to make a difference in the world. The Christ doesn't start with my behavior and say, "You must act a particular way, be a particular way, or think a particular way in order for me to love you." Belonging comes before behavior is even considered! The Apostle Paul confirmed this in his teaching when he said, ". . . while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

If you are having a tough time, this message is for you. If you are in a difficult place in your journey, if your life is not coming together as you had hoped, or if you are just feeling like a failure who has never measured up to others, you especially need to hear and claim this truth. You belong to Jesus. You belong to God. You have been named, claimed, forgiven and empowered. When you accept this and begin to live into what this means for your life, you can make whatever changes are necessary to make the rest of your life a legacy of love. Once we truly claim that we belong to Jesus, we have all the power we need to make a powerful difference as someone who loves and is loved.

Prayer
Thank you, Holy God, for showing me how valuable I am by loving me just as I am and then calling me to be better. Grant me the strength this day to live up to Jesus' example of what it is to lead a loving and fulfilling life in the service of others. Amen.

October 26 devotion

2011-10-26T10:15:00.001-04:00

Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Human One is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised." And the disciples were filled with grief. Matthew 17. 22 – 23

A Word of Hope
I am always comforted by the disciples. They are so very human in their responses to Jesus. They run the gamut of emotions as they respond to Jesus, his teachings and healings, and the truth is, we are just like those disciples of old.

Take for example this passage where Jesus is teaching the disciples about his coming suffering and death. The reaction of the disciples is classic: They were filled with grief. And who wouldn't be filled with grief to learn that a beloved teacher and friend was going to suffer and be killed.

But the disciples missed something. It is as if they didn't hear the words, and on the third day he will be raised. Perhaps they didn't hear the words because they had no concept of what Jesus was talking about; they had no context for the idea of resurrection. Or perhaps they did not hear the words of resurrection because they were so stunned by his announcement that they didn't hear what followed.

And isn't that just like us. We learn of a death of a family member or friend, we hear about a tragedy in our community or somewhere on the other side of the world and we begin to grieve. Grief can be a good thing. When we grieve we have a chance to deal with our loss through our emotions. Still, in the shock and grief of our losses we may miss the most important message that Jesus Christ came to share, on the third day he will be raised. The disciples missed the point. Jesus was telling them that death had no hold of him and so would have no hold of them either. In their shock and grief they missed the resurrection message.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says that there is, "a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." In the midst of your grieving, don't miss the laughter and the dance. In the midst of our losses God has, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, said to all of us who face death, "But wait, there's more!"—more love and more life.

Prayer
Holy One, when shock and grief fill my life and my heart, remind me that you have promised all of your children new life in Christ so that we may know that in life, in death, in life beyond death, you are with us and we are not alone. Amen.

October 12 devotion

2011-10-12T10:44:00.001-04:00

Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
And the one who was seated on the throne said, 'See, I am making all things new.' And also said, 'Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.' Revelation 21.5

A Word of Hope
I was up late on Monday night watching "Nightline." Yes, I confess, I am a news junkie. One of the featured stories was about Rosie O'Donnell and her new program on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Evidently, Oprah saw something in Rosie that others did not see and has invested in her by giving Rosie her own television show.

As I watched, I was genuinely glad to see that Rosie is back. She had a bit of a "fall from grace" in her work on "The View" with Barbara Walters, but the interview and feature on "Nightline" revealed a Rosie O'Donnell who seems much more introspective and perhaps more mature. But above all else, she seemed—to me at least—to be genuinely happy. Of course, Rosie O'Donnell is neither the first nor the last celebrity to have a "comeback." There are many celebrities, politicians and sports figures who have "fallen from grace," only to be resurrected into new lives.

And why not? As I ponder all of this I realized that Rosie O'Donnell may be a celebrity, but who among us doesn't want a chance at new life? In fact, isn't that what our faith is all about? After all, God took a conniving shepherd named Jacob and transformed him into the leader of a nation named Israel. Jesus took a blundering fisherman, and transformed him into the head of the Christian church. It is, after all, God's business to take the worst of us and make the best of us. So, it shouldn't surprise us in the least when someone who seems to have "fallen from grace" is transformed and made new.

After all, when you seek God and seek to live in the way of Jesus, grace abounds, doesn't it? I hope that you and I can be people who recognize that there is no such thing as "falling from grace," from God's point of view. God's grace abounds ready to transform us and give us new life. See, God is making all things news.

Prayer
Holy One, thank you for loving us and for your abounding grace that is constantly transforming us and making us into new people. Amen.

October 3 devotion

2011-10-03T16:43:00.001-04:00

by
Rev. Dawson B. Taylor
Executive Minister – Dallas
Pastor - Houston

Scripture
"…In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God." – creed of the United Church of Canada

A Word of Hope
This past Friday we said goodbye to G.B. (Grandma Betty) at a family graveside service. She was technically my "step grandmother" but my maternal grandfather had married her long before I came into the world, so I always knew her as my grandmother. Because of my grandparents' divorce and since they both re-married, I had three sets of grandparents. Talk about being a lucky kid! But trying to explain to my friends why I had three sets of grandparents was always a challenge, especially when I didn't necessarily understand it myself. But it was clear that everyone expected everyone to have a label. Step grandmother vs. grandmother, etc. Society taught me early in my life that we most easily identify people by labels; gay, straight, liberal, conservative, rich, poor, insider, and outsider.

It is always difficult to say goodbye to someone you love, but G.B.'s quality of life had deteriorated to the point that her death was a blessing. We don't grieve for her; we grieve for those of us who are left behind. As with any death or significant life event, this has caused me to pause and think about what it is that G.B. taught me. I think more than anything in life, G.B. loved being a grandmother to me, my siblings and my cousins. It didn't matter that she was a "step grandmother" or not, she was just G.B., the woman who had a laugh as big as her southern hair style. G.B. taught me that love is much more important than labels.

Today you may be struggling with the labels the world places on you or struggling with the labels that people place on those you love. But the reality of our faith is that there is one label that encompasses each of us: "Beloved Child of God." That is a label that not even death can take away. Thanks be to God.

Prayer
"Loving God, thank you for the gift of being your child. Amen."

September 28 devotion

2011-09-28T09:32:00.001-04:00

Minister Lynette Ross
Associate Pastor – CoH-Houston, Cathedral of Hope UCC

Scripture
"But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to God and said, "O God! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O God, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:1-3

A Word of Hope
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the most popular Bible stories. There's not a children's Sunday school that doesn't include it in their curriculum somewhere. There are a number of animated versions of this story that have been produced as well. My favorite version is Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. When the singing Veggies encounter some car trouble, they're stranded at old, rundown seafood joint where nothing is quite as it seems. As Bob the Tomato and the kids settle in to wait for a tow truck to help get their van back on the road, the "Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" share a little story about a guy named Jonah. In this version of the Jonah story everyone learns that one of the best gifts you can give, or get, is a second chance.

It is a delightful movie and their presentation of the idea that everyone deserves a second chance is wonderful. It does indeed make for a great children's movie. The thing is though; I've always wondered why Jonah had such a hard time accepting God's mercy and compassion in the lives of others? Do I sometimes struggle with accepting God's mercy and compassion in the lives of others? Do you? Does it mean that we, like Jonah, are aware of God's nature but we just do not like it? Jonah wanted no part in such universal love. Jonah admits that he knows God abounds in "steadfast love." What about that upsets Jonah so much? Upsets him to the point that he wants to die?

Could it be that we struggle to accept mercy and compassion in the lives of others because we struggle to accept it in our own lives? It's a funny thing, but the more I am able to accept myself, love myself, the easier it is for me to accept others and allow them to be blessed by the same steadfast love that I long to have in my life.

