Advent Devotional - Day 19

Romans 15:13:  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

With this, Paul begins to draw his magnificent letter to the Romans to a close.  The focus is upon the agency of God in granting joy, not in some innate human ability to produce it.  When we attempt to generate joy for ourselves, we fail.

As Americans, we are obsessed with the “pursuit of happiness” as guaranteed within our founding documents.  Yet, this season and the witness of scripture remind us that joy is not the result of our pursuit; rather it is the remarkable gift of God.  Thanks be to God!

PRAYER
Lord God, may we always be turned by your Spirit to find our joy in your gifts – life, love, grace and more – and may we witness them in the faces of those around us. Amen.

Rev. Martin R. Ankrum, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg

Advent Devotional - Day 12

Romans 12:16:  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

The choir was breaking up. Made up of retirees who liked to sing, the choir had met at our church every Monday morning for over 25 years. Now their numbers had shrunk, their voices no longer allowed them to hit the notes, and they were giving it up. But not before singing one last song. And so, they sang what they called their theme song, "Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me."

There they were – Catholics, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, and at least one agnostic – singing as loudly and clearly as they possibly could, declaring beautifully how God's peace is to be done in this world. If only it could be. 

PRAYER
Holy God, who reaches out to us in peace in Jesus Christ, make me an instrument of your peace this very day. In Christ I live and pray. Amen

Rev. Ken Foust, Pastor, Grace Community Presbyterian Church, Lower Burrell

Advent Devotional - Day 4

Romans 5: 5:  Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. (Romans 5: 3 - 5, The Message)

We moved often when I was a child. But wherever we lived, in my Christmas stocking I would find an orange. I trusted the source of the love that left me an orange. I had hope that I would be taken care of, regardless of where my family lived, because I knew in my heart that Love is reliable. So, I had hope that the future would be good. My Christmas orange was just a hint of a love that extended far beyond Christmas morning.

Hope is knowing that the Source of Love is reliable. We live our lives based on the reality that God is at work, we are alert to what God may do next, this Advent and beyond. We are called to live creative lives, based on the joyful anticipation that our awesome God, who sent His Son at the right time, will not rest until the Kingdom comes and all creation sings “Joy to the World”.  Orange you glad!?

Rev. Caroline Vickery, Pastor, Delmont Presbyterian Church

Advent Devotional - First Sunday in Advent

Romans 5:2:  We boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Advent begins today. What comes to mind when you hear this word? For many it’s hope.
What are you hoping for this Christmas? Maybe golf clubs, a fishing pole, diamond ring or necklace; or how about a new car? Wow, wouldn't that be great!! But why not think even bigger! How about offering someone the Best Gift ever, a life with Jesus and eternal life in heaven? Over the years I've had a few people tell me I saved their life. Now not with CPR, or even prayer, but rather all I did was offer Jesus to them, and they accepted” The Gift" and opened it. 

This Christmas let's look for those who don't have Hope and give them the Best Gift they'll ever get ... Jesus!!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the great hope Jesus brings. Lead us to those who need Him in their life. Amen

Jim Sunseri, Commissioned Pastor, United Presbyterian Church, Bolivar, and Bethel Presbyterian Church, New Florence

Lenten Devotional - Day 37

Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:1-21

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” (Rom. 5:1-2)

  Peace is an elusive concept. In cultural terms, it may be the absence of war. But humans know on a very gut, instinctual level that there is a different kind of peace. We’re not sure how to find it or even what it might feel like when we get there, but we search for it in many ways. Some think they will find it if they make enough money, if they buy a bigger car, if they get a different job, a different spouse. It might be hiding in the bottom of a bottle or in the next pill. The search grows, consuming the searcher’s time, money, talents, until there is nothing left. But the search cannot stop. Like an infection, the searching moves from one member of the family to the next, leaving discontent and fear in its wake. Searching wears us down, shuts us down, and takes us down. Like a shiny object, it distracts us and disrupts our plans, our hopes and our dreams.

  Active addiction is a never-ending search, not only for the addict but also for those who love and care for her. While the addict is searching for his next high, his release from pain, the family is searching for the next treatment option, the way they can “cure” their loved one or, at the very least, keep him safe. Unsuspecting but caring individuals have been bilked out of millions of dollars trying to find the magic cure for what ails them, ranging from home remedies to expensive, intensive therapies at exotic locations to torture disguised as therapy.

