It is Sunday as I write. It’s been a week since the silence of a laid-back afternoon was shattered by a shrill, screaming alert on our phones. We grabbed for them simultaneously and found a blue alert regarding a truck that was being sought by law enforcement. A little bit later, as Ken was checking for messages and news, he learned the reason for the alert. Evil had certainly come to our little corner of the Ozarks. A Christian County Deputy had been shot and killed during a traffic stop, and the search was on for the owner of the truck that had been revealed by cameras. We all know how that tragedy played out in the dark of night.

Late in the week, we were told that the US and Israel had commenced air strikes on Iran. That news sparked unrest throughout the world, as we would expect, and mass shootings have now occurred on US soil. Is this the beginning of the end? I can’t answer that question. Nor can you or any of the many who try to predict what God will do. Only He knows when our final hour will come. But the message He gives to us for the time that we walk this earth is clear:

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21

It’s a very simple message, but one whose mission is very difficult for humans to implement. We want to have revenge; feel we are entitled to it. But in the face of evil, we are told to show goodness, to be the light of Christ in this troubled world. The challenge is great, and we cannot meet it alone, but the Creator will share His strength with us if we ask for His help and obey His word. More than ever, we must make the choice as to whose we are.

In any tragedy, those left behind are at the beginning of a journey, one of deep mourning and tremendous loss. They will pass through many stages in their grief. But someday, when the hurt and anger have settled, when the weight of the tragedy lightens a bit, and they seek to move on, then comes the hardest part. They must choose whether or not to forgive the transgressor.

Forgiveness is a hard, hard step to take, especially during very emotional circumstances. But, if we are to have true healing and the freedom to move forward, forgiveness must be a part of the process. Jesus said it all when He hung on the cross:

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34

Just as Jesus interceded and asked forgiveness for those who tortured him, we are to forgive those who hurt us. We tend to believe that forgiveness absolves the one who has hurt us, if we’re honest, we often want their guilt to continue. But we must remember that we can’t control how our transgressor will respond to an offer of forgiveness. We can only control our own actions. The man who committed his hateful act in our community last week has already sealed his fate. But his victims—the families, friends, colleagues, and even those of us who grieve on the sidelines—have a choice to make, to heal or to hold on to the evil. I pray we will be like Jesus—and be His Light in the world. Out of evil, God has brought goodness. He did it before—He can do it again

…there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. John 2:1

The first of our grandchildren is planning a wedding in December, so there is a bit of excitement in our oldest daughter’s home. Contrary to Ken’s and my personal experience, it seems the first obstacle in planning a wedding these days is securing a venue. Getting the desired space requires a lot of patience and usually a wait of a year or more, maybe even two years. Whatever happened to holding a wedding in a church and a reception in the church activity center? Planning the event is a huge investment in time and money, usually resulting in mountains of stress along the way. I’m glad we were married in simpler times. Traditions change, but the key to a happy and satisfying life as a couple is to focus on the marriage more than the wedding.

 More than two centuries ago, when Jesus walked the earth, wedding traditions differed greatly from those of today. First, the father of a prospective groom searched for a match he thought appropriate for his son. He then visited the father of the woman who’d been chosen and suggested a union between their offspring. If the father of the woman agreed, the two would then negotiate a “bride price.” Yes, the father of the groom essentially “bought” a wife for his son. This price could be offered as money or goods. Once an agreement was formalized, the couple was considered betrothed, which was nearly as binding as marriage, except the union was not yet consummated.

After negotiations were completed, the groom remained with his family to build a new home for his wife, typically an addition to his father’s home. Perhaps a year or so later, (This is the one part that is similar to today), the families would gather together for about a week of wedding feasting before the final vows were taken and the couple was officially married. Weddings were a time of great celebration; much food and wine were consumed as families and friends shared the joy of the occasion.

