"In the begining" is the same way that the book of Genesis starts. These four verses go on to say that Jesus, the Word, was with God right from the very start and that without Jesus, none of us would be here. All things were made through Jesus.

I find great comfort in that. Jesus was the light that created all men. God worked through Jesus Christ to create all that was made. Knowing that I am literally a child of Christ means changes my demeanor.

All children want to please their parents and most children want to follow their parents example of how to live life. Jesus gave up so much for this world and He even had me in mind when He was born of the flesh and thereby died such a horrible death on the cross.

I could never repay such a debt, but like a good child of God, I want to.

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It tells us that worry is useless because God will take care of us. All we have to do is believe in Him and pursue life in the best way that we know and trust in Him to handle the rest. Sometimes, I have no idea of how we afford the necessities of life; in blind Faith, our needs are just met.

Worry will not add anything to our lives except misery.

We try to rob God of the peace he wants us to have by trying to take control of everything in our lives: worries about food, health, and especially money. In these difficult economic times, it is easy to worry about a lot of things and the devil will exploit every opportunity to steal our peace.

I, too, am guilty of letting the devil steal my peace at times, but I always return to my Faith in order to see me through difficulties.

As we work for the glory of Christ this day, let us be on our guard in all things lest our roots somehow not be able to draw the spiritual nurture we need. Let us do this by always giving thanks to God for his great mercies in Christ Jesus, our Lord!

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog byRev. Mike McLaurin

2 Thessalonians2:16-17

16 Mayour Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and inhis grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, 17 encourageyou and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

(Today’sEnglish Version)

Thewritings of Paul have always amazed and inspired me. One of theamazing aspects of his letters (and, I suppose, inspiring, too, whenit comes to sermons) is how much he gets said in so few words! Theabove two verses are a good example of this and also give us aninvaluable lesson.

Paul isthinking about bringing this letter to a close, and so he begins theword of benediction, which will carry over into chapter three. (Wehave to remember that Paul didn’t put the chapter and verse numbersin. Those came later.) In these two verses, which begin thebenediction, we find much to ponder and pray about.

Thebenediction, of course, is a prayer, in which Paul prays for theThessalonians and for all readers. He calls to our recognition thefact that both God our Father and his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, dotwo things for us: they love us and they give us something in grace. That gift itself has two parts. There is unfailing courage and afirm hope. Wow! That’s exactly what it takes to serve JesusChrist as the Church!

Butthere’s even more! Paul is saying that we are already recipientsof the love, grace, courage, and hope that God in Jesus gives to us. The prayer has two parts: that they will encourage us and strengthenus in our daily walk. And you know, that is exactly what God in hisSon, Jesus Christ, is doing!

Now thepurpose of the encouragement and strength also has two parts: that wemay always do whatis good and always saywhat is good. Whether we do and say what is good is up to us. Through their love, grace, courage and hope, God and Jesus areencouraging and strengthening us. Let’s use these gifts to alwaysdo and say only what is good, for the sake of Jesus Christ and hisChurch.

Prayer

God of help,lead us this day in accepting the wonderful gifts of love and grace,of courage and hope, that all we do and say this day and always willreflect the your holy goodness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog byRev. Mike McLaurin

1 Peter 4:11 Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God werespeaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with allthe strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be givenglory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belongto him forever and ever. Amen. (NewLiving Translation)

Peterput it pretty plainly: Our use of words must be carefully done, forpeople look to certain ones to provide God’s messages (and it isn’tjust preachers). We have to let God speak through us. It must beclear that it’s God’s words and not something we just thought upon our own. Likewise, our helping others must show the strength thatcomes from God and not have the appearance that it is our ownstrength at work.

Inother words, people have to hear God in what we say and see God inwhat we do. When that happens, all our words and deeds will bringglory to God.

Theverse can also remind us that we should never feel speechless when itcomes to speaking for God, for God will provide our words. Norshould we wonder about the strength to do God’s work, for God willsupply our energy. Let God be seen and heard in your life today!

Prayer

God of us all:guide us each day that all we say may reflect Jesus, the Word, andthat all we do be accomplished because we have looked to you forstrength. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Matthew 6:31-34

31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (New King James Version)

            Several years ago I had a wise church member who chaired the congregation’s building committee.  One day he and I were talking about the project that was under construction.  For some reason, I got into the “what ifs.”  “What if this were to happen or that were to happen, then what?”  He replied, “Wait a minute!  Let’s don’t go borrowing trouble!”  While he recognized the need to be prepared for the unforeseen, I had gone a bit over the top in my worry mode! 

This is what Jesus is talking about in verse 34.  Sometimes we worry so much about what might happen tomorrow that we don’t get the best out of ourselves today!  When we fret about the “what ifs?” of tomorrow, we rob ourselves of the “wows!” of today.

