I'm going to be away for a few days...

So I've attached the devotional readings up through February 29th. I've predated them so that you'll know which ones go where. Just go back to the last time you read it and then read up (but still left to right!).

“Nuff said!!”

February 29, 2008
Friday


We had been in Turkey for almost two weeks, traveling around the country side, when we spotted a Starbucks Coffee shop. It was the first one we had seen. Lisa was getting tired of Turkish coffee and I hadn’t had hot chocolate since leaving the states. “Stop” shouted Lisa. The driver pulled in to the rest area and while others went to get cold drinks in the 80 plus degree weather, Lisa and I headed over for our coffee and hot chocolate! It was crazy but it was something familiar, something comforting, something of home.
How many of us react that way when we’ve not been to church for few weeks or haven’t had a chance to read the Bible for a while? Lent is a time for us to get familiar with the scriptures, to find the comfort that they bring, to recognize that we do have a home within them.
How are our commitments during Lent going? Are we experiencing the joy that God intends for us when we spend time with the Lord? There is something truly sweet when we are able to sip, or gulp, of the goodness that flows so freely from God to each of us. How about if we “stop” what we are doing today, on the road of life, and get a good taste of what God is serving! It’s hot stuff for certain!!! Nuff said!!!

“Is this the same place?”

February 28, 2008
Thursday

Acts 14

As our journey through Turkey progressed, and we stopped at some of the places that are mentioned in today’s reading about Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas, we were amazed at the different landscapes we seeing. We traveled through deserts, mountains, lakes, along coastlines, past cities, villages, and empty spaces. Each place was unique, was different though all had common things that they shared. There was family, community, land, the air that they breathed, and the sun that shone down on them. I would imagine that they even had similar conversations around the supper table or at the local market, though the names would have reflected local folks for that region. As I think back, maybe that was part of the learning for us, that we needed to see other parts of the world so that we could see their uniqueness but also understand our commonalities.
How often do we think that everyone is like us? When we worship together and I mention “the body of Christ” does the image include people from Cappadocia, Lystra, Perge? Does it include folks from China, Africa, Mexico, or even Canada?
Traveling, reading, listening, and sharing are all ways in which we can come to understand not only the many different landscapes of the Kingdom of God but also the many ways in which we are united, though far apart.
Today’s challenge is to expand our understanding of God’s Kingdom and to see how we are all loved by God. For if we do, there is hope for peace on earth.

“Dinner and Dancing”

February 27, 2008
Wednesday

Luke 22:7-19

The second night that we were in Turkey, as we stayed in Cappadocia, we had the chance to participate in a Turkish meal. We were told that we would eat authentic Turkish food and after the meal we would watch as individuals performed dances specific to the many regions of Turkey. As we moved through the night the dances told stories of weddings and woe, of joy and sadness. Some of the dancers truly enjoyed living out their heritage.
When Jesus gathered with the disciples in the upper room, they did so to remember the Passover Feast, the time when the plague of the first born —the final plague on Egypt, did not take the first born in the homes of God’s people who had placed blood of sacrificed lambs on their door frames. On that night with the disciples, Jesus took bread and fruit of the vine and created a meal of remembrance—the one we know as Communion, and told them to do it in remembrance of him.
We have many opportunities to do things in remembrance of our Christian heritage. At the Belfast UMC, we can take Communion every Sunday. We also teach our young and young-at-heart the stories of the Bible that they might remember and give thanks. What other ways do we remember and celebrate our heritage, our history? Do we dance and rejoice like Deborah when God grants victory? Do we use water to remember our baptism or ashes to remember from where we have come? More importantly, do we enjoy doing such things? It’s who we are.
Anyone care to dance?

“Desert!”

February 26, 2008
Tuesday

Psalm 42

It was absolutely amazing to me As we drove from Adana to Konya, two beautiful places, we traveled through an extremely barren and desolate area. The ground was dusty, the grass was thin, and the trees were sparse. Yet people lived there. It was certainly not a place that I would want to live. And then I began to think about my spiritual journey. How many times had I taken up residency in a place that was desolate and barren with very little life or hope? How many times had I decided that I could live in that place though I knew that God was waiting beyond to quench my thirst with water that springs eternal within us?
As a pastor, I wish I could say that I always live in the lush paradise of my faith where fruit, water, and beautiful flowers grow, but that wouldn’t be the truth. Do you know what I am talking about?
There were times in my life when I distanced myself from God for a variety of reasons. It may have been wanting my way, that dealing with God might be too much work, that life just seemed hopeless...so why not live in my misery? But each time God would find me and bring me to the water where I would drink and be restored.
Where are you on your spiritual journey? Stopped in the desert? Need a ride? Our driver never stopped until we were on the other side of the desert. Might I suggest turning the keys of your life over to God who wants to be your pilot (not co-pilot!) and ask God to take you on to the a land of abundance and plenty. I will never forget that barren area and I pray the next time I am in the desert of my spiritual journey I’ll let God drive!

