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2024 |
2018 We Are Family 3 10 18 The Next Day 3 31 18 Pray Continually 12 18 18 2017 God Gave The Song 4 10 17 They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love 4 14 17 Authentic Faith 12 22 17 2016 Showing Love 2 2 16 Are Ye Able 2 18 16 & 10 10 20 Why Prayer? 12 22 16 2015 Trust And Obey 3 17 15 Wondrous Love 4 2 15 & 10 6 20 2014 Loving Others 3 11 14 & 7 29 20 Made Alive 3 18 14 & 8 5 20 Love Came Down At Christmas 12 19 14 & 1 12 21 |
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Saturday, March 16, 2024 |
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Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 (TLB) – “He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord.” Message: Just a few years ago my life was in a good mode. I had a comfortable home, an ancient, but reliable car, and good neighbors. I was a part of Asbury's ministries and activities. I was grateful. I also assumed it would not change. Change it did. I became ill and was misdiagnosed with a serious illness and put on medication that made it worse. One weekend my son and daughter-in-law came from Saint Petersburg to see me. While here they realized I was not well. On their return home my son immediately made plans to move me to Saint Petersburg where he could oversee my care. I did not want to leave my life in Altamonte Springs. I did not want to leave Asbury United Methodist Church, nor my friends and activities. I knew it was the right thing to do, as I am not able to continue leading the life that I led. In all my travails, this hymn “In Times Like These”1 written by Fanny Crosby has been a great comfort to me, and I pray others may also find it comforting in times of uncertainty.
Jesus, I love
Thee, Thou art to me
Full of
compassion, loving and mild,
Jesus, I love
Thee, reign in my heart, Prayer: Father, God, I am grateful for Your patience with me. In all times You are my comfort. Amen. Verta Sorensen 1. “In Times Like These” by Fanny Crosby. 1872. Public Domain. The Cyber Hymnal #8149. |
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Tuesday, April 11, 2023 |
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Scripture: Acts 1:7-8 (NIV) - "So when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" Message: What If It Were Today?1
1.
Jesus is coming to earth again, What
if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign, What if it were today?
2.
Satan's dominion will then be o'er, O
that it were today!
Sorrow and sighing shall be no more, O that it were today!
3.
Faithful and true would He find us
here, If He should come today?
Chorus: Glory, Glory! Joy to my heart 'twill
bring; One vacation commercial on TV declares: "The only thing you don't have enough of is time. It is the only scarce commodity. Spend it wisely." Perhaps it is my age. Perhaps it is because I am sitting in front of the TV. It captures my attention. Am I using my time wisely? What if it were today? What if it is today? Prayer: Father God, Thank You for reminding me that every day is a gift to be used wisely. Thank You for reminders of the opportunities I have to bless another's life. Keep reminding me. I want to be ready when Jesus returns. Amen.
Verta Sorensen 1. “What If It Were today?” by Lelia N. Morris. 1912. Public Domain. Hymns for the Family of God. Paragon Associates Inc, Nashville. |
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Saturday, March 20, 2021 |
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Scriptures: 1 John 3:1 (NIV Study Bible) - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!" 1 John 3:18 (NIV Study Bible) - "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth." Message: The past year we have dealt with isolation, social distancing, masks, job loss, illness and more. Holiday celebrations suffered. Education suffered. Church services and meetings were virtual. We have been left without the physical and emotional support we have depended upon. Living alone I long for the physical presence of family and friends. Asbury members are often referred to as our church "family." rejoice that I am part of that family, the family of God. As part of the family of God we have been challenged to find new ways to express our love for one another and new ways to show we care. "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19 - NIV Study Bible). I have witnessed Your love. I have received Your love. Our love for one another, our willingness to care for one another, testifies to the power of love to help each of us overcome the difficulties we face alone. After all, we are family! We are the family of God! Family Activity: Your family story through a modern day stained glass piece. Pick up some magazines, with good photos inside, which can be cut up. Reflect on what story your family wants to tell together. Select and cut out photos and words from the magazines to tell the story of what the past year has looked like for your family. Cut, or glue these pieces to a sheet Of pasteboard or card-stock. These cut-out photos and words are representative of all the different pieces of glass that come together to make one larger story of your family, as a part of God's family. Prayer: Father God, we are grateful for your love and the joy it brings to us. Open our hurting hearts to reach out to others who also hurt. Continue to inspire us to lovingly care for those around us. Amen Verta Sorensen |
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Saturday, April 10, 2021 |
