FAMILY DEVOTION

The Research Team

By Wayne Rice

Adapted from: http://www.understandingyourteenager.com/parents/articles

According to the official report, a research team proceeded towards the apex of a natural geologic protuberance, the purpose of which was the procurement of a sample of fluid hydride of oxygen in a large vessel, the exact size of which was unspecified. One member of the team precipitously descended, sustaining severe damage to the upper cranial portion of his anatomical structure. A second member of the team subsequently performed a self-rotational translation oriented in the same direction taken by her associate.

Or ... to put it another way:

“Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after.”

Seriously ...

Some people just like to over-complicate things. They can even make a nursery rhyme sound like a boring history lesson.

That’s why God gave us the Bible. When it was originally written, it was written in the common language of the day so that anyone could understand it. But that is not the language in which we read it. Our translation is in the language of our era. But it doesn’t always convey the full and accurate sense of its original translation and intention. We have unnecessarily complicated it. The Bible is our guide. It contains the story of God’s love, expectations, hopes and dreams for the world and people that God created. The Bible is God’s truth. But to understand it, we have to peel back the years and layers of meaning. Spend some time reading a familiar story from the Bibles. Talk about the ways this story informs your life.

“Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out” (Mark 13:31 THE MESSAGE)

DEVOTION

Because he lives I can face tomorrow,

Because he lives all fear is gone.

Because I know he holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because he lives.

~ William And Gloria Gaither

In the ancient tradition of the church, the weeks immediately following Easter focused on Fear. The fear of the disciples who were in hiding, lost, confused and frightened following the execution of Jesus. It will not be until Pentecost when the Spirit comes upon the disciples that they feel the full boldness of God’s power within them.

The Bible teaches us that “perfect Love casts out all fear”. That means that it is in deeds of love and in the understanding of God’s deep love for us, that we can find freedom from the fears and anxieties that plague our lives. This is a good season to spend time reflecting on the unconditional love that God has for us. It is a good season to bring our fears into that love of God. As one teacher wrote: “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.”

Family Devotion

Without A Doubt

From childrensermon.com

To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. - Acts 1:3

Text: John 20:24-31

Prop: Kool-Aid ® Changin' Cherry Magic Twists™ (green drink mix turns blue but tastes like red cherry).

Summary: The disciple Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen. The Lord Jesus proved to him that he was alive again.

Preparation: Remove drink mix from pouch and place in a clear unmarked plastic bag. Prepare a large pitcher of pre-sweetened water in advance. Provide paper cups for the children to enjoy the refreshment after the lesson.

Dialogue: I need someone to help me today. Who is willing to help? [Select a volunteer.] I like Kool-Aid ® when I get thirsty. Do you have a favorite flavor? [Listen to answers.] I like red cherry myself. Here it is. [Show the green drink mix in the bag.]

Uh, oh. Maybe I made a mistake. This may be lime or watermelon flavor because it is colored green. I will pour it in the pitcher of water anyway. [Pour in mix, stir it, and watch it turn blue.]

What? I thought it would turn green. Could this be blueberry flavored? I thought it was supposed to look red for cherry flavored. Let me get my helper to taste it and tell me what flavor it is. [Pour a small amount in cups for child and yourself.]

Hmm. It tastes like cherry to me! [Ask child for agreement.]

Is it cherry flavored? [Yes.]

Thank you for helping me. In a moment we will all have some for a refreshment. [Set pitcher aside for later.]

What if I had told you beforehand that the Kool-Aid ® was a green mix that would turn blue but taste like cherry. Would you have believed me? It does sound a bit far-fetched or hard to believe. I think some of us would have to see it to believe it. Our Bible story today is about the disciples on Easter day. They were told something even more incredible that seemed hard to believe: that Jesus had risen from the dead!

Jesus had been killed by nailing him to a cross and then he was buried. After three days on Sunday morning the disciples heard from Mary Magdalene (and others) that Jesus was alive again. It seemed hard to believe but it was true. As the disciples were hiding in a room behind closed doors, suddenly the Lord Jesus appeared before them! They were glad to see Jesus, but one disciple named Thomas was not with them at the time.

[Read John 20:24-31.]

Thomas did not believe the story that Jesus had risen until he saw Jesus again in person. Thomas had a doubt, or a moment of unbelief. He has been called "doubting Thomas" because he wanted proof before he would believe that Jesus was alive again. Jesus wants us to believe in him without a doubt. He always looks for our faith. While the world tells us that seeing is believing, the Bible teaches us to believe it and we will see it. Let us live in a manner that others may see our faith in the Lord Jesus.

PRAY: Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may not doubt. Help me to believe and then see the truth that you died and then rose again to save me from my sins. Amen.

Personal Reflection

Can I get a Witness?