“Salty Salt”

February 25, 2008
Monday

Matthew 5:13-16

Our guide said we’d be going past a salt lake. I’d never seen one up close but assumed it was filled with saltwater. Wrong! As we began to go around the lake I wondered if I was seeing a mirage. It looked like water but at the same time it didn’t. I asked and was told that the salt lake was just that, salt! We asked if we could stop and though we could tell the guide was nervous about keeping the schedule, he gave us ten minutes. We parked at a little tourist-type area and then walked out onto the lake. It was amazing. We were walking on salt, as all of the water had evaporated. We took pictures standing “in” the lake and then headed back to the shore. As we did so I reached down and picked up a granule of salt. What would it taste like, if anything? One moment in my mouth and I knew, this was salty salt! It wasn’t finally granulated like we use at the table, but it was salty salt.
What amazed me was that despite the intensity of weather and the length of time it had been there, it still had the salty flavor. It still had value and use. Do we still have our flavor for life, family, living, God? When we are added into the mix does everything take on a God flavor or are things tasteless? God does not abandon us in such times but rather restores, redeems, and revives us so that we can again add God’s divine flavor to every part of our day and our life. Amen!

“Praise God”

February 24, 2008
Sunday

As on every Sunday, I invite you to attend worship and to share in the celebration of God’s grace and love given to you through God’s Son, Jesus the Christ. If your church is following the Revised Common Lectionary, the readings for this day are:
Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42

Interesting facts about Easter

Do you realize how early Easter is this year? As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

A couple of things you might be interested in. Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818.

So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

“To the Angel of the church in Smyrna”

February 23, 2008
Saturday

Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna is now known as Izmir. It is the third largest city in Turkey, located on the shore of the Aegean Sea, and it’s port is second only to Istanbul. We saw a hustling place. The water views were beautiful. Our only real stop was at the Church of Polycarp of which I’ll speak to later.
In the words of God for this community we hear a call to faith. Though they believe in God there will be struggle, there will be testing, there will be persecution. Yet God, through John, calls them to be faithful. Why? Because there is a greater glory, a greater reason for living, than that which we see around us. The crown of life is like a wreath awarded to the winner of a race and we remember the words from Hebrews 12 “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Whatever suffering or testing we are facing today is but for a short time. God says, “hold on”, “keep the faith” and we will receive eternal life as the final victory. AMEN!!!

"Genuine Fake Watches"

February 22, 2008
Friday

First John 2

In the midst of one of the shop areas at an attraction we saw this sign, “Genuine Fake Watches”!! They weren’t trying to fool anyone or be dishonest, they were telling it like it is...if you buy from us you’ll look great but it’ll be a fake!
It got me to thinking about how honest we are in our lives with others, and most importantly, with God. Sure, God knows and sees everything, but that doesn’t seem to stop us from trying to “fake” God out or hoping that God isn’t paying attention at certain times in our lives. As I further thought about the sign I realized how freeing it is. People know what they are getting at that shop!!
What would happen if we were as honest in our lives? What would happen if we were able to label the different areas of our life. “I’m not good at math”, “I don’t like boring sermons”, “I sneak pizza when no one is looking”, “I don’t really pray everyday”, “I don’t know the names of the books of the Bible”. Sure, society has taught us that to admit things can cause us to look weak, but I would offer that in reality, it will give us freedom because we can be who we are and that will be a great foundation from which to work, to strengthen our lives. What signs can we make to let people know who we really are and thereby enjoy the freedom God gives us in that truth?