The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told them, “They have no more wine.” John 2:3

It was during one such time of feasting that Mary, mother of Jesus, arrived in Cana, a small town in Galilee less than a day’s travel from her home. There is a supposition that her inclusion in the wedding festivities suggested that Mary was a relative of either the bride or groom. Jesus and his disciples were also in attendance. Not long after their arrival, Mary realized that wine was running short and, not wanting the host family to be embarrassed, she went to Jesus and told him of the situation. At first, he told her it was not yet time for him to reveal his ministry, but then he reconsidered, and when servants brought six large empty jars to him and filled them with plain water, he changed it to the finest of wine. The master of ceremonies knew nothing of Jesus’ intervention as he praised the bridegroom for saving the best wine for later in the festivities, but the servants and Jesus’ disciples had witnessed the miracle that had saved the day.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew) ….”A host always serves the best wine first,….but you have kept the best until now!” John 2:10 paraphrased

This story is recorded as the first miracle of Jesus’ three-year ministry, and certainly it is an important event in that regard. But I think it also shows us another side of this man, Jesus. He came to a wedding to celebrate a special time with family and friends, to share food and laughter. He enjoyed the typical social life of his culture and financial status. He was one of them and so approachable that people quickly came to love him. They clamored to see him and hear him teach. Without a personality that endeared him to everyday people, he would not have built such a following. Yes, at that wedding, Jesus performed a miracle and began to establish himself as the long-awaited Messiah. He also demonstrated compassion toward his host. He knew how to treat people and how to create joy. Those are traits we should all try to emulate. We may not be able to perform miracles, but we can certainly love more like Jesus.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other…..your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35

….think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and high priest. Hebrews 3:1

“Do you know Jesus?” That was the question my sweet husband asked me over four decades ago while standing on the stairs of the school gym after only speaking with each other a couple of times before. I’ve shared this story in the past, so I’ll not get into details again, but the question has been on my mind a lot lately, and it seems an excellent segue into the Lenten season. Today is Ash Wednesday, the day we begin our spiritual journey to the cross. And what could be a more fitting way to spend these next few weeks than by getting acquainted with the man we know as Jesus.

When Ken asked me “the question,” I was taken aback. I felt it was a very personal question to ask someone he barely knew. Truth be told, he caught me at a distinct disadvantage. I was a Christian, raised in a Christian home. I thought I had held fairly well to correct religious practices throughout my life, though certainly I’d made my share of mistakes….including some pretty big ones. But I knew about forgiveness, so maybe I was a little too casual about my faith…no, maybe about it. I was!

Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you….Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25 & 27

So, did I “know Jesus?” The answer was no, I did not. But the question stirred a curiosity in me to learn. Our work was a detriment to church attendance, as Ken and I were both in the recreation business, and people typically chose to recreate on the weekend. We made arrangements for our kids to be in church and at youth group, but I think we let them down by not being there with them. And, of course, raising teenagers brought its own distractions. I found myself not really applying my thoughts to the idea of getting to know Jesus until our kids flew the nest.

I think this is true for a lot of people, but I see families at Aldersgate together, worshipping, learning, serving the community, and I realize we missed the mark when our kids were still at home with us. They grew up with a belief in God, but I don’t think it translated into a relationship. I regret that and am trying to set a better example with my life now. They say we get closer to God when we find ourselves in tough situations or we’re nearing the end of this life. It’s been my experience that it’s true. We seek God’s help when we need Him, but wander away when times get better. And as we age, we have a greater inclination to live a better life, knowing that the end is closer.

I wish I’d begun to really study Jesus sooner. I could have absorbed so much more, and perhaps I could better remember what I’d learned. But I guess the good part of my story is that, together, Ken and I have enjoyed our journey. We’ve experienced good times and not so good ones, but we’ve tried to keep our focus where it belongs. He still asks people if they know Jesus, and I’m very comfortable with the question now, because I can honestly say, “Yes, I do know Him. He’s my friend.” Do I know everything—not by a long shot, but I’m working on it every day. And so can you.

There are many ways to maintain a Lenten focus. We can sacrifice something we consider of value to remind us daily of His sacrifice for us. We can add a new facet to our lives that serves His purpose. We can fast, as He did, so that our minds become clearer and more open to the example He set. But I think the most important takeaway from this message is to spend time with Him.

