Today’s Reflection
WE CONFIDENTLY ASSERT that the essence of our witness is relationship because God chose to become a part of this world through Christ. God-with-us is God-among-us, God sharing every part of our lives. The ministry of Jesus reflected God’s presence in the time he spent with people, especially those at the margins of society. The meals he shared, the conversations with outcasts and leaders alike, his concern for those who came to hear him speak, all remind us that the essence of our work is the forging of relationships.
Again, we are mistaken if we think it is our activities that are at the heart of mission. Constructing buildings, providing medical care, and helping with education projects are all important. But, more importantly, through these tasks we witness to the God among us.
– A Mission Journey
From page 7 of A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers. Copyright © 2013 by General Board of Global Ministris of The United Methodist Church. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Discipleship Resources. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Where are you forging relationships? How is God a part of them? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
2 Samuel 7:13, NRSV
This Week: pray for the peace of Christ. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Dorothea Dix (July 18).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2018 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
10 Comments
Trying to improve relationship with my son, he’s a hard sell on Christianity, faith, belief. I won’t stop believing as he thinks I should. Do what I can with my daughter and sister.
Have relationships with railroad friends that also are believers. The small group I try to stay in touch with at church is an area where relationships are
slowly being built. Here at the UR relationships get a lot of attention. very thankful for that.
Sunday and Monday have higher spiritual boosts on a regular basis for me. Worship helps me a lot, very hard to put it into words beyond saying that. Monday starts a new week. The UR has a new saint we remember, new scriptures.
The pastor preached on the second phrase of the Lord’s Prayer, who art in heaven. Why do we say who? What the significance of art? What is heaven?
It was all interesting and helpful. He also read part of a Wesley sermon related to the Lord’s Prayer. Of course we prayed it, read it in scripture, and even sang it to a West Caribbean tune that made singing it so comfortable.
We all sat together, all 11 of us, our organist was there.The music was great.
As I mentioned yesterday, there was a surprise, at least it was a surprise to me, snack and fellowship time after church.
I’m in the habit of getting to church as if we were having choir practice, often at this time of the year there is no none there. Yesterday, as I told Mark, the tenants of AA were on display. I had not seen them before and found that experience helpful in understanding AA. So glad this program is available.
Prayers for Marcy’s migraine, breathing, and heart; Anneliese’s flare up and the problem getting meds approved, Jill and Julie’s hands, Julie’s safety and a good result for her future, Andrea’s relationship with her daughter, God’s peace for Betsy, Grace, and Connie, Lou, her children, and Mom, Mary, her colleague, teaching, and parents. Thankful for readers and posters, blessings to all, may God’s peace, love, grace, mercy, and hope be with you.
I continue to meet new people at my church. Specifically, this summer, I am in the morning Bible Study group – meeting new women. Instead of going to the evening group – where most of my small group friends from the year round group are, I decided to attend Tuesday mornings, so as to meet new people. It has been good.
My relationship with my mother is an ongoing process. Yesterday we (mom, dad and I) went to lunch and then to an art fair. Honestly, I am very weary. Her negativity was pretty high yesterday – it seems when it is the three of us, it is noticeably higher. This makes me think this is how she is 24/7 with dad, and I just don’t know how he keeps going. I found myself just sitting in the back seat, pretty quiet. It’s just difficult, trying to have a conversation, and everything is met with a negative, harsh comment. It is sobering to realize this is the state of her heart, that she is unable to be uplifted. May God continue to strengthen my dad on this constant, uphill battle. I wish she could be grateful for her improved energy and ability to be fairly active and do summer activities. And appreciative of her wonderful, compassionate husband.
Julie – I am reluctant to take steroids, I guess because they seem reserved for extreme measures. I guess they are quite potent and doctors usually offer them as a last resort. I iced my left forefinger and middle finger last night, as much as I could bear and they are both quite a bit better tonight. I don’t play tennis until Thursday, nor golf, so am hoping they will continue to improve. I am praying for your home situation. Hopefully your lawyer provides good guidance. Praying, too, for your upcoming surgery and the functionality and comfort of your hands.
Marcy – praying your migraine has subsided this morning. Thank you for your faithful prayers.
Andrea – sounds like Father Edwin is very special. Glad you were able to have time with him.
Thanks Robert for your prayers!
Relationship with God and relationship with others are very much connected. The right relationship with God will also cause us to have a right relationship with others.
May we all have a healthy and right relationship with God and one another!
Blessings!
