Saturday, May 19, 2012

Jesus Did It!

Scripture:  John 5: 9-13

No one likes to be blamed, tattled on, or to have a finger pointed at them. Children, in particular, will shed tears and/or defiantly deny fault especially if any finger-pointing is accompanied by a resounding, “She did it!” However, there is one person who does not mind when we point the finger and say, “He did it!”  

Like the paralytic in John 5, we exude the joy of our healing when we acknowledge “the man who made [us] well.” When we point the finger at Jesus, it redirects the attention from us to Him, giving Him the glory. The great thing is that Jesus doesn’t mind the attention.  Matter of fact, He loves when we say, “Jesus did it!” 

So, go ahead and point the finger at Jesus who healed, delivered and transformed you.  Jesus did it!  Jesus, who loved you enough to endure the agony of the cross. Jesus did it!  Jesus, whose resurrecting power is your hope for tomorrow. Jesus did it!  When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He’s done for me, my soul cries out, “Hallelujah!” Jesus did it!   

Prayer:   Most Gracious God, Thank You. The joy that I feel is because you restored my life and gave me hope for the days to come. There is no doubt in my mind that I am because you are.  My life, you did it.  My family, you did it.  My joy, you did it. Mercy, you did it. Grace, you did it.  Victory, you did it.  For everything that you did so that I might be, I am grateful. I will keep pointing the finger at you all the days of my life so that the world might know you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

 The Reverend Dr. Regina C. Groff

Friday, May 18, 2012

Blessed

Scripture:  Psalm 1

Pascal's Wager, an argument posed by philosopher Blaise Pascal, suggests that it is better to wager for the existence of God and discover there is no God than to wager against God's existence and find out that there is a God. While this may be considered rational thinking for some, it baffles me that some only believe in God because they feel they have nothing to lose by doing so. But, they are losing so much! 

God blesses those who walk in God's counsel and study and obey God's Word. They are missing the peace, joy, hope and unconditional love that only comes through a relationship with God. 

I know why I believe. Why do you believe?

Prayer:  Merciful God, What a joy and a pleasure it is to know you! Thank you for blessing my coming and my going. Thank you for planting my feet on solid ground! Thank you for watching over me! Thank you for being God! Amen.

 The Reverend Dr. Regina C. Groff

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Let God Choose

 Scripture:  Acts 1: 24-26

How many times have we made the wrong choices? Our choices are so often misdirected by personal ambition, desire for more, and popular demand. However, how often do we inquire of God about what to do, where to go and even what or who to choose?  In particular, when pertaining to our church leadership, whether we are seeking a choir director, chair of the building committee, or maybe the pastor, we have to learn to seek God’s direction when selecting, hiring, appointing the earthly stewards over God’s ministries. 

If we choose our leadership, they will work for us, but if God chooses, then we can be assured that they are working for God.

Prayer:  Lord, I choose to get out of your way because I trust you to make the right choice. Amen.

 The Reverend Dr. Regina C. Groff

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Keep Your Commitment

Scripture:  Luke 24: 50-53

Since my daughter’s interest has shifted to soccer, she absolutely despises her gymnastics class. While she loved it for the first year, the second year has been a struggle. She particularly does not understand why I make her stay enrolled somewhere she does not want to be. Of course, the main reason is because we have a contract, but also, I have been teaching my children the importance of following through on their commitments.

I can imagine that the disciples were not interested in staying somewhere they did not want to be. For one, they were fugitives and were hoping that Jesus would rescue them and take them with Him. However, Jesus tells the disciples to “stay in the city until [they] have been clothed with power from on high.” I can only imagine that the disciples were not pleased, but after Jesus blessed them and they had worshipped, they returned to Jerusalem and stayed at the temple praising God.

The disciples had made a commitment to follow Christ all the way. It wasn’t until after they had worshipped Him and continually praised that they were empowered to keep their commitment. If you are having trouble keeping your commitment to Jesus, try worshipping and continually praising Him. 

Prayer:  Most Gracious God, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve You. I realize that sometimes I fall short of my commitment to You. I pray that through continually worshipping and praising You, I will be empowered to keep my commitment to serve You.

 The Reverend Dr. Regina C. Groff

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Do You KNOW Him?

Scripture:  Ephesians 1: 15-17

It is one thing to believe in Jesus, it’s another thing to know Him. As a baby Christian, I remember the awareness of Christ and His willingness to redeem me. However, it wasn’t until I formed a relationship with Him and really got to know Him, that I realized the extent of His redeeming power.

When you know Him, your faith is more fervent, praise is more personal, and worship is more meaningful. Your worship no longer has to be formal and your praise is not validated because it is visual. As your relationship with Christ develops, your encounters with Him are less orchestrated and more fluid; less prompted and more impromptu. When we KNOW Christ, we are more interested in serving rather than being served; giving rather than receiving. 

Ask yourself today: Am I simply aware of Him or do I KNOW Him?

Prayer:  Lord, My will is to know you better. It is not enough to simply be aware of you and your works, but I want to experience the fullness of knowing you. Amen.

 The Reverend Dr. Regina C. Groff

Monday, May 14, 2012

Established

Scripture:  Psalm 93:1-2

Times are uncertain, but haven’t they always been? I don’t recall any period of my life that was replete with certainty. It is very rare that I ever know the outcome; therefore, I never bank on a certain result. Even the simplest thing like a meal that I’ve prepared successfully several times can, for some known or unknown reason, turn out differently, possibly horribly. However, I am assured of one thing: the God that I chose to serve when I was 13 years old has never changed, has been consistent and seems to only get better with time.

The scripture reminds us that anything God establishes will stand. That’s why no one can shut any door that God opens, nor open any doors that God shuts. Whether it’s our relationships, careers, material possessions or positions, if God’s hands have molded and shaped it to be, it will be and it will stand. Just think: No matter what we do to it and how much we abuse it, the world is still standing. Why? Because God established it from the very beginning.

Prayer:  Dear God, As we experience shifts in our lives, help us to trust that you are framing our lives according to your will. That although our lives may experience change, that you are still the same God who established the world from the very beginning. Certainly, if you can sustain this world, then surely you can handle our lives. Amen.

 The Reverend Dr. Regina C. Groff