The way out of this worry mode, Jesus tells us in verse 33, is to always be seeking first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.  When we do that, we will recognize the great providential ways of God.  We will receive more power to do the work that is before us today.  We will enjoy life more because we will be worrying less.

Today is a great day for any of us and all of us to make living in God’s kingdom and living in God’s Way priority number one!  (Or to continue to if you are already doing so!)

Prayer            

            Living God, help me to have forethought and preparation for the days ahead, but not worry.  Help me to live today as a part of your holy kingdom.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Jeremiah 31:12a  They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD.
       
  I love this line in Jeremiah where God is sending a message of hope to the exiled Hebrews:  “…and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.”
 The goodness of the Lord is all around us.  We see it in the beauty of the sunrise.  We hear it as the birds begin to chirp their morning song.  It is found in each bite of nourishment we are blessed to have.  It is witnessed in the cheerful smile of a fellow worker.  It is in each child’s hug we receive.  Surely, we must experience the goodness of the Lord in at least a thousand ways each day!
 And each one is reason enough to be radiant.
 Today is a new day, a true gift from God.  Let us be radiant over the goodness of the Lord!

Prayer  
 Thanks you, Lord, for giving us so much to be radiant over, especially your son, Jesus.  Lead us this day in sharing Jesus through the radiance of our lives.  In His Name.  Amen.
  
 
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
 

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Philippians 2:3-4

3  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  4  Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. (New Revised Standard Version)

I remember a conversation I had with a fellow minister over twenty years ago.  We were discussing some difficulties that another minister seemed to be having.  While I can’t remember whom it was we were discussing, I do remember my friend saying, “His problem is that he doesn’t have enough ambition!”  The way he phrased it indicated he meant personal ambition to “climb the ladder.”  (Yes, I’m afraid there are some of those.)

I couldn’t help but think about what the Bible has to say about selfish ambition.  It tells us that humility is better than selfish ambition.

We know what Jesus said about wealth (You cannot serve God and wealth.  Matthew 6:24).  In the same way, I believe Paul is saying that we can’t serve others and ourselves.

            I know there are times that I place my needs and my wants ahead of others, sometimes at home and sometimes at church.  And when I do, God reminds me that that is not God’s way.  Things just seem to work out better when I follow God’s way and put others first.

As we begin this new week, won’t you join me in exploring every way possible to serve God by putting others and their needs before our own?

Prayer            

            Gracious Lord, please forgive me if I ever put myself before others.  Help me to remember your way of thinking of others first.  In Jesus’ Name I pray.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Hebrews 10:21-23

21  And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's people, 22  let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.  23  Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.  (New Living Translation)

            “But you promised!”  How many times have you heard someone say that when another person could not (or would not) carry through on his or her word?  No doubt, we have all been on both sides of the promise fence.  We’ve had our hopes dashed or our hearts broken when someone didn’t come through on their pledge to us.  And we’ve perhaps had a time or two when we were the ones who didn’t come through.

The idea struck me to run a search on “broken promises” on the Internet.  I came up with 4,740,000 hits!  They ran from a Greenpeace article on forests in British Columbia to a piece of art with that title; from a website with that name dealing with the health system in Canada to an article in The Lutheran having to do with the loss of jobs in California; and who knows what else!  (I suppose when this “blog” is on our website, there will be 4,740,001!) It seems that there are a lot of broken promises that individuals and society are having to deal with! 

Our verses in the tenth chapter of Hebrews tell us that God never breaks promises!  And in this is our hope.  It’s the peg we hang our “faith” hat on.  It allows us to be in God’s presence whenever we desire. 

Whenever someone breaks a promise they made to you, remember that God will never break God’s promises to you.  That promise is even more sure than tomorrow’s sunrise.

Prayer            

            Lord, thank you that I know by faith that I can always count on you.  You will never leave me nor forget me.  Your promises are mine by my faith in Jesus as your Son.  Help me always to stand firm in this faith.    In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Hebrews 3:12-14

12  Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  13  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

14  For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end.   (New Revised Standard Version)

When LuAn and I were vacationing out west a few summers ago, we saw a herd of antelope running across the open prairie.  I, of course, immediately broke into a sorry (but spirited!) rendition of “Home On the Range,” which elicited groans from LuAn and her sister and brother-in-law, who were our hosts.  After getting to the line about “where the deer and the antelope play,” I paused and asked, “Is it true that a ‘discouraging word’ is seldom heard here?”

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us that we always have to be on our guard lest we turn away from our faith in the living God.  We are told that the way to do this is to “exhort” or encourage each other every day in the faith.  In other words, the church must be a place “where seldom (better yet, never) is heard a discouraging word,” but always the encouraging word.

