Saturday, July 7, 2012

Amazing Grace

Scripture:  2 Corinthians 12:9

Recently, I endured a series of unpleasant events that caused me financial hardship, distrust, sleepless nights and stress. I felt like a victim in the hands of the enemy, but through it all, my spirit was not broken because I kept hearing the Lord say…”My grace is sufficient” Even though I felt like the pain was unbearable at the time, my testimony is and will always be “His grace is sufficient, no matter what happens. “His Grace is sufficient”

“He Looked Beyond My Fault” by Dottie Rambo, Performed by Aretha Franklin

Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,

For it was grace that bought my liberty:

I do not know just why he came to love me so,

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need,

I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,

To view the cross where Jesus died for me,

How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul,

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for your amazing grace and I thank you for your undying love for us and most of all for your son Jesus who died to set us free. Amen.

The Reverend Antoinette Daye

Friday, July 6, 2012

Eye Appointment

Scripture:  Psalm 123

I recently visited my optometrist for annual eye examination.  During the consultation, the doctor explained that my eyes were relatively healthy other than age appropriate vision changes which could be corrected with prescription glasses.  

As I departed the doctor's office, an overwhelming surge of gratitude blossomed in my heart because when I looked around, I could see the Lord’s goodness. 

Invitation:

Reflect on you your life.  Where can you see the hand of God at work in your life.  What tangible impressions has God left on your reality as you have journeyed with him?  As you give thanks to God, invite God to show you something new about him, yourself, your neighbor or your surroundings.  Worship in amazement as you see new things!

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for clarity and I thank you for the vision you have given me to stay focused on you and to see the beauty of Your holiness. You are an awesome God and I give you all the praise and honor because you are so worthy to be praised. Amen.

The Reverend Antoinette Daye

Thursday, July 5, 2012

A Time to Listen

Scripture:  Ezekiel 2:5

It’s 7:30am and the tardy bell rings, It’s time for class to start, but what do I see, I see the ear buds, cellphones, headphones, protruding from the ears of infant intellects pretending to be high school students.  Instruction begins, but who is listening? Their eyes may be focused attentively, but did anyone hear the instructions? Was anyone actually listening?

It’s evident when someone asks a question after a prolonged period of inactivity.” What did you say or what are we supposed to be doing? “My heart is in deep despair concerning this generation of hearers versus listeners. 

Join me is asking God the following questions:
     Lord, am I guilty of this same behavior when it comes to your instruction?  
     Am I positioned to hear your voice in stillness of the day?  
     Am I tuning you out and listening to something else besides you?    
    

Prayer:  Lord, please forgive my inability to listen to you when you are speaking. Help me to tune my ears to your voice and blot out any distractions that threaten our connection to one another.  Amen.

The Reverend Antoinette Daye

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Let's Dance

Scripture:  Psalm 48

Many Americans will celebrate Independence Day, a day which is considered one of the most important holidays in America; a day in which the Emancipation Proclamation was signed to declare its independence from Great Britain. 

While many are celebrating Independence Day, I am proclaiming the Lord’s Day! Let’s rejoice and be glad in it. Let’s Dance, Let rejoice and shout halleluiah all across the world because our Lord reigns forever and ever! 

Let’s dance like a bride and groom on their wedding day, embracing each other with the intensity of love that will endure forever for all to witness and share with us! “Our God is forever and ever”. Let Him have this dance with you and guide your every step. Dance with Him, follow Him, and He will lead you forever!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, help me to continue to rejoice with you and celebrate my freedom in you. I want to dance with you, because in your loving arms I am protected and safe. Please keep me and guide me.

The Reverend Antoinette Daye

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Celebrating Another Birthday

Scripture:  2 Samuel  5:10

Birthdays are milestones which chronicle our personal journeys from birth to the present.  Birthdays are often joyous occasions marked with celebration. As I approach a significant birthday this year, I am anticipating the birthday wishes, cards, telephone calls, emails and I dare not forget the birthday cake. What kind of cake will it be, will all of the candles fit?  Each year, the addition of each candle symbolizes another year of blessings to count.  The light of the candles remind me of God's goodness and how I have grown in his love during the previous year. 

Every birthday gives me more reason to sing this song, “I know where my help comes from”.  This song speaks volumes to me as I anticipate the uncertainties of growing older in the coming years. The melodious tune soothes my fears and comforts me because “I know he watches over me” Halleluiah! Thank you, Jesus for giving me new life and “I will forever give you the praise”. 

Prayer:  Lord, help me to remember that growing older is a blessing from you and a reminder of your grace and mercy.  I thank you for every year that you allow me to serve you.  May my life give glory back to you, now and forever.  Amen.

The Reverend Antoinette Daye

Monday, July 2, 2012

Worthy of a Crown

Scripture:  2 Samuel 5:2

Isn’t it strange how we can earn degrees, attain wealth, and fame and separate ourselves from others?  What must it feel like to discover that God who is the creator of wealth and wisdom, matters the most. Imagine the richness in embracing one another despite our social location.  At the end of the day, we are all one human family and require some of the same necessities for life.  We are all the same flesh and blood. 

Jesus lived amongst us in order to make himself accessible to humanity and the world.  He modeled humility and gave the ultimate sacrifice of his life and his status as Divine royalty so that we could know him as our friend and redeemer.  At the same time that he gave us access to himself, he also gave us access to one another.  How can we exemplify Him if we are separated by class, prestige, academic degrees or titles?

Thank you Lord for looking beyond our status (we are all sinners) and allowing your grace to prevail!  Forgive us for being prejudiced against on another.  May our love for one another be acceptable unto you!

Prayer:  Father! We thank you for reminding us of who we really are in you. We humble ourselves to your will and thank you for your presence. Help us to walk worthy and seek you first in everything. By the loving kindness and mercy of Jesus we pray. Amen.

The Reverend Antoinette Daye

Sunday, July 1, 2012

 

A Healing Journey – A Life giving affirmation

Scripture:  Lamentations 3:22–23

The capacity to lament in community is almost a lost practice within the community of faith. Lamenting is the gift that God gives to sustain us in the midst of suffering. The laments of Scripture generally include a life-giving affirmation. Today’s passage is one such affirmation that can nourish us on a healing journey. 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (vv. 22–23).

The ancient Christian practice of lectio divina, or “sacred reading,” is a wonderful way to incorporate life-giving truth into the heart and mind. As truth fills our subconscious minds, healing flows out.

A sacred reading includes four phases: 

Reading—the slow, expectant reading of a passage of Scripture until a verse, phrase, or word touches you.

Reflecting—think about the phrase or word and ask, what is it saying to me at his moment in my life?

Responding—expressing to God what spontaneously arises in your heart in response to the phrase or word that has touched you. This may be praise or prayers of confession, thanksgiving, petition, or commitment.

Resting—sitting quietly as though you are resting in the arms of your beloved. The Word had come to you in love and new life has filled you.

Today Canadians will celebrate their national independence. Why not celebrate your freedom from every limitation that challenges the life of God in you. Begin with this prayer: Lord search my heart, and cleanse my thoughts, so that you can fill me with the truth of your Word.

Use the life-giving affirmation in today’s text for a sacred reading. Then REST in the arms of your Beloved.

Prayer:  Lord your love for me will never cease, and your never ending mercy is new today, and every day. Thank you for your faithfulness to me.

The Reverend Joanne Browne Jennings