Welcome to the JCPC Daily Reflections Blog. Reflections are daily devotionals authored by JCPC pastors, staff and members and provide insight, guidance and comfort to help you make it through each day. If you’d like to receive Reflections each day via email, provide your email address.
And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
-Luke 5:31
Among my favorite images for Christ is as "the Great Physician," as this works so well for his role as a healer in his ministry and spiritual healer to each of us. I especially like it because it works with my favorite image of the Church as a hospital. And not just any hospital. If you've seen the film Patch Adams or read about the real-life doctor it's based upon, you'll know what kind of hospital I mean. In the film, Patch Adams, a second-career medical student and genius has built a facility and diverted medical supplies to it. His professors at the school try to kick him out for his unorthodox approach to personal relationships with his patients and "excessive happiness." Professional detachment is what they advocate.
Patch Adams finds himself on trial defending his version of a hospital, one where unlicensed folks are practicing medicine and treating patients, a clear violation of the law. He explains that's not quite true. The prosecutor asks if those who come to his facility are patients. Patch says, "everyone who comes is a patient... and everyone is a physician." He explains that each patient is also given another patient to care for, whether changing their bandages or helping them walk or listening to them. Everyone a doctor, and everyone a patient... just like the church.
There are times in our life when we seek a hospital out because we are in need of care. But there are other times when we seek a hospital out to offer our own resources and skills for the care of others. Patch Adams does both in his life and story, in that order actually. For many of us, receiving care inspires us to a life of giving it. The charge above reminds us of two things... one is that most of us are blessed enough that we need a weekly challenge to be the ones offering care, to be a physician. The second is that being a patient and a physician are not exclusive; we can be both. Like Christ in his ministry and in his death on the cross, we can be wounded healers, as renowned author Henry Nouwen says. So whether you are in need of healing or offering healing to another... or both... I hope you'll join me this Sunday at our busy hospital that we call church.
Prayer for Today
Lord, make me a good physician and a well patient. Amen.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. . . .You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: love your neighbor as yourself.
-Galatians 5:1,13-14, NIV
This coming Sunday is not only the last in our Stewardship "Faith in Action" series, it is also Kirkin' of the Tartan Sunday when we remember our Scottish roots and our Presbyterian heritage as a church. It will take place during the Drive-In Worship service. On this Kirkin' of the Tartan Sunday with all the bagpipes and drums, how can we not also think of Mel Gibson as Sir William Wallace in the movie Braveheart. Wallace fought for Scottish independence, and as he is literally being tortured to death, his last word is "Freedom."
Certainly, freedom is one of the best ways for human beings to fully express who they are as those made in the image of God. But in our New Testament, freedom is more than just the right to do whatever we want - it is freedom to do the right thing. And it is freedom from the sin and brokenness in our lives. It is also the freedom to choose to use whatever God has given us to partner with God in loving our world and the people in it.
If you have not yet had a chance to make your pledge to God's work through Johns Creek Presbyterian Church in 2021, I hope that you will do that either this Sunday or sometime prior. Hopefully, you have received at least one pledge card in the mailings that went out. You can bring that pledge card to worship on Sunday and place it in the offering plate at the end of the service, you can mail it in or put it in the drop box outside our welcome center, you can go to our website or church app and make your pledge at any time, or you can scan the QR code on the pledge card or at the bottom of the Sunday Drive-In worship bulletin and it will direct you to where you can make your pledge. There are also QR codes which will link you to our stewardship video on our website which I hope you will watch prior to making your pledge. Thank you for your generous support of God's work through Johns Creek Presbyterian Church!
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, in Christ you have set us free -- not only from what hinders and entangles us from living our lives fully -- but you have set us free to help others find freedom in Christ. Use what we have to offer to make a life-transforming difference in others. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
This quote by Henri Nouwen (In the Name of Jesus, 1989) has been meaningful to me. I have been asking myself this question, do we follow "people with an ardent desire to dwell in God's presence, to listen to God's voice, to look at God's beauty, to touch God's incarnate Word, and to taste fully God's infinite goodness?"
When you think about the people or leaders that we follow? What types of characteristics do they have? When choosing who you will follow, what is important to you?