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Scripture: 1 John 4:16b-17, 19 (NIV Study Bible) - "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment, because in this world we are like him." "We love because he first loved us." Message: In the time and place where I grew up, I was sent to Sunday, school and in my teen years, stayed for church. I understood that being a Christian meant I would go to heaven when I die and I certainly wanted to go there. There were requirements. I understood that I needed to make a public confession of my faith in Christ. I needed to do good deeds and confess my sins. I joined a Sunday, School class, participated in Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) and later, in women's activities. I volunteered in areas of service I enjoyed. I read through the Bible several times. Surely I was earning my way to heaven? Over time, a lot of time, through listening to many sermons and attending many Wednesday, Night Live (WNL) classes, and observing more mature Christians I began to understand that I was missing something. Our culture teaches us to seek possessions and positions. It is more important to look good than to be good. Then Jeanne Farmer introduced me to the concept of growing up spiritually. I began to understand that doing good deeds was good, but it was all about me earning my reward. True compassion was missing. I loved some neighbors and sat in judgment of others. I was learning about Jesus. I was not following Jesus. I had to learn that being a Christian is not all about me, it is about following Jesus, the Christ. Looking at me, you will see my imperfections and failures to be compassionate. Please be patient with me and join me in my efforts to follow Jesus. Love like Jesus, and love all that He loves. Prayer: Father God. You love us. You desire that we love one another. The power of that love to heal us and bind us together is demonstrated by Jesus' life and death. We want to be instruments of Your love in the lives of those of around us. Guide us, encourage us, and use us. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Thursday, March 5, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-7 (NKJV) – “Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?” Message: I did not grow up in a church which emphasized Lent. My Catholic friends faithfully had ashes placed on their foreheads and announced what they had decided to give up. A few Protestants joined them. To give up something that was not a real sacrifice held no meaning for me Holy Week and Easter was what it was all about It was not until I came to Asbury and the McElhenys launched the Lenten Luncheon program that my thinking was challenged. I learned that Lent is not about giving up something I can do without. Lent is a time to take a hard look at myself. Where and when have I failed to love my neighbor? What self-centered part of me needs to change? To change, I need to rely on God’s promises. “The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah.58:11 (NKJV)). What does Lent mean to you? Giving up chocolate? Or does it mean a time of change and giving to others? Prayer: Father God, change is difficult. It requires desire, determination, and dependence upon Your strength. Grant courage to me and those who join with me seeking to grow more like Jesus, who gave His life that we may live. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Tuesday, April 14, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: John 3:16 (NIV) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Message: I dare say this verse is one of the most widely recognized verses of Scripture. Not long ago one could see this verse displayed wherever crowds gathered. Not so much today. Why? I believe it is because people no longer actually see it and the meaning in it. Our world today is so crowded with attention grabbers of all sorts that we can become numb, unseeing. Look at the verse again. Perhaps you know it so well you do not have to read it. You do not have to think about the words chosen to express this truth. You do not need to consider this truth. You know this. If that is the case, the verse has lost its substance, its power, its meaning. Several years ago I began a practice of choosing an attribute I felt I needed to improve. One year I chose “notice.” I soon realized how badly I need to improve and so it remains my choice for yet another year. Do you notice? Read the verse aloud. Read it slowly and thoughtfully. Does the amazing truth begin to touch your soul? Do you contemplate the completeness of God’s love? Are you in awe of the world God loves? Notice the difference noticing makes. Prayer: Father, remind us to notice the world You love so very much. Inspire us to share with others the wonders we see. Let us rejoice in the big difference our small loving, caring acts can make when we notice. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Romans 8:25-28, 31b (NIV) – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 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….If God is for us, who can be against us.” Message: Father Richard Rohr describes liminal space in his book, Everything Belongs (and elsewhere) as that time / space you are in when you have left where you were, but have not yet arrived in a new space. What was ‘normal’ is gone. This can be a happy time of anticipating something good. However, this pandemic has us struggling. We may have our fundamental assumptions questioned. How will we meet our needs? You may have moved from the work world to working at home; or be unemployed. People we care about are suffering. We have difficulty accomplishing what was once routine. We are not happy campers. We are outside our comfort zone! Today great numbers of people are living outside their comfort zone. There is fear, exploitation, denial, complaining and yes, compassion, hands and feet help and prayer. Rohr says this is a valuable opportunity to grow. We can choose to grow or to fret. God is present in the confusion of the unknown. God is for us. What is your choice? Rohr suggests we stop, get centered, search our hearts, examine our lives, and determine to trust Jesus to lead us. I am finding it difficult. Perhaps you are too. Let us encourage each other to be compassionate, provide help to others as we can, and continuing in our prayers. Prayer: Father God, bind our hearts together. Show us new ways to love our neighbor and trust in Your love for us. Amen Verta Sorensen |
