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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.