Nouwen gives some helpful priorities as we consider, how we will serve in leadership roles and live our lives as Christians.
He reminds us that it's not just about listening or speaking, there are other senses to consider as well. Think about these actions for a moment, Dwell, Listen, Look, Touch, and Taste. How do you encounter God with more than just your eyes and ears?
Go into this day knowing that you have been claimed by God. May you see the opportunities to lead and have the humility to follow the leaders who are following the Lord's path.
Prayer for Today
Lord, may we always follow and lead in ways that give you glory. Lead us into life through your ways. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Within twenty-four hours of his mother Sharonda's tragic death, Chris found himself uttering these powerful, grace-filled words: "Love is stronger than hate." His mother, along with eight others, had been killed at a Wednesday night Bible study in Charleston, South Carolina. What was it that had so shaped this teenager's life that these words could flow from his lips and his heart? Chris is a believer in Jesus whose mother had "loved everybody with all her heart."
In Luke 23:26-49 we get a front row seat to an execution scene that included two criminals and the innocent Jesus (v. 32). All three were crucified (v. 33). Amid the gasps and sighs and the likely groans from those hanging on the crosses, the following words of Jesus could be heard: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (v. 34). The hate-filled initiative of the religious leaders had resulted in the crucifixion of the very One who championed love. Though in agony, Jesus' love continued to triumph.
How have you or someone you love been the target of hate, ill-will, bitterness, or ugliness? May your pain prompt your prayers, and may the example of Jesus and people like Chris encourage you by the power of the Spirit to choose love over hate.
Prayer for Today
Father, forgive me when I find it hard to forgive others. Help me to demonstrate that love is stronger than hate. Amen.
The lyrics of the anthem you will hear in worship this Sunday (both online and drive-in!) were written by Lutheran minister, theologian, and hymnwriter Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676). The music was written by contemporary British composer Richard Shephard (b. 1949). In my opinion, the tune is inspiring, and the lyrics make it even better!
God is my strong salvation, no enemy I fear;
He hears my supplication, Dispelling all my care:
If he, my head and master defend me from above,
What pain or what disaster, can part me from his love?
Pain? Disaster??? Some of us have had quite enough of that this year already!! And here is a reminder that none of it will "part me from his love" because just in this first verse alone, God hears us, God defends us, God saves us. If you miss the rest of the hymn, you've heard the most important part! But since Gerhardt was famous for writing LOTS of stanzas for his hymns, let's read on...
I fully am persuaded and joyfully declare,
I'm never left unaided, my Father hears my prayer;
His comforts never fail me, He stands at my right hand;
When tempests fierce assail me, they're calm at his command.
Tempests?? Hmmm.... where have we heard that before?? Right! Remember back when this whole (pandemic) thing started, and we heard the sermon series about storms? And let's look up "assail." Merriam-Webster defines it as "to attack violently or angrily with blows or words." So we're not talking about how good God is to us when he sends us 4 drops of rain... we're talking about how loving and comforting and present he is with us when the hurricane comes and wipes out our home, family, job... to the point where we can still declare that God hears us, God defends us, God saves us, God calms the storm with his command. Jesus is in the boat with us, remember?
The ground of my profession is Jesus and his blood;
He giveth me possession of everlasting good.
To me his Spirit speaketh full many a precious word
Of rest to him who seeketh, a refuge in the Lord.
This verse brings to my mind every time we refer to Jesus as the solid rock, the firm foundation, the mighty fortress... this "ground" cannot be washed out from under our feet by any tempest. God, our refuge, is always stronger.
My merry heart is springing, it can no more be sad;
With laughter and with singing, in God's own sunshine glad;
For Christ is now preparing his city new and bright,
Where saints his throne are sharing and faith is turned to sight.
So what is our response to God's great love and care for us? Gerhardt's "merry heart" was "springing" with joy! Why?? What were his tempests about?? Well, if you look at his family life alone, only one of his five children lived beyond childhood, and his wife died after a long illness. What an example of being assailed!!!
