Sojourner's Mid-Week Epistle

2010-10-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Keeper of the Flame!

In the jungles of South America, anthropologists have learned the most important and honored job in some tribes was to be the "keeper of the flame." Since fire was so precious, and it took such effort to recreate it, one member was entrusted with the responsibility of keep the flame alive. During the night, the flame keeper added wood to the fire. In the rain he had to protect it; when the tribe moved, he kept it alive. His was a vital task.
In your life, who keeps your “fire” alive? Who is given the sole responsibility of keeping our path safe and alive? I think we should offer this job to the one who will be the most diligent with it.
There will be times when we will need to add fuel to the fire of our life and the Holy Spirit will grant us that fuel. He will give us insight and courage to fan the flame in ways we could never understand. He will encourage our words and give us the motivation to move forward in both our life and faith.
If you are not sure whether your flame is even burning, just ask Jesus Christ to come into your life right now and He will set your life aglow with His glorious fire of love.

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God set us afire with Your strength for the coming week. If there is darkness in our thoughts and emotions, then come with the fire of Your love and burn away the pain and enlighten all we can be - for Your Glory. In Christ's blessed name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will look at the prayer answering power of God. Join me again for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

That Is "A"!

What in your life can you be certain of? That is a wonderful question. Let me answer it by the story of Dr. Lloyd Douglas, author of the famous novel, The Robe. He tells of visiting a friend, a somewhat eccentric violin teacher.
"Well, what's the good news today?" Dr. Douglas greeted him. For an answer the teacher stepped over to a metal device suspended from a silk thread and struck it a sharp blow with a little mallet: "That's the good news for today! That note, my friend, is 'A". It was 'A' yesterday. It will be 'A' tomorrow, next week, in a thousand years. The soprano next door wobbles abominably, the tenor over yonder sings unspeakably flat, and the piano across the hall is out of tune. Noise and confusion all about me, but that is 'A'.
Now for musicians that is good news. It gives you a plane to work with when you tune your instruments and harmonize your songs. But if you are not a musician, that might not seem very important to you.
Let me give you some good news that is true to everyone. In Hebrews 13:8 we are told: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." He is the only one who can offer you forgiveness and salvation. No preacher, no church, no one else. That is the Good News for today and everyday.

Mid-week Prayer

Lord God, come into our hearts this day and make the music ring with the Good News of Jesus Christ. When we put Word and Music together for the glory of God, the message rings throughout the world and it can begin in Your heart. For the glory of God be that note of truth this day. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This is Rev. Jim Massey. Just like the good news of a certain note always being an “A”, and Jesus Christ being the same Yesterday, today, and forever, be certain that I am always thankful for the love and prayers that Christians share for one another. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-09-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Attitudinal Living!

This past Sunday in our Sunday School lesson we were studying the 51st Psalm. Verse 10 opens with the words: “Create in me a pure heart, O God…” The challenge of the word “Create” has been on my mind since then. How does God still create in my heart? What would I need to have Him create that will enable me to continue on this wonderful journey?
Then I began to wonder, what do I put in the way of God’s creative process? What obstacles cloud my path that are not as easily seen as a mountain, but still cause me to fall?

I am reminded of Victor Frankl, who spent a long time in a concentration camp during the war. He describes what it was that made life tolerable for some while others simply gave up and died. "What was really needed was a fundamental change in our attitude toward life," he said. "We had to learn that it did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life ... daily and hourly."

We need to live in much the same way. Some people expect something from this world as if they were owed it by the fact they were born. Those people seem to draw all the strength out of emotions and desires and are discouraged continually because things do not "go their way."

To the Christian, we find that we are the ones who are empowered to challenge life to the fullest. We bring all our strengths and desires into the fact that we are loved and called by the Son of God to care and give hope to everyone. It is a challenge to find what God expects us to do!

Mid-week Prayer

Loving God, with this prayer I begin a new blessing from You. Open my eyes to those around me and let me give joy and happiness through a simple smile and an uplifting word. What a glorious blessing to walk through life following You. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I pray that God continues to “create in you” the love and strength that is needed for every day of serving Him. See you next week in another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

A Doing Faith!

A man once told me about the unique way he read the Gospel Lessons in the Bible. He would begin reading his daily devotions and when he came to a place where the Scripture told him to go and do something, he would go that day and complete that task. Then the next day he would come back to the Scriptures and begin again.

I could think of many places where that would be simple to do, and others where it could truly challenge you to give up everything for Jesus. But isn't that what Jesus calls us to do daily? We are to be the walking examples of His love in this world. What do you think He is calling you to do right now?

Mid-week Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me the courage to go this day to a friend and speak a word of encouragement. Give me wisdom in a way I can help lift a small burden from their heart. Then we will all walk in the glory of Your Word and trust in all You have promised to Your children. In Your name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. As you tavel with others this week, use a strong "doing faith" way of life. And then join me next week for another way to have Attitudinal Living.

2010-09-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

Put Your Work Where Your Promise Is!

A young boy, on an errand for his mother, had just bought a dozen eggs. Walking out of the store, he tripped and dropped the sack. All the eggs broke, and the sidewalk was a mess. The boy tried not to cry.

A few people gathered to see if he was OK and to tell him how sorry they were. In the midst of the words of pity, one man handed the boy a quarter. Then he turned to the group and said, "I care 25 cents worth. How much do the rest of you care?"

Sometimes it is simple to tell someone you will pray or even promise to do a labor, and for some reason you forget. It is when the words and the actions of your life become one that we can make a difference in the world today. James 2:16 points out that words don't mean much if we have the ability to do more. "If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead."

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, sometimes our empty words ring around the world. Today, let our words become the true measure of our love for You. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I know all of you can spare a quarter for a child. But it is more important that you be willing to spare your life for Christ. The Bible gives us many challenges. Join me next week and we will see how you can daily live with the Word.

2010-09-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Checking In!

Long ago I was told the story of a man named Jim. Every day at noon he went into a church and quickly came out again. A minister was watching and he wondered what he could be doing, he was in there such a short time. One day, the minister approached the old man and asked him the question. "I go to pray," the old man said. "Come now," said the pastor, "you are never in the church long enough to pray." The old man replied: "Well, you see, I don't try to pray a long prayer every day at noon. I just go into church and say, 'Jesus, it’s Jim.' It's just a little prayer, but I guess he hears me."
Sometime later, Jim was injured and taken to a hospital. There, he had a wonderful influence on the entire ward. Grumbling patients became cheerful, and often the ward would ring with laughter. One day, the supervising nurse said to Jim, "The other patients say that you are responsible for the remarkable change in this ward. They say that you are always cheerful."
"Yes, I am," Jim replied. "You see I can't help being cheerful. It's my visitor." The nurse was puzzled. She knew that Jim's chair in his room was always empty, for he had no relatives. "When does your visitor come?" the nurse asked. "Every day," Jim answered. "Every day at noon He comes and stands at my bedside for a few seconds. I see Him and He smiles at me and say, 'Jim, it's Jesus.'"
Maybe today is the right time for that truly short prayer. Maybe it is also time to listen as you work, struggle, or wonder. Maybe in your heart what you will find is Jesus standing right beside you.

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, how many times have we been too busy to take just a moment and lift our voice to You? The prayer does not have to be long, just faithful. That is the way Jesus is with us. Glory to God. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. What a joy to seek the live the promise of Jesus when He said: "I will be with you to the end of the age." Join me next week and we will find ways to put our work where our promise is.

2010-08-31T18:39:00.001-07:00

Can You Sleep At Night?

A farmer needed a hired man. After trying several, all of whom failed to meet his standards, a quiet man walked up to the farmer and asked for the job. "What qualifies you for this job?
The man answered, "I can sleep at night." That wasn't the exact answer the man was looking for, but he was getting desperate so he hired the man.
Later on, there was a terrible thunderstorm. The farmer awoke, ran to the hired man's room and tried to arouse him. He could not.
Muttering to himself, the farmer went outside into the night and the driving rain. He found the barn doors securely closed, the hay stack well covered and the tractor put away in the shed. There was nothing he could do but return to the house and go back to bed. Then he understood why his new hired man had said, "I can sleep at night."
Jesus told much the same parable with the ten maidens. Five were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom and five were foolish and tried to rush things through at the end. Which are you? One who is anxious about everything or one who sleeps well at night?

Mid-Week Prayer

O God, we know that You keep watch over all things. We rest assured in the fact that You will guard and keep us from harm. But You also ask us to do our part by preparing and growing a life that is secure in Your way. Help us to find more of Your strength daily as we prepare for Christ's Holy coming. In His name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. As you place your heart and desires in the hands of God, realize that He never slumbers or sleeps as the Psalmist tells. In so many ways that message gives us comfort and strength to not only sleep at night, but the true desire to live in the day. See you next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-08-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

What an Invention!

Isaac Asimov once wrote a challenging question. See if you know the answer. "If you could build a small package, something small enough to carry in your coat pocket, a machine which would instantly start and stop, in which you could instantly reverse yourself or go forward, which would require no batteries or other energy sources, and which would provide you with full information on an entire civilization, what would you have?"
What is your answer? In our world today, to create something like that would probably bring you a small fortune. Imagine the power in it, and the ways in which you could even touch people’s lives. Why not try to create one or is there one right in front of you?

Mid-week Prayer

Loving God, how wonderful it is that you inspire people with words and then you begin to create thought and pictures in our minds. We thank you this day Almighty God, that someone created this wonderful instrument already. In fact, that is where many people first encounter You. Thank you, O God, for a book. May Your Holy Book become ours. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I hope your heart is caught by what John Peterson wrote in “The Message: as a translation of Heb. 4:12-13: “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matter what.” See you next week in the Mid-week Epistle.

2010-08-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Wheat Sifter

I remember as a child being in the kitchen and my mother would use a sifter to break up the clumps of flour before she would bake. It was the type with the handle that you would move back and forth and the flour would fall through it. It would be my job to shake it back and forth and watch the fine granules fall into the bowl. The harder I would shake, the more flour would fall out.
Jesus once told Peter that Satan demanded to have him, to sift his life like wheat. He knew the ways that Satan had of turning our heart from granite into fine sand by denials and betrayals. And then Jesus said, “But I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brother.” (Luke 22:31-33)
Aren’t those wonderful words to hear? Satan will try all his wiles to destroy us, but Jesus will pray for us. It reminds me of my parent being there while I was “sifting” in my life. God will always be by us and reminds us that even in the darkness of sin trying to sift our life and cause us to fail, God is present to help guide and protect. That is why the wonderful words come in the scripture, “Jesus will pray for us!”

