God is our Refuge

For many people, 2005 has been the hardest year. We've suffered natural disasters seeming to follow one on the heels of another. And yet, for others, this has been the year that they have found their voice, made a profession of faith, or taken action that for so long has been impossible. For in the face of great need in the world, many people have found that they are strengthened by God to reach out to others who have been impacted by tragedy. Let us recognize our need for God in today's troubled times.



Teach us your lessons, Dear God!

Teach us humility! We think that in our cleverness, in our scheming, we can command our world to suit our selfish needs. And when nature brings us to our knees, we blame our failure to control our world on you. Forgive our arrogance, our short-sightedness and our selfishness.

Teach us gratitude! So that instead of exploiting your creation, we will care for it. Instead of squandering the earth's resources, we will recognize our dependance on the good gifts of the the earth, and on you.

Teach us compassion! Strengthen our bonds to one another, inspire us to find a way to live in harmony with all of your children. Let us know that to love you means to value human life which you created: Every human life is holy, teach us your lessons, Lord.

Teach us to pray! For your children in need, especially today for Gertrude Orlando and her loved ones. They profess their need for you to be in control of their lives, heal and strengthen them in your grace. We pray for Susan Day and her children, that they will be guarded and protected by your love, and that in your time, they will be reunited to live as a family, growing in love and knowledge of your will for their lives. We lift up Carmen Burks, and we ask that you give her patience and wisdom for the coming days, and that her loved ones be wrapped in your love while they are apart. We pray for Esther Moreida and her family, for Brenda Lee Stevens, and the family of Narcisa E. Pena. We pray for Shannon and Curtis Thomas, strengthen the bonds of their marriage, and be with them from day to day. Hear our prayer for Lonnie Brown, James Parker and Bobrey Parker, Danielle Rogers, Angela Thomas and her children Bryan and Alissa, Crystal Setzer, Mary Massey, Wendy Simpkius and her family, Quinette Hunter, Christy Vidos, Robin Randolph and all men, women and youths who are in prison. Help them with your sustaining love, and lift them up when they fall, and place them back on the right path to you, dear God. Through faith in your unfailing love, help us all overcome our own human failings, and rededicate our lives to serving you.

Teach us to serve! We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, the son of the living God, our brother and our savior. Amen.

Unwrap your divine gift...

We don't all recognize Christmas as a time of giving and receiving gifts. Many workers at the local mall see Christmas as hectic days of long hours. Store managers see ringing cash registers, and fattening bonuses. And most shoppers see mounting credit card balances, and time slipping away. Everyone is exhausted!

On the other hand, those who are unable to participate in the gift giving and receiving may feel like Christmas missed them. Those who are incarcerated, those who are poor or homeless may feel Christmas is not for them.

Let us recognize the true gifts we all can share this Christmas season. The gift of Jesus Christ, the gift of reconciliation, the gift of new life! These are the divine gifts of the season which we may be so busy we forget. Unwrap the divine gifts this Christmas, and celebrate the birth of our Savior!



Dear God, we give you the glory for the most precious gift of your Son Jesus Christ. Help us receive Jesus as the light of our life, and to let our light shine brightly for all to see. We celebrate your great love for the world, and we send our "Alleluias!" and "Gloria in the Highest" to you, along with your angels we sing your praise!

We pray for your children who are struggling this Christmas. We offer our prayer for those who are weighed down by debt, by depression, by anger or lonliness. We know that these human conditions are not of your making, and that through our belief in you, we will find the path out of the darkness and into the light. Help your children claim their faith, so they may find the way to peace. Help us be honest with ourselves, and remove all fear from us. Let us face the obstacles that challenge our relationships, with you and with others. Take away our defenses, let us be confronted with the reality of who we are and where we are. Bring us into communion with your people, and help us become one in your Spirit.

Today we lift up your children who need to feel your love in their hearts. We pray for Henry and Marce Hall, so long they have been suffering and alone, bring them together in the knowledge that in you, all will be reconciled. We stand up for Yvonka Wilson, and lift her up in her time of need. We pray for Rose Rivera, strengthen her for the coming changes in her life, and for Jessica Friedrichs, show her the way to you, dear God. We pray for Sarah Smith, to find her own path and strengthen her faith. We pray for Felesia Powell and her family, please send your healing power in the form of a miracle to them today! We know Yvonne Smith needs your healing touch in her marriage and for her children. Help them feel your power in their lives. Brandi Storey asks your protection for her two children, and for her father who is caring for them until her release. Strengthen them all in your love. And we pray for Cathy Bryant and her son, Judson Carmichael, may he find hope for the living of these days in your word.

