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| 2025 Light In The Darkness 4 26 25 2024 Learning From The Manatees 2 23 24 Promises Even In Chaos 12 13 24 |
2023 Giving Instead Of Giving Up 3 2 23 No Room 12 19 23 2022 Where Is Baby Jesus? 12 22 22 |
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Saturday, April 26, 2025 - Eastertide |
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Scripture: Matthew 5:14 (NIV) – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Message: Total darkness shrouded the world beyond my patio. A solitary lamp illuminated pages so I could read my Bible and devotionals. When I glanced toward the lake, a sliver of moon hung behind the trees. Its light pierced the darkness. My eyes focused on the appearance of the bright crescent. The unusual occurrence drew me away from reading my Bible for a few minutes to study the sky. The moon played hide and seek behind the trees and was quickly almost out of sight behind the limbs. Then a spotlight from the rising sun brightened the heavenly body. Gradually, a rosy hue formed a background behind the forest as the sun rose higher. Night retired and day began. The source of the moon’s radiance is not from within, as it only reflects the light from the sun. During a lunar eclipse, the moon becomes dark without the ability to reflect the solar rays. Like the moon, when we are on our own we only glow dimly in the shadowy world. However, when we follow Jesus and His teachings, He changes our lives. We can then reflect His light to the dark world with our love, kindness and compassion. In our homes, schools, workplaces and to the ends of the earth, people are searching for hope, love and a purpose for their lives. As Christians, we are called to proclaim Jesus as the source of love, faith, peace, and contentment. Prayer: Loving Father, as we ponder the life of Jesus during Lent and Eastertide, help us be more like Him. Guide us each day so that we shine His light for those who are in darkness. Amen.
Rebecca
Carpenter |
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Friday, February 23, 2024 |
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Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Message: A light fog blurred trees along the bank and blocked the view of the river. As the sun warmed the air, mist disappeared and revealed a bright, blue sky above the forest. Snakebirds (aka Anhinga) perched in bare trees with their drying wings outstretched. Alligator, garfish and catfish swam back and forth. Large, gray manatees hovered in the crystal-clear water. Even though seven hundred thirty-six of them had taken refuge in the warmer waters of the spring that morning, none seemed disturbed by the crowds of manatees around them, nor groups of people on the boardwalk. They floated soundlessly and hung peacefully in the stream. Occasionally, a snout broke the surface of the water to take in a breath of air. Only then was there any sound from the massive “sea cows”. White scars disfigured the backs and tails of several of the gentle creatures. A few had notches out of their tails. Others had damage to their flippers. But none appeared distressed by the wounds from boat propellers. There are lessons we can learn from the manatees. Find a place of peacefulness and refuge from the chaos of the world. Ignore outside influences and hurts from the past. Abandon constant thoughts of our needs and wants. Take time to relax and embrace the surroundings. During the Lenten season, spend time contemplating the life of Jesus and His teachings. Read and study the Bible to know and understand what God has instructed us to do. Memorize Scripture. Follow the examples of Jesus. Share the Gospel. We have been given a gift of eternal life if we believe in Jesus. Live a life that shows Jesus to the world. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus into the world to rescue us. Help us shine His light into our dark world. Amen.
Rebecca
Carpenter |
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Friday, December 13, 2024 |
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Scripture: Psalm 103:2-8 (ESV) – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Message: As the young couple approached Bethlehem, throngs of people crowded the roads and spilled into the village. Confusion reigned. Exhausted travelers searched for inns where they could rest and be nourished. The decree from Caesar Augustus required citizens to be registered in their hometowns. That order caused chaos, uncertainty and anxiety across Israel as citizens journeyed to their birthplaces. Since Joseph was of the lineage of David, the pair had to make the long journey from Nazareth in the north to the south of Israel. Because Mary was close to giving birth, their situation was even more difficult as they trudged over dusty hills on dirt roads. At their destination, they hoped for a quiet, pleasant spot to spend the night. Joseph searched for a comfortable inn, but was turned down over and over. Finally, a caring innkeeper offered his stable. With no other options, they accepted the unpleasant cave filled with smelly animals. Despite overwhelming disorder, apprehension and turmoil around them, the couple remembered the angels’ visits with proclamations about Jesus’ birth. Even if they imagined a birthing place fit for a king, Mary and Joseph accepted their undesirable situation and settled down for the night. Their anticipation grew as they waited for the child God had promised. Although they endured difficult circumstances, they remained faithful because they remembered God’s pledges. We also live in a chaotic world filled with uncertainties. However instead, of focusing on the constant barrage of catastrophes, accidents and afflictions, we can also remember the promises of God. Read His Word and anticipate His enduring love, mercy and forgiveness in our lives. God keeps His promises. Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind us of Your promises, even in trials. Help us be more like Jesus as we love, forgive, and show mercy to those around us. Amen.