“Spices of the Spirit”

February 21, 2008
Thursday

Galatians 5:16-25

There is a place in Istanbul called the Spice Market. Inside this area are many merchants who are selling a wide variety of spices. It was in the Spice Market that I purchased the frankincense and myrrh that we talked about on Epiphany Sunday, In many shops one can find white pepper, saffron, red pepper, curry, paprika, and so many more. Some shops sell perfumes and ointments and depending on which part of the market you are in, the smells can be quite different. Each of these spices, when added correctly, can really bring out the flavor of the meal. I don’t know how it all works but I certainly love tasting the great results!
Today’s reading reminds us of the spices that God adds to our lives when we live in the Spirit. I know...they are called the Fruit of the Spirit but I think of them as adding a great flavor to our lives. How much better is our life when we experience patience, kindness, joy, and peace? If we live in the way of the Spirit, if we allow the Spirit to live and work within us, just as the right spice brings out the full taste of the meal, so too do the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. They bring out the fullness of a life lived in faith. Why settle for the bland when we can spice up our lives with self-control, love, faithfulness, and gentleness? I agree they may not sound as exciting as crushed red pepper, but I will testify that they are all of that and more! Let us spice up our life by living in the Spirit and experiencing the fruit of such faith.

“Creating a Rug”

February 20, 2008
Wednesday

Genesis 1:1-2:2

I used to think a “Persian” rug was just a carpet from Turkey that cost lots of money. One day we journeyed to a co-op where women from all over Turkey made rugs to be sold. These women represented just a few of the many who chose to work at home or other facilities in order to make a living for their families. We found out that each rug was hand-woven. That means that it takes upwards of 9-10 months to make one rug and because of the strain on their eyes and body, working more than four hours a day is very difficult. Imagine, sitting down and working on something for that long. Imagine running one thread through many in order to create a very specific design. In a world that requires immediate satisfaction, it’s a difficult thing to do. Besides the detailed designs, these rugs are built to last. They laid out a number of completed rugs and invited us to take off our shoes and walk on them. They looked like they should be only on the wall, for people to admire. Yet these rugs are found on the floors of homes throughout Turkey. They are passed down through generations! Grandmother to grandson! Amazing!
God created a masterpiece in six days upon which we walk. It is built to last and it is our responsibility to make sure we treat it in such a way that we can pass it on. It’s not just to be admired, but also enjoyed. As we walk through the day, may we admire the detail and beauty of what God has created, and give thanks!

“Wall of Prayer”

February 19, 2008
Tuesday

Matthew 6:5-11

We visited the House of the Virgin Mary above on a mountain that overlooked the remains of Ephesus. It is purported to be the place where the beloved disciple John and Mary moved at a point after Jesus had been crucified. It is a place of pilgrimage for many of the Catholic faith. On this site is a wall of prayers. It’s a place where people write their prayers and then stick them to a covering over the face of the wall. A variety of sizes and types of paper are used, including an “Orbit Gum” box, to leave these petitions. They also are written in many different languages. Honoring the privacy of these written prayers, I did not look to see if they were to God, Jesus, or Mary. What amazed me though was the length and depth of this wall of prayer which had to measure 30 feet long and 5 feet high . When we share our joys and concerns in Sunday morning worship, we hear many voices lifting up names and events but there were thousands of prayers on this wall.
I recognize that prayer is a conversation with God but part of prayer is lifting up petitions to God—for others, for guidance, for strength, for hope, for healing, you know what I mean. As I looked at the wall I was reminded of how God hears each of our prayers and answers them as though we are the only ones who matter. It then got me to thinking of just how full or empty our individual prayer walls are. Do we only speak with the right words of whatever we can find? What do we place before God? Do we leave all of our requests there or just some? God wants to see them all!
Let us pray...

“Mold me, Make Me”

February 18, 2008
Monday

Jeremiah 18:1-10

One of the places we went during our Turkey tour was the Galip Pottery Shop. Mr. Galip is considered a treasure in Turkey and is known in Europe for his beautiful work. The visit included watching one of his potters take a glob of clay and turn it into a beautiful pot, including the top, all within 10-15 minutes. It was amazing to see how he took what looked like nothing and made it into something of great beauty.
As we continue our journey through Lent, let us remember how God took us, with all of our imperfections, with all of our feelings of low self-worth, and created us into something of beauty. We are children of God! Not perfect, but forgiven and reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
The man who created the pot while we were there obviously had done it many times before and yet he still took great joy in showing us what he could do. I also imagine that more than once something didn’t work out and he simply took the clay and re-formed it into a breathtaking creation.
God takes great joy in creating each of us. God also understands that sometimes we mess up what God has created and is therefore more than ready, if we will but ask, to remold us, to remake us, into a breathtaking creation. The pot the man made was usable, and so should we be, to help pour out God’s grace upon the world!

Rejoice!!!!!

