​For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:8-10, NRSV
 
I once was asked where to find a specific phrase in scripture. “I want to use that text in my sermon next week, but I can’t remember where to find it,” he said. “It’s something about being saved by grace.”
 
Now, I’m not that good at remembering book, chapter and verse. I can usually recognize if we are talking about a Gospel lesson, something Paul might have said, or things like that. This question, though, happened to be about my favorite Bible verse.
 
“Let’s see: ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.’ Is that the one you mean?”
“Yes! That’s the one! Where is that?”
“Ephesians 2:8, but you can’t use it without also mentioning verses 9 and 10.”
 
My colleague stared at me as if I had two heads. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I probably couldn’t do that again on any other verse so I just smiled and walked away, letting him think I’m smarter than I am.
 
I came across Ephesians 2 during a Bible study in my teenage years, and this one verse stuck with me from that point until now. God’s grace saves you from death – and that’s only because you believe. The message is so simple that even my teen brain grasped the enormity of meaning, but I also recognized that there’s more. “Not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”  My actions have nothing to do with anything. I get to live forever because of what GOD does – not what I do. MY job is to believe God loves me and then respond to that love. I am what God has made me. I am created in Christ Jesus for good works. God worked in advance for this to be my way of life! What am amazing gift!
 
By grace (God’s love)
you have been saved (from death)
through faith (because I believe),
and this not is your own doing (none of it),
it is the gift of God (just for me!) –
not the result of works (nothing I’ve done)
so that no one may boast (pride isn’t acceptable here).
For we are (all of us)
what he has made us (made in God’s image),
created in Christ Jesus for good works (there’s the response part!),
which God prepared beforehand (God at work before I was even born)
to be our way of life (my path is clear!).
 
Every time I read that I am reminded that God’s love is the beginning of everything. Yup, it’s my favorite for a good reason. 
 
Blessings,
Pastor Beth

Think I’ll just pray with you today:

Holy God, you know our struggles better than we do, and you know answers before we even know to ask questions. We sure do have a lot of questions these days, and it would be helpful to hear from you today. For these next moments, speak to our hearts and make us keenly aware of your presence. As we quiet our minds, provide us with clarity. Help us understand that you are calling us to return to you.

We recognize that our world has turned from you in so many ways, and we sadly know that we are sometimes a part of that turning. When we refuse to get involved, or we take care of us instead of them, those are the times we move out of your will and into our own. It’s a daily conflict for us! Yet, you always stand right with us, gently inviting us back into your love and care.

Forgive us, Lord. Forgive us when we miss the mark. Today open our ears to hear the cries of the needy, open our eyes to see where we might be helpful, open our hearts to pass your love along to someone who is straining against these frightening times.

Precious Lord, we are unable to be together today. This nasty virus has us physically separated, and we are frustrated that there is nothing we can do about it! We are trying, Lord, but staying away from the gifts of family, friends and neighbors is hard for us. We crave the company of others. Even those of us who prefer the quiet of home are feeling a bit isolated right now. As time moves forward, we beg you to place the names of others on our hearts and drive us to be in connection with one another as best we can. Lord, do not allow us to overlook one single person who needs to be reminded of your love and our care. Bring to our attention every child who is hungry, every family who is struggling financially, every adult who is lonely. Blow the warm breath of your Spirit over us and bathe us in life and wisdom so that there is not one among us who faces this nationwide challenge alone.

Be with our children as they feel the tension but cannot understand the source. Be with our youth who want nothing more than to be among friends right now. Be with young adults who question the seriousness of our crisis. Be with older adults who are immeasurably vulnerable. Place your hand of complete healing on those who are sick, those who are dying, and those who have lost someone they love in recent days.

Most of all, Lord, hear our praise of you in all things. We feel the assurance that you keep your promises, and we know that you have a best plan for each one of us. As we go through our day, make us mindful, generous and courageous; and may we take the time throughout the day to look for you in wonderful places.