Finally, we are told that we must encourage each other in the faith because we have been partnered with each other in Christ.  We are able to do this by holding the confidence we had in the beginning all the way to the end.

            Let us remember to encourage each other today and every day in the faith we hold so dear.

Prayer            

            Gracious Savior, please forgive me if I have ever discouraged anyone in their faith.  Help me to always encourage others in the faith today and every day, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Matthew 8:27

Everyone was amazed, “What kind of man is this? They said.  “Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Today’s English Version)

            This exclamation of amazement occurred after Jesus had stilled the storm which had the disciples frightened by the waves and winds that tossed their boat to and fro.  Jesus had chastised them for being upset by the storm and had actually questioned their faith since they displayed fear instead!

It’s not easy to remain calm when the waves are high.  Over twenty years ago I convinced the Methodist Men’s group of the church I was serving to charter a sixty-five foot fishing boat out of Grand Chenier.  Things went well through the night, but at sunup, it was evident that a squall was coming our way.  Waves got as high as fifteen feet and nearby rigs radioed that they had wind gusts to eighty miles per hour!  While no one panicked, there was certainly a sense of uneasiness on the faces of all (not a few of whom were green at the gills!).

As many sermonizers many times before have pointed out, life itself has its storms.  It may be a storm at the work place or a storm at home.  It may be a storm concerning personal relationships, or it may be a storm concerning health.  It may be a storm that you can see coming for a while (like Hurricane Ike churning toward the Gulf).  Or, it may be a storm that blows up all of a sudden, like the one my men’s fellowship group and I experienced ninety miles out of Cameron Parish.

The main thing is how we react to our life’s storms.  When John and Charles Wesley were crossing the Atlantic in the 1730’s to do missionary work in Georgia, their boat was hit by a powerful storm.  The Wesleys, like most of the other passengers, were at their wit’s end with fright.  But a few weren’t.  Some Moravian Christians were huddled together quietly praying and singing hymns of praise.  This display of faith made a lasting impression upon John and Charles and the future Methodist Church!

When a storm of life blows our way, we need to remember to rely on our faith.  It is why we have faith.  And always remember that the Man from Galilee is near.

Prayer            

            Loving God, thank you for faith that is anchored in Christ, for faith that holds in the storm.  Thank you for the always nearby presence of Jesus, in whom we find our peace. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Genesis 32:24 

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.

It was about 4:00 A.M. when I wrote this blog.  I wasn’t wrestling with an angel (like Jacob), nor was I up all night.  Nor was I alone.  A dream woke me up at 3:30, and I wasn’t able to get back to sleep!  As I lay there wrestling with going back to sleep (ok, maybe I was wrestling), I remembered I hadn’t done this blog.  No wonder I couldn’t get back to sleep!  Something (an angel?) was telling me to get busy!

            It occurs to me that we all have those moments sometimes when we feel really alone, wrestling with something.  (Jacob had been worrying about being confronted by his brother, Esau, whom he had cheated out of his birthright twenty years earlier.)  Sometimes we worry-wrestle all night long.  Jacob eventually realized that he was wrestling with an angel of God, and from it, Jacob received a blessing from God!

            When we have those solitary wrestling matches with our worries, let’s look for God’s angel in the midst of it.  Who knows?  He may be there in the thick of it all, trying to give us a blessing!  (Think I’ll go back to sleep now… but first, let’s pray.)

Prayer            

            O God of daytime, nighttime, and all time: There are times when we let ourselves fret and worry about stuff.  It tires us out, as though we had been on the mat with our foe for hours on end.  Help us to realize it may not really be our foe we are wrestling with, but you, trying to teach us something, tell us something, even bless us!  Thank you for all your blessings.  In the Name of Him who told us to consider the lilies of the field.   Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

1 Kings 8:23

 (Solomon) prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will.”  (NLT)

This verse is the beginning of Solomon’s lengthy prayer implored just prior to the dedication of the temple.  After acknowledging and affirming that God was the greatest God anywhere (monotheism was not a part of the belief system until a couple of hundred years later), Solomon says something all God’s servants should remember:  God’s unending blessings come to those who are obedient and eager about doing God’s will.  Now, living on the Resurrection side of the cross, we know that salvation is by grace through faith, not through works.  Therefore, we must understand Solomon’s words as meaning that our responsibility to this eager obedience stems from the joy of our salvation.

Consider this day how you will be eager to do God’s will in your life.  Prayerfully ponder your obedience to God in this day of holy living that God allows you to have.  His promises and his love shall never fail.