Prayer
Dear God thank you for your mercy and compassion. Thank you for the steadfast love you shower over me. I pray that I may open my heart to all that you offer me and I pray that I may open my heart to the blessed reality that you shower all with these gifts.

September 19 devotion

2011-09-19T11:51:00.001-04:00

by
Rev. Dawson B. Taylor
Executive Minister – Dallas
Pastor - Houston, Cathedral of Hope UCC

Scripture
"Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence." 1 Kings 19:11b-12

A Word of Hope
I'm one of those people who watch movies over and over. I love movies and they are a source of relaxation for me, but there are a handful of movies that I always seem to return to. Evidently, it annoys many of my friends and family but I enjoy some movies enough that it is worth it to me to watch them again.

Recently, I was watching one of those movies that I have easily seen 30 times and suddenly I noticed a line from one of the characters that I had never noticed before. Frankly, I don't even remember what the line was, but it struck me as funny that I had never noticed it before in a movie that I can almost quote verbatim.

As I chuckled to myself, I also realized how much that represents my life. There are small ways all around me that I don't often pay attention to where God is at work. Watching the squirrel outside of my window at home, seeing a beautiful sunset, the changing of seasons, and the care of a friend or a phone call from a loved one. These are all big and small ways that God is at work all around us and it makes me wonder how many times we miss it. How easy it is to overlook the wonderful ways that God is at work in our lives.

So today, as you go about your routine, perhaps you should allow yourself a moment to just take a deep breath and look around to find at least one way that God is quietly at work in your life.

Prayer
Loving God, help me to see your presence in my life more clearly. Amen.

September 8 devotion

2011-09-08T08:38:00.001-04:00

by
Dan Peeler
Minister for Children and Families, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
"The LORD watches over the strangers;
God upholds the orphan and the widow…"-Psalm 146.9

A Word of Hope
I'm sure the writer of the Gospel of Matthew must have said, "Well, amen to that" when he read Psalm 146, before writing, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers…" (Matthew 23.14) The exploitation of such people would have been a particularly heinous offense to the gospel writer, since widows and orphans represented a segment of society that was completely helpless, marginalized in a patriarchal society without a male relative to support them. But this was not a condition unique to Matthew's era. The psalmists had sung the same tune hundreds, maybe a thousand years before the gospel writer was born.

How would you guess the widows and orphans are faring in our culture? It seems as we tighten our grip on what we consider ours, the gulf between the very rich and the very poor becomes wider. Even a casual glance at international news graphically shows us the numbers of the helpless, hopeless and starving are increasing throughout the world.

In The Disciple's Joy, Mike Foss says, "…Our political greed and unwillingness to share for fear that it will diminish our standard of living has led to hunger and privation that is unnecessary." And the writer of the Book of James says, "…prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world". (James 1. 22, 27)

Are there any orphans and widows in your life? Where do we go to start being "doers of the word" to help the helpless? Contributing to the church's food pantry and assistance funds might be a good start. My guess also is that not many of us would even have to leave our homes to encounter people desperately in need. Just browsing through Facebook, I can often feel the pain of so many who are orphaned, separated from a self–centered society, people to whom a greeting or kind word could sound like music from a Psalm.

Prayer
Guide me in the practice of "pure and undefiled religion."

Sept. 2 devotion

2011-09-02T08:46:00.001-04:00

by
Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
35In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions searched for him. Mark 1:35-36

A Word of Hope
Simon Peter is a favorite character in the Greek Bible (New Testament) for preachers. We like to use him as an example of foolishness, thoughtlessness, and impulsiveness. We like to point out his frailties and the many ways he appeared to fail Jesus. Lately, I've been reflecting on my own frailties, failures and such. I've discovered something about Peter that I was able to draw strength and sustenance from. Based on what I read, Peter was on the journey with Jesus. He went all the way – uncertain and afraid sometimes, but still, he went all the way.

Peter followed Jesus, though from a distance. The night of his crucifixion (Matt 26:58), he ran immediately to the tomb when he heard Jesus' body wasn't there (Luke 24:12). Peter went swimming in the ocean because he was so eager to reconnect with Jesus (John 21:7) and Peter, amongst those in the boat, was the only disciple who tried walk on water to be with Jesus. Clearly, Peter was passionate, impulsive, emotional, way too eager. He didn't always say things exactly correctly and oftentimes spoke without considering the impact or consequences of what he said. Even so, what's clear from the story is that Peter was constantly seeking Jesus. During their time together, Peter was embarrassed many times by his own foolishness and humbled by his inability to understand, always falling over himself to apologize for his ineptness; he didn't give up. He kept on searching for Jesus, reaching beyond himself for the very throne of God.

Another interesting illumination that I love about Peter: where ever we encounter him in scripture, he is seeking Jesus and he is never alone. There are others with him – other men and women who want to see and experience what Peter saw and experienced. Regardless of Peter's bumbling ways, he understood enough to realize that there was grace and freedom like he's never known in following this strange guy called Jesus. His understanding was intense enough and luminous enough to cause others to want to seek Jesus as well. I've often identified with Peter and this new clarity gives me hope for myself, especially in those moments when I've become the biggest bull in the tiniest china shop (if you get my drift).

Peter grew into a profoundly wise and influential spiritual leader. No matter how many times he was laughed at or ridiculed, no matter how large the obstacle or even when he failed to be all God created him to be, he kept seeking Jesus and Jesus kept meeting him wherever he was. I don't know about you, but I am nourished and renewed by that knowledge.

Prayer
Loving God – giver of life and love – bless us anew today and help us remain steadfast in our desire and search for Jesus. Amen! Amen!

August 30 devotion

2011-08-30T10:28:00.001-04:00

by
Dan Peeler
Minister for Children and Families, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1.16-18

A Word of Hope
The heavens and earth described in this beautiful Hebrew poem of Creation were a very different configuration than we understand today. As the above quote indicates, the Universe was geo-centric with all the heavenly lights floating around our earth and set in place in a dome called the sky. The world was not a globe, but a flat disk held in place by four pillars. The dome of the sky was a literal half-sphere dome that separated the waters above from the waters below.

We know the earth was the center of it all since the placement of the stars and planets didn't happen until the fourth day. The Hebrews didn't create this concept. It was the prevailing geological and cosmological view in the middle-eastern world of about 500-600 years before the birth of Christ, when most modern scholars estimate the words of Genesis were finally written down. The concept of creating order out of chaos wasn't new either, but the optimism of the writing was fresh to the era.

Many of the other stories in that part of the world had the planet painfully born out of brutal wars between jealous gods and sea monsters, but the Hebrews saw their God as the meticulous, all-caring deity who logically gave order to all life, creating even those monsters of the deep and calling them good along with the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. At the sixth day's end, after the woman and man and other land-dwellers were created, God pronounced the finished product good, very good.

The Hebrew Scriptures' message still resonates with me. We don't have to believe the earth is the literal center of the Universe to be geo-centric; to center our meditations and prayers on the inherent goodness of our planet and everything in it; or to be the world's dedicated and thoughtful stewards we were created to be.

Prayer
Where there is chaos in your world, may we create order.

August 24 devotion

2011-08-24T09:40:00.001-04:00

by
Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Matthew 26. 8 & 9

A Word of Hope
Yesterday morning I sat at my local car dealer awaiting word from the service manager about the scheduled service on my car. I had hoped to continue listening to the audio version of The Help by Kathryn Stockett, but quickly realized I had forgotten my earphones. So, there I sat looking around, waiting to find out about my car. There, across from me, was a bin filled with windshield wipers asking, "Can you see clearly?" My eyes kept coming back to it. So, can you? Can you see clearly?