Rebecca
Carpenter |
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Thursday, March 2, 2023 |
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Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Message: Traditionally, Lent is a forty day period of sacrifice and preparation for Easter to remember Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for mankind. The observance is practiced differently in various churches, yet precedes a life-changing celebration. Jesus and His disciples faced hardships as they traveled the countryside and met unfriendly people. Ordinary citizens didn't believe the teachings. Religious leaders opposed Him and plotted to kill our Savior. His own disciples didn't understand the teachings and why He met with the outcasts of society. Despite opposition, Jesus tirelessly continued His mission. He healed the sick and mingled with the downtrodden. Throughout His life on earth, He sacrificed time, rest, comfort, and ultimately His life to complete His purpose. Instead of giving up chocolate, coffee, media time, or another favorite item or activity for Lent, what if we sacrifice and prepare for Easter in another way? Spend more time reading the Bible and praying each day. Serve at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen. Volunteer at a local charity. Visit someone in a nursing home, or someone who is lonely or bereaved. Talk to those who serve the community but are taken for granted. Greet the downtrodden walking along the street. Take an interest in people who may be disagreeable and hard to like. The sacrifices take time from activities and foods we enjoy as we give through serving in possibly uncomfortable situations. By showing love and compassion, we look toward the joy of Easter and become more like Jesus. Prayer: Loving Father, help us love and serve others, instead of being self-centered, so we become more like Jesus. Amen.
Rebecca Carpenter |
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Tuesday, December 19, 2023 |
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Scripture: Matthew 1:23 (NIV) – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” Message: Mile after mile on rocky roads of Israel, a pregnant girl and her betrothed husband traveled from Nazareth in the north to Bethlehem in the south. The long, treacherous journey was hard for everyone. Finally, lights of Bethlehem beckoned the exhausted couple. “I will find a warm room for you to rest,” Joseph said. Her aching body longed for a warm, soft bed. Her stomach growled. She waited expectantly. “No room,” he said. Even though throngs of people crowded the streets, Joseph was confident he would find a place. At the second stop, there was no space. Mary nodded at the news as tears formed. The third inn had no vacancy. Mary desperately needed to rest. Pain contorted her young face. Joseph agonized over the situation. Joseph trudged into another crowded inn. “Sorry, no room,” the innkeeper said. When he saw Joseph’s dejected face, he continued, “There is a small cave in back where animals stay. It would be a spot to lie down out of the cold.” Joseph attempted a smile when he returned to Mary: “There is no room at the inn but the innkeeper is allowing us to stay in a cave with his animals.” With no other choice, Mary agreed. Joseph helped her get off the donkey and guided her into the dim, smelly stable. Cattle mooed. Sheep rustled. The doting husband threw a cloak on the floor and helped Mary settle down. Through her pain, she smiled, “Thank you, Joseph.” Because Mary carried the Son of God, the couple probably thought God would provide a safe, warm room. But they soon discovered one obstacle after another. Lonely, tired, rejected again and again. They wondered at the circumstances and waited. Like Mary and Joseph that long ago night, we wait for Jesus in difficult situations. There may be heartache, loneliness, grief, anxiety, illness, betrayal… We often want to take control and make things happen immediately. We feel lost and dejected and wonder why God didn’t provide quickly. But at just the right time, Jesus shows up to bring peace and joy. Prayer: Caring Father, thank You for providing for us, even in hard times and when we are tired of waiting. Amen. Rebecca
Carpenter |
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Thursday, December 22, 2022 |
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Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23 (KJV) – “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Message: “Grandma, I can’t find baby Jesus,” Emily said. When my three granddaughters came to help me decorate for Christmas, Ashlyn worked on the tree. Molly decorated outside and Emily displayed nativity sets. Eight shelves in my entertainment center held my large collection of nativity sets and angels from here and around the world. It is a perfect place to showcase the scenes where I can gaze at them every day during the Christmas season. Most nativities were set up when I heard the disturbing announcement that baby Jesus was lost. I picked up all of the papers that I had so carefully wrapped around every piece of the white stone figures. No baby Jesus. We knew we couldn’t display the nativity without Jesus, but were stymied. Then I glanced at the shelf: “There is baby Jesus.” Emily couldn’t believe it. She had placed one of the sheep and the baby on the shelf. "I thought that was a sheep," she said. We laughed at the confusion. That set always gave me trouble too because the stone figures from Africa were not distinct in who they represented. I couldn’t figure out which were shepherds, wise men or Joseph but I had never lost Jesus. When life doesn’t go the way we think it should, we often think Jesus is missing too. We assume He doesn’t care and has deserted us. But when we stop whining and complaining, we can see Him working in His creation, His Word, friends, family, and even in difficult situations. During Advent, we look forward to His coming just as Mary and Joseph did so long ago. My array of nativities reminds me to constantly look for Jesus. He hasn’t gotten lost but often I do. Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding us that Jesus isn’t lost. He continues to work in our lives but we need to be open to seeing Him. Amen.
Rebecca
Carpenter |
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