Prayer

            Oh God of love and joy and peace:  remind us constantly of your never-failing love and wonderful promises.  We know there is no God but you.  You alone are our salvation.  Bless us this day in our work that we may honor you with our labors.  In Christ Name and for his sake we pray. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Romans 8:28 

We know that in all things God works for good for those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. (Revised Standard Version)

            This is my favorite Bible verse.  My mother taught it to me when I was in college and facing tough challenges.  She taught me this verse so that I would not become discouraged but “press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:14)

            Did you know that God has called us to the work we are do?  Yes, we need the paycheck, but ultimately we are do what we do (if we are followers of Jesus and listen to his leading!) because God has called us to do the work we are doing.  It is fulfilling to be about God’s work, but it is not always easy.  It is in those moments of un-easy-ness that it is well to remember that in all of it God is working for good: our good, others’ good, and certainly God’s good.

Prayer

            O God of life, love, and purpose, help me to see you at work in all that happens today.  Whether the day be easy or difficult, help me to see you there.  Even if unpleasant things that are not of your design occur, help me to know by faith that you are yet working in them for good.  I love you.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Genesis 39:23

            The jailer did not have to look after anything for which Joseph was responsible, because the Lord was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did. (TEV)

            To recap from last week’s blog: The story of Joseph takes up nearly thirty per cent of the book of Genesis.  It is an important story, for Joseph is an important biblical figure!  Joseph was the favorite son among Jacob’s twelve boys, but the jealousy of the eleven resulted in their selling Joseph as a slave to a caravan that ended up in Egypt.  They told their dad a mountain lion must have killed him.

            When Joseph was a slave in Potiphar’s house in Egypt, God’s presence blessed everything that Joseph did, and he soon became head servant.  But Potiphar’s wife made a pass at Joseph, which he rebuffed.  But Mrs. Potiphar screamed saying that Joseph had tried to assault her.   Poor Joseph!  He was arrested and put in jail.

            But again we see the “cream rising to the top” as Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners, as well as other aspects of jail life.  Later, when he was out of jail, Joseph would become second only to King Pharoah in Egypt and lead the country in averting a national disaster due to a famine.  Why? “Because the Lord was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did.”

            There are two ways I look at this part of the Joseph story as it applies to my life.  The first I shared last week.  Here’s the second:  Sometimes I get to working on what I think is a terrific idea for ministry that must truly be ordained from on high.  But, oh my goodness, it runs into such big problems so that it seems to get stuck in the mud!  The easy tendency is for me to say, “The evil one is blocking the path.”  But then I realize maybe that’s not so much the case as I have embarked on my idea that wasn’t God’s inspiration.  In other words, God may not be backing me on it, and so it runs into problems!  After all, it was when and because the Lord was with Joseph that he succeeded in all he did. 

Prayer            

            Lord, forgive me when I go off on my own “brilliant” idea.  Help me to discern that which you are blessing and that which you are not, that Christ and His Church are glorified and not me.  In His Name. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Genesis 39:23

            The jailer did not have to look after anything for which Joseph was responsible, because the Lord was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did. (TEV)

            To recap from last week’s blog: The story of Joseph takes up nearly thirty per cent of the book of Genesis.  It is an important story, for Joseph is an important biblical figure!  Joseph was the favorite son among Jacob’s twelve boys, but the jealousy of the eleven resulted in their selling Joseph as a slave to a caravan that ended up in Egypt.  They told their dad a mountain lion must have killed him.

            When Joseph was a slave in Potiphar’s house in Egypt, God’s presence blessed everything that Joseph did, and he soon became head servant.  But Potiphar’s wife made a pass at Joseph, which he rebuffed.  But Mrs. Potiphar screamed saying that Joseph had tried to assault her.   Poor Joseph!  He was arrested and put in jail.

            But again we see the “cream rising to the top” as Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners, as well as other aspects of jail life.  Later, when he was out of jail, Joseph would become second only to King Pharoah in Egypt and lead the country in averting a national disaster due to a famine.  Why? “Because the Lord was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did.”

            There are two ways I look at this part of the Joseph story as it applies to my life.  The first I shared last week.  Here’s the second:  Sometimes I get to working on what I think is a terrific idea for ministry that must truly be ordained from on high.  But, oh my goodness, it runs into such big problems so that it seems to get stuck in the mud!  The easy tendency is for me to say, “The evil one is blocking the path.”  But then I realize maybe that’s not so much the case as I have embarked on my idea that wasn’t God’s inspiration.  In other words, God may not be backing me on it, and so it runs into problems!  After all, it was when and because the Lord was with Joseph that he succeeded in all he did. 

Prayer            

            Lord, forgive me when I go off on my own “brilliant” idea.  Help me to discern that which you are blessing and that which you are not, that Christ and His Church are glorified and not me.  In His Name. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Genesis 39:23

            The jailer did not have to look after anything for which Joseph was responsible, because the Lord was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did. (TEV)

            The story of Joseph takes up nearly thirty per cent of the book of Genesis.  It is an important story, for Joseph is an important biblical figure!  Joseph was the favorite son among Jacob’s twelve boys, but the jealousy of the eleven resulted in their selling Joseph as a slave to a caravan that ended up in Egypt.  They told their dad a mountain lion must have killed him.