I challenge you during this Lenten season to begin the journey or enhance the one you’ve already begun by genuinely getting to know this man, Jesus. His line of communication is always open, and He wants to talk with you.

…..Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

We exist to exhibit God, to display His glory. We serve as canvases for His brushstroke, papers for His pen, soils for His seed, glimpses of His image. Max Lucado (Cure for the Common Life)  

No, I did not misspell the word piece. The piece to which I refer belonged to a puzzle we recently completed. It’s titled The Healings of Jesus Christ, and it could be an incredible teaching tool for anyone new to Christianity or a great refresher course for longtime Christians.

The outer edge of the design contains thirty scriptures that can be referenced for added benefit. Within that border are thirty scenes, blended together, that depict the verses in the border. At the center is a large interpretation of Jesus, arms open in welcome. Excerpts from the scriptures float near the image of Jesus. Each of the scenes is numbered to correspond with the verses in the border. You can see what a great tool this puzzle would be for describing the man who was the living, breathing Son of God. It also illustrates his humility and willingness to mingle with the common folks of His time.

As the puzzle began coming together, Ken and I both became concerned that one piece was missing. Its shape and color were distinctive, and there were no pieces on the table that fit its description. We often acquire our puzzles from flea markets or estate sales, and when you do that, you face the possibility of missing or damaged pieces. Sometimes people are careless when they disassemble the puzzle and break fragile pieces or cause the top layer to split from the rest of the piece. We all have a tendency to snack while working on a puzzle, and some of those snacks get a little messy, and we have encountered mold a couple of times.

Don’t get me wrong, the majority of used puzzles are just fine; only occasionally do we buy one that is questionable in quality. As we drew close to the finish line, it was clear that the piece that had garnered our concern was nowhere to be seen. We finished our masterpiece and searched the floor diligently, peeking under lamps, in the heating vent, in the cracks of chairs, and even in our pockets. It’s amazing how those pieces can migrate. But, alas, no piece was found.

We were really disappointed. The puzzle was so beautiful and could have been a source of enjoyment and learning for others. We had planned to place it in the church library with the other lending puzzles, but we were asked that donated puzzles be complete and undamaged. After some thought, we decided to take it anyway and to place a note on it explaining that a piece was missing, but that it was still well worth the time to work on it and learn a bit along the way.

Before I got around to writing that note, I happened to wander into our guest room for something and saw a dark spot under the edge of a pillow. And, of course, it was our puzzle piece. We’re not sure how it got there, but we were elated to find it. Now the puzzle waits in the church library, complete and undamaged, for someone to enjoy. But, even in it’s imperfect state, I would have been glad to work it again. It was well worth it.

I know that I often mention imperfection, and that’s because we’re surrounded by it. This incredible world we call home always has been and always will be filled with mistakes and imperfections. But the good news is this: just like that lovely image on our puzzle with arms open wide to greet us, Jesus really does offer everyone the invitation. And, as Pastor Sarah likes to remind us, he doesn’t ask us to clean up our messes first. Wherever we are in this life, whatever we’ve done, He extends an open invitation to His house anytime. Our “piece” was restored at just the right time, and Jesus offers each of us His “peace” for a lifetime.

Just like our puzzle, I am reminded that I am not perfect either,

But Jesus loves me anyway.

And at the right time, He will make me whole!

(And that’s a Marcy Barthelette quote.)

 Rest. It’s a fact of life that all God’s creatures and all living things need a time of rest, a chance to replenish. It’s what the winter season is all about. The animals slow their pace, and many hibernate. Plants die back to the ground to give their roots time to strengthen and spread. Trees drop their leaves until spring warmth stirs the sap to rise from their roots again and encourages fresh growth.

I need rest as well, but I don’t feel that I need to be cold to become rested. Quite the contrary, my wrinkled body and frazzled brain could use a good, healthy dose of the tropics right about now. Since that isn’t going to happen anytime soon, I find it helpful to take a lead from Pastor Dennis’ sermon last Sunday and make an “attitude adjustment.” And isn’t it appropriate that all last week, my life included continuous reminders that attitudes often need to be redirected. It’s certainly not the first time that Pastor Dennis and I have been on the same page when preparing our messages. Even though our approaches differ, we’re both all about correct attitude alignment this week.