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Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV) – “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. 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.” Message: When I was a young arrival at the church for Sunday, School, all ages gathered in the Fellowship Hall near the piano. The leader had preselected several hymns. After these were sung we were able to request a few more. This may have been designed to allow the teachers sufficient time to get organized in their class rooms. For me this was an opportunity to learn the gospel from the Cokesbury Hymnal. “A Mighty Fortress”, “He Lives”, “It is Well With My Soul”, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”, “In the Garden”, “My Hope Is Built”. I could go on and on. Words to live by. As a youth attending Annual Conference, I committed my life to Christ as several hundred people sang “Are Ye Able”. There are times when I have taken a deep breath and said, “Trust and Obey, there is no other way”. Wonderful memories. Surely music is one of God’s most wonderful gifts to us. I have no musical abilities, but music is available to me in books, recordings, on-line and live. There is a wide range of genres, performers, and instruments. We are living in difficult times. People we love are suffering and we are in self-isolation, unable to help in our usual ways. Hymns remind me, in their beautiful way, that God is present and God is love. Then I remember to give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer: Father God, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit dwelling in me, I give thanks for Your love. Encourage and guide me as I learn to better love and serve You and my neighbors. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples." Message: Music touches our soul. Hymns teach and encourage. The hymn "They will know we are Christians by our love" reminds us that a life of love is a deliberate choice. We are commanded to love and I am not talking about chocolate. I am talking about loving the "difficult" people - The ones with strange customs, opposing views, or bad life choices. The ones who have hurt us. In the past, if avoidance was not an option, my way was to pray that God would change them. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that God changed me. I developed compassion and acceptance. I can love because I know he loves me. Yes, even me. Prayer: Father, I am grateful for Your love that enables me to truly love. I thank You that as we are one in the Spirit, walk hand in hand and work side by side, others will know we are Christian by our love. Verta Sorensen |
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Thursday, June 11, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Colossians 3:15 (NIV) – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Message: Brother David Steindl-Rast teaches that gratefulness is the heart of prayer1. He says that our aliveness is measured by the degrees of our awareness. When we wake up to the surprise that we live in a world “given” to us, we become alive. Awareness of this surprise is the beginning of gratefulness. Our mind can recognize a gift as a gift, but only our heart can rise to gratefulness. We have been blessed. We are better at recognizing the surprises of a gift that exceeds our expectation, the beauty of the natural world, sun rises, star lit skies, flowers in bloom, and prayers answered yes. We may fail to be grateful for the shirt that is the wrong color, brand or size. We may need to learn to notice the small acts of kindness shown us. It could be as simple as a smile, or a door held open. We may have even said, “thanks”, but are we grateful? Our gratefulness is important to the giver of our gift. Gratefulness requires what Brother David calls “a surprise”. We must really notice when a gift has been given to us. Gratefulness is the heart of prayer and of our relationship with God, the Giver of all we possess. What counts is prayerfulness, not prayers. This time of struggling with not having what I want, when and where I want, is the perfect time for me to notice, to be surprised by the little blessings that are easy to overlook, and to give thanks. How about you? Prayer: Father God, I am grateful that You remind me that countless blessings continually come my way. Surprise me. Help me to notice Your surprises and give thanks. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Saturday, October 24, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Colossians 3:12 (NASB) – “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” Message: What do you see? I am painfully aware of my spiritual blindness. Too often I fail to notice and respond to someone in need. What do I need to do? As I see it (no pun intended), I must break free of my SELF. I am too busy, too insecure, too preoccupied and too heedless to open my eyes. Jesus saw needs. Jesus cared and acted. I clearly remember a time when I was in need and someone said to me, “I have two ears. No waiting, whenever you want to talk.” I also remember a time when someone came along beside me and said, “Let me.” As I remember, I am better able to see, care and respond. What do you see? What do you remember? Prayer: Father God, I want my blindness removed. Remind me to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility and patience. Amen.