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, what a powerful witness the life of Your Son has become for all the world. It can move darkness into light, and sorrow into joy. Come this day, let the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit become Your prayer for our life. In Christ name. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I am glad that you have joined me again in another Mid-week Epistle. Your prayers and thoughts make the Word of God come alive in the world. See you next week in another Epistle.

2010-08-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Why Keep on Jiggling?

A man stopped to help a lady get her car started. “If you jiggle the battery wife, it will be OK.” She said.
Raising the hood, the man noticed the loose battery cable and offered to get a wrench and tighten the cable so she wouldn’t have more trouble later. “Oh, no.” she said, “My husband said, ‘All you need to do is jiggle the wires.’”
As the man jiggled the wire, he became aware that he had not fixed any problem, he had just jiggled the wire, and the car started one more time, but she kept the same old problem.
God had come into the world to no longer allow man to simply “jiggle” the problems of a life condemned in sin. He came in the form of Jesus to take the most horrible punishment and suffer death on the cross so life eternal could be gained for all. Do you continue to “jiggle” the problems of the day, hoping simply to start one more time and eventually someone will come and help? He is here now; let him “fix” your life.

Mid-week Prayer

Eternal God. Let us come this day before You and bring our life to be repaired with the fullness of Your grace and the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle and let us share life together.

2010-08-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

What Are You Using for Seed?

I once read about some farmers who theorized that they could eat their big potatoes and keep the small ones for seed. Consequently, they ate the big potatoes and planted only the eyes from the smaller potatoes. As a result of this practice, after many years, the farmers made the startling discovery that nature had reduced all of their potatoes to the size of marbles.
Is that what you are doing with your life? You are enjoying the best moments and giving God the leftovers? Maybe you need to think what your harvest will be when the Master comes into the field?
God gives so many blessings in our lives but we are so busy that we do not realize the depths of His love. I love the words of Paul that are found in Philippians 2:12-13:
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
This salvation is definitely not “small potatoes” for God. It is the greatness of His Holy Love.

Mid-week Prayer

Father, You tell us that “whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap”, and then You tell us about corruption, a sinful spirit, and other harmful things. If we give all of our lives to that, it is no doubt that we will have a small harvest of Your love. Help us change our “crops” of life. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see how people think you can “jiggle” with life and be O.K.

2010-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

What do You Really Need in Your Life?

A large business was contemplating purchasing $50,000 worth of new file cabinets. The demand from every department was soaring, so the department heads decided to call a meeting of all the employees. A decision had been made by the president of the company that for one day, every one with a file cabinet would go through every file and remove every nonessential piece of paper. It was the first Biannual File Inspection and Clean-Out.
To the amazement of everyone, many offices that had four or five cabinets trimmed them down to one or two. In fact, there was a large company auction and they sold off several dozens of unneeded file cabinets.
What can you remove from the cabinets of your life? Is there some anger or garbage that you have collected for a long time and it is growing and festering and taking a large part of your love for life away from you? It is easy to want to file more and more hurt away instead of removing it and making room for the true love of God to come and abide.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, come into our hearts and spirits this day and let us have a large cleaning out of our thoughts and emotions. Let us lay aside the things that would be stumbling blocks for us and lift us the true way of life that comes from knowing and loving You. We ask the power of the Holy Spirit to come and direct us both in the cleaning and the living forever. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Why not start a new file today and fill it only with the blessings that you and God share together? What a great way to replace old hurts with new found joys. See you next week.

2010-07-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Show the Spot to God

There is a story about a boy that spent time in the blacksmith shop in his hometown when he was growing up. The blacksmith seemed powerful as he would hold a large piece of iron in the fire with the thongs until it was white-hot. Then removing it from the fire and laying it on the anvil, he would give a tap with a small hammer. Immediately a bigger fellow on the other side would come down hard with a sledge hammer, hitting the iron on the exact spot where the blacksmith had just tapped it. The young man told the blacksmith, “You don’t do much good with that little hammer, do you?”
The blacksmith laughed and replied, “No, my boy, but I show that big fellow where to place the blow.”
When I read that little story I was reminded of the book of Isaiah. In 11:1-4 you find these words:

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.”

God has taken the hearts of His children and fired them in the furnace of His love. Then as they are place on the anvils of our life, He points where we need to mold our lives and then He waits. In His waiting we find if we truly will slay the wickedness of our lives and mold our mind and spirit with His love, God’s Glory is revealed. He has shown us where to strike, and we have the power to follow His direction.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, Let us bring all the strength of our determination into Your Holy presence and we will find a way in which we are truly blessed. Let the world hear our voices resound with glory of Your way filling our life forever. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Be sure and join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-07-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

THE UNSEEN POWER OF THE HARVEST

The story goes of a small church in England at the beginning of World War II that was preparing for its Harvest Celebration. The members had lovingly brought the first fruits of their harvest on Saturday night to prepare the altar. There was produce of every kind placed upon the altar: lettuce, corn, and radishes.
Early the next morning the Germans began the war with a blitz on England. The small church was destroyed. The ceiling fell in, and the walls collapsed.
One year later, the minister of the church was passing by and noticed that there was a small green sprout growing right where the altar had been. It was pushing its head up through the rubble. Several weeks later, several stalks of corn appeared.
Out of the destruction and desolation of the war, God’s creation continues.
Have you been bold in your life to the point that you are still letting the seeds of faith that were sown in your heart as a child sprout? You see, God’s harvest has not come to fruition in your life yet and the harvest is going to be glorious for all to see.

Mid-week Prayer

Glorious God, sometimes we feel as though destruction is everywhere when what You invite us to view is the beginning of Your new creations. You promised that the Word and water would allow us to enter the Kingdom of heaven, so Holy God, bring your world to the glory of a full harvest every day into eternity. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-07-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

ANXIETIES OF LIVING

Have you ever been anxious about a day? You rise up the first thing in the morning and you already dread what the day will bring. You are not sure why, you only know the feeling of dread seems to cover your heart like a damp heavy blanket, and no matter where we turn, every word we hear causes us to fear what "might " be coming.
If you feel that way today, then I want to take you for a moment to the letter that Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia. In the fifth chapter, Paul begins by saying: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." And it is the 22nd verse of that chapter that tells us what God provides to the Christian who walks in the fullness of the Spirit of God: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.”
I heard it told yet another way.

"Love is the key.
Joy is love singing.
Peace is love resting.
Long-suffering is love enduring.
Kindness is love's touch.
Goodness is love's character.
Faithfulness is love's habit. ,
Gentleness is love's self-forgetfulness.
Self-control is love holding the reins."

Many times I realize that the character of God which is love at it's fullest. offers us such strength as we could never imagine. Even in the times it may appear that we might be victorious. but the suffering will have to be endured.

Mid-week Prayer

Let us pray: Eternal and loving God. We walk in this world today with deep concerns in our hearts. We wish we could tell what tomorrow will bring, but we know that it is in Your plan, and because of that wonderful assurance, we are content with the tasks you present to us today. Let us draw upon Your love now and forever. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will open God's Word together again. As I leave, let me share another thought with you:

"God is the key.
Joy is God singing.
Peace is God resting.
Long-suffering is God enduring.
Kindness is God's touch.
Goodness is God's character.
Faithfulness is God's habit.
Gentleness is God's self-forgetfulness.
Self-control is God holding the reins."

May God richly bless you this day.

2010-06-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Soldiers before God

This past Sunday was the Annual Patriotic Pageant at Wesley United Methodist Church here in Springfield. It is a special time of music and witnessing that honors the veterans among us and the service that has been given for their country. It brought to mind another pageant that I had attended when one of the soldiers who had served in the Marines during World War II was coming to the front of the fellowship hall to stand and be recognized. He looked directly at me and suddenly he stood up straight and gave a sharp salute to me. As I returned the honor a smile spread across his face and he winked his eye. Now to many people, that may not seem like much, but to me suddenly we became not only comrades in arms but comrades in heart. Since that day, we have grown spiritually and have studied the Word of God together and a wonderful walk with God continues.
Do you remember the story of the Centurion that came before Jesus and asked that Him to heal his servant? He did not need Jesus to come to his house because he knew that Jesus had only to speak the word and healing was done. He stood before Christ and with his witness not only saluted the King of Kings, but gave God’s power the necessary means to work. Jesus reply to the Centurion’s request was “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:3-10)
I think our soldiers today have the same power. As they serve in Iraq and Afghanistan or other regions throughout the world it is true they stand in harms way, but they also offer a channel through which God’s presence comes alive for those they both serve with and live among.
Today as we recognize the birth of our nation, let us also recognize the soldiers who come before God and offer their hearts in service to God.

Mid-week Prayer

Heavenly Father, come and keep our soldiers safe this day. Let them know the honor with which they serve may not always be recognized openly by the world, but it is glorified by You. Keep them safe and give them the courage they need now and for all times. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ we pray.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. As you celebrate this great holiday, honor all “soldiers” in the Army of Jesus Christ.

2010-06-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

DECISION MAKING

One night at sea, the ship's captain saw what looked like the lights of another ship heading toward him. He had his signalman blink to the other ship: "Change your course 10 degrees south." The reply came back: "Change your course 10 degrees north." The ship's captain answered: "I am a captain. Change your course south." To which the reply was: 'Well, I am a seaman first class. Change your course north." This infuriated the captain, so he signaled back: "Blast it, I say change your course south. I'm on a battleship!" To which the reply came back: "And I say change your course north. I'm in a lighthouse."
I wonder if we don’t try to convince God the directions of our life in much the same way. We are so sure of our desires that we do not realize that God will not change just to make our life comfortable or to prove that we can make Him move. Isn’t that great news? God remains steadfast in all His ways.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, when we appear to be stubborn, calm the direction and desires of our minds and anchor us firmly in Your Word. Just as You willingly gave Your Son, let us boldly come for Your direction for our hearts. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-06-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

WHO REALLY KNOWS YOU?