Amen.
​

In the past few days, the Girl Scouts converted several of their Little Free Libraries into neighborhood food pantries. A few books remain, but most of the space is for folks to leave food or take food as needed. What a great idea! We shouldn’t have any trouble sharing some of our abundance, and I started wondering: what can I do from home during these next four weeks that will make a difference to someone else?
 
I put a plastic tub in my yard this morning with a sign that said “Food Drop-off Here. Leave what you can. Take what you need.” My hope is that all these people walking by my house every day (some every hour) will occasionally share a can or two for others. Maybe even some church people will drive by and drop something in the box on their way home from the grocery. With anything that comes in, I plan to do two things: help the Girl Scouts keep their project stocked, and share with the DUMA Food Pantry.
 
“Through [Jesus], then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:15-16 NRSV) Maybe we are cut off from one another in some ways for now, but this directive is intended to enhance our community living. Everything about us is meant to be lived together for some specific purposes.
 
When things are moving in a way that is uncomfortable or even tense, praising God may be a bit of a stretch for us. This virus is just getting started in the United States, and we don’t know exactly how this will go. What if I need that can of food for later? That seems to be where the sacrifice comes in.
 
“Sacrifice of praise to God” isn’t just lip service. For us who claim Jesus’ name, there is fruit that follows the claim. “I love Jesus” is our beginning, and speaking those words creates a desire to keep going. We profess our faith, do our good, and share our stuff because that’s when God is praised and worshipped – through our sharing, our actions.
 
I’d love to write more today, but I need to go put another couple of cans in the plastic tub.
 
Sharing,
Pastor Beth
 
​

Today I have decided to give up.
 
This afternoon, North Carolina was informed of a new directive to remain home until the end of April. Oh dear. The order doesn’t go into effect for another couple of days, but I feel like I already know what’s coming. I’ve been home for two weeks, and I’m not inclined to express exactly how that has gone. Another month is going to be… well, let’s just say that today I have decided to give up.
 
I’ve been trying to do a lot of things on my own in the recent days. I have spent many hours every day at my computer and many more hours on my phone trying to contact folks and coordinate efforts. I’ve driven to some houses and stood outside in the driveway waving to people inside their homes or yelling across carports. I’ve engaged in conference call after conference call. I’m learning more about technology than imaginable. I’ve considered contacting my seminary and complaining that I’m not equipped for all this stuff. I have been completely focused on the demands for my time. I’ve felt stressed and anxious, overwhelmed and hungry. (Yes, hungry! Why are there never enough snacks around this house?)  I’ve eaten my meals in front of the coronavirus updates on TV, and I’ve gone right back to working. So today I have decided to give up.
 
To start, I give up meals away from the table. Eating with my family is going back to being a priority. That’s where we laugh and share stories and memories. That’s where we build our relationships and remember why we love each other so much. I enjoy my family and eating on the run has become a habit worth breaking.
 
I give up putting off exercise. My bicycle is covered in a filthy layer of garage dust and has two flat tires. I’m going to change that. This is a great neighborhood for biking, and I love to ride. Being outside is still acceptable (as long as I don’t stop to hug anyone).
 
I give up perfectionism. We are living in extraordinary times! While I always want to offer excellence, there is very little chance of things being picture-perfect any time soon. I’m going to do the best I can one day at a time, and I’m pretty sure God will be happy with my heart.
 
I give up sleepless nights. I refer you to the previous sentence… one day at a time, best I can, God happy… and I can already feel the stress dissolving.
 
I give up reading my Bible for work only. I spend so much time using it as a textbook – like a resource that I have to study, write about and teach to others. I want to sit down and savor the stories from cover to cover.
 
It occurred to me today that scripture doesn’t say to be flawless, only to do your best with Jesus in your heart. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NRSV) Nope, nothing about being immaculate or perfect. Just honor Jesus and thank God. Do my best and give God glory.
 
As we wind down the season of giving-things-up-for-Lent, I think I may be just getting started.
 