Verta Sorensen |
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Sunday, December 27, 2020 |
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Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV Study Bible) – “The Lord is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Message: I have said it before. It bears repeating. One of God’s most precious gifts to humans is music. Plato said, “Music. . . gives wings to the mind, a soul to the universe, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, a life to everything.” All true, but it just scratches the surface. Humans throughout history made music with voices and invented instruments. From children learning their ABCs, birthday wishes expressed, currently popular tunes, to grand halls filled with the “Hallelujah Chorus,” music is a part of our lives. And my appreciation of it is growing. Living alone during this time of isolation, I feel the lack of community. I miss the human touch. I want a hug, but would settle for a firm handshake. Both are in short supply. As the Holidays approach, I realize family gatherings will also be in short supply. However, I can fill my home with hymns and carols and know I am part of a large community. What could better lift my spirits? I will start with the Gaither’s “God Gave the Song.”1 I will imagine God singing. What about you? “Hear this you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing; I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Judges 5:3 (NIV Study Bible – Song of Deborah) Prayer: Father God, remind me and others of Your gift of music. Bring to our hearts and minds the truth that You will quiet us with Your love and rejoice over us with singing. Amen. Verta Sorensen 1. “God Gave the Song.” by Gloria Gaither, Ronn Huff, Willam J. Gaither 1993 Copyright © Capitol CMG Publishing. Permission not required for use of Title. |
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Monday, March 25, 2019 |
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Scriptures: Ephesians 4:1-2, 24 (NIV) - "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love......put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 5:1-2a; 15-16a (NIV) – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us” …. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity,”. Message: As I read Ephesians, I think of my daily failures and become discouraged. Help came from an unusual place. Robbie Bach, President Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft Corporation, wrote of the leadership lessons he learned the hard way as he worked developing the X‑Box. This was a task far different from his work on Microsoft Word. As he struggled, he learned basic operating principles that this job required. He saw and wrote that three critical items, Purpose, Principles and Priorities should guide civic, corporate, group and personal tasks/projects. The Purpose of the task must be clear. The Principles that will guide the activity must be spelled out. The Priorities must be established and respected.1 My purpose is to live a life worthy of my calling. The principles that will guide me are to walk in unity, holiness and love. Walking wisely will be my priority. Yes, I still experience daily failures, but remembering my purpose is helping me get focused. Do you need help? Perhaps this plan could help you too. Prayer: Father God, remind us of our life's purpose. Show us how to live a life of love just as Christ loved us. Amen. Verta Sorensen 1. “X-Box Revisited Blog” by Robert (Robbie) Bach. 2015© Copyright. Approved by author. Used by permission. www.robbiebach.com. |
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Thursday, April 11, 2019 |
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Scripture: Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) - "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Message: It has seemed to me that the news in recent times has been filled with reports of natural disasters, crime and negative, even hateful acts. Photos testify to the heartbreaking losses. I find I avoid the news. I can't undo wrong or make things right. I feel frustrated, discouraged and helpless. I think there is no way I could make a difference. Yet, I do know that I am called to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. As God's chosen people, we can encourage one another to make a difference. It could be a note, a small check, a smile, a hug. Let's work together on being agents of peace. Prayer: Father God, thank You for ways You care for us. Remind us of the ways we can care for others. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Wednesday, December 18, 2019 |
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Scripture: 1 John 3:1a (NIV) - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" Message: I sit in my "sun room." I close my eyes. This is one of those difficult times. I feel alone and overwhelmed. I breathe deeply and declare aloud, "I am loved." I am loved by the Creator of all that is. I was uniquely designed. God has a purpose for my life. There are good days when I express love for others. There are other days when I fail, on days when I refuse. God does not save me from the consequences of my failures, but his love for me never fails. His love for you never fails. There are people in my life who love me. It is easy and rewarding to return their love. There are some folks who are difficult to love. There are some who don't know God loves them, these are the ones who most need to be loved! I am loved. You are loved. Let's work together loving the unloved, that we may all rejoice together. Prayer: Father, I am incredibly grateful for Your love for me. Remind me, show me how to express Your love to those around me, especially to those who don't know that You love them also. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Saturday, March 10, 2018 |
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Scripture: 1 John 4:19 - "We love because he first loved us. | Message: Recently, I had occasion to think back on a difficult time in my life. I remembered pain, confusion, indecision, discouragement, and more. I imagine everyone has spent some time in that place.