When Christian Herter was the governor of Massachusetts, he was preparing for another campaign to return to office. .One day after a busy morning and no lunch, he arrived at a church barbecue. Herter was famished. As the governor moved down the serving line, he held out his plate to the woman serving chicken. She put one piece on his plate and turned to the next person in line. "Excuse me," Governor Herter said, "you mind if I have another piece of chicken?"
"Sorry," said the woman, "I'm only supposed to give one piece of chicken to each person." "But I'm starved," the governor said. "Sorry, only one to a customer," said the woman. The governor was a modest man, but he was also hungry, so he decided to throw a little weight around. "Lady, do you know who I am?" he said. "I am the governor of this state." "Do you know who I am?" the woman said, "I'm the lady in charge of the chicken. Now, move along mister!"
I wonder if there are people at time that are so impressed with their worldly successes that they might be the same way if they were to encounter Jesus in their life. They would not knowingly boast of their achievements, but they would want to know for sure that He knew they were a bit successful.
But Jesus has a way of taking the things of the world and putting them in a proper perspective. He does not look at the external ways of success, but the loving way of caring that is in our hearts. He knows that the true way to care for others is to be aware that He is one of the “others” in our life.
Do you care for Him with all the love you have or just enough to impress Him with the successes of your world?

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, come into our lives and show us the truth of the way we live for You. Do not let us desire the accolades of others more than the love of God. Let us know the difference in the power of the words of others and the Word of God. Help us to find the difference in truly living for Your glory. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-06-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

BROKEN TO COME IN!

As I was reading the Psalms, a word caught my eye that caused me to pause: "But you, O Sovereign Lord, deal well with me for your name's sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me." (Ps. 109:21-22) And then I thought, what could wound my heart today, and I began to realize that I needed to know that no matter what the world would tell me of that pain, God would use it to His glory.
I recall a story that is told of a rabbi who read Deuteronomy 6:6 - "And these words, which I command you this day, shall be upon your heart."
"Why is it said that way?" a pupil asked. "Why are we not told to place them IN our heart?"
The rabbi answered that it is not within man's power to place the divine teachings directly in his heart. "All that we can do is place them on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks they will drop in."
I pray that sometime we find the strength of God the most powerfully when our heart is broken. Then we should turn to the true source of hope for our lives.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving God, let us place Your Word carefully in our lives so when trouble comes and we despair and brokenness comes, then You will bring forth strength that can only be found in Your love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. This coming Sunday morning I will be in the pulpit at Wesley UMC here in Springfield. Pray that God will use this servant and His Word to heal the hearts that might feel wounded as they come into God's presence. I look forward to our Mid-week Epistle this coming week.

2010-05-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

HE'S ABSENT TODAY!

This past Sunday was Pentecost. This is recognized by the Church as the time in which the people of Jerusalem understood the power of God in a new way as suddenly they began to all speak a language that they understood. You can find this witness in Acts 2.
Can you imagine the joy in the world if we all could speak today and everyone would understand fully the way you love Jesus? That is the power of the Holy Spirit.
I am reminded of a story of a fifth grade Sunday School class. Each Sunday morning as they began class, they would line up and recite their one section of the Apostle’s Creed in the order that it was written. That teaching method worked well and went on for about four months, until one Sunday.
They began the class the same way. The first girl as usual recited her line flawlessly, "I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth." The second, a boy, stood up and said his sentence, "I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord." But then silence descended over the class. Finally, one girl, who felt she had discovered the problem stood up and loudly said, "I'm sorry, teacher, but the boy who believes in the Holy Ghost is absent today."
If that child was so important to make the creed whole, can it be true about your voice in church also. Is there something missing if you are not there?

Mid-week Prayer

Lord, Jesus, have you needed my voice so badly and I did not realize how empty the world is without my witness? Then let me boldly sound forth your love in Church and the world not only tomorrow but every day of my life. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will find how broken hearts have a great power. Join me and we will share this together.

2010-05-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

A RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

Matthew Henry, the famous Bible scholar was once threatened by thieves and robbed of his purse. He wrote these words in his diary:
"Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed."
Maybe that is what we need in this hurried life of ours, a new perspective that helps us see what we really have to be thankful for.

Mid-week Prayer

Lord, let me open my eyes to the life that I have. Before I lose it to the world, let me lose it to Your love. Then I will truly gain what I need to be thankful for. In the blessed name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I hope that you realize that your being a part of this ministry is one of the greatest joys in my life. I thank God every day for you. Now you tell others of God’s love and let us all see if we can gain a new perspective on life. See you next week in the Mid-week Epistle.

2010-05-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

A RUINED LIFE IN THE HAND OF THE MASTER

Have you ever felt like your life is out of control? Everything that you have planned seems to be subject to change at a moments notice. When the Christian walks with God and the change occurs, we realize that He gives us the strength to encounter the change, but we must be expectant of the power of God.
There was an artist who was visiting a dear friend. When he arrived, she was weeping. He asked why. She showed him a handkerchief of exquisite beauty that had great sentimental value that had been ruined by a drop of indelible ink.
The artist asked her to let him borrow the handkerchief that he returned to her by mail several days later. When she opened the package she could hardly believe her eyes. The artist using the ink blot as a base had drawn on the handkerchief a design of great beauty with India ink. Now it was more beautiful and more valuable than ever.
You see, sometimes the tragedies that break our hearts can become the basis for a more beautiful design in our lives. Be patient with the hurts over which you have no control. They may become a source of healing, help and beauty.
Remember the words of Paul to the church in Rome: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” And just a few sentences later he said: “If God is for us, who can be against us.”

Mid-Week Prayer

Let us pray: Father, many times in our lives we have faced challenges which seemed difficult or unfair. We may feel that because we love and follow You, we should be passed through the testing without any pain because we know Your Son. The truth is that we find the testing is even more difficult because of His love.
O God, You do not always let us take the easy path, but you always call us to the path that will give us the power to face even more challenges in life. Christ understood how it felt to be alone and forgotten. Even today at times we still do the same thing to him when He calls us to be His children. Forgive us and lead us onward in the path that You would have us to go in the blessed name of the Suffering One, Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week as we journey through God's Word together.

2010-04-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

WHAT CAN UNMAKE YOU?

Interesting question isn’t it. Herbert Ager once said “If you don’t make up your mind, your unmade mind will unmake you.” Was he talking about our lack of willingness to give ourselves this day to God? Was he speaking to the things that I have not decided that I am sure will go against His desire for me?
The one thing we must be sure of in our lives is our willingness to be God’s witness in this world today. He needs so many more of His children to stand up for what is right. He needs us to move from our indecision to action. Without this movement, children can be lost in the darkness of this world, and homes destroyed. What will you decide?
I love the words that we find in Joshua: “...but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) What would a decision like this mean to you? What would it mean for your family and fellow workers?
Do you fear that you might not have the strength to become this witness to others? If so, then another scripture that will bring strength to you this day is found in this word from Jesus: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness...." (2 Cor. 12:9). So you see, it is not your weakness that will unmake you, it is the lack of willingness to even try to show God's love in your life that gives you trouble.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving God, accept my willingness to change and allow me to find the glory of following you as the greatest decision of my life. I pray this in the holy name of Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Be strong and bold for God today and you will be amazed at the new found blessing in your life. Join me again next week for another mid-week Epistle.

2010-04-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

And You are Going Where?

There is a story told of a man who was standing in the middle of his field, when he noticed a horse coming toward him at full gallop. The man on the back of the horse was frantically holding on for dear life. "Hey, rider," shouted the man, "Where are you going?"
The rider frantically replied: "Don't ask me, ask my horse."
Have you every felt like the man on the back of the horse? Life is taking you down a road and you are not sure where you are going, you are just going.
People trying to find out where they are going has become one of the reasons for a multi-million dollar industry for GPS manufacturers. They have models that mount on the dash of your car, tie around your wrist, or can even be activated from your cell phone. When you use these, you are not supposed to get lost. (I still do sometimes.) Of course, even with the little devices, we still use roadmaps.
Do you feel the same about the direction of your life? Everyone and everything seems to pull or push you along and you sometimes wonder about the direction you are going. Proverbs 16:7 says: “The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.”
When we follow God, the direction we travel grows clearer with every moment of faith. We invite God into our lives and are always sure where we are going as we walk with Him.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, we come this day knowing it is difficult to listen to the world and walk with You. We continue to seek the direction that tells us the truth and offers us hope. Then we remember Jesus said He was the way, the truth, and the life. Oh God, thank You for the strength of His salvation for our lives. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Look at the direction you are heading right now. Who or what do you give control of your heart and spirit? See you next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-04-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Fear is a Good Thing

One of my favorite Psalms is 112. It begins with the admonition:
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.”
Some people, when they read the word “fear” in the Scriptures picture in their mind someone who is hiding from God. They are trembling because God can bring a terrible judgment upon their life and they know that God is someone to keep at a distance.
Yet if you truly “fear” God, you find that God is the power that changes our life. His presence fills our hearts not only in holy places, like Israel or church, but everywhere we find our heart to be.
This joy and admiration brings a great awe to our life. A power that not only causes us to be amazed at its strength, but it continually calls us to grow deeper into the Kingdom of God.
There is a great reason for this fear-filled walk with God. It is found in verses 6 and 7 of the same Psalm:

“Surely he (the man of God) will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Long ago I found a prayer by an anonymous author. I think it comes after we find the true “fear” of loving God:

PRAYER JUST FOR TODAY
Give me your help, Lord, to live this one day.
One knot to unravel, one problem to weigh;
One path to discover and choose the right turn.
One worry to conquer, one lesson to learn;
One moment of gladness to overcome pain;
One glimpse of the sunlight, one touch of the rain.
No one can see what is coming tomorrow,
Nor tell if its hours will bring laughter or sorrow;
So I'll turn to your love and with perfect trust say.
"Lord, give me your help to live this one day."

Can you see now how fear can be a good thing?

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, we come before you with a life filled with challenges and concerns. We walk in the world and we hear the sound of a people who are struggling. When we come to You with our life freely given to Your will, we still hear the struggle of the world, but we begin to realize that we have been taught to hide and ignore Your grace. We have been taught by our own doubts, our false hopes and the mistrust of others.
Come today and let us truly be filled with the “fear” (awe) of Your Holy presence. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Why not read all of Psalm 112 and join me again next week and we will search the Bible to find more of God’s love for our lives.