One of the remarkable things about Jesus was his ability to see what others could not see. In the story of the woman who had come into a room filled with men to anoint Jesus with precious oil, Jesus is the only one who sees the woman as a human being. Notice that the story says, "When the disciples saw this, they were indignant." The disciples saw the woman, but they didn't really see her.

That is one of the poignant aspects of the story of African American housekeepers of the early 1960's as told by Kathryn Stockett. The women, who raised white children as their own, tended to all the meal needs of the family they served and cleaned up after them, went largely unnoticed by the families they cared for. Yet, these remarkable women were people of deep faith, profound wisdom and did more in a single day than most of us would do in a week. As the story goes, one person begins to "see" the women who are housekeepers and then one of the women has the courage to speak the truth, even though it puts her livelihood and her life at risk. That kind of courage can change things.

Jesus "saw" the people who came to him. He saw them as children of God, precious in God's sight. He did not turn away children or women, tax collectors or prostitutes. Instead he "saw" them and loved them as the fully human, fully alive people whom God had created them to be. He spoke the truth about the love of God to them and to the world, and even though it cost him his life, it changed things forever.

Can you see clearly? I think the "Jesus kind of seeing" has something to do with the heart as well as the eyes. Maybe today would be a good day to sharpen your focus. Who are you missing? Who needs to be "seen" in your world? -Good questions for you and me today and every day.

Prayer
Open my eyes, Lord. I want to truly see the people I meet every day. Open my heart, Lord. I want to see clearly. Amen.

August 19 devotion

2011-08-19T08:07:00.001-04:00

by
Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40

A Word of Hope
The person asking Jesus this question – is a lawyer and part of a group of Pharisees who challenge Jesus because they are suspicious – and resentful - of his authority and popularity among the people. They ridicule him in an effort to destroy his credibility. Jesus, however, doesn't take their bait. Obviously, the Pharisees bound by their narrow world view - believed the commandments were equal in significance, none greater than the other. Jesus doesn't necessarily dispute that. He simply says the most important thing is to love God with every ounce of your being and next to that and just as important - love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Now, it's important to understand, when Jesus says neighbor, he isn't just talking about the folks who live on the right or left of you or directly across the street. He's including the folks you work with, the mail carrier, and the strangers you pass very day on the street, in super markets and restaurants. Jesus means we are to love others, all others, in the same way we love God. We are to love – unconditionally – as God loves us. I don't know about you, but I realize almost every day how frail and half hearted my efforts at unconditional love really are. I often rationalize my ineptitude by assuring myself that God knows I'm doing my best. In moments of excruciating honesty however, I confess how infrequent my attempts at unconditional love really are – and – that I'm a long way from doing my best.

One of the few realities in life I deeply trust and believe is – God loves me – all of me – just as I am. When I am less than God has made me to be She doesn't judge or condemn me – She waits, guides and also trusts that I will regain my balance and shift my focus to where it needs to be – on God – and loving others. I have a difficult time not judging others. What helps me most is to remember daily – sometimes moment by moment - God isn't judging me. God is loving me; pulling for me, hoping for me, doing all She can to illuminate the path of righteousness for me. I'm profoundly grateful for this conviction, mostly, because I am always restored to a place of balance, compassion and kindness because of it. I believe one of the reasons we have such difficulty loving others unconditionally is because we have incredible dissonance concerning loving ourselves. Obviously, Jesus understood this – hence the commandment – to love our neighbor as we love ourselves – so we can understand there's an equilibrium between loving others and ourselves. For love to be whole it requires 3 components – loving God – neighbor and self. If we are able to accomplish this world peace won't be far behind.

Prayer
Holy and merciful God, you have brought us in safety to this new day and we are grateful. Help us today to love. Amen!

August 5 devotion

2011-08-05T09:06:00.001-04:00

by
Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

A Word of Hope
David, my grandson used to - from time to time - get a particular line from a song stuck in his head he would sing or whistle over and over. One song in particular had a line in it that remains stuck in my mind – seemingly forever."Bull frogs and butterflies, they've both been born again." Of course, the image being conveyed by the song is that the butterfly and the frog had shape shifted – they both changed from one thing into something entirely different.

A transformation took place changing them into new creations. The metamorphosis experienced by the caterpillar and the tadpole in order to become a butterfly and a frog is a wonderful analogy to illustrate how, as Christians we, too, should be changing as we grow and develop in our faith. Unlike many creatures God has called into being – our transformation is more a matter of the heart – or our inside – than our outside.

Our changes– however –are evident to others because of how we live out our lives. In the Greek Testament the word used to describe this change is whathappened to Jesus on the mountaintop and this same kind of transformation happens to Christians when we are faithful in our service and commitments to God.

I'll venture to say that if you think about it you can recall a time in your journey of faith when you had a mountaintop experience – something that drew you into deeper relationship with God and the people of God.

The idea Paul offers is when Christians began a relationship with God – and we remain true to it – we will undergo a complete change which will find its expression in our character, behavior, attitude, and even in the choices we make. I find it interesting that Paul uses a passive voice suggesting that "transformation" is something we allow – something done to us rather than something we do. We accomplish this by surrendering to God's power, direction, and grace. We are "changed into another form" – made new. In other words Paul is teaching us that the purpose of our change is to become like Christ, to live and behave like Christ – to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

So far as I can tell – the only alternative to being transformed is conforming to the world. The word conformed as Paul uses it (suschematizo) implies something that's transitory, changeable or unstable. So if we don't allow God to work in our lives in ways that transform us then we will conform to the ways of the world. Of course, being transformed means we surrender our wills to God – harder for us, I think than a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. A goal worth striving for, however, don't you agree?.

Prayer
"God bless our lives today and help us stayed tuned to all the ways you work in our lives for transformation. Amen!"

July 26 devotional

2011-07-26T08:16:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Alejandro De La Torre,
Associate Pastor for Congregacion Latina, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people…" (1 Kings 4:29-34)

...as if this will be your last day!
Before writing these devotionals, I like to consider what the holidays and celebrations that are marked in my calendar really mean. Some of you may know that today we celebrate "All or nothing day". If you are wondering what this celebration is about, let me tell you, it's all about giving you a last chance. It is an invitation to live today as if this would be the last day in your life. It is an opportunity for you to do something that you have always wanted to do but haven't yet done. It may not be the greatest thing you have ever done and even if you end up failing, you will know at least you tried. So, today, take a minute and think about the things you would regret not having done if this were actually your last day. Think back about positive things that you used to do regularly but lately you have neglected to include in your days; things that could make a huge difference in yours or others lives. It could be something like making a phone call somebody is anxious to receive; performing a small act of kindness for someone else; expressing your forgiveness or, perhaps, apologizing, giving a huge hug, or simply smiling to everyone that crosses your way today.

Let me also add this suggestion: Try to do it with wisdom. Before you start processing your dreams take a moment of silence, put yourself in God's presence, and ask for God's wisdom just as King Solomon once did. You, too, will realize that anything you do will be great and you will prosper. Solomon asked for wisdom and received it. His God-given wisdom was so vast that eventually his entire part of the world acknowledged it; everybody would come to see and hear him. His kingdom became vast, rich and powerful.

Unfortunately, Solomon lived without considering that a last day may come, and forgot to use wisdom in the midst of building Israel's greatest Temple and all the alliances he made with people and nations to increase his power. He forgot the covenant made with God and his power became his weakness.

Perhaps what happened is that in Solomon's time, he had no July 26th that was designated as "All or nothing day", so he couldn't think of acting as if that day would be his last one, giving himself a chance to do wonders that could embellish his own soul.

Today could be just another of those designated calendar days you take lightly it could be a wake-up day when you accomplish some of your deepest dreams, but wait! Whatever you do, do it with wisdom, I mean, as if this will really be the last day of your life.