Forging new relationships has not been easy lately. I hope it will improve in the future. I enjoy the wonderful relationships that I do have now. I have always been blessed with great friends, neighbors, family. God has blessed me in that way.
Thankful for:
The posts today.
A new week.
Robert’s faith that never wavers.
My son and family and my son-in-law. My lifelines.
May your week only get better and better with each day that goes by.
Thank you all for yoour words of solace, support, counsel, and prayers. My soul needs them as my body needs water.
Prayers for Jill’s hand. My daughtr uses a solution of hot water and epsom salts when her arthritus flairs. She soaks in it as long as she can and it reduces swelling and eases pain. Prayers for Gloria. When I was in despair over my situation I realized that I have this day as a gift from God, it will pass and I will never get it back. I can choose to enjoy it or I can choose to speend it miserably. But the day will come and go no matter what and my mood will not change the outcome oof my situation. Hope your mother can relate.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, Anneliese and Pearl. My daughter does not believe. She is receptive to my talk because I limit it and say things in a manner I find she does not find quarrelsome. I am a child of an alcoholic father. I attended adult child group meetings and we followed the same principles.
Prayers for Mary whose Monday is finished. I pray her work is less stressful. Prayers for her parents.
Prayers for Marcy. May her pain and breathing be eased today. Prayers she is able to attend upcoming appointments.
Prayers for all who visit, you are loved and appreciated and prayed for
Thanks Julie for your prayers.
I have admin work added. Calling students’ parents to pay their fees, writing letters of notification about closure dates of the centre, etc. Basically all the operations of the centre.
A number of new parents are interested in viewing the centre and registration even for 2019.
I hope Julie you will have good health and your fingers will heal speedily.
Blessings!
I can say with certainty, that I am forging relationships here, in the UR Reflections, with my siblings and friends. The bonds I feel here are strengthened and blessed by God and I must remember He is everywhere! I pray my thanks to God every day and now know the Holy Spirit so much better, knowing the Spirit in conversation, in praying, in learning and understanding the Bible; many ways!
Robert, I will continue to keep you and Erich, your daughter and her family, your sister and Pearl in my prayers. You know, I think it’s possible for people to have an Epiphany right up until the last second. I have witnessed such a thing in the past. God works in ways that are beyond us and we know He is a Loving God! Thank you for your prayers, Robert!
Jill, I am continuing to pray for you, your Mom and Dad, Becky and her family and Roger. I think what I said to Robert, also applies to your Mom, as to having an epiphany. How can we know exactly what another is going through? I pray that Gloria will become more receptive and positive, for her own sake and for you, her family. We know that God knows her thoughts and her heart thoroughly. I do hope I’m conveying these thoughts correctly in my words; they are meant to comfort. Thank you for your prayers!
Sweet sister Mary, Yes! To your whole post, yes! I am keeping you, your parents, sister, students and colleagues in my prayers. Thank you for your Light!
Connie, I am keeping you and your husband, and your family in my prayers. Thank you for your example of Faith and courage. It’s an inspiration to others, believe me! I find my gratitude list has some repeats on it almost every day, but I’m no less grateful for these things! Bless you, my sister Connie!
Julie, we’ve all had those days you speak of, albeit in varying degrees. I have been where you are. Not exactly, of course. But it doesn’t take much to recall days without sleep, proper nutrition, fear, anxiety, darkness. God was and is and will ALWAYS be my Rock! I never would have made it without Him and with His help, God assured me, I would survive. If I had known the people I know now, well, things would have easier. Precisely why I wasn’t allowed to go to church often. I am praying for you and your daughter and Chai and Tazzie every morning, dear Julie! Sending Love and hugs to you! Thank you for your prayers for me!
Andrea and your family, Betsy and your family, Grace, Ken, Gail, Lou and your family and Mom, Pamela and your family, Francesca and your family, Rusty and K, Carol and Robin — you all are in my prayers each day! There are many others I continue to remember in prayer, many who have visited. I pray for all who visit here among us. I’m in prayer for the world, our country and our allies, and our leaders, refugees, and all who seek safety and all our neighbors. God is Love! God is Light! Thank you, our Triune God!
And these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE!
Blessings and Love to you all!
Thank you dear Marcy for your friendship and prayers!
I am always encouraged when i read your posts!
May you always be filled with love, joy and peace!
Blessings!
Oh, and Andrea, dear Father Edwin, who saves souls in Sri Lanka! I pray for Father Edwin, too! I hope you had, still having a wonderful visit with him while he is here! God bless!
Oh my goodness! I am sorry, family. Of course, I am praying for the peace of Christ! Always!
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