February 17, 2008
Sunday

As on every Sunday, I invite you to attend worship and to share in the celebration of God’s grace and love given to you through God’s Son, Jesus the Christ. If your church is following the Revised Common Lectionary, the readings for this day are:
Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 32
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17

To the angel of the church in Sardis

February 16, 2008
Saturday

“Revelation 3:1-6”

It is always interesting to walk among stones and buildings from so long ago. That which was once alive is now long dead. Lisa and I stood before the remains of the large gymnasium, as well as the many shops along one of the streets. We saw far into the distance of where the city walls once climbed the hills. The city was dead, long buried.
In the letter to Sardis, though the people are alive and the shops are bustling, God says that they are dead. Imagine, breathing and moving about like every other person and yet being called dead! How weird is that?
But God is not talking about that which is seen. It’s not about the beating of the heart, but rather of the Spirit. As we consider our lives, are we living or dead? Is our relationship with God vibrant or on life support? God invites us to open the ears of our heart and listen to what the Spirit is saying before we miss the message. Do we want to live? I do. Shall we live together in Christ?

Tight spaces

Friday
February 15, 2008














The end of a 25 foot tunnel in the underground city of Ozkonak…

What a tight fit it was! As I moved through the tunnel, bent over, looking down, praying my head didn’t go bump in the night! More than once my shoulders hit the side of the tunnel. I won’t be afraid of an MRI again! This little jaunt reminded me of the words of Christ where he says, “It is easier for a to go through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:24)
The point of the scripture is not that money is bad but rather that if we put all of our trust in the things of this world, we will not be saved.

The question for today is simple…
What riches of this world do we so strongly believe in that they separate us from our relationship with Christ? Our home? Our money? Our retirement plan? Our car? (Hint: If we are unwilling to offer it to God in case God needs it, that’s it!)

You are not alone

February 14, 2008
Thursday

Romans 16

Last week I mentioned that there were only five people on our tour and there was concern as to whether or not we would mix well. As God would have it, each of us brought different gifts to the trip and we soon realized that things were going to be fine. The other three had traveled to many different areas of the world on tours, bringing experience as well as answers to our questions. We all were of the Christian faith so when we arrived at a location I could read the pertinent scripture in the comfort of knowing I was not alone. Lisa brought her openness to adventure as well as her patience along the way. The driver and the guide were everything we could have hoped for.
As we read through Romans 16, we find that it’s a list of those for whom Paul has met along the way and to whom he sends his regards. Though we think of Paul as an individual moving through that part of the world sharing the Gospel, the reality is that he met many folks along the way who greeted him, fed him, nourished him, provided him shelter, shared their knowledge of the area...you get the idea. These are people with whom God surrounded Paul in his journey.
Who has God placed around you? Who are those people who listen, assist, love, nourish, and guide you? As we think about our individual Lenten journeys, the reality is that God has surrounded us with people like Herodion, Mary, Tryphena, and others. In our prayers today, may we give thanks for each one of them. Maybe we could even send them a note, as did Paul, and great them.

Ken says hello!

One of the amazing stories of our adventure in New Orleans is the support that we received from the Drinkwater elementary school in Northport. One of our team members, Ken Murphy, is a member of the staff at the school. When he mentioned that he was going on the trip, the staff and students wanted to get involved. They started a fundraising campaign called "changing someone's life".

Ken was excited to share the journey with those with whom he spent his days. As the time rolled on, this little project of bringing in change to be used to change someone's life began to take on a life of its own. When all was said and done, the school raised $550!!!! Amazing.

So many times we talk about teaching our children how to contribute to the world and through their acts of love and kindness, it is the children of Drinkwater who are showing the adults how not just to lead but also to take action!!!

The whole New Orleans team is very proud of thier leadership on this project!!!

Above is a picture of Ken standing outside of a school that is located in the lower Ninth ward. All of the rumble has been cleaned up but as you can see, there is very little else leftover. Even if the school opened, there are very few children, in what used to be a very busy and lively neoghborhood, would be around to attend. Please keep those children who are now living elsewhere in your prayers.

More to come later!