God wants us to be content in the place he has planted us. He wants us to grow and to flourish, but sometimes we just want to be somewhere else, so we begin wandering that lonely road to nowhere. There’s an old saying, “Wishing won’t make it so,” and I’m here to tell you, no truer statement was ever made. Instead of wishing for a warmer climate, I need to redirect my focus toward cold-weather projects to keep myself occupied until warmer temperatures return. If our meteorologists are correct, things may be looking up this week.

It’s still too early for plants to creep above the earth’s surface or for tender green leaves to sprout, but maybe a little exploring around the

 yard can uncover signs of life right on the cusp of making an appearance. My Lenten rose keeps leaves all winter, as do the coral bells, though they aren’t as lively looking as they will be soon. I’m curious to see how they’ll look as their blanket of snow melts away. That blanket may well have protected them from the extreme cold we’ve recently experienced. It’s pretty amazing how roots can survive under the protection of the earth and even spread. I’ve often been amazed when I’ve planted what appear to be completely dry roots, just sent from a nursery, and then watch them come to life with the right soil, temperature, and water.

They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank. Isaiah 44:4

I’m a lot like those plants by the time winter is nearly over, and spring is nipping at its heels. My mind and body long for warm sunshine and new growth. I’m more than ready to start on new outdoor projects, and I’ve acquired several interesting ones over recent weeks. I can’t wait to see how they will turn out.

Until that happens, however, perhaps I should turn my thoughts toward strengthening my own dry roots. They could certainly use a shot of food and water. I’ll start with extra devotional reading during Lent….that’s not far away, you know. And I can always add some extra prayer time. Maybe someone in the neighborhood would appreciate a phone call or a text just to be sure they’ve made it through our bitter cold all right. Maybe I could write a few letters to reconnect with friends and family. I can also read a good book, work on a puzzle, or spend some time on a current pen and ink drawing. It seems I’m blessed with quite a few great ideas to fill my winter days in my warm, comfy house, my fortress when the wind howls and the snow flies, as it surely will again before winter gives way to spring. In my newly acquired frame of mind, I can face the remainder of winter knowing I am truly blessed.

When we find ourselves wishing to be somewhere else and in another time, just like I’m wishing to be in a warmer climate right now, we need to remember God really does want us to be content and thrive where He has placed us. We didn’t get where we are all on our own…

He placed us just where He wants us for a very specific reason. Maybe that reason will become apparent today if we just refocus our attitude and open our minds to the unending possibilities God offers us! We don’t have to live life in the fast lane all the time….sometimes we just need to stop and rest in order to thrive.

….and may the people thrive like grass in a field. Psalm 72:16c

By: Marcy Barthelette

Water is the essence of life in all living things. Most resources suggest about sixty-four ounces a day for the average adult human.  Unfortunately, many of us drink alternative beverages that don’t provide the natural hydration of water. Additives can also pollute our bodies in ways beyond just wasted calories. Carbonation, caffeine, and sugar are the ones I can pronounce, but others are there for preservation, color, and taste.

Once upon a time, Ken and I drank quite a bit of soda. I learned quickly that I couldn’t deal with the sugar, then aspartame became my enemy, and Ken’s doctor told him to avoid carbonation and caffeine because they weaken bone structure. We both are blessed with osteoporosis, so all our favorite drinks were removed from our menu. We’ve been drinking water almost exclusively for nearly three decades. Our insulated cups follow us just about everywhere. We can always refresh ourselves with a nice long drink. And you know what? We’ve saved a lot of money at grocery stores and restaurants in addition to feeling better.

Speaking of thirst-quenching water, I’m reminded of the story in John about a Samaritan woman coming to Jacob’s well to draw water at midday and finding a Jewish man resting beside the well. He still had a long walk ahead of him, and he asked her for a drink of water to refresh his weary body. Now, bear in mind, this was a rather coarse woman, one whose reputation suffered greatly because of her life choices, thus her foray to the well under the hot midday sun while the other women of the community were at home going about their housekeeping chores.