            When Joseph was a slave in Potiphar’s house in Egypt, God’s presence blessed everything that Joseph did, and he soon became head servant.  But Potiphar’s wife made a pass at Joseph, which he rebuffed.  But Mrs. Potiphar screamed saying that Joseph had tried to assault her.   Poor Joseph!  He was arrested and put in jail.

            But again we see the “cream rising to the top” as Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners, as well as other aspects of jail life.  Later, when he was out of jail, Joseph would become second only to King Pharoah in Egypt and lead the country in averting a national disaster due to a famine.  Why? “Because the Lord was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did.”

            There are two ways I look at this part of the Joseph story as it applies to my life.  The first I share today, and the second next week. The first tells me that no matter how bad things get, as long as I allow the presence of God to work in my life, God can and will help me and use me to get things right, as I avail myself to God’s direction.

Prayer            

            Guiding Presence, help me today to be about your will and to open my life in ways old and new to your presence.  Help me to remember that I should not be trying to get you to bless my ideas, but that I should be doing what you are blessing.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

John 17:15 

I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 

            This verse comes from Jesus’ high priestly and pastoral prayer for his followers back then and his followers today.  While he knew that they/we would be in the world,

Jesus prayed that all his followers would not be of the world.  Jesus was concerned that the temptations of life would be very great for us, so he prayed for protection from them.

            What a great prayer to be prayed by a pastor for a staff!  What a great prayer to be prayed by a parent for his/her family!  What a great prayer for a Sunday School teacher to pray for her/his class!

            Think about those whom you pray for on a regular basis.  Pray for their protection.

Prayer            

            Sheltering God, as we do your work and will today, we know that there are temptations that will call us away from it.  Protect us, strong Parent, from evil and harm.  Keep us strong in spirit, mind and body for the work and witness of your holy Word.  In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

2 Corinthians 4:1 

God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged.  (Today’s English Version)   

One of the one hundred or so questions on a premarriage survey I use with couples wanting to get hitched is: “Are you a person with stick-to-it-tiveness or are you easily discouraged?”

This verse in Paul’s second letter to the new Christians in Corinth addresses that question within the context of our work, and it tells us at least three things:  (1) Doing God’s work is going to be difficult at times.  (2) We should not let the occasional hard time discourage us.  (3)  (And this is the reason we shouldn’t let difficulties put a damper on us) It is by God’s mercy and generosity that we are blessed with our work. 

Today and every day, let’s give thanks to God for each task that comes our way—even the most difficult—and let us discover how God will encourage us in our work for him.

P.S.  Those three insights from this verse apply to family life pretty well, too!

Prayer            

            O God who through our baptism in Christ gives us ministry to be done: Let us never forget that it is by your grace that we have our Christian tasks, and that it is by your grace that we are able to do our work, which is really your work.  Let us feel your encouragement in our hearts when the work gets tough.  And when our hearts are not feeling your encouragement, let us remember in our minds that you are encouraging us still.  In the Name of our Savior, Jesus, who had the toughest work of all.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Romans 14:1, 4, 17-18

1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions.  4 Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed.  17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. 18 And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others.  (Today’s English Version)

            There seems to have been a bit of a controversy going on in the church in Rome.  Actually, there were several controversies.  One had to do with the following of the strict dietary laws that Jewish people had been expected to follow.  Some realized that their faith in Christ freed them from this, while others were being judgmental towards them on this matter.  Another couple of groups had conflicting opinions about strong drink.  Still another faction had differing views regarding the observance of holy days.

One of the first things Paul says to us is to realize that there will be differences of opinion among believers, and that many of these opinion differences are not crucial to the heart of the Christian faith.  John Wesley, in his work “The Character of A Methodist,” states, “But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.” 

Paul then asks about the right to be in judgment of those holding different views.  Paul says it isn’t our right, but the Master’s right to judge on the success/failure of another.  Then he says something I really like.  I paraphrase it to fit us all:  “And you/I will succeed, because the Lord is able to make you/me succeed.”   “Because the Lord is able…”  Nor necessarily because you or I am able, but because we let the Lord who IS able work in us.

Later in verses 17 and 19, Paul once again says that it’s not the opinions that matter, but that what really matters is the righteousness, peace, and joy given to us by the Holy Spirit.  Paul says that this is what should guide us in serving God, for no one can find fault with that.