I believe this last verse is about hope. This is about the new Jerusalem, "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." (Revelation 21:2) This is the place Christ is preparing, where "faith is turned to sight!" The end of the storms... where social distancing is not required, and we can all see each other's faces and fearlessly embrace. Of course, these are NOT safe practices anywhere currently on this earth during this pandemic. We can't rush medical progress as much as we want to.
So let's worship together this Sunday... in our parking lot... and/or online... and we will worship God, our refuge and strength, and respond to his great love with our thanks and praise!
Prayer for Today
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee;
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Amen.--
Albert Einstein, brilliant physicist and astrophysicist is famous for saying, "If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself." This is a man who as great a command of science and the universe as anyone who has ever walked the Earth. Science Communicator is a relatively new job in human history, and it wasn't even a term when folks like Einstein and Carl Sagan were in their prime. But now we've all heard of Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson, and new folks like Emily Calandrelli of Emily's Wonder Lab are appearing. They often quote Einstein's theory. They're people who understand that to teach children and non-experts is to be an expert, and one cannot claim to be an expert if they cannot teach children and non-experts.
So what does this mean for us believers? Can we claim the name of Christ follower if we don't take time to explain and teach our faith to children and non-experts? Does the Great Commission demand that we try? Can pastors and educators take pride in their learning, if we do not bring the same enthusiasm and humility and accessibility to the faith as Nye or Tyson or Calandrelli? One of the benefits of this quarantine has been for many of us parents to watch the dedicated teachers of our students teach them here in our homes through distance learning, seeing their energy and enthusiasm, and yes, their love, for the students and the material. It's a reminder that I would require much more training to do the job they do so well each day. And it's also a reminder that their expert instruction does not become cemented, contextualized, or made important without the time we take as parents to review it, test it, study it, and discuss it. Why do I still remember many of these middle school lessons and concepts? Where have I used them occasionally or daily? Why are they vital?
That's when I think about worship on Sunday, youth group, and our many Bible Studies. When we leave those moments, have we digested the material? Do we seek deeper understanding? And most importantly... have we looked for young people and non-experts to teach and engage? When your student comes home from VBS or youth group or Bible Study, do you take the time to unpack the lesson and review? Do you share stories of how you've struggled with, failed, or triumphed in that area of life and faith? What about after the Sunday sermon? What about with your peers after small groups and studies? Do you share those lessons excitedly with your friends and family who have left church behind during the pandemic or never been before? You don't need a flashy bow-tie or vest or a Wonder Lab to share your story of faith and grace (although I certainly approve of all of the above). Great communicators look for common ground, a shared language, and establish a relationship through love and sincerity. We can all do that. And if you need practice, Allison and I would be happy to connect you with young people and non-experts. They will love having your time and attention.
Prayer for Today
Lord, make me a Faith Communicator. Make my words simple, true, and understandable. Let my enthusiasm and love for the story of your Good News come tumbling out of me. Amen.
When I moved to a new country, one of my first experiences left me feeling unwelcome. After finding a seat in the little church where my husband was preaching that day, a gruff older gentleman startled me when he said, "Move along down." His wife apologized as she explained that I was sitting in the pew they always occupied. Years later I learned that congregations used to rent out pews, which raised money for the church and also ensured no one could take another person's seat. Apparently some of that mentality carried on through the decades.
Later, I reflected on how God instructed the Israelites to welcome foreigners, in contrast to cultural practices such as I encountered. In setting out the laws that would allow His people to flourish, He reminded them to welcome foreigners because they themselves were once foreigners (Leviticus 19:34). Not only were they to treat strangers with kindness (v. 33), but they were also to "love them as [themselves]" (v. 34). God had rescued them from oppression in Egypt, giving them a home in a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:17). He expected His people to love others who also made their home there.
As you encounter strangers in your midst, ask God to reveal any cultural practices that might keep you from sharing His love with them.
Prayer for Today
Father God, You welcome me with open arms, for You love me day after day. Give me Your love to share with others. Amen.
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it"
- Psalm 24:1
As we enter Stewardship season this year, we ought to first take a step back and think about what it all means. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word stewardship as, "the conducting, supervising, or managing of something, especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care." So stewardship is about being a good "steward" of something that we have been entrusted with.