2010-04-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Can’t Wait to Sing

One of the great thrills of our Holy Land trip was the sound of our voices singing God’s praises. It could be in places such as the Garden Tomb, or at an ancient city. It would be on the bus every morning and even when we were just traveling down the road. But the most memorable was in some of the churches where the sound would go on ringing forever.
As we traveled, I remembered something that I once read by
Donald Hustad. He once wrote: “Somehow, about 40% of churchgoers seem to have picked up the idea that ‘singing in the church is for singers.’ The truth is that ‘singing is for believers.’ The relevant question is not, “Do you have a voice?” but “do you have a song?”
Now I realize what made our voices rise to such heights. We had something so powerful to sing about that every voice would resound with great joy. We knew that this special place would glorify God if we would just lift our voices filled with the Holy Spirit that was dwelling inside.

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, let our voices always ring with joy. Not just in the Holy Land of Israel, but in the Holy Land of our town, jobs, and family. Let us know the joy of having the “song of the Resurrected Jesus” ringing in our hearts. We pray this in the blessed name of Your Holy Son. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Go ahead and sing, no matter where you are. If you are afraid people might not like your voice, then sing for the One who knows the joy that sounds in your witness. See you next week in another Mid-week Epistle.

2010-03-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wailing Wall of the Temple

The ninth of this month was a very special day. We went to the Wailing Wall of the Temple Mount. This is a part of the wall that has been left from the time of the first temple area. It is a sacred and powerful place in Jerusalem.
On this day, we (the pilgrims) put over 3,000 names in the wall. We took the time to pray and feel God working immediately in answer to the needs of everyone there. It did not matter that every day Jews come there and read the Torah and pray for hours, and we took just a few minutes. It was as though God had this time only for Him and His children.
After we returned home, we found miracles that occurred the very moment we touched the wall. Surgery questions were given answers that were miraculous in themselves. And to other prayers, another challenge to have patience and faith that God will be revealed.
The prayers could only be answered in the way that God would be revealed, not the way that we wanted God to become. That was one of the most powerful lessons from this Holy land.
When you pray, expect something from God! Don’t wait with your expectation, but with His.

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, You give us life every day. Sometimes we live in the fullness of its presence and at other times we rush away to do other “necessary” things. Keep our hearts and minds in the fullness of Your power and truly touch and change our faith with every breath. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I am glad to be the Sojourner in the Holy Land that brings you a touch of His presence. During this Holy Week and Easter Sunday, lift high the power of His Resurrection. This is the desperate need of the entire world.

2010-03-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

The End or the Beginning of the Journey

We have been to the Holy Land. We have walked where the prophets of old have walked, witnessed the destruction and creativity of generations that followed their steps. We have felt the winds of the desert and smelled the salt of the Sea, and we were blessed to have been in the very Temple Mount of Jerusalem.

It was wonderful, exhausting, tiring and refreshing all at the same time. No day was like another and every day began with devotions on the bus. The devotion would begin with a Psalm reading, then a song, and they a prayer. Next our tour guide would begin telling us the history of civilizations that existed before the time of Christ and even before the time of Abraham. He told us of the lowest place on the earth called Jericho that was over 4,000 years old and a column that was discovered there that was possibly 9.000 years old.

At the end of every day we would be amazed by God’s glory, filled with desire for rest, and anxious for a new beginning tomorrow.

I begin to realize that every day of my life should be on a pattern like this. One filled with going back to the very basic of my faith and life and realizing that no day has ever been or life lived that God did not have a special desire in. No prayer has ever been prayed or affirmation given to a loved one that should not be filled with the promise and power of the Holy Spirit.

Mid-week Prayer

Yahweh, God of all Creation, we come before You this day and know that only You can make our life have meaning. We offer to You every possibility that we have and desire Your presence to fill it and then touch others with the glory of Your love shining through us. We pray this in the blessed name of your Son, Jesus, the Christ of Lent who suffered death for us and the Christ of Salvation who conquered sin. Amen

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. The Holy land carries power beyond our dreams. I lifted your name in the “Wailing Wall” of the Temple. I know that God has blessed you by His promise. See you next week in the Mid-week Epistle.

2010-03-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

How will we return?

Every time I prepare for a trip to the Holy Land, I am filled with a unique question. How will we return? I do not mean, by train, boat or plane, but how will we show God’s presence in our life? Will it be different than when we left just a few days before?

I love the words of Isaiah 55:10-11: ”As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

We experience many things in our journey of life, and this group of people will actually stand on the ground where God changed mankind forever. Israel is one of those “seasons” of our life that causes us to go from the desert of doubt to the joy of salvation with the passing of Jesus in our life.

I have witnessed so many times the way the “word of God” has returned to the church after a pilgrimage. It is filled with joy and new hope for redemption because of walking on this sacred land.

Many people will never go to the Holy Land. But when the Holy Land comes to you in the form of a friend or loved one, it will accomplish all that God desires when we witness with our voices the glory that we have seen revealed.

Mid-week Prayer

Almighty God: As we prepare for this journey with You, let Your Word begin to grow deeper in our hearts. Let Your Holy Spirit change all that we say and do and bring a new power to the places we call home. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I know we are a day early with the Mid-week Epistle, but tomorrow at this time we will be leaving New York on our way to Tiberius. I hope to send another epistle while in Jerusalem. Keep us in your prayers. Oh yes, we have gathered over 2,000 names to put in the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

2010-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

Anxious?

We are just one week from our leaving the United States to go to Israel. We have worked for almost 2 years on getting everything ready. We have talked to hundreds of people, taught Bible Studies, and are prepared to experience again the joy of walking in this great place.

And tonight, even though I feel a calmness, I am anxious. I am not worried, but anxious to begin the journey. I am excited because I have experienced this before and all the pictures that I have drawn with words for 21 people will suddenly take on a life all it’s own when they step off the plane in Tel Aviv, Israel.

I love the words of Paul from Philippians 4:4f: “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Now I know the way to deal with anxiousness: by prayer, petition, thanksgiving, and giving all requests to God. That is the basis for our walk in the Holy Land, and I pray that it will become the basis for your walk of life every day.
Look at the end results: “…the peace of God guards our hearts and minds” as long as they dwell in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving God, we are truly excited about our future. No matter what we find offered by the world, it only brings worry and concern at times. With You and Your Son, we find a deepness of life that we have never known before. Therefore we say, “Come God and dwell with us today.” Amen

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Keep us in your prayers as we draw closer to this special time and we will keep you in ours. See you next week as we leave Springfield on March 2nd for Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee.

2010-02-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

Small Town and Everyone Knows

Living in a small town in New Mexico called Eunice, can mean several things. It means that there was only one traffic light and it was in the center of the town. That way, you could go to the grocery store and the post office and get across the street safely. If you were to try and beat the light, by the time your car reached the end of the block, everyone in town knew it.

It also meant that if you did something wrong, your parents knew it long before you got home and had time to share your side of the story. It seemed a lot slower in spreading the news when you did something right.

In Israel, there is a small town called Bethsaida, which means – “house of fishermen.” From this town Jesus called Peter and Andrew from their nets. Just a bit later he called James and John. In that little town the reputation of Jesus had just begun to spread, and when he called these four men to follow Him, everyone knew them, their families, and their way of life. Yet when they followed Jesus, these four men were changed and their witness from this small town would change the world forever.

In just two weeks, we will be walking the site of Bethsaida. I was sitting here thinking, “wouldn’t it be wonderful if while we were there, we would hear God call our names and say, ‘follow me…’”

Mid-week Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, call to us today and bring us from our small towns (no matter if it is just in our way of thinking) to realize that you are sending us to a new life. Let us walk in the light of Your Word and feel the wind on the Sea of Galilee and look at the hills there and realize that Your Spirit is here. Grace us wherever we are, with the abundance of Your love. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Where will you be in two weeks? Are you as excited about the possibility of those days as you are about God’s promise to be there as well? See you next week.

2010-02-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

Filled with Expectation

In just 3 weeks we will be standing on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is in Northern part of Israel at Tiberius and this will be the morning of our first full day in Israel. This is always a wonderful time. The sun has risen over the Golan Heights and the Sea is waiting for us to come and board a boat to sail out on the waters.

I will never forget the first time when we went. I was filled with such a great expectation that it felt like I could carry the boat out on the water by myself. I was anxious to experience the way it felt to be on the same water that my Jesus told me about in the Bible so many times.

When we pulled away from the dock, I took a moment to look back and on the side of the bank were two fishermen. They had long poles and had just cast their lines into the water. They were talking and getting ready for their first catch of the day. They too were experencing a great expectation.

Then finally just behind the men fishing on the rocks, there were five cats that were all sitting and watching the fishermen. It was as though they too were filled with expectations.

And then I realized that everyone at some time in their life is waiting with great expectation. Waiting to see what God will bring to their life that makes it so wonderful and worth living.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father! In our times of expectation, bring to us the very thing we need the most. If is is a calmness of our heart, bring it with the warmth and power of the rising sun. If it is a deep hunger, feed us with the food that nurtures our souls and fills our minds with the joy of others. If it is simply the joy of watching Your creation before us, let it come with the beauty that only the Holy Spirit can paint upon the canvas of our souls. We pray this things in the glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Come expecting God to touch you in a special way this day. Next week we will draw even closer to God's Holy land of Faith

2010-02-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

A Way to Go

In four weeks, I will be taking another group of “pilgrims” to the Holy Land. It is one of the most inspiring places I have traveled in my years of ministry.

I have always been told to use the term “pilgrim” as we travel there and not the word “tourist.” To the custom agents in Israel, this makes a world of difference in the way they view your entry into Israel. I always wondered about the reason until I thought about various groups of travelers. You can put these into at least four groups:

A fugitive is one who is running from home.

A vagabond is one who has no home.

A stranger is one away from home.

And a PILGRIM is on his way home.

Suddenly, I realized the meaning of that wonderful word "Pilgrim." I was truly on my way home to a land that was holy not only to the Bible, but it has become that way to my heart. But I also realize that it is just a stopping place for a brief visit for a pilgrim. You see, our true home is in heaven, and that is the journey that we are on every day of our life. To the 50 people who have traveled from Wesley, you would get a big “Amen” in agreement.