  Thank God that His grace has the power to interrupt this cycle of searching! God’s grace is the antibiotic for our fear, the chain-breaker, and the peace-bringer. “My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”  (Isaiah 54:10). But how do we, as people of God, participate in the movement of the Holy Spirit to bring hope and peace to searchers? Pandita Ramabai, a social reformer and educator from India, said, “People must not only hear about the kingdom of God but they must see it in actual operation, on a small scale perhaps and in imperfect form, but a real demonstration nevertheless.” Your steps, however small and imperfect they may be, will set you on the path to peace. Resolve today to take a step.

Susan Perry, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Our ability to see God’s grace alive and well around us.

Click Here PDF - Day 37 Devotion

Informational Resources

National Clearinghouse of Drug and Alcohol Information

The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is the world's largest resource for current information and materials about AOD.

Lenten Devotional - Day 36

Scripture: Romans 8:18-21

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God;” (Rom. 8:18-19)

  Most churches during their history experience a crisis, some suffering and hardship comes with finding our way in the world, which shapes our future together. When faced with sufferings and hardship, we could just give into the crisis and determine there is no point in moving forward. Or we could decide that God is about to reveal something valuable to us. God desires our willingness to discern how this might be defining our common ministry and where it might lead. As we look around us at the crisis our communities are facing in dealing with AOD problems, we could just throw up our hands and give into the destruction of our communities or we can discern where God is calling us to serve, “the glory about to be revealed to us.” (v. 18)

  As people who are present to each other, and present to the goodness of God, we count ourselves as children of God and joint heirs of God’s promises, along with Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul points out that we suffer along with Christ “so that we may also be glorified with him” (v. 17). Our pains are never completely pointless if they bring us closer to the one who suffered on the cross for the salvation of the world.

  This is not to say that God desires our suffering, or that God somehow enjoys watching us get beaten and crushed. Instead, Jesus invites us to join him in working to free the world from its bondage to decay, and to do whatever we can to overcome those forces that can separate, alienate, discourage or destroy us. We may suffer as we do God’s work of justice and reconciliation in this world, but suffering is not going to be the final word.

  In our calling, we are never forced to work alone. The Spirit of God “helps us in our weakness,” assists us in our praying and intercedes for us. The Holy Spirit leads us and guides us, comforts us and abides with us. In fact, it is nothing less than the Spirit of God that constantly reminds us that we are children of God, “and if children,” says Paul, “then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (v. 17).

Lee McDermott, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Churches seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and discerning God's call to their future ministry to those struggling with AOD dependency.

Click Here PDF - Day 36 Devotion

Local Resources — Cambria County

Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program

   Central Park Complex, 110 Franklin Street Suite 200, Johnstown, PA 15901

Phone: (814) 536-5388     Weekday Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fax: (814) 536-6867         (814) 535-8531 Weekends/Evenings

http://www.cambriacountypa.gov/drug-and-alcohol.aspx

Lenten Devotional - Day 30

Scripture: Romans 5:3-11

“and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:5, 8)

  Over the years, I have extended many invitations to recovering people to join me during Sunday morning worship, frequently I am told, “I’ll go back to church after I get my act together.” In response, I’ve told them “God is ready for you now, I would hope the church could be the place where you can get your act together.” Sadly, many recovering people did not see it the way I did, they had come to believe that the church was unwilling to accept them until their act was together, that the church only accepted perfect people, not flawed.

  This approach to the church makes about as much sense as the person who only hires a housekeeper after they have cleaned the house. We don’t need something after we have already did it. Of course, the chances I will ever get my house clean is about as possible as I will ever get my act together completely as a person. I know I need God each day, if I have any chance to keep my act together. The church should be the place where we learn how it is God will help us become a better human being. Jesus does not call us to go and find disciples who are already disciples, no he says, “Go and Make Disciples.” Paul tells us that God proves he loves us first, while we still don’t have our act together.

  I did unfortunately learn on my own why many recovering people believed they needed to become perfect first. I had worked for many years to get churches to open their hearts and doors to accept those recovering from addiction, but repeatedly I was told by pastors and others these people were not welcome within their church. I don’t get angry often, but these comments did make me angry. What I saw within these recovering people were individuals eager and hungry to learn and practice the things God had to offer, but others too often told them it was beyond their reach.