Prayer
Gracious God you are the one who gives meaning to my days, help me to live today and every day of my live with real wisdom, ending this day knowing that I have done my best.

Devotional July 21

2011-07-21T08:32:00.001-04:00

by Dan Peeler
Minister for Children and Families, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.' 1 Samuel 3.10

A Word of Hope
A favorite story in Children's Church is the Call of Samuel, who heard God's voice when he was still a young boy, sleeping on his mat in the Temple. Samuel intently listened as God spoke and the process began toward evolving one of the world's greatest Prophets. Since this church is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ, we always remember the denomination's "God is Still Speaking" slogan. Samuel's story is one that gives slogans such as that one life.

It's one of those classic stories that always gives you tingles, and no matter how many times I hear it, I have that same reaction. We tell it in our typical interactive manner, whether on PowerPoint or with one of the children volunteering to be the sleeping Samuel on a mat in the center isle. The Voice of God is played by the whole congregation, the young and the old, as we whisper together "…..Samuel……Samuel……" I can envision similar tellings of the same tale by the original ancient storytellers, excitedly pacing around and gesturing in their community campfire sites. Hearing God's voice as a harmonious blend of a roomful of children's and adult's whispers reminds us of the power of the word-of-mouth tradition that kept these ancient stories alive. God is still there with us and within us, still speaking; ageless, mysterious, but imminently accessible, calling once more to that surprised young boy on the temple floor.

My favorite aspect of sharing this story with children is that nobody ever asks the question, "but how do we know when it's really the voice of God?" That's a question asked by those of us who no longer possess the luxury of pure and innocent faith. But God continues to speak to us anyway, usually at times we would never have predicted, sometimes in ways we could never conceive. In the 1 Samuel verse, the Lord "came and stood there, calling." Where and when will God stand there and speak to you today? How will you answer the call?

Prayer
Speak, for your servant is listening. Amen

July 19 devotional

2011-07-20T08:23:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. Daniel 6. 22

A Word of Hope
It is one of my very favorite stories in the Hebrew Scriptures. Daniel, a Jew, is a counselor to the Persian King, Dairus. Daniel is well liked by the king and because of that he receives favored status. Others who surround the king are jealous of Daniel and try to find a way to discredit him. Ultimately they convince the king that everyone in the kingdom should honor the king and that anyone who honored or prayed to someone other than the king should be fed to the lions.

Of course, Daniel, who is committed to honoring God, cannot bring himself to follow the hastily adopted law. So, Daniel is thrown into the lion's den. The king, who loves Daniel, is distraught and races to the lion's den the following morning to discover that, according to the story, God has closed the mouths of the lions and saved Daniel.

I love the story of Daniel and the lion's den because I believe that all of us face the lion's den most days of our lives. I imagine that there are many days when we feel like we are going to be "eaten by the lions." Of course, we always have a choice. We can honor God, and trust in God's care for us, or we can be paralyzed by the fears before us. Daniel chose to put his trust in God. Perhaps that is the real lesson here. When we are facing the "lions" of our days and nights, we too might do well to put our trust in God and know that "in life and in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, we are not alone, thanks be to God."

Prayer
Holy One, Creator of all things, lover of all life, remind me that no matter what the day brings, you are with me. Amen.

July 13 devotional

2011-07-13T08:53:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Rachael Sandifer
Executive Director - CoH Dallas
Pastor - CoH Mid-Cities

Scripture
The desire of the just results in happiness, but for the devious, all they hope for is in vain. One person gives generously, yet grows wealthier, another is stingy, yet only grows poorer. The generous person will flourish, and the one who refreshes others will be refreshed. The one who hoards grain reaps curses from the community, but the one who is will to sell hears blessings. Those who seek good, find goodwill; those who seek evil find that evil comes to them. Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the just will flourish like green leaves. Those who bring trouble to their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will serve the wise. The fruit of justice is a tree of life and those who teach others to act justly are wise. Proverbs 11:23-30

A Word of Hope
It's a rare but serendipitous time when an identified passage of scripture for the devotion and an identified "day" coincide. Such is the case today with the several verses from Proverbs, Chapter 11, and the reality that today is, "Embrace your Greatness" day! The scripture for today, in short, appears to be an, "if this than that" and if you combine with embracing your greatness today then the logical conclusion might be a proverb that goes like this: "The one who believes they are great, will be great indeed!" Surely that sounds a little ego centric. prideful…even sinful?

Pride is self-love, and in one sense we are commanded to be proud. For instance, take the command found in the Gospels of "love your neighbor as yourself." Another way of saying that is to, "love yourself as you love your neighbor." I'm fairly certain those words do not mean that your pulse quickens every time you see yourself in the mirror any more than it quickens when you see your neighbor walk down the street. Rather, consider the idea that the ability to work for your own good despite all the less than admirable things you know about yourself is closely related to the ability to work for your neighbor's good despite all the less than admirable things you know about him/her.

It also means that in this sense of embracing your greatness or self love and love of neighbor go hand in hand, so do dislike of self and dislike of neighbor. For example, the more I dislike my neighbor, the more I'm apt to dislike myself for disliking my him/her and them disliking me. Life truly is a cycle is it not, and the lesson for Proverbs does ring true in an, "if this than that" kind of way. So is self love a sin or not? Is embracing ones greatness sinful or not? Yes and no. Self love is a sin when instead of leading us to share with others the self we love/embrace it leads us to keep ourselves, as writer Frederick Buechner writes, "in perpetual safe-deposit" where we not only don't accrue any interest but become less and less interesting every day.

Prayer
Creator and creative God, grant me courage to love myself so that I might love others without condition and without reservation.

July 12 devotional

2011-07-12T08:28:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Alejandro de la Torre
Pastor for Latino Ministries, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly beloved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5: 1 – 2)

Divine Love
Every time I come across a passage like this one, I think how radical Jesus was and how radical our faith is. When Jesus gave us the golden rule of love he wasn't kidding. That's why he presented himself as model of love. He did not simply say "love", and neither did he say "love according to your will or capability." He said "love as I have loved".

Of course in my mind, I always have the temptation of thinking that Jesus' standard of divine love is something that I, being so very human, will never be able to achieve. But then, my mind becomes clearer when I take the time to analyze the way he showed his love and what he taught us about loving.

He approached people in their needs. He fed those who were hungry and offered living water to the woman whose heart was dry; he wiped the tears and embraced the one who was overwhelmed; received those rejected by society and sat down with known sinners allowing them to recover their dignity and self confidence. He was, simply stated, present in others lives, showing his support and commitment. His words were clear and trustworthy. He said "yes" when he meant yes and "no" when he meant no. He never looked back. His faithfulness to God's will urged him forward even to the cross where in pain and alone, he never gave up loving.

The ways that Jesus showed his love were not magical or extraordinary. If you look closely, you'll discover that he simply did human things, said human words, acted in human ways. What I'm saying is that he just demonstrates his love so humanly that his divine love (as I understand it) becomes more perceptible to me than I could ever have imagined. His so perfectly human love could only be divine.

So, if you still consider (as I so often do) that to live out the divine love of Jesus is something impossible to achieve, just work on developing your own human capacity of love and be sure that somewhere in there, God will show up.

Prayer
God, you have expressed your divine love in the deepest human way through Jesus. Make my own humanity an instrument of your divine love as well.