Mid-week Prayer

O God, there are times when we may have been a fugitive when we first ran away from your love, but when we finally see and accept Christ as our Savior, our journey has a new direction and meaning. Thank You for loving us enough to send Him to keep us in the right way to come home. In His name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Keep our group of 18 people in your prayers as we prepare. Next week I will share more about this blessing from God.

2010-01-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

Who Decides How You Will Act?

One day Sydney J. Harris of the Chicago Daily News walked with his friend to a newsstand to purchase a newspaper. The friend thanked the vendor politely, but the vendor remained coldly sullen.

As they walked away, Harris remarked, “A sullen fellow, isn’t he?

The friend said, “He is that way every day.” Harris asked, “Well, why then do you continue to be so very polite to him?”

The answer, “Why should I let him decide how I am going to act?”

Who decides your actions? Is it your circumstance or your faith? Why not stop a second and ask God for the answer?

Mid-week Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus! Open our hearts to the truth of Your Holy love this day. It was always Your calming witness that disarmed so many situations in the Bible. Can you give us the same strength this day? We ask this prayer in Your holy name. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for finding a way to receive a gift.

2010-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

What Are You Thankful For?

Being thankful for small things if life is not something we do very often. It is when we get the new job, or the raise comes through, or our children are selected the best of the group that we come before God and loudly sound our praise. In the past few weeks, we have watched the tragedy of Haiti unfold before our eyes, and even small children receiving a bottle of water, would smile and say “Thank You.”

We all need to look for the small things to give us direction and even identify. A grade class writing assignment was “Things I am most thankful for.” One fourth-grade boy wrote: “My glasses. They keep the boys from punching me and the girls from kissing me.” Oh, God, what a thankful heart.

Mid-week Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, let our hearts overflow for the small things in this world today. What may seem so small can be the beginning of some of the greatest gifts God could offer. They are sometimes the richest blessings and they come continually from the showering of Your grace. In the blessed name of Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle and look at who decides how you act?

2010-01-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

What I learned from a cartoon!

When I was a child, my favorite time in the movie theatre was spent watching the cartoon at the beginning of the show. One I remember was of a little Indian boy sheepishly standing with an empty bow saying: “I shot an arrow into the air, it fell to earth I knew not where.” And then the Indian chief would turn around and the arrow was stuck in his back-side and he would reply, “I do!”
It was funny to a child, but I did not realize that I was beginning to learn the opening lines of a poem that would later be one of my favorites.

The Arrow and the Song

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in flight.

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of a song.

Long, long afterward in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroken;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

My love for poetry and music were both affirmed from an early age. Every time I think of the way I learned, I realize that this was God’s gentle hand teaching me that there was a world out there to explore and find true meaning. Just like the way the people following Jesus wanted to be touched by His eyes of love and His Spirit of healing.
What does the world teach our children today?

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, teach us from the words of the Bible the way to live truly in Your Holy Grace. Let the words of Exodus teach us the Commandments of Life; Let the Beatitudes of Jesus show us the way to care; and let the Promise of the Resurrection lift fallen Spirits. Then we will know the lessons to teach others. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Look in your heart and see the song of a friend. Look here again next week and find another touch of the Mid-week Epistle.

2010-01-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

THE SIN OF WRONG PERSPECTIVE

We are beginning a new year. The New Year's Day celebrations around the world have all ended, the street sweepers have entered the party areas and have gathered up all the trash that was left. We are already in the stream of daily living and to many people it is just another year.
But what if this is the greatest year of your life. For some of us, in just 55 days we will be traveling to the Holy Land to walk and study where Jesus came to earth for the salvation of mankind. Nothing was the same after seeing Jesus come into the lives of the people who were healed and changed forever.
Today, there are many people who are like Old Herb. He was known as the thriftiest farmer in the area. One day he stood on the bridge idly gazing down at the water. A canoeist coming down the river suddenly overturned. He came up gasping. Herb just looked on. Down he went again.
When he came up, Herb shouted to him, "If you don't come up the next time, can I have your canoe?"
What do you want to see in the New Year? What words do you need to say to another that will change their life? I love what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:19-20).
Be aware of your perspective. It can and will serve as the foundation for governing all you do.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, in this new day that You have given to us, let Your wisdom grow in our hearts and spirits. Do not let us walk in the darkness of our blindness to each other. Let Your grace call us boldly to the coming of Your days. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. We begin today a new journey together. See you next week in the Mid-week Epistle

2010-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

Too Quick to Complain?

This is the time of year when many feel they have come to a crossroad. We look back and say “Thank heaven this year is over,’ and we look forward saying, “I hope next year will be better.”

I often wonder if this is because so many people seem to complain about all the difficulties in their life. In fact, many seem sure that every day when they get out of bed that this is going to be another horrible day?

That attitude reminds me of a story once that I heard about three bears. “Once upon a time three bears walked through a forest one day before lunch. When they arrived home, Daddy Bear grabbed his bowl and growled: 'Someone has eaten my soup!' Baby Bear ran and picked up his bowl and cried: 'Yes, mine too!' Mama Bear shouted back: 'You two stop complaining! I've not even poured the soup.'"

Why not do something different with this year. Let God have enough time to “pour out your soup” before you start complaining? How can He ever bless us if we are sure it is not going to be what we want?

Midweek Prayer

Loving Father, we know that the most difficult thing in our lives is patience. We want to have quick answers and speedy solutions to all our problems, but we do not realize that Your work is not done on our schedule. Give us the wisdom to wait for Your time, and this could be the greatest year of our life. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I pray that 2010 will be year that God breaks forth in your life in a new and exciting way. I hope this epistle will help with the journey. See you next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2009-12-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

God's Footprints

Did you know that the carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written by Phillip Brooks when he visited Bethlehem? In 1865 when he was 30 years old, on Christmas Eve he rode out to Bethlehem, where he saw shepherds in the fields and looked down in the starlight at the little town of Bethlehem and the scene had changed little.
Twice now I have been privileged to go there. Every time I return, I still see the shepherds. But now there are cars and trucks and modern conveniences all around. You are invited to enter the Church of the Nativity, but you must stoop over to go into the front door. Then you enter the church and go down stairs where there is a special spot in the grotto where a star adorns the floor. There they say the Christ child was born.
Many people talk and visit until they come to this special place. Then they are silent and there is a wonderful transformation. Many kneel and touch or kiss the special place. Some grown men even have tears in their eyes, and all the sounds of the centuries suddenly stop. Here is something sacred. It is almost as though you know a special presence. The people that you are standing with are touched by not only the sacredness of the place, but the look of your face and the reverence in your heart.
It is rumored that when you leave that special place, you begin in a unique way to walk in God's footprints. Maybe today, we need to stop and look closely for "God's footprints." There we will find new ways of loving and caring for one another.

Holy Week Prayer

Holy God, just as Your presence came in a special way in Bethlehem, let it also come to us right now wherever we are. Let us be changed by all we find of the Glory of God and then let us be bold when we walk in the footprints of Your Son in this world today. In His Holy name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I pray God’s richest blessing on you this Holy Week. May the peace and joy of knowing the Lamb of God fill your hearts for the coming day. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2009-12-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

Silence

Have you even been in a big house late in the evening, just as the sun was going down, and it was quiet and peaceful? You were not afraid because it was not dark and frightening, but you seem to find a wonderful sense of peace.
One of the great gifts from God is silence. And the longer I live I am beginning to find that silence reveals itself in a thousand expressible forms. In the Holy Land it comes in the quiet of dawn at the Sea of Galilee, in the noiseless aspiration of the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane as they point toward the sky; in the stealthy descent of night on the shepherd plains of Bethlehem, in the silent changing of the season; and in the falling moonlight trickling down into the night like the rain of silence.
Even with all these wonderful moments, they cannot touch the greatest silence of all. This is the silence of the inner soul.
It is here that God comes to us and offers us His loving company. He laughs with us as we tell Him of the comical events of our lives and when we begin to open ourselves to the pain and struggles we live with on a daily basis, He listens quietly and encourages us with a love so deep and abiding that somehow we know everything will be alright because we do have the depth of His love surrounding us daily.
Listen, do you hear the silence? God is there waiting for you to come and share life with Him. Even the Scripture affirms that as it tells us to “be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, we are the type of people that have lived at such a fast pace that we do not take the time to listen to the silence of our souls. Perhaps we fear we might find that you are truly calling us to come into Your grace and be filled with a new life. Or maybe we might find You truly do love us so much that this tiny child in a manger will come to remind us of a love that forgives our deepest sins and offers us new hope. Come to us in the silence as we wait with all our hearts. In the blessed name of the Christ Child we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Christmas is just around the corner. The birth of Christ will be heralded throughout the world. Songs will be sung, packages opened, families gathered, and we will all suddenly be filled with a new spirit. Let it be one that will not only carry your through the holidays, but it will be a blessing for the remainder of your lifetime. See you next week on the Mid-week Epistle

2009-12-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

One or Both?

I once read that there are two ways of spreading light. One is to be the candle and the other is to be the mirror that reflects it.
To a Christian, this can become a way of life. You are the light of Christ to not only the world, but to the person sitting next to you at work. How are you willing that light to shine through you?
Before long the whole room begins to reflect what you witness. If you don't believe it, try smiling at someone who seems downcast in their heart. If you smile long enough, they will change their own expression. Go ahead, try it! Be God's light - bright and reflected.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving God, thank you for the light of Christ that you gave to my heart today. Let it shine to others and make this whole world bright with Your love. In Christ name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. This is the season of many sounds, but what do you hear in the silence. We will see next week.

2009-12-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Explanation!

A young child once asked his father why fire trucks were painted red. The father was not sure, but he was a quick thinker so he gave this reason.
"Well, fire trucks have four wheels and eight men, and four and eight are twelve. There are twelve inches in a foot. A foot is a ruler. Queen Elizabeth is a ruler. And Queen Elizabeth is the largest ship on the seven seas. Seas have fish, fish have fins, the Fins fought the Russians. The Russians are red. Fire trucks are always rushin' around therefore, fire trucks are always red."
Now, if you think that is wild, you ought to hear some of the excuses people use trying to explain how life is treating them. They have an answer for everything and a reason for why they are they way they are.
God's love needs no reason. It simply is! That is the greatest reason of all.