As
I thought, I also remembered that deep inside, I knew God knew, God
cared, and God would not leave me. In fact, I came to see Him in
the people around me. People who didn’t know what to
say,
yet We are living in a time when we think we don’t need anyone. But we’re wrong. We are family. Let’s start admitting we need each other, and the hurting world needs us. Let’s act like the family of God. Prayer: Father God. I confess I am not always a good member of your family. Remind me, remind all of us, that being there is not the same as being present. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Saturday, March 31, 2018 |
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Scripture: Galatians 6:9aet us not become weary in doing good. Message: As Christians, we moan and complain about our secular culture. Yet we observe Thanksgiving with food, football, and Black Friday, sales. We celebrated Christmas with blinking lights, carols, and Santa Claus. Now, here we are in Lent. We talk about what we have given up (that costs us little) and prepare to celebrate Easter with a joyful church service, hard-boiled eggs, and the bunny. The next day, will we again moan and complain about our secular culture? After all, what can one person do? A smile can change a day. A listening ear can soothe a hurting heart. A gesture of acceptance can soften a wall. Forgiveness can change a life. I know. I have been on both sides of those equations. You probably have as well. Jesus lived to show us how to love, and He died to free us from the sin that stifles our ability to love. Let's encourage one another to show the people of the world that Jesus loves them, and we do, too. Every day, let's offer someone a smile, an ear, a gesture of acceptance, and even forgiveness. Let's change the world - one person at a time. Prayer: Father, too often I go through the day deep in my thoughts and tasks. Remind me of the power of your love in a simple smile. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Tuesday, December 18, 2018 |
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Copyright Issue - Devotional cannot be viewed at this time Verta Sorensen |
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Monday, April 10, 2017 |
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Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) – “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Psalm 98:1a (NIV) – “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;” Message: Zephaniah 3:17 takes my breath away. Will the Lord my God take great delight in me? Rejoice over me with joyful songs? What an incredible promise! It encourages me. It humbles me. I can’t sing or play a musical instrument, but I firmly believe music is one of God’s most precious gifts. Music is not necessary for human survival, yet in a sense, it is. We see that throughout history man has made music. Instruments and styles have varied; chants, psalms, symphonies, hymns, folk music. Plato observed, “Music gives wings to the mind, a soul to the universe, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, a life to everything.” And, clearly, the references to music in Scripture prove its importance to God. Pieces of music take up residence in our souls, ministering to us in mysterious ways, connecting us with each other and with God. The Gaithers and Ronn Huff wrote “God Gave the Song” in 1969, which describes the source of music. You can find it on the internet by searching “God Gave the Song lyrics”. You can also listen to the song on the official Gaither Music TV YouTube video with Sandy Patti and Bill Gaither in the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W3j4XH67Uo Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of music. Our hearts sing Your praise. Teach us to sing new songs, for You have done marvelous things. Amen. Verta Sorensen 1. “God Gave the Song” written by Gloria Gaither, Ronn Huff, William Gaither. 1969© Copyright. Originally published by William J. Gaither, Inc. and Paragon Music Corporation. Copyright held by Capitol CMG Publishing, Universal Music Group, Santa Monica, California, USA. Permission not required for use of the Title, or for the link to the official video. 2. Editorial comment: due to copyright restrictions of Capitol CMG Publishing, we are not able to quote from the lyrics in this devotional. |