July 6 devotion

2011-07-06T08:22:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28.6

A Word of Hope
One day late last month as I was driving home from work, I took a different road home in order to stop by and pick up our dry cleaning. That route caused me to pass by a church with one of those signs out front on which you can write messages. The message on their sign read: "He has risen!" I thought to myself, "Wow, don't they know that Easter was done and over with months ago? Or maybe they just haven't taken the time to change their sign. Either way, they are making a big mistake!" I was a mile or so down the road before I realized that I was the one who had made the mistake. The proclamation of our faith as Christians is that "Christ is risen." It is that reality that calls us to worship each Sunday. It is that truth that challenges us to live our lives as people of extravagant grace, radical inclusion and relentless compassion. It is that hope that carries us through our disappointments and heartaches and gives meaning to our joys and celebrations.

Sometimes in the busy days of our living we can forget that "Christ is risen," is not just something we say on a given Sunday morning in the spring of the year. Sometimes in all our efforts at making sure we are following the assigned Bible readings for each Sunday, wearing the right colors for the right season and being intentional about the themes for each worship service we can forget that the central reason for our shared worship, our shared journey of faith, is the proclamation that "Christ is risen." The ancient church was clear that each Sunday they gathered was the Lord's Day and a day in which the resurrection of Jesus Christ should be preached and celebrated. That is why during penitential seasons like Advent and Lent the fast is broken on Sundays, because every Sunday is a "little Easter."

The chance sighting of that sign on that June day changed everything for me. That church had not made a mistake, they had continued to proclaim the truth of God's love for the world through their simple message, "Christ is risen." So, instead of griping about the one hundred degree temperatures of June, instead of being stressed about getting home, instead of worrying about all I had to do I remembered. I remembered that God's work in the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives meaning to my life . . . and my death. Knowing that Christ is risen, whether it is mid-spring or early summer, or late fall gives meaning to all our living. So, join me, won't you in declaring today and every day, "Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed!"

Prayer
Holy One, remind me every day of the power of your grace to bring love out of hate, hope out of despair and life out of death. Amen.

June 2 devotional

2011-06-02T08:48:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach and Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Only One letter
Xvxn though this kxboard is an old modxl, it works vxry wxll, xxcxpt for only onx kxy. You'd think that with all the othxr kxys working, onx kxy would hardly bx noticxd. But just onx kxy out sxxms to ruin thx wholx xffort. Havx you xvxr said to yoursxlf, "I'm only onx pxrson. No onx will noticx if I don't do my bxst." But it doxs makx a diffxrxncx, bxcausx to bx xffxctive, a family, an organization or a businxss nxxds complxtx participation by xvxryone to the bxst of his or hxr ability.

So if you'rx having onx of thosx days whxn you think you just arxn't vxry important and you'rx txmptxd to slack off, rxmxmbxr my old kxyboard. You arx a kxy pxrson, and whxn you don't do your bxst, nothing xlsx around you works out thx way it's supposxd to. (Communicating at Work by Ronald Adler, Fourth Edition, © McGraw-Hill, New York, 1992, p212 Used with Permission)

I ran across this story and it really resounded with me. It is so very true. We each have unique gifts that we bring to any community setting. Gifts are talents and responsibilities given to us by God. Each has its own place in the life of your church, your community and your family. None is "better" or more important than any other; they are all key parts of the whole, just as the various parts of the human body work together.

There is a variety of gifts (talents/abilities) but always the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4

The keyboard with the not-working 'e' demonstrates how important we each are in community. A job or goal is more easily accomplished when everyone is doing what they do best. Spiritual gifts cannot be earned or bought by us. They (or it) comes embedded in our very nature.

It is our rxsponsibility to know our giftxdnxss. And, it is important to put it into practicx. XvXn thx smallxst gift is important.

I guxss I nxxd to gxt a nxw kxyboard!

Prayxr
May God bless your day and give you many opportunities to practice your giftedness. Amen

Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, Child of the Living God, have mercy upon me. Lord, Jesus Christ, Child of the Living God, grant me your peace. Amen.

June 1 devotion

2011-06-01T08:32:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16. 22

A Word of Hope
Last Sunday morning, Memorial Day Sunday, I was diving to church and was listening to a local Christian radio station. I was thinking about Memorial Day and all of the sorrow wrapped up in the countless lives that have been lost in war. About that time the station played a contemporary arrangement of that classic Spiritual: Give Me Jesus.

In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

The words washed over me and the music filled me and I realized I was at prayer for those who have died, those whose names I know and those unknown to me, but known to God. The song continued:

When I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Give me Jesus.

So often we are afraid: Afraid of what was, afraid of what is, afraid of what is to come. As I listened to the haunting tune of that old, new song I once again realized that not even death could separate us from the love that Jesus had and has for us, a love so great that he would spend his last words preaching to and praying for all of us who would be his disciples. Then the song came to its conclusion:

When I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Facing his own death Jesus reminded his disciples that while they would have sorrow, he would see them again and their hearts would rejoice in such as way so that no one could take their joy from them. Last Sunday, as I listened to that old Spiritual sung in a new way, a certain peace filled my soul, a sure knowledge about the faithful love of Jesus. As I walked toward our church I heard that song over and over in my head. I think it is perhaps the most powerful benediction to any day or any life, words sung or spoken, thought or whispered: Give me Jesus.

Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, Child of the Living God, have mercy upon me. Lord, Jesus Christ, Child of the Living God, grant me your peace. Amen

May 25 devotion

2011-05-25T08:48:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson
Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4. 39

A Word of Hope
The story of Jesus calming the storm is one of my favorites. I have an abstract water color of the story hanging on the wall of our office at home. The painting shows a boat on the sea with several figures inside the boat. At one end of the boat there is a lone figure standing in the bow of the boat, hands raised over head. I love that the story says that Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves and said, "Peace! Be still!"

As I write this devotional there are storms moving across Dallas and surrounding communities. There have been storms over the last few days that have left places like Joplin, Missouri and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma devastated. Homes and buildings have been obliterated. Lives have been lost. I wonder how those who have suffered such loss can understand this story of Jesus calming the storm. Then again, I wonder how anyone who has ever been in any kind of storm, natural or made by human error can understand this story. How can we find meaning in a story about Jesus calming the storm when it seems our lives are lived in the midst storms, whether natural atmospheric events, or a personal relational events, such as the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, the child who throws a fit, the illness that won't subside?

Too often I think we want to blame God for the storms of our living. Some among us will say that the storms are created by God as some kind of punishment for our failure to be faithful. Others will say that the storms are punishment for our blatant failure to care for creation. Even in our personal lives you will sometimes hear someone say, "Well, it is just God's will: the storms, the loss, the sorrow, the suffering." But I wonder.

What if the story of Jesus calming the storm is given to us to guide us to a different way of looking at catastrophes, whether they are natural or made by human beings. What if the story is trying to teach us that instead of trying to have all the answers or blame something or someone that instead we are invited to listen for the voice? Perhaps in every storm of our living we have a chance to listen for the voice of Jesus who says, "Peace! Be still!"

What if we were able in any circumstance of our living to listen for that voice? What if we could trust that voice? What if we could do what that voice says, "Be still!" Perhaps we would discover that Jesus still calms storms whether they are within us, between us or about us.

Prayer
Loving Jesus, let me hear your voice above the storms of my living. Help me to be quiet, be still, be at peace. Remind me that no storm can separate me from you. Amen.

April 28 devotion

2011-04-28T08:31:00.001-04:00

by Dan Peeler
Minister for Children and Families, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51.10 (KJV)

A Word of Hope
If we pay attention to any media news reports, we are usually depressed by the statistics; remembering the almost 3,000 people who lost their lives in September of 2001; about how far more American soldiers died since then in a war completely unrelated to the attacks; about 40,000 plus citizens of Iraq who died in that war; and as this century of conflict wears on, news about well over 3,000 children and youth being victims of American gun violence yearly. I've also been reading Dr. Stephen Sprinkle's sobering book, Unfinished Lives, chronicling and preserving for all time our nation's alarming frequency of brutal hate crime deaths, many of which have increased significantly since 2008 among teens and young men of color. I'm reminded of a 1979 movie called Time After Time, in which a time-traveling Jack the Ripper sits mesmerized while gaping at a television news report and finally says, "My God, compared to these people, I was an amateur." How do we change all this? As simplistic as it may sound, we must begin by following the petition of the Psalmist. We must first and foremost change the attitudes in own hearts.

