Monthly Archives: March 2012

Devotional

That’s Just Foolishness!

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A Community of Love  1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Prayer for the Day:
O God, the source of life. You care for us from birth and bless our lives. We spend our energy seeking to become important and powerful in the eyes of the world. Mysterious and compelling God, whose ways spun our values upside-down, you change seeming foolishness and weakness into wisdom and strength. O God, our life is appraised by strength, power and possessions, but as followers of Jesus, life is measured by what we share—your seeds of truth, compassion and resources that make possible works of love. Amen.

Question for reflection:
1 Corinthians 1:18 can be a challenge to how we think.  What sources of information did you rely on recently resulting in a personal or vocational decision? What information or observations shaped your assumptions and conclusions shaping your decision?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


Devotional

It’s Good To Be Here

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A Community of Love  Mark 9: 2-8

Prayer for the Day:
We think we cannot handle troubles, Lord, because we tend to see them in the wrong light. It’s totally different when we filter things through your perspective. Guide us with your counsel, keep our hearts sensitive to your voice, and grant us refuge, for it is good to be near you (Psalm 73:26-28). Lord, when we seek you, please help us find you.  Amen.

Question for reflection:
In what creative ways can you discover God’s perspective?

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


Devotional

Back to Egypt?

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A Community of Love    Acts 7:30-40

Prayer for the Day:
The wilderness is a great place to be enrolled in the school of trust.  Many times though, Lord, I feel I need to be in control – and be in charge of my security.  Please help me to trust Your path and not lean on my own understanding. You made me, and will be at the helm to carry, sustain and rescue me (Is. 46:4). When the floor of my life shudders below, remind me of your good care.

Question for reflection:
Regarding yourself, what do you worry about most?  What part of your life could benefit from a Declaration of Dependence?

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


Devotional

Chosen and Precious

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A Community of Love   1Peter 2: 4-10

Prayer for the Day:
Thank you, Lord, that my heart and my feelings matter to you.  They always have . . . but now it’s beginning to sink in. It’s one thing to believe it in your head – quite another to discover this is true.  Thank you that I can invite you into the midst of any upsetting situation and you quiet me with your presence and affirm our relationship together.  Remind me that I am loved and accepted even when I’m upset. Your comfort allows me to see things from Your perspective and not the pain-clouded perceptions of my distress. I am overwhelmed by your goodness!

Question for reflection:
Have there been times when you felt that God disregarded your pain and your struggles? How did you feel?  What is God calling you to do in difficult situations?

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


Devotional

The Urgent Message of a Jeremiah

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A Community of Love  Jeremiah 30:12-22

Prayer for the Day:
Loving and Gracious Father – I so appreciate you!  Help me to recognize the unworthy state of my heart this day, despite my waywardness.  Thank you for saving me out of a distant place . . . .You are relentless to restore that heart into relationship with you.  What are you saying to me?  Give me ears to hear what you are revealing. Continue to grow my capacity for appreciation  . . .  and joy.

Question for reflection:
In what ways has God affirmed your relationship recently?

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


Devotional

By Faith

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A Community of Love     Hebrews 11: 1-19

Prayer for the Day:
Jesus, as your hands and feet in the world today, prick our consciousness more often. Nudge us with a firmer shove. Grant us wisdom to understand our callings, both large and small. Grant us courage to act by faith!

Question for reflection:
What is God calling you to do “by faith?”

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Remember To Wonder

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A Community of Love     Psalm 105: 1-11; 37-45

Prayer for the Day:
Creator of wonder and of marvel, we go forth seeking the great and small miracles in life through which you remind of us of your promise to us. Under clouds to protect us from burning sun and with fire to guide use by night, we celebrate your presence with us. Refresh our senses and help us recognize you in all the varied ways you assure us.

Question for reflection:
When was the last time you were acutely aware of God’s presence? What was going on? What did you see/hear/sense?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Who – And How – Do We Follow?

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A Community of Love     Mark 8:31 – 9:1

Prayer for the Day:
 Although it’s been years since we’ve played “Follow the Leader,” God, we are probably as bad as it now as we were then. We don’t understand the movement of the Holy Spirit. We too often miss the nuances of Jesus’ examples and what they mean to our lives. Our attention spans are growing shorter all the time. Forgive us these sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Help us move through this day focused on following you as intently as possible. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What part of yourself/your life do you need to focus less on in order for you to focus more on God?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


 

Devotional

Found By God

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A Community of Love    Genesis 16:6-15

Prayer for the Day:
Most gracious and Holy Spirit, who have I treated badly? Who has gone away from me or my community because of our harsh behavior? God I admit my guilt and ask your forgiveness. Even if you send an angel into the wilderness before me, guide me to the people with whom I need to reconcile in your name. Amen.

Question for reflection:
Think of a broken relationship. What is your fault? What is not your fault? What is God calling you to do in the midst of this brokenness?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Trust That Leads to Blessing

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A Community of Love       Romans 4:1-8

Prayer for the Day:
God I come to you today in need of your patience and grace. I want to trust you with every bit of my being, but I find it hard. Because there is so much in life I’m expected to manage and be responsible for, I often lose perspective and forget where my management and responsibility ends. I want to place more of my trust in you. I will try to place more of my trust in you. Sing in my soul today the hymn-writer’s refrain “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!” (“My hope is built on nothing less,” #343 Hymnal: A Worship Book)

Question for reflection:
 What in your life constitutes an area of “sinking sand?” How might you step from this sinking sand to the solid rock of Christ?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.