We pray for our families. When you sent your son into the world, you did not send him in on a mighty chariot, you sent him as a helpless infant, into a lowly family. Please help the families in our world to create the nurturing environment where your ways are the foundation of our children's earliest understandings. Intervene where families are failing, and put them on the right path to growing in grace and wisdom, in all ways, in every day.

We pray in Jesus Christ, you beloved son, Amen.

I pray for you, please pray for me...

We are all part of this ministry, you and me, the prisoner and the guard, the chaplain and the wife, the father and the children. We are all part of the restorative ministry that proclaims Jesus' reconciling grace. Whether we know it or not, our participation will have an impact on whether the message is heard -- not by God, because God already knows what is in our hearts -- but by others in our world who need to hear the reconciling message of love that comes to us through the scriptures. The good news that because God so loved the world, he sent his son into the world, the son who was in God and with God from the beginning, and the son became flesh and dwelt among us, so that we might come to know him, and through him, know the Father. That because of this great love, because he took our sins to the cross, we are made new, and that no sin is beyond God's forgiveness, and no soul is beyond redemption. We give thanks to God for in his great mercy, God loves us FIRST, and asks only that we love him in return.

Please pray for this ministry, for the network of believers who work toward sharing our understanding of God's incredible gift to others, and pray that our mission will be developed according to God's will, and we will hear and follow God's will for our lives and our ministry.

Please pray for all families, who struggle with growing in God's grace. Help parents everywhere reject the sin of shame and denial, and to break the patterns of destructive behavior that keep us from knowing the redeeming love of God, and prevent us from sharing that love with our children. Protect the children, oh God, the children of a broken people, who are the most vulnerable, and help us to know how to be your agent in a broken world.

We give voice to our hearts' desires, only to affirm our faith in you, our God, who knows already what we need, even when we do not know ourselves. We ask you to hear our prayers, and let your will be done in our lives. For Arthur Bagley and Kim Shallow, Michael Williams and Robin Knight, Teresa Brooks, Esther Moreida and David Moreida, Carmen Burks and her children, Marc Hatcher, Tennyson Harris and their families, Arenia C. Davis, Brenda Allen and all your children who lift their hearts to you. We pray for them to feel your word burning in their hearts, and that their lives will become a testament to your love and renewing power.

We pray for peace among the people of the world, for an end to oppression, and that the humble be lifted up. We pray for an end to war, that all men and women may live together in harmony.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three in name but one in being, we pray, Amen.

Isaiah 7:14

Comfort and joy...

13 Then maidens will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,"
declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 31:13-14

We received a letter today from a sweet young man who asked for a devotional calendar and also one for his mother. He apologized for asking for two, and said if only one could be sent, to please send it to his mother, because he had no other Christmas gift for her this year. Okay, see, I'm a real softie, and I cried like a big old baby when I read this letter. I really have no idea whether the sweet young man is sweet or if he is young. Because he is incarcerated, he is unable to buy anything for his mother, but his understanding that the request he was making was costly, that he was asking for something that might be too much, is what touched my heart.

We ask for too much all the time, and don't even realize it. We stomp on the gas and expect that people will get out of our way, we leave work early and expect to get a full paycheck, we bark at our spouse or children and expect their love in return, we pray for forgiveness, and then we go out and do the same stupid things again. We are unreasonable, yes, its really too much. Sometimes we need to step back and look at what wonderous gifts we have been given, and stop taking for granted that bounty. Because God's love is incredibly abundant, and his capacity to love is limitless.

Lucky for us.


*****


Dear heavenly Father, you provide for our needs in abundance. But we often ask for more. Thank you for reminding us that while you are generous and forgiving, that there is still a cost. Help us keep from forgetting the price your son Jesus paid for our lives. Help us to gain wisdom in the living of these days, bought at such a precious price.

We pray, our Father, for those who feel abandoned, who feel trapped, and who have been forgotten. Please send them a ray of light to guide them out of the darkness. We pray for those who are in prison. Help them find their true authentic selves, to reject the path to death and destruction, and to seek instead the path of peace and truth. Today we lift the names of your children: Pam Reed, who's father now rests in your company, bring her comfort from mourning; we lift up Francisco Torres and his mother Maria and brother Luis, create a unified spirit within their family; for Tiffany Inghram and Florence Berneron to find their way and to strengthen them for their journey; for Debbie, Skip and Mike, show them the way to help; and for Joyce Stanley and her family. Let us be their neighbor, and show us how to bind up their injuries and bring them to a safe place.

We lift ourselves as our offering to you. Make us in your image, and bring us the hope of a savior for our lives. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

A gift received in giving...