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Good Friday, April 14, 2017 |
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Copyright Issue - Devotional cannot be viewed at this time Verta Sorensen |
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Friday, December 22, 2017 |
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Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 (CEB) - "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I've commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age." Message: I am part of a class that undertook John Wesley’s challenge to a more authentic faith. For twenty-one days, we examined how the motives of our heart have large effects on our relationship with God, with self, and with others. Little details of daily life, such as, “Was my daily devotion meaningful or a habit?” “Did I complain or blame?” “How did I treat that difficult person?” “Did I share my faith?” “Is ‘good enough’, really good enough?” “Am I, and are you, committed to growing a more authentic faith?” “Am I indifferent to my witness?” Extract from “‘Indifference’ – A Poem for Good Friday”
When Jesus
came to Birmigham [our
town], Prayer: Father, I am grateful for all those whose witness continues to lead me to the throne of grace. Remind me that my witness matters. Amen. Verta Sorensen 1. “‘Indifference’ – A Poem for Good Friday” by Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy. Based on Matthew 25:35-46. Also know as “When Jesus Came to Golgotha. Published in “The Unutterable Beauty – The Collected Poetry of G. A. Studdert Kennedy” (Poems from the First World War). 1927. First published by Hodder and Stoughton Limited, London in March 1927. Public Domain. |
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Friday, December 2, 2016 |
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Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40 - “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Laws and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” Message: We teach our children all sorts of things: manners, respect, fairness, to clean their room, brush their teeth, do their homework. We teach them Bible stories, hymns and prayers. Jesus says the greatest thing is to love. Do we teach them to love? Do we know how to love? We talk about our love for chocolate, our favorite sport team, gardening, you fill in the blank. However, Jesus is talking about loving people, not things. Not only our neighbor, but people of different cultures, economic groups, special needs, even "enemies." Love has the power to change hearts, heal relationships, bring understanding. Jesus came to show us God's love for us. Let's practice loving. Let's encourage one another to love. Let's show our children what real love looks like. Prayer: Father God, I am so grateful for Your love for me. Teach me how to let Your love flow through me to the difficult-to-love people I encounter. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Thursday, February 18, 2016 & Saturday, October 10, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Matthew 20:22 (NIV) – “‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’” Message: As a teen I was afraid to commit my life to Jesus. I feared not being able to “drink the cup.” Several times I squirmed in my seat refusing to respond to the call. One year, a friend's family was going to go to Annual Conference. She asked me to go. Youth activities were planned. I agreed to go. The last night of Annual Conference I sat in the audience with my friend. There was an altar call. I was nervous. Music filled the auditorium as several hymns were sung. The hymn “Are Ye Able” began and all my resolve disappeared. I told my friend I was going to go forward. She begged me not to, but I knew I had to. The words of that hymn refrain which called me to go forward are: Lord, we are
able. Our spirits are Thine. Remold them, make us like thee,
UMC Hymnal 530 “Are Ye Able” As my faith matured, I realized that when God calls me to serve He also equips me. Prayer: Father, so fill us with Your Spirit that we respond to Your call to serve, knowing that with You we can do what we thought impossible. Amen.