For years, I've recited the above Psalm as a meditation mantra; for so many years in fact, it is the eloquent old King James Version that I remember best. Listen to what it says. "Create in me" reminds us that God is still actively involved in the never-ending process of Creation, and that we can be instruments of the divine evolution. A "clean heart" is the result of that evolution. The Psalmist considered the heart to be the center of all emotions and motivations. A clean heart, a heart for God, can allow us to take action toward our own renewal. Notice it says "a" right spirit, not "the" right spirit. We are participants in this metamorphosis, empowered to find "a" way that is unique to each of our own spirits to do what is right, what is peace-seeking, good and just.

The Psalmist reminds us that we are individuals, not statistics. There can be change and peace in the world, but only after each of us becomes peace in the world. If statistics outrage us, they should outrage us for peace.

Prayer
Create in me this day a clean heart for peace.

April 26 devotion

2011-04-26T08:43:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Alejandro de la Torre
Pastor for Latino Ministries, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
You are God's chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. And whatever you do or say, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.(Colossians 3: 12a. 17a)

Life is good
Let me tell you, for me there is nothing more pleasant than to awake and feel relaxed, after having slept well and rested the whole night, without having to set the alarm clock, no hurries, smelling the great aroma of a good cup of coffee…then, realizing that the person you love the most; your partner, your son or daughter, a member of your family or family of choice, or your best friend- is on your mind and in your heart. You think about that person and realize that his or her presence has brought so much peace and joy to your life and has given you the hope and the certainty that all will be well. You can count on him or her. The loved one is probably not physically present at the moment, but by calling his or her name to mind, you feel secure and happy. In great gratitude, you feel the need to sing out loud, and you do it!

When you get out of bed and begin your daily routine everything seems to be easier and smoother, you feel full of energy, as if some inner power is motivating your every moment. You go to work, look people in the eyes, and greet everybody with smiles, tenderness and kindness. After encountering a variety of people and working through daily life's rewards and challenges, you go back home satisfied, going to bed that evening in peaceful contentment, and simply saying, "life is good".

This to me is the experience of the risen Christ; an untouchable presence that has empowered me with courage and enthusiasm even in the worst moments of my life allowing me to "affirm the resurrection" and to include others in this affirmation. To me this is what the resurrection of the Christ offers to us: the ability to live our lives in a new and different way, sharing a refreshed attitude and building a different world, knowing that all we do is joyfully done in Jesus' name. Are you experiencing this new life?

Prayer
Risen Christ, enter my heart with your new life, make me feel your presence and recognize the deeper meaning you bring to my resurrected life every day. Amen.

April 25 devotion

2011-04-25T09:30:00.001-04:00

by Dr. Gary G. Kindley
Pastoral Counselor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
www.drgk.org

Scripture
Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. John 20:8-10 NRSV

The Work of Easter People
Ah, the day after Easter. You will find "closed" signs on Church offices of many denominations in order to give the clergy and staffs a welcomed break from organizing multiple services and traversing the hectic pace of Holy Week. There is the post-exhilaration of the day-- and then there is the following Sunday. Crowds don't typically pack the pews as was the case only 1 week previously, but the faith goes on. The Easter faith goes on.

We carry on because we have a vital message to carry. We press on pass the party to the reality of life with its highs and lows, joys and challenges. Every Sunday is a "little Easter" to remember, to be inspired, and to prepare for another week of following Christ's Way. We not only need Easter Sunday but each of the Sundays after Easter. That is an important truth to remember, for Easter takes work and Christ needs helpers to keep the Easter message going.

I conducted a wedding recently that was a wonderful event. The couple was happy, the family was supportive (gay and straight), the setting was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the dinner was elegant, the food was delicious, the fellowship was warm, the dancing was enthusiastic, and the party was a blast! The couple was whisked away to their honeymoon in a borrowed convertible, and flew the next morning to spend a secluded week on a tropical island. It was all a memorable and terrific occasion where love and laughter were celebrated, but love is more than what happens in a fleeting moment of time. After the party is cleaned up, the church lights turned-off, the honeymoon ends, and the bills begin to arrive—that is when the important work of love and faith begins.

The Easter Season continues after Easter Sunday is past. Christ's followers continue to gather regularly for worship, to sing hymns of praise, and to offer loving kindness through acts of Christian service. We are Easter People! Let's not leave our identity and our work—our calling—to fade among the Easter lilies! Proclaim it and live it every day: Christ is risen! We continue to remember because we have been risen, too.

Prayer
Help me, O God, to be faithful when faith does not come easy. Remind me that, throughout my journey, I can celebrate the joy of Easter whatever today may be. Amen.

April 22 devotion

2011-04-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

by Dr. Pat Saxon
Prayer Ministry Volunteer, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Oh God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

A Word of Hope
Some silences are devastating. The silence after a tornado as a family steps outside into the chaos of loss. The silent pause after the question: Doctor, am I going to die? Or the abyss of waiting after asking a partner: Are you leaving me for her? Or when we lift our eyes to the hills and no help comes.

Jesus' life had been filled with words--words of healing and teaching and preaching, words of shared intimacy with his family and the disciples and close friends over meals and walking from town to town, words of prayer to his Abba. And not once, but twice the voice of God had spoken out his belovedness: "You are my beloved, in whom I am well pleased." Those words were the headwaters of life and direction for his own ministry—even in the most difficult of times. The last week of his life, however, words often became weapons against him, turned hurtful and toxic: the trials, the mockery, the denial.

But it was the silence that killed him, according to Barbara Brown Taylor-- not the insults, the nails tearing his flesh, nor the slow suffocation of crucifixion, but the silence of God which left him feeling abandoned.

God's silence in the Good Fridays of our lives can be terrifying. It tests our faith at its core. But we have Jesus in the times when hatred and betrayal seem to have won the day and darkness covers the face of the earth. He drank the bitter cup. He surrendered-- even without the final assurance that he was loved or that his life had mattered. Taylor powerfully speaks the meaning of this act: "Because he was all alone, we have his company. At our most hurt and frightened, our most forsaken by God, we have this companion who has been there and will be there with us. Nothing we can think or do in this state can shock him. Nothing we can say will make him turn away. If we say, 'Where are you, God? I'm all alone,' he said it first. If all we can do is cry out, he cried out first." We are not alone.

Prayer
We know that Good Friday is not the end of the story, Jesus. But you went to the edge of darkness for us, refused to let hatred have the last word, absorbing the violence of the world into your blessed body. As you forgave and surrendered your spirit to God, even in the face of silence, may we also. Amen.

April 21 devotion

2011-04-21T08:39:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach and Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." Mark 10:47

Let Me See Again
Have you ever had a time when you were in total darkness? It was probably a very frightening experience.

I remember a dream and in the dream I became totally blind. Unfortunately, my children were with me. We had gone camping in the woods and I could not find my kids. I kept calling their names. I could hear them calling for me but I could not find them. I was very scared. I started crawling on the ground looking for them. Their cries for Daddy kept getting further away!

Fortunately, I woke up form my dream. I have never forgotten how helpless I felt. Now, anytime I see a blind person, I remember that dream.

In the gospel of Mark we read about Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. Bartimaeus lived in a time when there was not help for blind people. As a matter of fact, some people considered blindness a punishment from God.