Mid-week Prayer

Almighty God, we are in the season of Advent. This is a time in which those of the Christian faith rejoice over the birth of the Christ child. Some people who do not understand the depth of Your love, simply explain the Gospel away as a good story or a time to give each other presents. Let us come this night with a new spirit of wonderment and realize that You have come to us in a Spirit of Redemption. We praise You for the depth of Your love. Amen!

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join us again next week for another Mid-week Epistle

2009-11-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

What Does God Give?

A very special friend helped guide me through some troubled times once and I have treasured the words that she wrote in a card. She said they were passed to her and she was just doing a favor in return.

"He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when labors increase:
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, He's multiplied peace."

Since this is the season of Thanksgiving, may these words be a rich blessing to you this day.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, when You first placed these words in the heart of Your servant, never did he realize how they would literally travel the world. Are our words like that as well? Please make them be for Your glory. In Christ's precious name we pray. Amen

Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle as we begin the glorious season of Advent. This is the celebration of the coming of the Christ Child.

2009-11-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

True, Simple Love

Many stories have been written about love and its magnificent power. Sometimes children can sum hundreds of pages up in two simple sentences.

A little girl was asked the question, "What is love?" Her answer was: "Love is when your mommy reads you a bedtime story. True Love is when she doesn't skip any pages!"

I guess God truly loves us because He didn't skip any of the pages of your life so far nor will He in the future. He will be there and be willing to write on each of them with you.

Mid-Week Prayer

Loving God, come and share True Love with us this day. Let us know the fullness of Your Holy Presence. In the blessed name of Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will be amazed when we hear the story of the need to have forgiveness in our lives.

2009-11-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

Keeping It Safe

A new mailman was delivering mail on his route for the first time. He noticed that many of the mailboxes were knocked down or damaged, apparently as a result of careless driving or vandalism. Then he came upon an old mailbox in mint condition. He couldn't figure out why until he dropped off the mail and pulled away from the curb.

In his rear view mirror, he saw an elderly woman walk to the mailbox, pull it out of the ground, heave it onto her shoulder and walk merrily up her driveway.

That is one way to keep from being undamaged in the world. Only make yourself available if the times when you know it is safe and you can quickly retreat into your sanctuary.

However, that is not the way that Christ chose to walk in this world. His life was one that was continually battered by words, actions, and even crucifixion. The reason was because He was doing it for you and I. Not so we could be safe, but so we could live boldly in face of all difficulties.
Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, it is hard to believe that we can be so cruel even in this modern world today. Surely we have learned something from our past? Show us continually the way that Christ walked so boldly and yet so lovingly for all to see. In His power and promise we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will more of the power of love.

2009-11-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

Raise Your Hand

There is a rule among English Choirboys of the early nineteenth century. If you make a mistake while practicing, you don't stop, you don't speak, you don't launch into a long explanation, you simply raise your hand. It's a way of saying, "Yes, I know I made a mistake. Don't worry. I'll correct it next time around." Then you continue.

In life today, we spend a lot of time trying to explain why we failed at something. We try to justify it to our friends, our family, and even to God. Maybe it would be a good idea just to raise our hand and acknowledge that we stumbled. Then when we continue down the road, we look with wiser eyes and a more discerning heart. I think that would change our world a lot.

Be aware that the secret is that we do not make the same mistake again, but we learn how to live in the light of God's way.

Mid-week Prayer

Father, forgive us for the times when we came before you with long explanations of our life when all You desire for us to do is learn Your graciousness. Empower our lives to know we will stumble, but also that we will be blessed with Your never ending love and forgiveness. In the blessed name of Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and maybe you can find a different look at life.

2009-10-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, the Mid-week Epistle has been missing for several weeks. We went on a vacation to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and took time to do some carving, look at trees, and treading water (like everyone else). While on the trip, I did not take the time or have many places to stop and find a computer, so I will try to catch up in the future. I pray that these continue to bless and uplift your hearts.
Jim

Keeping It Safe

A new mailman was delivering mail on his route for the first time. He noticed that many of the mailboxes were knocked down or damaged, apparently as a result of careless driving or vandalism. Then he came upon an old mailbox in mint condition. He couldn't figure out why until he dropped off the mail and pulled away from the curb. In his rear view mirror, he saw an elderly woman walk to the mailbox, pull it out of the ground, heave it onto her shoulder and walk merrily up her driveway.

That is one way to keep from being undamaged in the world. Only make yourself available if the times when you know it is safe and you can quickly retreat into your sanctuary.

However, that is not the way that Christ chose to walk in this world. His life was one that was continually battered by words, actions, and even crucifixion. The reason was because He was doing it for you and I. Not so we could be safe, but so we could live boldly in face of all difficulties.

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, it is hard to believe that we can be so cruel even in this modern world today.

Surely we have learned something from our past? Show us continually the way that Christ walked so boldly and yet so lovingly for all to see. In His power and promise we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will more of the power of love.

2009-10-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

A Different Look at Life

I once read a story about a young man who was born with spasms. At times they were uncontrollable and because of the cruel way people can be, he began to live a very sheltered life. One day, he met another young man who said: "You must be the favorite pupil of the Lord Jesus Christ."
The young man flew into a rage. "How can you call me a favorite? Look at me! Look at how He made me."
His young friend replied: "No, it's just like in school. There the teacher always gives the hardest problem to her favorite pupil because she knows he will have the right answer and solve the problem. And you have the hardest problem."
Can you look at your life in that way? That is a great challenge to see something in ourselves that only God can see because He can see the soul inside and the world looks only at the outside. Today, why not look at your life with the eyes of God?

Mid-week Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for seeing something inside us that can so easily remain hidden. Today, open our lives to the fullness of Your glorious love. In the name of the blessed Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Did you ever wonder what a difference a belief in God can make in your life? Join me and we will share some powerful words on the subject.

2009-09-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Oh, To Be Found

A little boy was crying bitterly at the far end of a shopping mall. His sobs began to draw a small crowd. An elderly woman stepped forward and asked, "Are you lost, little boy?"
The little fellow looked all around at the crowd that had gathered, stopped his sobbing and said, "Yes, Ma'am, I'm lost." Then, raising his voice, he said, "Will somebody please take me to the men's store at the south end of the mall where my wonderful father has just got in his latest stock of spring overcoats, suits, neckties, shirts, hats and raincoats which he will sell cheaper than anyone else in the mall."
What an ambassador that boy was for his father. I know a better one, and he doesn't have to cry to get your attention, nor does he shout about what a great bargain knowing his father would be. His name is Jesus and He tells of love that is so strong that it can overcome evil, even death. Can you hear Him?

Mid-week Prayer

Holy God, bring the joy of Your Son into our hearts and labors this day. We are preparing for a long week-end of celebration. Don't let us forget the true voice that speaks to us in a "still, small way." Please Father, speak! We are listening. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week in the Epistle, I hope I can help you see life in a different way.

2009-09-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

I Forgot!

Have you ever forgotten something? You try and try but you cannot remember, and you begin to feel great levels of frustration. Here is some good news.
I once found a writing that tells of the advantages of a bad memory. The author is Montaigne and he writes of four advantages:
1. One cannot be a good liar.

2. One cannot tell long stories.
3. One forgets offenses.
4. One enjoys places and books a second time around.

There are some advantages to being told that story, but Jesus simply told us to love and forgive one another. Isn't that the same thing except in a positive way?

Mid-week Prayer

O God, come today and take the words of our life and make them a memory that will never be forgotten. Let our voices tell the good news of the one who came so we will never forget Your love. In Christ's Holy Name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and see if you are willing to raise your hand in this walk of life.

2009-09-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Can You Sleep At Night?

A farmer needed a hired man. After trying several, all of whom failed to meet his standards, a quiet man walked up to the farmer and asked for the job. "What qualifies you for this job?
The man answered, "I can sleep at night." That wasn't the exact answer the man was looking for, but he was getting desperate so he hired the man.
Later on, there was a terrible thunderstorm. The farmer awoke, ran to the hired man's room and tried to arouse him. He could not.
Muttering to himself, the farmer went outside into the night and the driving rain. He found the barn doors securely closed, the hay stack well covered and the tractor put away in the shed. There was nothing he could do but return to the house and go back to bed. Then he understood why his new hired man had said, "I can sleep at night."
Jesus told much the same parable with the ten maidens. Five were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom and five were foolish and tried to rush things through at the end. Which are you? One who is anxious about everything or one who sleeps well at night?

Mid-week Prayer
O God, we know that You keep watch over all things. We rest assured in the fact that You will guard and keep us from harm. But You also ask us to do our part by preparing and growing a life that is secure in Your way. Help us to find more of Your strength daily as we prepare for Christ's Holy coming. In His name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Finding a way to be prepared is important. May this week be filled with pathways that lead you deeper into God's love.

2009-09-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Living in the Sun (Son) Shine!

It is summer time and people can hardly wait for the week-end. In fact this is the day of the week that is called "hump day" because after it is over, it is downhill to the end of the week.
Many times life will give us "hump days" as well. These days can be filled with times when it seems as though we have encountered such great difficulties that we can never climb the mountain of despair that we begin to feel in our lives.

When the sun begins to rise of a morning, it begins to shed it's light in a hazy way over everything. Then when it comes to the top of the mountain, it dazzles everything it sees. It is as though it too has a "hump day" of it's own.

Maybe that is what is happening to your life. You are trying to climb the mountains and you know there is something great on the other side. The harder you struggle you find that God is coming over the other side and offering you such a bright look at life. The two of you were working together to make a sun (son) rise that is truly amazing.

Mid-week Prayer
Holy God, come into our world this day. Shine so brightly that we feel not only the warmth of your light, but we become the light for others. Let us shine in the fullness of your love forever. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Every time we share God’s Word, we are offered a new insight into our lives. Next week, we will find a way to see more clearly what is needed in our world today.

2009-08-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

A Gift of Love

A lady came up to me one day and without a word handed me a small card and then turned and walked away. Now that may not sound like much, but on the card was the essence of the gift. It said:

"I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard –
I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn't mind)
I asked Him to send treasure of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small –
But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all!

That was her gift to me, and that is my gift to you! In the glory of God I pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Summer is here and the temperatures are warm with a blazing sun. Next week we will share the sun (Son) together.