Verta
Sorensen |
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Copyright Issue - Devotional cannot be viewed at this time Verta Sorensen |
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Tuesday, March 17, 2015 |
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Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Message: The Sunday, School hour in my home church began with all classes gathered in the fellowship hall to sing hymns. It was designed to benefit the teachers, but the benefit was mine! Those hymns are a part of my being. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His
Word, This is not to say that trusting and obeying came easy. I sat glued to my seat through several altar calls, wanting to commit my life to Christ but afraid of what that would require. Eventually the call was so strong I had to respond. It wasn't long before circumstances brought me to the place where my choice was to trust and obey or give in to total despair. On my knees I chose trust. From that moment on I have known that wherever I am and how ever I am, I am not alone. There is power and joy in that knowledge. Trust is built on the character of God and obedience depends on our knowledge of His will. ... what He says we will do, where He
sends we will go--- Prayer: Father God, I am grateful that as I trust You and lean not on my understanding, You are with me and will guide my path. Amen. Verta Sorensen |
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Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2015 & Tuesday, October 6, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: John 3:16 (NIV) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Message: Love came down at Christmas and love paid for our sin at Easter.
“. .
. What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss What wondrous love indeed! God is love and we are commanded to love one another as He loves us. Can the human mind even comprehend that love? As I study the attributes of love (1 Corinthians 13 – please read if you are not familiar with this Scripture), I could give myself a passing grade on a few attributes (I am not telling you which ones). Nevertheless, my human “love” is self-seeking. I fail not only in areas of my life, but also in the quality of my love. I get disappointed and discouraged. Yet the solution is clear. Yes, I need to practice the attributes of love, but the greater need is for me to open my heart to accept the wondrous love God has for me and to pass it on! Please be patient with me and with each other as we learn to comprehend God's wondrous love for every one of us and share it with others. Prayer: Lord God Almighty, forgive us as we let our humanness get in the way of spreading Your love. Show us how, when and where to be Your hands, feet and heart full of Your wondrous love for all whose lives we touch. Amen.
Verta
Sorensen 1. “What Wondrous Love Is This” American Folk Hymn, Anonymous, UMC Hymnal 292 |
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Tuesday, March 11, 2014 & Wednesday, July 29, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: John 13:34-35 (NIV) – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Message: Music touches our soul. Hymns teach and encourage. The hymn “They will know we are Christians by our love” reminds us that a life of love is a deliberate choice. We are commanded to love, and I am not talking about chocolate. I am talking about loving “difficult” people – the ones with strange customs, opposing views, or bad life choices, including the ones who have hurt us. In the past, if avoidance was not an option, my way was to pray that God would change them. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that God changed me! I developed compassion and acceptance. I can love because I know He loves me. Yes, even me. Prayer: Father, I am grateful for Your love that enables me to truly love. I thank You that as we are one in the Spirit, walk hand in hand and work side by side, and that others will know we are Christian by our love. Amen.
Verta Sorensen |
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Tuesday, March 18, 2014 & Wednesday, August 5, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) – “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Message: “Made alive . . . even when dead.” I know this. After all, I have read, studied and even taught the Bible. I know I was dead in my sin, was born again by the Spirit, and am a new creation. I know my life has an eternal purpose. I can find the verses to prove it. Nevertheless, reading Ephesians, the Spirit suddenly brought new meaning to a familiar passage. “Made alive . . . even when dead.” That says I was raised from the dead. Wow! What a powerful realization. But that raises the question, “How am I doing as a new creation?” I confess, not nearly as well as I could, or as I should, or as I desire. How are you doing with that? Remember you too, were raised from the dead. Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for Your love, mercy and grace that gently nudges us back onto Your path. Amen.
Verta
Sorensen
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Friday, December 19, 2014 & Tuesday, January 12, 2021 |
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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1, 13 (NIV) – “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Message: God is love. We love because He first loved us. His love dwells in us and He desires that we love one another. Yet, ask me what I love, and I'll likely say walks on the beach, pizza and dark chocolate. Is that God's love? I don't think so.
“Love
came down at Christmas,
United
Methodist Hymnal 242 God's gift of His love, Jesus, came down at Christmas. 1 Corinthians 13 is more than a beautiful, beloved passage, it is our manual, meant to instruct and inspire. This season will you join me studying love? Start by reading different translations. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your study. As we learn to truly love, we become more Christ-like, we fulfill the law and change the world. That's a lot better than pizza and chocolate. Prayer: Loving Father, God, help us to see through the empty glitter and stress of the season to the reason “Love Came Down at Christmas.” Amen.
Verta Sorensen |
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