Being blind was a very difficult life. Blind people had to beg for food. They were powerless. They could not work to earn a living. Begging was the only way they could stay alive. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Bartimaeus. I do remember the panic I felt when I could not find my children in my dream.

The Bible talks about physical sight and spiritual sight. After Jesus healed Bartimaeus he told him to, "Go, your faith has made you well." OK, here is the important thing: God is close to us in every part of our life and available for all our needs. Like Bartimaeus, what will you ask Jesus to do for you?

Today as our SpiritWalk leads us toward Easter Sunday, I want you to pray silently and listen as Jesus asks you this question, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Prayer (silent moment)
May the God of grace and mercy hear our prayers and grant us peace. Amen

April 7 devotional

2011-04-07T08:18:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach & Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Spiritual Headlights
As a young teenager growing up in a small rural fundamentalist community, my spiritual indoctrination came through my pastor. I liked and respected him. He was very diligent teaching our community Biblical truths as he understood them. To my knowledge, he was never questioned except perhaps about the color of the carpet he chose for the fellowship hall.

He often used analogies and interesting stories to teach us. Even after all of these years, I remember one, in particular. He said, "Faith is sort of like headlights on a car. Turn them on and they will light the way just far enough for you to find your way home in the dark."

I have forgotten most of his other stories. However, through the years I have often reflected on this one and even occasionally have used it myself when asked about faith.

Have you ever questioned your faith? I have. In those dark times in life I have wondered, cried and even yelled out to God, "Why is this happening to me?" Perhaps you have been there too.

Fortunately, in every darkness so far, I have remembered my old pastor's headlight analogy. I turn on my headlights, drive slowly forward and I have gotten back home.

The season of Lent is a time for sacrifice, confession, prayer, introspection and reflection. We can relish our blessings, revisit our trials, reflect, draw closer to God and move forward in hope. Hebrews 12:2 says it this way. Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right had of the throne of God.

May your day be filled with hopeful light and joy. Should you be surrounded by some kind of darkness, I pray that you will turn on your headlights, drive slowly forward and find home, again.

Prayer
God of faith and hope, thank you for your promises of brighter tomorrows. Amen

March 24 devotion

2011-03-24T09:04:00.001-04:00

by Tommy Weisbecker
Minister for Youth and Spiritual Formation

Scripture
God spoke to Jonah… [saying], "Get up on your feet and go on your way to the big city … [and] preach to them! They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer."…[So] Jonah entered the city…and preached: "In forty days [this city] will be smashed!" When the message reached the king, he got up off his throne, threw down his royal robes, dressed in burlap, and sat down in the dirt! [And when] God saw … that they had turned away from their evil lives… [God] changed his mind about them… [And] what God said he would do to them he didn't do. (Jonah 3:1-10)

A Word of Hope
This passage from the book of Jonah is an example from the Hebrew Bible of God doing something that to us may seem unusual: God's mind is changed—what a human trait indeed!

Think about that. God thinks a certain way, and then, because of human actions, God changes and thinks differently than before.

The alchemists of old have a saying, a simple axiom that goes straight to the heart of the Alchemical Mind, that "As above, so below." I believe what they meant is that if you want the Heavens to radiate a certain way, so must you radiate that way on Earth, and vice-versa: if you want Earth to be a certain way, so must your interior Self be. For example, how can one have greed and malice in their heart and expect there to be love in Heaven, and on Earth? The alchemists knew that the Heavens and the Earth are so interwoven with the other, that if you wanted to convert Iron into Gold, as the alchemists were reported to know how to do, you had to appreciate this fundamental axiom—that what is so above is so below; what Earth is like the Heavens are like also, and vice-versa.

It's written in Genesis that God created Human beings in God's own image and likeness. What does it truly mean to be created in the image and likeness of God? Does it mean that as we indeed have emotions and feelings, and that as we can change our minds or misapprehend subjects, objects, and ideas, that God and God's angels have these traits as well? I don't know. But wow, how remarkable is the notion that the Earth and the Heavens are but fractal impressions of the other—that as we change, so God changes! And is it so hard to fathom? As parents on Earth love their children, so God in Heaven loves us! As our children love their brothers and sisters, so do parents express their joy. As you honor your friends and family and those around you on Earth, so God in Heaven is honored! As you protect and take care of Earth and all its inhabitants, from rock to human being, so you are protected and taken care of! And as you delight in God's infinite Creation, so too does God delight!!

Prayer
On your Lenten journey through the wilderness may you discover the courage, integrity, and clarity of thought to be the being you want being to be, so that as the Heavens are, Earth may be also! Amen!

March 22 devotional

2011-03-22T08:25:00.001-04:00

by Rev. Alejandro de la Torre
Pastor for Latino Ministries, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
"See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. (Isaiah 65: 17 – 18)

A Special Day
Today is a very special day and I am sure that it will be wonderful, as was yesterday and as was last Sunday too. Today is a day that promises be the beginning of a new reality. As I walk into spring now, everything around me speaks of this new beginning. While I was recently contemplating that gigantic moon, I recalled the immense love of God who is always telling me about love without boundaries! And looking at the trees, now green again, I remember God's invitation to go forward into a newer and stronger life. While walking our outside labyrinth I can hear the choir of birds singing which makes me feel a huge joy, such as the one that I always feel when I'm in the sanctuary praising God with our own songs. Also, the delicate wind that whisks all around me, makes me feel gratitude for the many times I have felt the Spirit of God surrounding me, bringing comfort to my soul. Even walking around my back yard I see marvelous butterflies that speak to me about the great transformation that is possible in my life. I, too, can decide to step out of the darkness of my personal cocoons into the light that on these spring days is even brighter than before.

Today is a very special day for me, as will be tomorrow, I'm sure! I have decided to walk joyfully into the new Creation that God is offering to each and all of us… so, do you want to join me? Do it! Soon you will see how every day is your special day in this new Creation.

Prayer
Thank you God, for answering my call while I still speak! Thank you for the new Creation you promise to us and for your Word which says: "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain," (Is 65: 25)

January 28 devotion

2011-02-04T07:50:00.001-05:00

Friday, January 28, 2011

by Dr. Pat Saxon
Prayer Ministry Volunteer, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Romans 4:18

A Word of Hope
Sometimes a story will follow you around and not let you go, returning unbidden in the spaces of the day.

Allan J. Hamilton, distinguished neurosurgeon, Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, highly renowned for his innovations in neurosurgery, and honored again and again by his peers as one of the best doctors in the nation, shares this narrative of a great failure in his book The Scalpel and the Soul.

Donald was a 23 year old small town hero—a high school quarterback who had gone into his family's trucking business, mainly to please his dad. Fly fishing was his real passion, and he grew quite a reputation for making one-of-a kind-flies. Hamilton met Donald after he began having debilitating symptoms of a large brain tumor located on the occipital lobe. The doctor successfully performed the difficult surgery and prescribed a daunting regimen of radiation followed by chemotherapy. But Donald's resilience, strength, and optimism were remarkable, and even when tests revealed that the aggressiveness of the cancer cells were "off the charts," enthusiastically, he pressed on with further treatment until he had, for a year, beaten all the odds. The statistics forecast that only 5 in 5000 lived years after treatment, but Donald continued. One day, though, he asked Dr. Hamilton a question: If there came a point where he would be incapacitated-- which he couldn't bear for his mother to see—would the doctor just tell him, "It's time to go fly fishing."? Hamilton made the promise.

