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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. One of the best things in life is a special gift. Join me next week and I promise you will receive a free gift.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

 

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.

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.