After Jesus rose on Easter Sunday, we believe without seeing that the tomb was empty and that He appeared to 500 people in 40 days. Who were those 500 witnesses? Does the fact that Bible mentions them strengthen your faith that He did indeed raise from the dead? What is a witness? Are you a witness to the resurrection?

Definition of a Witness

From dictionary.com

–verb (used with object)

1. to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident.

2. to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: She witnessed our wedding.

3. to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.

4. to attest by one's signature: He witnessed her will.

–verb (used without object)

5. to bear witness; testify; give or afford evidence.

–noun

6. an individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a beholder, spectator, or eyewitness.

7. a person or thing that affords evidence.

8. a person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.

9. a person who signs a document attesting the genuineness of its execution.

10. testimony or evidence: to bear witness to her suffering.

Did anyone serve as witness to the resurrection?
From allaboutjesuschrist.org

Eyewitness testimony of the resurrection, as recorded in the New Testament, is the basis of faith in Jesus as Christ. In John 15:27 and Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His apostles that they were to be witnesses. Peter speaks to the others in Acts 1 of David's prophecy that God swore He would bring forth Christ and raise Him up. Peter said (2:31-32) he saw Jesus before the resurrection and "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact." (Also read Acts 3:15,4:33, 10:39-41.)

However, the apostles were not the only ones who saw the risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James were the first (Mark 16). Paul lists several witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Among Jesus' disciples, there were 500 other witnesses. And the Jewish Law of Moses required at least two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6).
"This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Jesus spoke these words in Luke 24:44.

So how credible were all the "witnesses" claiming to have actually seen the resurrected Son of God? Their accounts have withstood the test of time (over 2000 years). Many of them were put to death since they could not renounce their testimonies of His resurrection. But are these recorded testimonies enough? Yes, but in addition, Jesus promised after His ascension this: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. . ." (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit came in His place to bear witness to all flesh.

It is through the Holy Spirit that believers know within that all reported, recorded, and spiritually revealed about Jesus is true. Proverbs 1:22-23 says "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you." And in Proverbs 3:5, it says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

To believe and follow Jesus requires faith. Though there were many, many eyewitness accounts of His death, resurrection, and ascension, those living 2000 years later are operating in faith. How does one acquire faith? Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Read the word, the accounts of His arrival, His resurrection, and His coming return.

Allow the Holy Spirit to bear witness within. Doing that and the event of Jesus' promised return is the greatest evidences of proof. By having faith in Jesus and allowing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we too can be a witness to others of His resurrection.

PRAY: Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit to help me to be a reliable witness to your resurrection. Let my life be a living poem that others see You in me. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Paul Edson, who is battling leukemia
• Adrienne Smith, a young mother who had pneumonia and was in a coma. She is now out of the coma but still has a long road ahead

HOLY WEEK REFLECTION & DEVOTIONS

You may also want to look at the second family devotion this week that walks through the events of each day of Holy Week. Spend some time reflecting on the verses: their story and lessons. The heart of the week and the pivot point of the week is the Cross. Here are some verses from our favorite Lenten Hymns that speak about the cross. They are worthy of some contemplation, reflection, meditation and prayer:

In the cross of Christ I glory

When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo! It glows with peace and joy.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Upon that cross of Jesus

mine eye at times can see

the very dying form of One

who suffered there for me;

and from my stricken heart with tears

two wonders I confess:

the wonders of redeeming love

and my unworthiness.

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

(Chorus)
So I'll cherish the rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down'
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS 1&2

Family Devotion 1: Our last candle of the Lenten Season was named by our children this week. It’s the candle of ‘Meanness” According to the dictionary it is a spiteful or malicious act. It’s an action meant to make others feel hurt or inferior. Kids can often be very mean to each other in a variety of ways that reflect almost all our candles. You can be mean through teasing, bullying, lying, and neglect. They are all ways to make others feel rejected, outcast, unlovable, and incapable. In the Bible it says: “Be careful that you do not entertain a mean thought” (Deuteronomy 15:9) Then it goes on to describe a way that people can act with meanness by taking advantage of other people. This is another great week to talk about the ways that kids can be mean to each other in the classroom and playground. Talk about ways to end these actions.

Family Devotions 2: This is Holy Week. At our 8:30 service we talked about the events in Jesus life during each day of the week leading up to the cross and Easter. Here are the days and the scripture related to each one. You may want to read and talk about the events each day this week with a sensitivity to what parts of the story are appropriate for the age of your kids.