  The general sense of Scripture is that we have all erred and messed up. "All we like sheep have gone astray and turned to our own way" (Isaiah 53:6). So, we need a pardon and we know it. This wonderful, life giving message is not just for us within the church, but for all, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (v. 6) As the church, we are called together as the family and body of Christ, so we as a community can help one another, get our act together, recognizing that God first took the initiative, “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (v. 8)

Lee McDermott, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Our ability to see God’s grace alive and well around us.

Click Here PDF - Day 30 Devotion

Lenten Devotional - Day 26

Scripture: Romans 8:24-25

“For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Rom. 8:24-25)

  It often feels hopeless for an addict's family who is caught in the web of the addiction of a loved one. You've probably tried most everything to get it to stop. You've hid loose cash, you tried tough love, you've prayed, you sought rehabilitation information and maybe even called the police. Addiction leaves us worn out, beat up and feeling useless as an addict's family. We often fear what tomorrow may bring.

  But we are reminded in the verses of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 that everything has a season and there is a time for everything. In our frightened and desperate times, God sends an advocate to stabilize us. He sends the Holy Spirit. God never makes a promise he won't keep but nevertheless his plan may take more time than we expect or sometimes doesn't go the way we had hoped. Instead of waiting impatiently for things to improve, we should place our confidence in God's goodness and wisdom. God's got it even when we don't.

  By accepting the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can let go of our own resources to cope with problems. When requests are brought to God, trust that he will always do what is best.

  If a loved one eventually loses his battle with addiction, so much is lost and irreplaceable. Lent offers the opportunity for reflection and change. In hope we can look ahead and trust toward what lies beyond this life when we are with Christ. God is not working to keep us happy and give us what we want in this life, he is working to fulfill his promises. Trust in God, not life's treasures, look for security in heaven that sometimes can't be found on earth.

Lynn Mance, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Families caught in addiction that they might find a way forward.

Click Here PDF - Day 26 Devotion

Local Resources — Fayette County

Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc.

   100 New Salem Road, Suite 106, Uniontown, PA 15401

     E-mail: clientservices@fcdaa.org       http://fcdaa.org/

   Phone: 724-438-3576            Fax: 724-438-3305

Toll Free: 800-856-3576 Toll free number answers 24 hours/day-7 days/week

Lenten Devotional - Day 22

Scripture: Romans 5:12-21

“For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,” (Rom. 5:19-20)

  There is much we can do to assist others in achieving their recovery, but we must remember, we are not alone in this pursuit. We are partners with God, we need to depend upon God who can do what we can’t now see or things we can’t now do.

  I have over the years worked with many individuals whom I prayed for while working with them and I witnessed the grace of God at work within them. I have seen God intervene in ways I could not imagine and often, was unable to see at first, but only later recognized God’s hand at work where, “grace abounded all the more,” (v. 20)

  Denial can be a very strong force in the lives of those with dependency problems, they harbor the common illusion that many people hold that addiction couldn’t possibly happen to me. Paul in this passage speaks of disobedience, this disobedience is like the meaning of denial you often hear regarding those with AOD dependency. In both denial and disobedience, we believe our view of the world is better than the reality which we clearly face and the reality that others see quite clearly, but we question their perceptions of the same reality.

  Obedience calls on us to see the world as it currently exists and it is not always a very pleasant picture of humanity. Obedience to God's will does not mean everything will go smoothly or there won’t be some difficult hills to climb. Obedience does not guarantee that the wind will always be at our backs and that the journey will be calm and peaceful. Jesus told his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake, even though he knew the wind would be working against them. Jesus does tell us that he will never leave us alone and will be with us until the end of the age.

  One of my favorite old hymns is “Trust and Obey”. When I was, younger I was not fond of this hymn, trusting and obeying was not high on my list of things to do. As I grew older, increased in maturity, and hopefully wiser, I recognized how important trusting and obeying had become to my spiritual formation. When a person enters treatment for AOD dependency, their initial posture is not geared toward trusting and obeying, so some time is needed for them, to come to trust the treatment staff and come to comply or obey their treatment plan. Trust and obedience does not come easily, but is essential to treatment success. In early recovery, trusting someone can prove difficult and complicated and disobedience has become a way of life and not easily relinquished.

Lee McDermott, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Professionals who work each day to lead others to life and recovery from their addiction.

Click Here PDF - Day 22 Devotion