“History is important”

February 11, 2008
Monday

Hebrews 11

One of the first places we visited when we began our tour of Turkey was the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Within its walls were items that went back thousands of years. There were the oldest examples of writing found in the area, a mirror made not with reflective glass but polished metal in which it was hard to see clearly, and lots of jewelry, jugs, and coins of the region. Each one tells a story, and opens a window into the past.
Today’s reading from Hebrews takes us on a journey of all of those who have gone before us. It is a history lesson of those called by God and their reaction. If we choose to take those names back into the Old Testament, we can learn even more about the history of our faith.
Did you know that you are making history? That at some point, someone is going to look back over your life and see what you’ve done? How exciting! How scary! Unless of course we live our lives as those described in today’s reading, “By faith”.
What if with each decision or action we take today we put the words “by faith” in front of it? Would it change how we do things? Would it affirm our decisions? Does it bring new meaning to them? Do you like the window it opens to your faith? In this season of Lent these are questions not to be considered but rather acted upon.

A Prayer...

February 10, 2008
Sunday

Precious Lord, as we walk through this season of Lent, sometimes it seems so easy, but other times the challenge appears to be too much. We want to grow closer to you, we want to grow stronger in our faith, we want to study more, to spend more time in prayer, to help those in need, to be a living example of your presence in the world today, but we can’t always do so. We’ve got really good excuses, family, friends, work, church...we know you’ve heard them all.
Help us to look at only one day at a time, to understand that you provide everything we need, and that it’s not so much what we want to do but rather what you would do through us. Help us to find the freedom that comes in loving you. Help us to find the joy that comes with living in your abundance. Help us to find the healing that comes in the restoring power of your grace.
We pray on this day for ourselves, for those whom we know, and for those whom we’ve yet to meet. In the week to come, help us to be aware of the beauty of our Lenten journey, of places where we should stop and admire and the places through which we should keep traveling.
In thanksgiving for all that you give to us, especially your love through Jesus the Christ, we praise your name. You are our awesome God!
AMEN!

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia”

February 9, 2008
Saturday

Revelation 3:7-13

The first time that we approached one of the seven cities to which God spoke through God’s Revelation to John, I was amazed. Amid all of the activity of a 21st century town was a little area, it looked more like a little park or someone’s back yard, that was fenced off. Here were the remnants of the city of which God proclaimed “you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and not denied my name.”
Though I was on my renewal leave, I offered to read the words that God had given to this town through John. As we stood and listened to the words, the world continued on. It was amazing to be standing on that holy ground. For a while, the world did indeed seem to stop as we focused on Philadelphia, and more importantly God’s Word.
The same is true where we live, if we allow God to do so. Amongst all of the hustle and bustle of our lives—of soccer games to watch, practices to drive to, work to finish, meetings to attend, television shows to watch, if we will stand, or sit, quietly and listen to God’s word, we can find the peace, the quiet, the focus, and the sacred. It has nothing to do with location but rather reception.
On this day, I invite us to take a few moments to listen to the Word of God. To stand or sit on holy ground—that place where God meets us, and to hear God’s words of encouragement and support. Did you know that God loves you? God does!!! How awesome is that!

Walking where Paul would have walked...

February 8, 2008
Friday




The first road we saw (Lystra) where Paul would have walked….





Rather than reading a specified text today, I want to invite you to consider the spiritual road you are on. I invite you to write (very small as there is limited space) the answers to these questions...
Who are the folks who have walked before you on your road?





How have they impacted your faith walk?





Who will walk on your road after you and what have you done to help them on their journey?

We're headed for New Orleans!

On Friday there are five of us headed to New Orleans to work on homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Imagine, it's been 30 months and folks still aren't back in their houses! Some homes look just as they did after the storm first hit. We'll be staying at the former parsonage of the Felicity UMC in the Garden District. We are joining 17 members of the Bath UMC and Brunswick UMC. The folks traveling with me are Lisa Abbott, Tim Dutch, Ken Murphy, and Rita Murphy. I'll be sharing, in addition to my daily devotional, some of what is happening on our journey. Wait until I introduce you to some of our greatest supporters! They are leaders in their community and our nation and they aren't even out of elementary school yet!! How awesome is that. They are living examples of how we should reach out to others...but if I share more now, there won't be a story to tell. They know who they are and will be following us through this blog. You are the best!!!! Talk with you later...

We fly out of Portland at 3:30 on Delta. Pray for a safe journey and calm nerves for some who are traveling...

“3,000 miles????”