The psalmist proclaims that the earth and everything in it is God's, and we believe that God has entrusted us with the earth. It's quite a task then to try and be good stewards of everything! I think there are many ways that we can be "good stewards", but I think taking care of the earth - that is, the environment - is right up there towards the top. God says to Moses that, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers," (Leviticus 25: 23) and the word of God was revealed to Ezekiel, saying, "Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?" (Ezekiel 34:18). Some heavy stuff there! How can we be "foreigners" and "strangers" in what we call "our planet" or "our country"? And it's hard to argue with the sentiment from Ezekiel. I'm reminded of rivers that have caught on fire because of all the pollutants emptied into them by nearby factories.
As we begin to discern how we will manage our time, talents, and treasures this Stewardship season, I think it's a great time to think not just about finances but also about all the ways in which we can truly live as good Christian stewards of everything. How do your spending habits impact the earth? How do your daily routines have an impact on your time? Are there ways in which we can make small changes in our lives that will lead towards improvements somewhere else?
Prayer for Today
God of everything, thank you for the incredible abundance you have given each of us and for the variety of that which you have given. Give us a renewed sense of gratitude and center our minds on being good stewards of our own bounty. Be our guide in each and every decision. Amen.
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
-Isaiah 11:6
It's easy to take a look at the world today and be discouraged. Grown adults in the news and on television argue and scream and talk over each other like toddlers. News programs and debates are chaos. Expert medical folks give advice and grown adults refuse to follow or accept it. People scream for causes in the streets that we hoped had died out decades ago or for causes we hoped were long ago achieved and haven't been yet. It's enough to want to avoid turning on a tv or radio or opening a paper.
And yet, opening scripture to the prophets once more, reminds us that isn't the adults who are meant to give us our best examples for who or how to be in the kingdom. We are not called to be child-ISH, but child-like. Lisa Lucas, the director of the preschool reminds of this regularly with stories of our precious children and daily acts of kindness and love and the wonder they show all over the bulletin boards. And I'm reminded in our youth and young adults each week.
Before the school year began, several of our college kids asked me about forming a Zoom Bible study. Years of me pushing them to seek worshipping communities and small groups in college led them to do just that. Except those are hard to find or join in this current quarantine. So they asked for one. I was happy to organize it and nearly a dozen showed up this week for our first meeting, including some new roommates. I find hope not in the adults who should be setting a finer example, but the children who have heard God's word because or in spite of us. And they inspire me. I hope you'll be inspired too.
Prayer for Today
Lord, give me opportunities to watch children and young people. Inspire me by their example of how they delight in and follow you. Amen.
So, what do these people have in common? Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. Maybe you recognized that these are all names from the Bible, which is a good start. You may also have figured out that they are all from our Old Testament -- which is true! However, all of these names are also mentioned in our New Testament, in the book of Hebrews. The writer of Hebrews lists all of these names in the eleventh chapter. But before listing each of these names and telling a little about what they did, the author of Hebrews uses two simple but profound words to describe each one of these individuals: "By faith . . ." For example, when it talks about Abraham it says, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, NIV)
Again and again, the book of Hebrews talks about these individuals who acted "by faith." The heading for this eleventh chapter of Hebrews calls this section "Faith in Action." The amazing thing is that these examples of faith in action are not perfect - in fact, they are far from it. Noah did embarrassing things. Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife because he was afraid. Moses committed murder. Rahab was a prostitute. David had the husband of Bathsheba killed in battle because he wanted her for himself. Not a perfect crew by far!
And yet . . . God chooses these imperfect persons to live "by faith." And in the end, they each act in ways that God blesses. They persevere in hope, trusting that God will see them through - even if they themselves do not see the final outcomes of their efforts in their lifetimes here on earth.
I find great hope in knowing we don't have to be perfect to be used by God - we simply have to be willing to act in faith. As we enter Stewardship season, may God help us show our "faith in action" by sharing our time, talents, and treasure to do God's work here and now!
Prayer for Today
Thank you, God, for your willingness to use imperfect persons, like all of us, to live by faith and to do your work here and now. Use all that we have and all that we are to serve others in the name of Christ. We pray this in his strong name. Amen.