2009-08-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

What do You Really Need in Your Life?

To the amazement of everyone, many offices that had four or five cabinets trimmed them down to one or two. In fact, there was a large Company auction and they sold off several dozens of unneeded file cabinets.

What can you remove from the cabinets of your life? Is there some anger or garbage that you have collected for a long time and it is growing and festering and taking a large part of your love for life away from you? It is easy to want to file more and more hurt away instead of removing it and making room for the true love of God to come and abide.

Mid-Week Prayer
Loving Father, come into our hearts and spirits this day and let us have a large cleaning out of our thoughts and emotions. Let us lay aside the things that would be stumbling blocks for us and lift us the true way of life that comes from knowing and loving You. We ask the power of the Holy Spirit to come and direct us both in the cleaning and the living forever. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. One of the best things in life is a special gift. Join me next week and I promise you will receive a free gift.

2009-08-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

Cramming for the Test!

In their final exam for a college class in logic, the professor informed the students they could bring as much information to the exam as they could fit on a piece of notebook paper. It was amazing how many facts students could cram on a piece of 8-1/2 X 11 notebook paper.

One student walked into class, put a piece of notebook paper on the floor, and had an advanced logic student stand on the paper. The advanced logic student told him everything he needed to know. He was the only student to receive an "A".

Isn't it wonderful when we have the final exams in our life, we have the source of all knowledge right with us. We can always come to the Christ and ask questions about temptations, witnessing, and truth. You will always have right answer.

Mid-Week Prayer
Father, come this day and open our spirits to the love of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us find in His love all the truth we will ever need to live a life to the fullest and to Your glory. In His blessed name we pray and serve. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. What a joy to be with you today. Next week we will see if we know what we really need in life.

2009-08-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Wrap Up the Truth!

Coming home from work, a woman stopped at the corner deli to buy a chicken for supper. The butcher reached into a barrel, grabbed the last chicken he had, flung it on the scales behind the counter, and told the woman its weight.

She thought for a moment. "I really need a bit more chicken than that." she said. Do you have any larger ones?"

Without a word, the butcher put the chicken back into the barrel, groped around as though finding another, pulled the same chicken out, and placed it on the scales. "This chicken weighs one pound more," he announced.

The woman pondered her options and then said, "Okay. I'll take them both."

When you invite deception into your lives, God has a way of bring it into His light in an amazing way. The best way to not be outdone by God is to be God's child from the beginning.

Mid-Week Prayer

Loving Father, come into our hearts and find what we have hidden. Give us the courage to offer it up to You for forgiveness and healing and then let us go forth a new creation, filled with truth and joy for all to hear. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle and see if you can remember the days that you crammed for a test in school.

2009-07-28T19:39:00.001-07:00

The Broken Things of Life

There is a beautiful story of a child who was late coming home one day. She was met at the door by her mother who was frantic from worry. "Where have you been?" shouted the mother almost in tears. "Suzie was crying because her doll was broken, so I stopped to help her," was the little girl's reply.
The mother was beginning to calm down some, and she asked, "Did you help her fix her doll?"
"Oh, no, mother. I helped her cry."
Vance Havner writes: "God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever."
What is broken about your life? It may be something that can be truly repaired and made whole if only you will let God use His power and mend it with the Holy Spirit of His eternal love.

Mid-Week Prayer
Let us pray: Eternal and gracious God. We come to you this day with the weakness of our live showing forth from our shattered shells.
Will you please help us realize that there is power in the problems of our lives? We are not alone, but there is a promise to be made whole if we would only confess that we can no longer be the glue that binds our brokenness together.
Give us the strength to come to you in the glory of Your power as we are given a whole life, now and forever, in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will share another epistle in our walk together. Join me then.

2009-07-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

Always Be Ready!

As I was reading the Scriptures this morning, I came across a passage that caused me to pause. Peter writes: "But in your heart set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (I Peter 3:15)
For many people today, being in a constant state of living is difficult. You hear people who are in a "constant state of flux" or change, and you hear people who are stressed by continually being called by the cellular phone or pager that they carry. We have become a society that demands instant contact but are wearied by the continual demand of such a life style.
And here is God's Word telling us to "always be ready." But to be ready to share the Good News is not a burden, but a joy. Who brings the real release to others lives? Who gives us the truth when others color their words with careful shadows?
If it is hard for you to be continually ready to tell of God, then perhaps you need to pause and ask God to continually speak to your heart. Maybe when you hear His Word more often, then you know the words that you really want to speak to others.

Mid-Week Prayer
Loving Father, come into our hearts this day. Let us be ready, even now to tell another of Your Son. Many people today have heard words spoken that carry little truth. Let our words be pure for others to hear and change our hearts to be ready for You. In Jesus' blessed name. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week to talk of the broken things of life.

2009-07-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

BE CAREFUL OF THE ONE WHO KNOWS YOUR NAME

A middle-aged woman went to an apartment building and took the elevator to the twelfth floor. When she arrived at her destination, she rang the doorbell impatiently. The door opened slowly, almost mysteriously, and she was welcomed by the smell of incense and smoke. She entered and was greeted by a young woman in a long white robe who announced her presence by striking a huge gong. With this the young woman said, "Do you wish to see the WONDERFUL ONE - the All-knowing, All-powerful, Maharishi Narru?"

"Yeah," the woman said. "Tell Sheldon his mother is here."

Isn't it wonderful in this time of being thankful that when we try to tell everyone what our rich blessings have been, the Loving Father comes and simply wants to talk to us as He knows us...as His beloved child? That will quickly take away the flowery words and quickly thought up praises. This takes us directly to the heart of what it means to be alive in the love of God. For that we should be truly thankful.

Mid-Week Prayer
Holy Father, we come to You this day and ask that You call us by name. Do not let all the pretenses of our lives remove You from our presence, but by the power of Your Holy Spirit, make us alive for the world to see Your glory. In Your blessed name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week to hear about preparedness from the Apostle Peter.

2009-07-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Reason to Change Course

One night at sea, the ship's captain saw what looked like the lights of another ship heading toward him. He had his signalman blink to the other ship: "Change your course 10 degrees south." The reply came back: "Change your course 10 degrees north." The ship's captain answered: "I am a captain. Change your course south." To which the reply was: "Well, I am a seaman first class. Change your course north." This infuriated the captain, so he signaled back: "Blast it, I say change your course south. I'm on a battleship!" To which the reply came back: "And I say change your course north. I'm in a lighthouse."
Many times in our lives we try to do the same to God. We try to tell Him how we need to live our lives and we are continually receiving warnings from Him about avoiding sin. Much like the seaman on the shore who is on solid ground, Christ has died for our sins so we can stand on His Holy Word.

Mid-Week Prayer
Loving God, come into our hearts today and help us realize that we need to hear Your Words coming into our heart with great clarity. You do not tell us to change simply so we can be moved around the world, but You call us to a new life that is filled with new possibilities to warn others about the great dangers that are in the path of everyone today. Give us Lord, the ears to hear, and the eyes to see the fullness of Your grace this day. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will talk about a voice from the past who truly knows your name.

2009-06-30T17:48:00.001-07:00

THESE ARE CONSTANT

One day I was visiting with a lady that seemed to be deeply distressed. She was telling me all the things that were going wrong in her life and when she came to the end of her list, I asked her: "Is there one thing consistent in all these things?" Her reply was, "Yes, problems!" To her with the rising of the sun, she was certain the problems of the day would arise as well.

One of my favorite cartoons is Peanuts. One day Linus and Charlie Brown were walking along and chatting with one another. Linus says, "I don't like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can't be run away from!"

No problem will be defeated by desertion of the battle. For Christians, the opportunity to battle the trials of our daily routines can be the most glorious battle of all for we have Christ on our side.

Only by desertion can we be defeated. When Christ is present the victory is certain.

A wise man once said, "We can lose the victory by flight but not by death. Happy are you if you die in battle for after death you will be crowned. But woe to you if by forsaking the battle you forfeit at once both the victory and the crown." Maybe this is a day of battle for you. If that is true, invite Christ to join you and I promise you the victory.

Mid-Week Prayer

Loving Father, today we promise to meet the problems of our living with new zeal. You have promised us that nothing can defeat You, so we lay claim to that glorious Word. Remove from our hearts the anxiety and frustrations that we might feel and place there the warmth and assurance of Your holy love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Many times people tell me they do not listen to people. Join me next week to see the danger that could bring.

2009-06-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

TWO WORDS!

Recently, a dear friend sent an email telling the results of a biopsy on his wife. In the message there were two special words: "Completely contained". If ever you have been involved in this in your life, these words carry such a sigh of relief.

To me, the words began to take on a new meaning. Many people struggle with things in their lives that they feel they have no power over. They feel helpless and hopeless. However the truth of God is that there is nothing that is out of the power of God, everything is "completely contained" within the scope of His love. Nothing in the world is outside the power of God. What He invites us to do is to accept the power of our decision to bring Him into our lives and be changed.

When Jesus faced death upon the cross, the world was not out of control, the truth was made manifest by His power over death and in the payment in full for all the sins we have ever done.

Will you commit everything to God? Will you let your life be "Completely Contained" within Him?

Mid-Week Prayer
"Loving God, come into our hearts today and open us to the fullness of Your Holy grace. We ask these things in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for problem philosophy.

2009-06-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

WHAT A PARADOX!

Do you know what it means for something to be a "paradox"? Webster's dictionary has a wonderful definition that reads: "a statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd but that may actually be true in fact." Finally, a new definition of a Christian.

Phillip Brewer wrote these

PARADOXES OF A MAN OF GOD".

Strong enough to be weak;

Successful enough to fail;

Busy enough to take time;

Wise enough to say, 'I don't know';

Serious enough to laugh;

Rich enough to be poor;

Right enough to say, 'I'm wrong';

Compassionate enough to discipline;

Conservative enough to give freely;

Mature enough to be childlike;

Righteous enough to be a sinner;

Important enough to be last;

Courageous enough to fear God;

Planned enough to be spontaneous;

Controlled enough to be flexible;

Free enough to endure captivity;

Knowledgeable enough to ask questions;

Loving enough to be angry;

Great enough to be anonymous;

Responsible enough to play;

Assured enough to be rejected;

Stable enough to cry;

Victorious enough to lose;

Industrious enough to relax;

Leading enough to serve.