Prayer            

            Living God, forgive us when we think our own opinions will bring in your Kingdom.  May your Holy Spirit fill us with the righteousness, peace, and joy that enable us to serve you.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Hebrews 13:2    Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (New International Version)

            When was the last time you remember an angel walking in from off the street?  Was it someone looking for assistance?  Maybe it was a visiting worshipper or Sunday School attender.  Perhaps it was a sales person on the phone (an angel?!?). 

In the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded to show hospitality to strangers, because that stranger just might be one of God’s own messengers!  Doesn’t that make strangers look a little differently to us when we consider that they might be special agents of the Almighty?

It’s something to think about.

Prayer            

            Loving God, help us in all things to show hospitality to the stranger, today and always.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Psalm 18:6

In my trouble I called to the Lord; I called to my God for help.  In his temple he heard my voice, he listened to my cry for help.

When you begin reading the eighteenth Psalm, you don’t immediately realize that it is a Psalm of victory, and not of defeat!  David takes plenty of time talking about the predicament he was in.  So much so you realize that only a miracle could possibly save him.  After all, King Saul and his forces just about had David fully trapped!

But lo and behold, just when you believe there cannot possibly be any chance of success, it happens.  As we see, David calls to the Lord for help; God hears and acts.  It’s as though a baseball team were down nine to nothing, and it was the bottom of the ninth—and with two outs! The bats begin to rattle as something extra special begins to happen.  And before you know it, baseballs begin flying over the fence!  Runners are circling the bases! Victory has been pulled from the jaws of defeat! 

God is yet in the business of daring and dramatic rescue.  If during this day or week you feel that things just seem at a loss (or at least a standstill wondering if they will ever get moving in the right direction), call upon the Lord.  Pause a moment to listen.  Patiently await God’s reply.  I like the way verse 19, reflecting David’s reaction to God’s rescue of him, is paraphrased in The Message:  “He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved—surprised to be loved! “

Prayer            

            Rescuing God, hear our prayers.  Lean your ear toward us.  Give us your peace that passes all our understanding.  It’s in Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Jeremiah 31:12a  They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD.

            I love this line in Jeremiah where God is sending a message of hope to the exiled Hebrews:  “…and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.”

            The goodness of the Lord is all around us.  We see it in the beauty of the sunrise.  We hear it as the birds begin to chirp their morning song.  It is found in each bite of nourishment we are blessed to have.  It is witnessed in the cheerful smile of a fellow worker.  It is in each child’s hug we receive.  Surely, we must experience the goodness of the Lord in at least a thousand ways each day!

            And each one is reason enough to be radiant.

            Today is a new day, a true gift from God.  Let us be radiant over the goodness of the Lord!

Prayer            

            Thanks you, Lord, for giving us so much to be radiant over, especially your son, Jesus.  Lead us this day in sharing Jesus through the radiance of our lives.  In His Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.

Remember the days of childhood when a good game of “Hide and Seek” was played?  For me, it was best played just before dark when the shadows were longest.

When we read these words from Isaiah, we might be inclined to wonder, “Isn’t God always near to us, or does God play and kind of “Hide and Seek” game sometimes?” 

God inspired Isaiah to write these words at a time when Israel was returning from exile.  You see, Israel had acted contrary to God’s ways, and for that, Israel had been in captivity in Babylon.  But now God was inviting her to return home.  In many ways, they believed that God was more easily found in “the promised land” to which Israel would be returning.

Of course, we know that God is everywhere at every moment, but this speaks a special word to us.   A spiritual examination of our own lives is always in order.  Like in any exam, questions must be answered.  Questions like: Have I exiled myself from God’s presence?  That’s easier to do than we think.  It happens when we forget to have time each day with God.  Or, Am I trying to hide from God?  Jonah tried that one and found himself fish bait!  And this one: If God seems far away, who moved? 

            This week, let’s think about where we are in relationship to God’s presence.  God will always be as near—or as far—as we allow God to be. 

Prayer            

            Kind and loving God:  We come before you today realizing that we haven’t always allowed you to be easily found.  We’ve not let you be near to our lives so that you can be easily sought.  Help us to permit you to be near, that we might seek you and find you, today and always.  In Christ’s Holy Name.   Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

Ezekial 11:19  I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20  so that they may follow my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (New Revised Standard Version)

            Ezekial was exiled with many other Jews in Babylon.  He arrived there before Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C. and remained there afterward.  It’s interesting to note that the land of Babylon in Ezekial’s day was located in our modern day Iraq.

            God is using Ezekial to tell his fellow Hebrews that their hard-hearted ways and their lack of God’s spirit had caused them to quit following God’s way.  This led to their suffering militarily and politically as well as spiritually.  But God is also saying through Ezekial that they can change their ways back to God’s ways and once again be known as God’s people.