February 7, 2008
Thursday

Read Romans 12

“How many miles before we’re done?” I asked. “About 3,000 over the next 12 days” was the answer. That meant many hours of traveling in our van. Some days we’d drive for at least six hours. It was long. However, along the way we’d see something amazing—a mountain range, a tree standing alone in a field, a family sitting outside their simple home. We’d walk on the very road where Paul and others would have walked. At the beginning, the journey seemed almost overwhelming. By the time we arrived in Istanbul, I wished we could have seen more.
This season of Lent is a long one. Today is may seem that Easter is a long, long way off. However, the object of Lent is not the destination, but rather the road to get there. If we have made commitments to fast, to give up something, to begin a spiritual discipline, let us not get caught up in the view that says “How much longer” but rather may we be on the look out for amazing things that we’ll see and experience along the way.
In reference to today’s reading, for most of us, we won’t suddenly be transformed by the renewing of our mind but rather it will be a deliberate and possibly slow process. However, once we get to that point, I believe we’ll want to continue on. With Christ, the tour doesn’t end in one spot but rather we can go as far as God leads us, and we will follow.
Are we ready for the journey? Can we see the beauty along our path? It’s time to look because we’ll get there soon enough!

Words of Wisdom

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear. Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters.
-Proverbs 25:11-13 (NRSV)

Dusty old shoe

I received this in the mail and having just finished studying the spiritual discipline of hospitality (which is far more than just saying hello - it is creating a space where all are welcome and can be accepted as themselves) I wanted to put this up today. How many times in our churches do we think we are friendly when in reality we are only kind to those whom we know or fit a certain mold? How many times have we only thought of what we offer to someone else rather than what they offer to us? More importantly, what God gives to us through them!

I showered and shaved.............. I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side...... I thought,

'Why must our soles touch?'

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes.. has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.

The shoe man said............... a quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again

Aren't we supposed to look our best.. When walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering......... And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft 'clink' . as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me......... To tears, and that's no lie

It was the same for the shoe man..... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........ As is the custom here

We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow............ And wanted to meet the shoe man

So after the closing prayer.......... I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming........ For being our guest.

He said, 'My names' Charlie.......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin

'Let me explain,' he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes.

'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance.........'Is not like all the rest

'But I really do try.................'To always look my best.'

'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.

'But by the time I get here.........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain............ and I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near.

He said, 'When I get here...........'I know I must look a sight.

'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said......'And taught me, in part;

'That the best of anyone............'Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought,................. This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

"The Beginning of the Journey"

February 6, 2008
Ash Wednesday
Read Acts 2:1-12

We boarded the plane in Portland, ME and headed for a part of the world we had never seen. Based on what we thought we knew, we would be joining a large group and together we would explore the country of Turkey. I figured we’d meet people from all over the United States who had the one common goal of following in Paul’s footsteps.

When we finally arrived, tired and grungy, we were met by our guide who informed us that there would only be five people on the entire tour! “What does this mean?” I asked. What if we don’t get along with someone? The whole trip could be wrecked!

As we begin our journey through the Lenten season, we may be arriving exhausted, hungry, or grungy. We may think we know what the season will reveal to us and we may even think we know all the folks with whom we will journey. However, there may be other plans in store for us.

Lisa and I learned that we needed to be open to possibilities. Maybe having only five folks would be a good thing. Maybe God had a plan for the five of us. God had brought us to this point and so we needed to trust that God would take care of us.

As we go forth on our spiritual journey, may we be open to possibilities. May we be willing to journey with whomever God places around us. It may not be whom we expect but it may be the perfect person or persons for us today.

We may not know what it all means but I assure you, God does!

A Lenten Devotional based on our journey to Turkey

Good Morning!
As part of the Lilly Foundation Renewal Leave Grant, I agreed, as part of a study discipline, to provide a Lenten devotional for the church.
Since that time I have been thinking a great deal about what to do. How should it be shaped? From where do I pull the scripture verses? What should I write about? After much prayer, I decided to base the whole devotional on the journey that Lisa and I took to Turkey as part of the leave. While the trip lasted only seventeen days, its impact will be with me for the rest of my life. That is what I want, and hope, to share with y’all over these next few weeks.
As for the shape, this devotion will take two distinctly different ones. The first place to read it will be daily on my blog at www.servinginmaine.blogspot.com. The second will be in a weekly supplement to be included in the worship bulletin.
As for content, some days it might just be a picture, or a story, or a prayer, or a thought. There might be a short prayer or maybe it’ll be just one big prayer. The scripture texts will be pulled from Paul as well as the Revelation of John. My goal is to allow the Spirit to create the devotional with me serving as the secretary.
Any and all comments are welcome. May God bless all of us in this experience as we journey to walk, not just in the footsteps of Paul, but also on our personal spiritual path with Jesus.

It all starts tomorrow!