SUNDAY

Palm Sunday Entering Jerusalem in Triumph Luke 19: 28 - 40

MONDAY

A Visit to the Temple Mark 11: 12 - 19

TUESDAY

Last day in the Temple Luke 20 and 21

WEDNESDAY

An Anointing at Bethany Mark 14: 1 - 5

Bargain of Judas Matthew 26: 14 - 16

Time of quiet Luke 21: 37

THURSDAY

Passover -- Last Supper Luke 22: 14-21

FRIDAY

Trial and Crucifixion Mark 15

SATURDAY

Joseph's Tomb Mark 15: 42 - 46

The guard is posted Matthew 27: 62 - 66

The disciples flee and hide John 20: 19

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please keep these people in your prayers this week:

• Amy Kelly’s friend, Lauren, who was just diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. She is a single mother with a son with muscular dystrophy.
• Paul Edson who is battling leukemia

DEVOTION & REFLECTION

This is the last week before we begin the final journey through Holy Week to the Cross and Tomb. We encounter some of the most profound and intense stories in Scripture. This month in our church school the rotation model theme focuses on the Cross. The Cross is the focus and pivot point of Holy Week’s story. It is the place where we encounter our God who absolutely loves us and absolutely cannot tolerate the sin that lies within us. We know that God loves us despite the hurts and wounds we cause ourselves and others. But the dilemma for God is that the purity of God cannot abide the impurity of sin. Moses encountered this on a mountain:
Exodus 33:18 - 23 (NRSVA) 18Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” 19And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” 21And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”

Moses wants to see God but God is too pure for Moses to encounter the full presence of God. Human imperfection could not survive in the full presence of God.

It is the Cross that resolves this tension. The cross is the place where we encounter our God who is willing to sacrifice God’s self in an act of pure love and mercy in order to satisfy the demands of pure justice and righteousness. We must come to the cross so that we can look into the eyes of Jesus who sees us in all our imperfections, errors, faults and mistakes. We must come to the cross so that we can look into the eyes of Jesus who loves us completely and fully as we are. It is Christ, God on the cross, that opens the doorway to a world of possibilities for a relationship with the pure compassion of the Holy One.

In this final week spend some time reflecting on the gift of God on the cross that makes a Friday’s death a Good day for us all.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: Teasing

This week the Candle name chosen by our children for our Lenten Cross is the candle of TEASING. Last week we talked about the candle of Bullying. Bullying is the use of force, physical, verbal or psychological, to intimidate or threaten others to do your will. Teasing is the use of shame to intimidate others. It may be couched in humor, but in the end it diminishes other people. There has been a lot of conversation in the media lately about the impact that teasing has on children. It is not certain that teasing is the singular cause of eruptions of violence, but it is clear that it can wound in ways that are deep and lasting. Sometimes it comes from peers, sometimes it comes from family. Sometimes it is good natured. Sometimes it is nasty. In light of recent shootings in schools a colleges teasing, like bullying, is back in the news again.

Our Candle provides another opportunity to talk with your kids about teasing. It may be helpful to hear about their experiences of it in school. Ask your children what they think they could do, or others could do, to help people who are being teased. Offer a prayer for those who are hurt by teasing.

PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for Paul Edson who is battling leukemia.

DEVOTION

The candle of bullying, mentioned in the Family Devotions, may be a good insight and topic for all ages. Bullying is not limited to schools and playgrounds. It occurs, sometimes subtly and sometimes overtly, in homes, driving, and work. It is part of our social, political, and economic structure. It is seen in international relations even as it is found in the corporate boardroom. It is sustained by a fear that not only impacts its victims but also keeps onlookers complicit in silence. At our Monday Evening Faith Conversations we have reached the Biblical Prophetic books. It seems as though bullying is not something new. The prophets throughout scripture have reminded us of our human tendency to bully others into neglect, oppression and injustice. This week our Tuesday night Ecumenical Lenten program called us to name and claim the ‘isms’ in our community from racism, to sexism, to classism, etc. The prophets from the era of Hebrew scripture to our current times remind us that as a people of faith we cannot remain in silence nor can we turn a blind eye to the bullying. This Lenten season reminds us to examine the places in our lives that are rife with our purple bracelet’s complaint and criticism as well as abuse and intimidation and work to bring them to an end. As Isaiah wrote: “Thus says the Lord, what need have I of all your sacrifices? … Put your evil doings away from my sight…Devote yourselves to justice…Uphold the rights of Orphans; defend the cause of the widow” (1:11-17)

FAMILY DEVOTION

This week in church we extinguished another candle. The children had named this one the candle of bullying. With all the reports of violence in recent years in school and colleges the subject of bullying has come under greater scrutiny. While the causes of this rise in violence are broad and complicated, bullying has been named as a part of the problem. Folks are concerned with the long term accumulative impact of bullies on their victims. Bullying is the use of physical and verbal force and abuse to evoke a feeling a fear or intimidation. Its goal is to control and manipulate others. In this season of Lent we extinguish this candle to remind ourselves of the ways that we might contribute to bullying with our words and actions. Any actions to force our will or supremacy on others can teach or give tacit approval to bullying.

· Talk with your kids about how to recognize bullying in others and themselves.

· You can find some helpful resources, strategies and insights at these websites: http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/
http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/topics/bullying.asp

· Offer prayers for those who are bullies and those who are their victims.