            I see the ministry God has given us as being one of enabling people to let God remove any hard-heartedness they may have and replace it with warm-heartedness.  (Of course, we must first make sure we are at least in the process of doing this ourselves!  Jesus did say, after all, that we should remove the “log” in our on eye before we go to remove the tiny splinter in our neighbor’s!)

            Think today what you/we can do to enable the people we encounter, the ones for whom we plan programs, the ones whom we help, to let God remove any stoniness of heart and replace it with warmth.  Then we can all rejoice together as children of God and sisters and brothers of Jesus!

Prayer            

            Lord, please remove any stoniness in my heart and replace it with warm-heartedness, that I may enable others to do the same.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

John 17:4  I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.

            This verse is found in what is known as Jesus’ high priestly prayer for his apostles and all subsequent disciples.  It is the longest prayer we have of Jesus.  Jesus prayed this prayer just before going to the garden where he was betrayed and arrested.  In the opening verses, Jesus is praying about God glorifying Jesus in God’s presence that Jesus may glorify God.  Then comes verse four where Jesus speaks of having glorified God on earth by completing the tasks given him.

            The fourth verse speaks to me thunderous words about how the work God has given us each to do brings glory to God.  We bring glory to God when we dedicate the work given us to him.  We glorify God when we pray about our work with thanksgiving for the tasks given us.  We glorify God when we try to see God in each person we talk to and each person we greet.  We glorify God when we remember that all good and honest labor is blessed and that we are called to our work.  We glorify God as we bring each task given us to its completion.

Prayer            

            Thank you God for the work you have given me.  Thank you for its opportunity to glorify you.  Help me each day to reflect your love in all I do, to your great glory through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

March 30, 2008

1 Corinthians 3:18 You should not fool yourself.  If any of you think that you are wise by this world’s standards, you should become a fool, in order to be wise.  (Today’s English Version) 

            I love clowns.  I don’t care if it’s clowns in the circus, clowns in the rodeo, clowns in cartoons, or clowns in a parade.  I love clowns.  Sometimes I think I’m a full-time clown, just out of costume.  My favorite clown of all time was Red Skelton as Freddie the Freeloader, just as my favorite Disney cartoon character is Goofy (there’s a clown if there ever was one!)

            Clown: It’s from the Latin colonus, from which we get colonist; clowns were sometimes seen as ill-bred buffoonish farmers! 

Clowns play important roles in the circus, in drama, and in life.  They are comic relief or sometimes a serious message brought with a light touch.  Clowns usually allow themselves to play the role of the fool.

            Paul seemed to be speaking in clownish terms when he spoke of becoming a fool in order to be wise.  Corinth was a great cosmopolitan Greek city that was a hub of politics, commerce, culture, immorality, and a variety of religions.  There were temples to Greek gods, and Greek philosophy abounded.  But the wisdom of their philosophy was really a trap, and Paul said one should become a clown (“fool”) in order to really be wise.  In the first chapter, he had written: “For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom.  Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe… For what seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” (1 Cor. 1:21,25)

            Go ahead! Now’s the time!  (Especially Tuesday!)  Act the faithful fool!  Be a Christian Clown!  Enjoy the fun of the faith!  No foolin’!

Prayer            

            Dear God, in the midst of our serious work, help us to have fun.  Let us remember that just as Jesus wept, he also laughed.  In his Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

 Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

March 23, 2008

Exodus 3:11-12  [11] Moses answered God, "But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" [12] "I'll be with you," God said. "And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain."   (The Message paraphrase)

Have you ever heard anyone say, “Why me?”  It often is heard when some type of calamity befalls a person.  Whether it’s the diagnosis of an awful illness or the reality of a job layoff, the question, “Why me?” is frequently and understandably heard.  (I once heard a person who had received bad news say a few days after the “Why me?” question, “Why NOT me?”  Now that’s wisdom born of mature faith!)

            Moses asked the “Why me?” question when God appeared to him in the burning bush on Mt. Sinai, but it was more of the tone of “Who is little old me to do this?”

            Oft are the times when a task comes our way, and we quickly find ourselves asking, “Why me, Lord?”  It may be the “Who am I?” variety of question, or the “Why are you picking on me, Lord?” type. 

            Rather than listing Moses’ qualities, God simply replied, “I’ll be with you.”  That’s what God says to us when “Why me?” is upon our lips and hearts.  It’s what Jesus’ angelic name, Emmanuel, means: “God is with us.”

            If you find yourself wondering, “Why me, Lord?” for any reason (even the receiving of a blessing!), ask yourself instead, “Why not me?” and look for God’s holy presence in the answer.

Prayer            

            Kind God, we thank you for your presence with us in all of life’s times: super highs, woeful lows, and everyday garden variety.  Help us to remember that you are with us, and that you have sent your Son, Jesus, as the very embodiment of love living in our midst.  In his Name.   Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

March 16, 2008

2 Corinthians 1:13-14   For we write you nothing other than what you can read and also understand; I hope you will understand until the end— as you have already understood us in part--that on the day of the Lord Jesus we are your boast even as you are our boast.