Creator and Redeemer of the World, you give us the greatest gift in your son, Jesus Christ. He was born into a world of sin, but he remained sinless. He suffered for our sake, and he gave up his life so we might live. We praise you for this Holy and Living Sacrifice, your own precious Son.

We hear your call upon our lives, dear God. You direct us on the path of righteousness, an upright and noble call to live in service to you and others. But too often we feel the call of the world more strongly, and we leave the path you have shown us. Forgive our selfish desires, and redirect our efforts in your ways, because the life you intend for us is more fulfilling than anything we could possibly imagine in our human limitations.

In your loving-kindness, hear the prayers of your people. Restore them in body, mind and spirit, so that they can live for your glory. We lift up Gary Hutchinson and his family, Michael Baden, Cynthia Cross especially for the restoration of her family, protect and bless Joanna and Gwen, Misty Eaves and her mother Debra Williams for healing and strength, for Clyde Ivy hear his petition for your blessings on Laura, Landon and Candiace, and help them be restored as a family; for Kristina Smith and her family, strengthen them as a family, hold them together in your love; for Sheniquia Lockett and her mother Betty, bring them to a new understanding based on love and forgiveness, support Angela, Deonte and Devonte in your power and mercy, protect them and open their eyes to your loving plan for their lives. For Dominique, Dakota, Shawn, Estelle, Pamela, Tina, Melissa, and Frances Burdine, Terry Armstrong, Michael Hackworth and Melvin Jarvis and their families, protect and guide them, show them your way in the world, and give them peace. Phylincia Pinder and her sister Erica Higgs who are separated by miles and locked doors, keep them together in heart and spirit; for Joylene Tafoya and Ben Maestas, for your will to be worked out in their lives, Felicia Calhoun and her family, Elaine Burden, Kathy Trujillo, Michelle Hillenbeck, Mary Beavers, Carmen Carlson; Wanda Tongate and her family; for these and all your children who need your protection and guidance, we lift our prayers and give thanks for your intervening love in their lives.

We thank you for this ministry and this church. We thank you for those whose vision and dedication have made it possible for us to minister to a world of hurting people. We celebrate the gift of giving, that you have provided for this ministry to touch so many lives, and to help turn hearts and minds to you. Please use our work to your glory, and strengthen and direct us toward your purpose. We pray that this ministry will serve your purpose in the world, and that those who participate in any way will be blessed in their efforts. Thank you, dear God, for each and every one who has offered a prayer for this ministry. And thank you, dear God, for the blessings you have poured out on us, In Jesus' name, Amen.

It's cold in Texas

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Psalm 84:3

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I've only been in Texas for about 8 1/2 years, but that is a sufficient amount of time to thin my blood to where I just can't take the cold! Last night I took my daughter to Old Navy, we bought a couple of sweaters and some "waffle weave" shirts (which to me are called long-john shirts) and then we went home and I almost blew up the house trying to light the gas fireplace. And then we piled all the lap blankets on our legs and turned on the tv. Of course, every 5 minutes, we both had to jump up and run to the kitchen or the restroom, on the cold tile floor, but we finally warmed up. How often do I forget to appreciate being warm at night, and being near my daughter, and sharing each other's blankets. It made me start thinking about all the homeless folks in Houston who don't have a fireplace to blow up, or a soft sofa to nest in, or a warm daughter to snuggle against. And those who are in prison who can't make sure their children are tucked under the blankets on a cold night. I also though about little Tiki Buggs, and all the children who have been victimized by an adult who should have been taking care of them. I want us to all pray for her, her family, and for all who are heartbroken and struggling on this cold night in Houston and across most of the U.S.

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Loving God, you nurture us like a parent, you give us the shelter of your altar in which to nest. Be present in our lives today, as we lift up those who need your care. Show us the way to help, and guide us in your path. We pray for those who are in need, and for those who are lost. Dear loving God, hold them in your arms and keep them from any harm. Bring them into new life in you. Particularly we pray for Tiki Buggs. There is so little hope for her family in this life, let them place their hope in you, and know that Tiki will always be safe in your care.

We pray for Garry Hutchison and his family, Michael Badon, his wife Danielle, mother Deborah and aunt Deidra, for Curtis Jurecka. These individuals have asked for your blessing, and we lift them up to your loving care.