She found the man’s request for water incredulous, as he was a Jew and it was well known that Jews and Samaritans were not friendly toward one another. She responded rather brashly, questioning why he would speak to her at all. And when he told her that he could offer her water that would never run dry, she asked just how he was going to accomplish that feat when he didn’t even have a bucket or a rope.

Jesus answered simply, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.” John 4:13a

The conversation continued regarding her lifestyle choices, and she eventually realized this man was not referring to physical water, but rather a spiritual refreshment that would last a lifetime. She recognized Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, and she chose to receive the Living Water he offered. She became one of Jesus’ devoted followers.

Most of us have not lived the lifestyle of the Samaritan woman, and most of us will not encounter Jesus in the same way that she did. But we’ve all made our share of mistakes, and we’ll be vulnerable to more of them as long as we live on this side of heaven. But we can always draw near to the “Well” and find welcome rest there. Whenever our spiritual well runs dry, he rescues us from our thirst.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land….you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters will never fail. Isaiah 58:11

In the year 1953, Pastor Richard Blanchard was waiting for a group of parishioners to arrive when he wrote the hymn, Fill My Cup, Lord. He is said to have taken only twenty-six minutes to create one of the most beloved hymns of the Christian faith. It was inspired by the story of the woman at the well. I have included one verse and the chorus. You can find several versions on YouTube.

Fill My Cup, Lord

Like the woman at the well, I was seeking for things that could not satisfy.

And then I heard my Savior speaking—“Draw from my well that never shall run dry.”

Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up Lord.

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.

Bread of Heaven, feed me til I want no more.

Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

….for the Lord your God, goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

It is Sunday evening as I attempt to write something coherent. This morning, as we climbed into our cold car to turn on the seat warmers and leave for church, our battery was completely dead. We quickly switched everything over to our equally cold truck, no warmers there, and made our way from Clever to Nixa and arrived just as the last service was beginning.

Once there, we enjoyed the music shared by our very gifted praise band and relaxed a bit, even though we were still pretty cold. The Spirit of the Lord quickly warmed us inside as we joined in the singing. Following the service, we visited with a few people and headed back home to deal with the very dead battery.

In years past, Ken could take an engine apart and reassemble it, but he doesn’t even recognize the engine parts in today’s complicated vehicles. Add to that the fact that we have a Prius hybrid, and the picture becomes even more complicated. The first order of business was to locate the battery, the one that powers the combustion part of the engine. The owner’s manual gave him good directions. The next step was to make some calls to hopefully locate an available battery. On the second call, Ken found a battery and also learned that the parts dealer would install it.

That turned out to be a bit misleading, as the young man assigned to the task had never changed a battery in a Prius. Good thing Ken had read that manual, so as he provided instructions, the younger man provided the muscle. And before too long, Ken and the car were back home, and it was running well. We’ll have to reserve judgment as to whether or not all the electronic systems are in proper sync.

But our car wasn’t the only thing not working properly. While Ken was gone, I suffered a little meltdown of my own. The dead car battery was just the last straw in a long list of worries and misgivings that had been piling up on my heart. I turned my tearstained face to Jesus and told Him that my spiritual well was as empty as the cells in that battery. I couldn’t find myself in the chaos of these challenging times we live in. It seemed as if the battles were just too hard. Worst of all, I couldn’t find words to write, I couldn’t even find words for Him. Words are my God-given gift, and I was bereft of them. Empty. My spiritual well was dry.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny who he is. II Timothy 2:13

In my moment of need, the Holy Spirit stepped in, and as Jesus began to soothe my jangled nerves and remind me that He is always right beside me, I began to feel His sweet peace flow through me, and I realized that having no words gave me something to write about. I guess this has been a somewhat different kind of message, but it certainly comes from the heart. We all have times when our well runs dry, but thankfully, we have a Friend who helps us to get our act together and find hope in the little things, like the saga of a dead component in a car that found new life with a simple battery replacement.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you (and me) will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6