Giving Up,
Pastor Beth
 
 

My church family often hears me say: God is constantly reconciling God’s people back to God.
 
We make mistakes; God forgives. We fall apart; God restores. We deserve anger; God offers grace. We walk away; God calls us back. God is constantly reconciling God’s people back to God.
 
Lately I find myself craving the reconciliation. I’m falling into all the categories. Mistakes? I made a mistake this morning and left someone out of something really important. My heart hurts that I did that. Fall apart? I cried yesterday because my church family is frustrated and angry with our current situation. Deserve anger? With all this staying inside with only family, I’ve had a few grumpy moments at the house. Walk away from God? It’s really easy to get caught up in working and miss a devotion here or a prayer there.
 
Thanks be to God who offers forgiveness, restoration, grace and calling. Praise be to God because God is the only one who can offer such.
 
I love the promises of Psalm 130. With the Lord is unfailing love and full redemption, and there is really nothing I can do to speed up the process. I simply have to wait for it. "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning." (Psalm 130:5-6 NRSV). Whether the psalmist means priests who wait for daylight to offer sacrifices or (more likely) guards waiting for the darkness of night to pass, the objective is patience and waiting in hope.
 
Things are never as bad in the light as they seemed in the dark. I tell my children not to make heavy decisions after the sun goes down. Why? Because waiting in hope for the light always creates a more favorable ambiance. And with that hope, the promises of God come to life; with Jesus is great power to redeem! God is constantly reconciling God’s people back to God!
 
As we continue through Lent, journeying ever closer to the cross, and anticipating the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah, my hope and the reconciliation of my life is in the Light of the World.
 
Waiting,
Pastor Beth
 
 
​

​This afternoon I was invited to a video COVID-19 Engagement Session with Governor Cooper and faith leaders throughout the state. During the hour-long conference, we were encouraged to be creative in helping one another. Caroline Farmer* observed that this worldwide virus is the kind of thing that makes people want to go home, close the door, keep their children and families safe, and not go out again. However, she urged us not to allow fear to drive our lives.
 
One of the ideas that stood out to me was Governor Cooper’s comment that we should talk about the things we need to do, and we should show the things we need to do. The governor explained his meaning in our current setting: we need to lead by example and stay at home as much as we possibly can.
 
Staying home is a simple request and one that I can tackle. I will never be able to measure the effect my effort will have on my community, but that’s sort of the point. My behavior will truly make a difference to those around me – I need to talk about it AND I need to show that I’m doing it. Gaging success isn’t the objective. Doing the right thing – that’s the goal. Governor Cooper noted that we (referring to the faith community) need to model behavior – commit to behavior – that is going to truly make a difference to others.
 
I felt a little bit like I’d been smacked between the eyes… with a board. Live by example. I didn’t expect a government forum to flood my brain with images of scripture, but “be imitators of God” from Ephesians 5:1 is screaming at me. So is Wesley’s mandate to “do no harm.”
 
Faith in action means taking care of others in tangible ways. Yes, I asked someone young and healthy to provide groceries to a family today. That’s concrete, hands-on service that honors God, but it was more than just the delivery person who duplicated Jesus’ ways. One role is to identify the need and let me know. MY role is to set up the care and to stay home myself. A third person shops and delivers. We each play a dedicated part. As a result, a family is fed, and five people work together to meet the need while glorifying our Savior – all the while following the instructions of social distancing for those of us identified as vulnerable. Yes, this is do-able as long as we do it together.
 
We were told today that our world has changed in the past two weeks, and it will never go back to exactly the way things were before this virus. As we work to do no harm and eliminate fear, may we also work to remember the governor's words: "keep our spirits as high as we can – making sure prayers are prayed and that we continue every single day with peace and love among each other." May we constantly remember to be imitators of God.
 