Now if that doesn't describe THE life of Christians who serve Jesus Christ, I don't know what would. Can you place your life or the life of your friends in that comparison today?

Christ tells us a wonderful paradox in Matthew: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will love it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:24)

And Paul in His letter to the church at Philippi said: "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."

Oh, those crazy Christians. How God must love them in this world.

Mid-Week Prayer

"Loving Father! In the glory of Your Holy Spirit let our lives become a paradox to this world. What the world would understand as love, let us show them the willingness of a sacrificial love. And what the world would know as truth, let us show it to be the darkness and evil that it is.

Come to our lives and bring the glory of your loving presence so that we might bring others to You. We pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen."

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2009-06-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Where Did You Come From?

There is a wonderful story about St. Peter as he was walking around heaven. You must first of all understand Peter’s place in God’s Kingdom. He is the gatekeeper and has been given very close charge of all who would enter heaven. Peter was glad that he could remember almost everyone who had passed by his challenge at the gate. He remembered the quiet ones, the noisy ones, and the ones who were amazed.

But this day, he met several strangers. People he did not know. As he challenged them, their reply was we came in last night by the back wall.

This puzzled Peter. God had not told him of anyone else having a gate keeper's role. So that night, he slipped into the garden and went to the back wall of heaven.

There he saw Jesus Christ as he was lifting up a corner of the fence and waving for some dirty, scraggly looking people to come into heaven. Peter yelled, "Jesus, what are you doing?"

"Oh, don't be angry Peter; these are just a few of my friends. You don't mind do you?"

The moral of the story is, don't forget who it is who offers entrance not only into heaven, but into other's lives as well. He will always be the one who will prepare others to hear the good news that only you can bring.

Mid-Week Prayer

Oh, loving God, open the gates of our hearts and minds to the understanding that all are called to enter heaven, and we are not given the power to deny even a little child. We are told to rejoice and not judge, guide and not hold back. Today give us Your children that we might invite them to the celebration of your love just as you have invited us. We pray this prayer in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I do not know what will await me when I come before the Lord in heaven, but I can find out what is waiting in the hearts and minds of the strangers in our midst. Will you do the same? Come and serve another in Christ name.

2009-06-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ever Wonder if You need to be a "Mean Parent?”

Has anyone ever told you that you are mean? Have you heard children say this to their parents when the child was denied what he was sure was the greatest opportunity of a life time? I want to share this letter that was sent to me by a minister friend years ago as we were talking about the way to strengthen families. It has a good message for both kids and parents. "I had the meanest parents in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs and toast. When other kids had Cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. "My parents insisted on knowing where I was all the time. I felt like I was on a chain gang. They had to know who my friends were and what I was doing. They insisted that if I would be gone for an hour, that I be gone for an hour or less. "I'm ashamed to admit it, but they actually had the nerve to break the child labor law. They made me work. I had to help them do chores in the house and outside in the yard. You know things like make my bed and rake the leaves - all sorts of odd things. I think they'd actually lay awake nights thinking of mean things to do to me. "And when I became a teenager, it got worse. They'd make me bring my friends and dates to the door so they could meet them. Humiliating! "My friends were lucky. They got to date at the mature age of 12 and 13, but my old-fashioned parents refused to let me date until I was 16. "my mom and dad were complete failures as parents. I was never arrested, never got into fights, never talked back to a teacher, never got kicked out of school. I got along with everybody. And who do I have to thank for this terrible way I turned out? My 'mean' parents. "They made me grow into a God fearing, educated, honest adult. "Thank you, Lord, for giving me the meanest parents on earth. They saved me much heartache and pain. They saved my life." I am not sure of the author of this letter, but I agree wholeheartedly with every word. Thank You God for my mean parents and maybe some day my children will say the same.

Mid Week Prayer
Father, You are as mean as those parents we heard about. You do not give us everything that we ask for in our prayers, and You are always challenging us to do more with our lives. You call us to love one another when we ourselves feel like we are the prime candidate for the Unlovable person of the Year. Give us the grace to be mean to every child that we meet. Let us show the love and concern that will encourage them to make something of their lives and not destroy themselves. And Father, if it is necessary, let them truly become a part of our lives and grant us the strength to endure the pain and struggles of every child as they search for You this day. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

2009-05-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Life and All It’s Beauty

I have talked to many people in my years of ministry about their understanding of prayer in their life of faith. Some of them seem to feel that this is the means that is used to inform God of their needs and dreams, and God is helpless without their input.

While there are others that realize that prayer is truly the strength of the faith. It is the way that we open ourselves to God and listen for His witness to us.

I found a beautiful poem once called "PRAYER." See if it describes your prayer life:

The Lord always listens to our prayers,

But He does not always answer, 'Yes!'

Sometimes He says, "Wait!"

Sometimes He say, "No!"

For He has something better for us.

God's delays are not denials,

He has heard your prayer;

He knows all about your trials,

He Knows your every care.

God's delays are not denials,

Help is on the way,

He is watching o'er life's trials,

Bringing forth that day.

God's delays are not denials,

You will find Him true,

Working through the darkest trials

Toward what is best for you.

When God does not immediately respond to the cries of His children, it is because He wants to accomplish some gracious purpose in their lives. If you are waiting for an answer of some heartfelt petition, don't become impatient. Commit the matter into the hands of your loving Heavenly Father and trust His wisdom.

Mid-Week Prayer

Loving Father, there are so many times in our lives that we pray the prayers of today. The ones that need the instant response, in other words, just pour some Spirit on our lives and make everything better.

Help us realize that there are many things in our lives that can be answered right away, but they may not be the answers that we want to hear. We seem to rush to You and are too impatient to hear, but give us the grace to do so in the Blessed name of the One who prayed for us all, Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. The next Epistle will be one that will touch us all in a different way. It is titled: "Mean Parents".

2009-05-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

My Daily Decision?

What are you going to do today? Is it early morning and you are just beginning? Are you getting ready to go to work or do some errands, and it seems like just another routine day?

Or is it the middle of the day? The morning has passed so fast, you cannot believe that the day is half-done. You have a lot of work to finish before you can go home, and you are rushing through lunch so fast you hardly know you are eating.

Perhaps you have finished the day and you are getting ready for bed, exhausted from your labors and you can hardly wait to find the security of a good night's sleep.

Regardless where you are in the day, it is important to know that God is a part of it. Listen to this poem called: "It's Up to You"

God gave you this day to do just what you would

You can throw it away -- or do some good.

You can make someone happy, or make someone sad.

What have you done with the day that you had?

God gave it to you to do just as you would.

You can do what is wicked, or do what is good.

You can hand out a smile, or just give 'em a frown.

You can lift someone up, or push someone down.

You can lighten some load, or some progress impede.

You can look for a rose, or just gather some weed.

What did you do with your beautiful day?

God gave it to you, did you throw it away?

If you have finished today and are preparing for tomorrow, why not let this be the beginning of a new day? If you are just starting, let this serve for some thoughtful moments during the day?

Regardless of where you are right now, what are you going to do today?

Mid-Week Prayer

Heavenly Father, what a shame to waste a day. If we were to do that, would we waste a week, or a month, or a year? Or what about a life-time, would it just pass us by as if we were not there?

There are so many joys and opportunities in each and every day Father that we can lose sight of them if we focus only on the things that go wrong or disturb the routine. Let us open our eyes and our Spirits to Your loving presence and then we will know that You are in each and every moment of now. We pray these things in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2009-05-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

Loneliness

One of the major factors of suicide among people today is loneliness. It can break the heart, shatter the nerves, and affirm the fact that no one cares if a person wants that affirmation bad enough.

Many people would simply say, "Get up and meet people. This is a big town; I don't understand how you could say you are lonely. Why you have me, don't you?"

But what about the people who are left alone when a loved one dies, or a dear friend of a life-time moves away? Or what about a parent who has lost a child, and can look around a room and see memory after memory of something they feel they can never have again?

Well, let me give you some hope today. It is a beautiful prayer that was written for people who live alone by Gaynell Pierce.

Dear Lord, I invite You
to live with me here.

Please stay with me always

through each passing year.

I need the protection

only you can provide --

Your guidance to know

Your truth from our lies.

May all who would visit

meet You in this place,

And through my words and conduct

feel Your love and grace.

As long as you're here, Lord,

I'm never alone!

Because of Your love, Lord,

this house is a home.

When I read this beautiful prayer, it does not stop the loneliness, but it gives life the meaning necessary to face another day.

Mid-Week Prayer

O God, we are never alone in Your presence. Christ proved that in the Garden of Gethsemane when He asked the disciples to wait for Him as He went to pray. They were tired and went to sleep and Jesus was by Himself.

But that is not really true. It is when we learn the prayer in the Garden that we realize that Jesus was with His Heavenly Father, and in the company of this loving grace, He was never without counsel and comfort.

God, let us take our loneliness this day and open it to the light of Your presence so we might find strength and love forever. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next Epistle we will talk about decisions about the day.

2009-05-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Of All Things, A Door!

If I were to ask you to list some of the most basic and important features of your home what would you put down. The walls - because they keep the elements out; or the roof - because it protects us from the rain and the sun; or how about the windows - because they allow the sunlight to come in and they let us see out. But what would be another one?

What about the door? The door is important because it assures us privacy in our lives. It allows us protection and security, and it keeps the undesirables out, and gives us the right to grant entrance into our lives.

Jesus knew how important the door was. It was one of my favorite images that He used in teaching the disciples: "...he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep."

     "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them.  I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
      Jesus is truly the door of our lives.  He is the door of our Spirit and our faith, and He is the entrance to peace and justice.

Mid-Week Prayer

Here is a beautiful prayer that is over the door of a chapel in Shrewsbury England:

"Oh God, make the Door of this House wide enough to receive all those who need human love and a Heavenly Father's care; and narrow enough to shut our all envy, pride and hatred; and smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children and straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power.
Make it, our Father, the gateway of thine eternal and everlasting Kingdom for the sake of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. When you look at a door today, remember it is also the portal of Jesus Christ and you are one of His Shepherds. The book of Revelation says: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

In the next Epistle maybe we will find a cure for loneliness.