After more procedures and further complications, Hamilton said the words. Within 24 hours Donald was dead. To this day, the surgeon is convinced that he should never have taken away Donald's hope. If asked if he is not perpetuating false hope with that stance, he replies, echoing Andrew Weil: "There is no such thing as false hope." Hamilton is not arguing that everyone should pursue the most radical treatments in every case. The quality of life is important. But he has come to recognize that even if the statistical odds are grim, no one—not even the doctor-expert-- can ever be sure what an individual's body, mind, emotions, spirit, faith, prayer or the power of God can muster. "Hope is as significant as the scalpel in healing."

This one's for all those who feel hope slipping.

Prayer
God of wholeness and healing, in sickness and in health, we put our hope in you. Amen.

January 21 devotion

2011-01-21T10:13:00.001-05:00

by Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach and Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
O God, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens. … When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them. Psalm 8:1,3-4

A Word of Hope
Don't know if you've noticed, but the last couple of evenings the moon has entered her full phase. I'm amazed every month when the moon reaches her fullness. I'm always startled by how beautiful she is filling the ebony sky-scape with a light that's mysterious, haunting and tender. I can understand why ancient peoples often worshipped the moon and the sun – and why seasonal changes and powerful storms were a source of terror and mystery.

I think the Psalms more than any other part of the Bible reveals at least one important reason for the creation of the universe. The writers of the Psalms utilize the vastness and unknowns of the universe to extol God's goodness, greatness and grace. The universe – space – stars – planets – meteors, black holes, earth all reveal the majesty, wonder and power of its Creator. I mean, when you are watching this huge circle of light fill the sky with voluptuous grandeur it's very difficult to doubt the existence of God. Of course, we can see God's glory throughout all of creation – though the heavens are truly magnificent – the universe is filled with intricacies almost beyond our abilities to comprehend or even imagine. Clearly – the moon hanging out in the sky reflecting the rays of the sun, stars showing ships where to sail, the wind causing white billowing clouds to dance across the horizon, flowers flowing gracefully through fields, children playing in school yards and chasing butterflies – all of these bear witness to the creativity, intelligence and power of the Creator.

Creation, the heavens, the earth and all they contain reveal God's glory in awesome ways. Who knows….. It could be that God specially designed Creation the way She did to help us understand that something far greater, more intelligent and beautiful than we are exists – to help us understand – human beings aren't really the center of the universe. I doubt anyone would deny the stunning beauty and majesty of creation. For me, this is all the inspiration I need to praise God and to bow before her with all the humility I can gather from within myself. You watch tonight – the moon will be there in the sky again – see if you can't find the face of God in her light.

Prayer
Bless our day, holy God. Help us to be humble and grateful today for your eternal presence in our lives, world and universe. Help us appreciate and be aware of the gift of this new day you have given us. Amen! Amen!

January 20 devotion

2011-01-20T08:17:00.001-05:00

by Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach and Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

The Solid Foundation

The religious teacher asked Jesus, "What is the most important thing in all of life?"

If Jesus spoke to us today, He might say it like this:

"Listen up people! Here is the most important thing in all of life. Here is the one thing that will make all the difference in your living. Here is the one key to becoming a fully alive, whole person. You shall love God with all your heart and all your soul and your entire mind and all your strength. In other words, the most important thing in all of life is to put God at the absolute center of your living!"

Some of us grew up with wonderful nourishing, affirming care. Others are not as fortunate.

In either case the journey toward wholeness means becoming everything God wants us to be. We can never really know who we were meant to be without a relationship with the One who made us.

This relationship is one in which God becomes the center of our living. We are to love God with all of our:

1. HEART: our emotional being.
This is not just our "feeling" it is who we must be. We must believe that "God made me, God loves me; I am a child of God and God's love flows in every fiber of who I am."
2. SOUL: our spiritual being
To love God with all of my soul is to live with the idea that I am in contact with God.
3. MIND: our brain
Our thoughts, attitudes and thinking are shaped by love of God and love for God.
4. STRENGTH: our physical being.
We are physical beings. Touch your body. We are REAL. We must be there for God.

The rock solid foundation Jesus offers for living can strengthen each one of us in ways we will only discover as we journey with these words deep in our soul.

...you shall love the Lord your God with all your HEART and with all your SOUL, and with your entire MIND, and with all your STRENGTH. Mark 12: 30

Prayer
Oh God, give me wisdom today to see only what is important. Amen

January 10 devotional

2011-01-10T08:12:00.001-05:00

by Dr. Gary G. Kindley
Pastoral Counselor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
www.drgk.org

Scripture
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as God says, the door is open. Acts 10:34-35 (The Message)

A Word of Hope
This is National Peculiar People Day. I am grateful to have a day that has me in mind. The great psychiatrist and founder of the Menninger Clinic, Karl Menninger, when asked for wisdom on the occasion of his 90th birthday is reported to have said, "Thank God I am not normal!" Trying to live-up to someone's expectation of what constitutes being normal can be damaging to our emotional health and sense of self-worth. Conversely, having a very defined and narrow standard of what is normal, denies us the delightful appreciation for the diversity of God's created order, the amazing human family, and our own true self. Uniqueness need not be an enemy of similarity, and homogenous culture can be as boring as eating nothing but potatoes.

When the Apostle Peter was addressing those who believed that Jesus' redemptive love only applied to certain folks (Jews), Peter did not mince words. God plays no favorites! I realize that this is in contrast to the message of a terrific T-shirt that is sold in the Cathedral bookstore, Sources of Hope, which reads: "Jesus loves you, but I'm his favorite!"

God shows no favoritism. God's bedside table stretches to infinity because upon it sits a framed, individual photo of everyone! You are on that table. God's eyes are upon you and God is smiling. God loved you before you were born, redeemed you before you were lost, and forgave you before you'd done wrong. Reflect on that for a moment and it will give you chills.

Statistically, Queer people are a minority of the human population, but everyone's "less than" or "greater than" from some perspective. It is not about being what others want us to be but who God created us to be. We each have purpose and importance, and there is no greater purpose that is more important than being kind and loving others. If you focus upon that alone you have made a profound contribution to the world.

Celebrate yourself each day. On this National Peculiar People Day, celebrate your uniqueness and that of all of the strangely wonderful folks around you.

Prayer
Wondrous God of creativity, whose divine image is beyond description, thank you for giving us a glimpse of your grand nature through the diversity of the human family. Remind us that each person is important; and that we must acknowledge and embrace each other in order to truly embrace you.

January 6 devotion

2011-01-06T08:11:00.001-05:00

Thursday, January 6, 2011

by Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach & Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture
He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some fish." John 21:6

Try the Other Side
Jesus said this to the disciples as they were returning from a night of 'fishless' fishing. What is this story of the lake and the fishermen saying to us, today? What if it is telling us something about our own life? What if it is telling us something about the way we have been fishing?

Have you been fishing for a long time?
Have you been fishing without any luck?

Some folks go to jobs week after week, year after year, with no sense of reward. Some have trouble in personal relationships. Some feel like their prayers are not being answered.

What is this parable telling us today? Aha! "Cast your net on the other side of the boat and you will be surprised what happens to you." What if there is something wonderful and exciting on the other side of your boat just waiting for you? Jesus is saying just make a little adjustment in where you are letting down your nets. What would it mean in your life if you fish in another location?

It might just be a new job.
It might just be a new relationship.
It means you will have to take a chance.
It means you will have to look beyond what you can see.
It means you will have to face the possibility of rejection.

The lake in our scripture represents our life. You can see what is on the surface. What you cannot see below the surface, are all of the possibilities waiting for you if you are willing to put your nets in the water on the other side of your boat.

I believe God wants all of us to enjoy life and to be excited about it. I believe God wants our life to be as if it was at Disneyland and the fireworks were going off all around us all of the time. We must not lose the mystery and glamour and excitement of life.

Prayer
Oh God of Hope. Help me find the courage to fish on the other side of the boat. Amen