Committed to imitation,
Pastor Beth

In Matthew 9, Jesus has just brought a young girl back from death and healed a woman of a twelve-year hemorrhage. The crowds are buzzing. People are following him everywhere; they are hungry for the teaching and the healing that comes when he is around. At this point, we learn how Jesus is approached by two blind men. While the story certainly focuses on Jesus’ compassion, their healing, and most importantly their faith, I wonder about the opening statement: “…two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 
 
Followed him? They were both blind, so how was that working? Did they have a guide? Were they listening to the noise of the crowd? Were they only partially blind? The text gives us no clues as to the details, but my questions prompt me to ask more:

1. When I follow Jesus, how does that work? Surely I use the Bible as a kind of guide toward healthy and holy living, but am I developing relationships with people who point me in the right direction? I want to be careful that my trust in others moves me forward. Otherwise, I might just step off a spiritual cliff.

 

1. How often do I listen to the noise of the crowd? If I’m trying to focus my faith and seek the healing that can only come from Jesus, I need to be mindful of the voices around me. Great idea when those voices are offered in peace and compassion. Not so great if I’m confused by the voices of the Pharisees in the background. I find it easy to get sucked into the drone of chaos when I’m not plugged into encouraging companions. On the other hand, when I am encircled by solid Christian expression, my personal commotion begins to fade into order and insight.

 

1. Am I partially blind when it comes to searching for Truth? In this climate of misinformation, taking care to understand truth is imperative. Not only about COVID-19, but also about Jesus. I receive so much communication in a day that reality can get muddied quickly. I have to be so on-top of my knowledge and so in-tune to my faith journey that I don’t miss seeing Truth.

 
Have mercy on ME, Son of David! Have compassion on me. Heal me, make me whole, and let me see you with clear eyes.
 
Wondering and growing with you,
Pastor Beth
 
Matthew 9 – 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” 31 But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. (NRSV) 
 

A very special THANK YOU to our daughter, Sarah Grace, the guest author of today's blog! *

Quarantined. Stuck. Isolated. The new (not so exciting) way of living for the foreseeable future. As the world shuts down, we are forced to slow our pace and reevaluate our day-to-day lives. Without the opportunities to fill our time with seemingly important (but actually quite unnecessary) errands, we have become confined to our homes.
 
What I would give just to roam the aisles of Wal-Mart! Woah… never thought I’d say that! While the world keeps its movements to a minimum and people hide away in their houses, I’m left desperate to free myself from the comforts of home and resume normal life! However, that is not an option to be chosen.
 
But irony finds its way into this dim, oh-so-boring situation. I’ve decided to go on a quest!
 
Through some research, I found a study by Beth Moore – “The Quest”. Although I have not completed this study (OK… I’ve watch 15 minutes of the first session.), something inside of me has begun to shift.
 
I realized… you don’t need to be in a group to be with Jesus. Jesus is around, quarantine or not! If you are like me, you were just kicked in the gut with some real TRUTH!
 
This sudden realization reminded me of Acts 16:25-26.
 
“25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. All the doors of the jail opened, and the chains on all the prisoners fell off.”
 
Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, quarantined from the public! But they stood firm in their faith with continued prayer and praise to God. Look how God responded! I am constantly reminded that no matter how big my problem seems, God is beside me with an incredible solution.
 
So, here is my challenge for you. I challenge you to go on a quest - a daring adventure to work on your prayer life. As Beth Moore said, “Take the ‘quiet’ out of ‘quiet time’.” TALK TO GOD! Engage in a dialogue with your Heavenly Father, remembering that no quarantine or illness can keep Him away from you.
 
You are who you are when you are with Him - without the crowds and spectators. I challenge you to strengthen your faith, study the Word, speak with your Father. Then, and only then, will we find the immense power in the isolation from one another and begin to prepare ourselves for the revival of Christian love and evangelism at our quarantine’s end. 


* Sarah Grace (Gaines) Reich is a third grade teacher in Louisiana. She is married to Mark, a US Army First Lieutenant stationed at Fort Polk.