A Wonderful Devotional for this week in the lectionary!

20th Sunday after Pentecost

October 14, 2012

Mark 10:17-31

“For mortals it is impossible, but not for God.”

(Mark 10:27)

Devotion

This Sunday the gospel of Mark brings us the story of the rich young man who wants to know what do to receive eternal life. It is a familiar text for many. We shake our heads and think, Poor man! Of course he needed to give up his wealth! It’s so hard to walk away from all that…”

I am not wealthy in the sense this man was. Perhaps I don’t need to walk away from money or things. But there is still a message for me in this Scripture. When I read it, I picture Jesus sitting before me, knowing me, loving me. And setting plainly before me my stumbling block, the thing that keeps me separated from God.

What is your stumbling block? What keeps you apart from the One who created you, loves you? Whatever it is, I’m sure that it is the one thing in your life that will be the hardest to walk away from, like the young man’s wealth. It is for me.

The good news is that we don’t have to walk away from it alone, without help. “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” With the slightest bit of openness to change, God will transform and shape us into the people we were created to be.

I want to enter eternal life as that person. How about you?

Prayer 

God, it is hard to walk away from what separates us. I want to be open. Change me. Amen. 

Rev. Meredith Vanderminden
Executive Director, Art Divina
Queensbury United Methodist Church
Queensbury, NY 

A Monday Morning Devotional

Hi friends! We are in the midst of an exciting Monday as we celebrate (mourn?) the return of the school year here in Texas! The Fellowship Devotional for the week seemed most appropriate today:

14th Sunday after Pentecost

September 2, 2012

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

“The things that come out are what defile...”

(Mark 7:15)

Devotion

In this story those in power criticize Jesus for his disciples’ behavior. They eat with defiled hands, they say. Jesus’ followers do not follow the cleanliness laws of the elders, they charge. What say you, Jesus?

Jesus’ response is a good reminder for us today. “There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile a person, but the things that come out are what defile.”

Today our bitterness, our suspicions, our divisions, our ambitions, even our labels for each other defile. Anything that separates us from the mind and heart of God corrupts our spirits and moves us away from being fruitful disciples who act like Jesus in the world.

What other things that come from within defile us? How might God be inviting you to look at the state of your own inner life, and turn toward the mind and heart of God?

Prayer

God, help me turn to you. May nothing that defiles come from within me today. Amen.

Nancy Blakely
Certificate in Spiritual Formation
Meridian United Methodist Church
Meridian, ID

May we all turn toward the mind and heart of God during this season of new beginnings!

Living a Prayerful Life

This morning I had the great blessing of preaching at Argyle United Methodist Church. This morning's theme was "living a prayerful life." Following the sermon we had some beautiful time of prayer at a variety of non-linear statiions. Pictures will be forthcoming! Below you will find a link to the video of the sermon.

http://www.argyleumc.org/files/Media%20Files/2012%20Sermons%20and%20Podcasts/2012-07-15/2012-07-15%20Video%20'Living%20a%20Life%20of%20Prayer'.html

Been on vacation!

But am headed back home! More to come!

Just a few days till Lake J and then some vacation

These last few months have been very full indeed. Today is the last day of what has been a wonderful VBS week. After worship on Sunday the family and I are headed out to Paris, TN for the Sarah and the kids to hang with my grandmother while I meet with Fellowship colleagues at the lovely Lake J! After returning for worship we are off to Northern Idaho (see the picture) for some r and r!