Help us learn from the suffering we see around us. Help us to know that in spite of all the cruelty we see, that we are created in your loving image. Touch the cold hearts of anyone who has shut out the love you offer, and melt away the fear and anger. Create in us the ability to move beyond the suffering we have encountered, into a new life celebrating your selfless and pure love for all of our days. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

a highway for our God

Isaiah 40:3 NIV

3 A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD [a] ;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God.

As the pastor read this passage last Sunday, I had to smile. The freeway I drive each morning to work has been a terrible snarl of construction ever since we relocated to be "closer" to church. As the construction project has gotten to be more of a hassle as the weeks go by, I was about to deem it unbearable, when I looked over to my left one morning, as I crept along, inches behind the creeping bumper inches just ahead of me, squinting into the sunrise through exhaust fumes, and saw, incredibly, six brand new, straight, wide lanes had just risen out of the rubble and debris. I felt a renewed hope that the end of the construction was in sight. It reminded me of the final month of pregnancy, when the weight and pressure seem to become the most unbearable, until you think you'll never make to the end. Praise God for straight highways, for the end of pregnancy, and for finding our way through the wilderness!

Dear God, we are trying to find our way to you. But we struggle over the rough parts of the road, we bump our head on the low branches, we trip over stones in the path. We worry when we encounter obstacles, and we question our direction. Help us continue down the right path to you, give us persistence to push on when we are tired or wounded. Calm our fears and replace them with the steadfast knowledge that you are our guide. Help us to remove all the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from running into your protective arms.

We pray for those who journey with us along this road, those nearby and those far away. As we prepare the road for you to come into our lives, let us also pray that we can help others wherever we are along that road. The following individuals we lift up to your attention: Johnnie Mae Battles, Anita Davis, Wendy Ansley, Brenda Allen, Michelle Baer, Rheanell Ancinec, Debbie Lakey, Destini Mayberry, Donald Mayberry, Michael and Lyndee Johnson, Garrett Johnson, M. Lange, Fernando McAdory and his family, Jesse McAdory and his family, Calista Hedricks, her husband and children, Blanca Andrade, Angela Alston, William Luce, Angela llAsberry and Amber and Pheldon Flippin, Alma McCoy, Otis Westbrook, Brian Johnson, Trista Longoria, Sharon Price, and everyone who has joined our ministry this week.

We are all making this journey together. We have all stumbled, fallen, but with your help and the support of each other, we get back up and continue to make our journey to you, dear God. Heal our infirmities, remove from us the desire to do evil, open our eyes to the beauty in us and all around us. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, born in our hearts and into the world. Amen.

Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Whether we know it or not, we are all surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Not only those around us, but those who have come before us, who have passed on their faith stories so that we might come to know our own faith. And their stories, and their faith, become our own. My Uncle Bubba was a man who was always aware of the "cloud of witnesses." Like a lot of folks, he had a tremendous interest in geneology. His body of work is well known among the many families who have traced their heritage back to the Maryland Catholics who migrated to the Kentucky frontier. We know our history because Uncle Bubba, and others like him, have taken the time to find out, to write it down and pass it on. Today, many people came together to say goodbye and to give Uncle Bubba back to God. I wasn't there, because I live half a country away, but I know that he's still there, a part of the great cloud of witnesses around me.

I met a man here in Houston last weekend who told me he had been released two days ago, but when he came to Houston to find his sister, but she had moved on, no one knew where. Since his mother had died while he was in prison, he was alone. We gave him what help we could on Sunday morning, and asked him to come back on Monday so we could put him in touch with our neighborhood service organization. I really wasn't surprised that he didn't come back. But I hope that he found someone to connect with, to help him get his feet back on the path. And I hope he knows the great cloud of witnesses are there for him too.

Dear God, Sometimes we feel very alone, and very isolated. But help us connect with our spiritual heritage, the line of saints of which we are all a part. Help us to know that in you we are never alone. Today we include the following in our cloud of witnesses: Randi Brown and her family, Archie Glass, Rickie Alvarado Mathews and his mother Angela Herrera Mathews, a little boy named Nick in Tampa, Fl, the women in East Baton Rouge Women's Parish Prison (S04), Casandra Weaver, Rebecca Simmons, Gabriel Rodriguez, Sherry Turnage and her family, Trisha Kirkland, Virginia Hallum, Audrey Sparks and her Uncle Patrick, William Houston, Marc Hatcher and his family, Donald S. Randolph, Matthew Hollis and Lezlie Daniel, Nikki Davis, Barbara Graham, Timika White, Bro. Charles McCaskey, Will Aldridge and Jennifer Cave and their new baby, Uncle Bubba Robertson and all his family and friends everywhere. For all who have asked for prayer, we lift our petition that you be present in their hearts and minds, create in them an awareness of all the wonderful things you have done for us. For everyone who feels alone, connect us with your power and energy with your children in this world and in the world to come. In Jesus' name we lift these prayers, Amen.