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.