Paul was encouraging the Corinthian Christians to hang in there with his and Timothy’s teaching.   Paul wanted them to be able to boast of each other on that great day, commending one another for faithfulness to the end.

You know, we don’t have to wait until the day of the Lord Jesus to boast of one another, to praise one another, to encourage one another.  Our work together is always good.  It can only get better when we practice cheering each other on. 

John Wesley used to tell his preachers to never speak ill of one another.  He also told them never to believe anything ill they may have heard about another.

Christian encouragement!  Both the encourager and the encouragee will do better.  We all will!  Praise God for Christian encouragement!

Prayer

            Wonderful Lord:  Your scriptures encourage us.  We thank you and ask for the full encouragement of your Holy Spirit as we perform the work of your ministry.  Lead us in encouraging one another to the greater glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior, in whose name we pray.   Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

March 9, 2008

1 Kings 8:23  (Solomon) prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will.”  (New Living Translation)

This verse is the beginning of Solomon’s lengthy prayer implored just prior to the dedication of the temple.  After acknowledging and affirming that God was the greatest God anywhere (monotheism was not a part of the belief system until a couple of hundred years later), Solomon says something all God’s servants should remember:  God’s unending blessings come to those who are obedient and eager about doing God’s will.  Now, living on the Resurrection side of the cross, we know that salvation is by grace through faith, not through works.  Therefore, we must understand Solomon’s words as meaning that our responsibility to this eager obedience stems from the joy of our salvation.

Consider this day how you will be eager to do God’s will in our service to him. Prayerfully ponder your obedience to God is this day of holy labor that God allows us to have.  His promises and his love shall never fail.

Prayer

            Oh God of love and joy and peace:  remind us constantly of your never-failing love and wonderful promises.  We know there is no God but you.  You alone are our salvation.  Bless us this day in our work that we may honor you with our labors.  In Christ Name and for his sake we pray. Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

March 2, 2008

1 Peter 4:11   Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

Peter put it pretty plainly: Our use of words must be carefully done, for people look to certain ones to provide God’s messages (and it isn’t just preachers).  We have to let God speak through us.  It must be clear that it’s God’s words and not something we just thought up on our own (Remember Proverbs 3:5?  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”).  Likewise, our helping others must show the strength that comes from God and not have the appearance that it is our own strength at work. 

In other words, people have to hear God in what we say and see God in what we do.  When that happens, all our words and deeds will bring glory to God.

This verse can also remind us that we should never feel speechless when it comes to speaking for God, for God will provide our words.  Nor should we wonder about the strength to do God’s work, for God will supply our energy.  Let God be seen and heard in your life today and every day!

Prayer

            God of us all: guide us this day that all we say may reflect Jesus, the Word, and that all we do be accomplished because we have looked to you for strength.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin

Bro. Mike’s Blog  by Rev. Mike McLaurin

February 24, 2008

Mark 13:1-27

1 As Jesus was leaving the Temple, one of his disciples said, "Look, Teacher! What wonderful stones and buildings!" 2 Jesus answered, "You see these great buildings? Not a single stone here will be left in its place; every one of them will be thrown down." (Today’s English Version)   

            From time to time, we see on television news where a landmark office tower or sports arena, which has served its useful purposes, is imploded by a special demolitions team.  When they were constructed, I wonder if anyone thought that one day they would be torn down.

What a shock it must have been to the disciples to hear Jesus say that the beloved Temple and its surrounding buildings would be thrown down, that not one stone would be left in place!  Jesus was speaking of what would occur in 70 A.D. when the Romans razed Jerusalem. 

It’s good to have the blessing of fine buildings in which to worship, served, be nurtured and enjoy Christian fellowship.  Yet Jesus reminds us that buildings are temporary, and not permanent.  I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was concerned with “building worship” by his disciples.

This story in Mark reminds me of the time when Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4).  She made comment concerning the Samaritan’s place of worship being on nearby Mount Gerizim, where a place of worship for the Samaritans had been built, and the Jews’ place of worship being the Temple in Jerusalem (which the disciples had ooooed and ahhhhed over in today’s text.)  Jesus replied, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.” (John 4:21, 23 NRSV)

We have excellent and beautiful facilities for which to be grateful that we are to use in promoting the Word of Jesus Christ.  Yet, like the office buildings, sports arenas, and the Temple, they are temporary.  They are the means of our worship, nurture, service and fellowship, and not the end of them.  

Prayer                        

            Kind and loving God, thank you for the facilities we are blessed to have.  Help us always to keep them in proper perspective.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin