Devotion for Wednesday, December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day - 75th Anniversary)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who have lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined (Isaiah 9:2)

75 years ago a "day which will live in infamy" occurred.  Our nation was thrust into World War II and in many ways, amidst the dark moments of being attacked, our nation became a "light" in the midst of a dark world-wide situation.

As I sat watching the sun come up this morning I was reminded that God promises light amidst all darknesses.  We don't always see it, but perhaps it is because we have not looked hard enough for it.

What is a darkness in your life right now? Can you see the light of God shining hope and promise? If not, have you sought the light? Can you offer time and space to seek the light?

Amidst one of the darkest moments in our nation's history, we found a way to seek the light and be the light.

May you find ways to seek and be the light in your life.  

Devotion for Tuesday, December 6

I quoted this prayer on Sunday during my sermon. It is from Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder. I have been asked to share it again.  I will do so today.

O Persistent God, deliver me from assuming your mercy is gentle.
Pressure me that I may grow more human, not through the lessening of my struggles, but through an expansion of them that will unbury my gifts.
Deepen my hurt, until I learn to share it and myself openly, and my needs honestly.
Sharpen my fears until I name them and release the power I have locked in them and they in me.
Accentuate my confusion until I shed those grandiose expectations that divert me from the small, glad gifts of the here and the now.
Expose my shame where it shivers, crouched behind the curtains of propriety, until I can at last laugh through my common frailties and failures, laugh my way toward becoming whole.
Deliver me from just going through the motions and wasting everything I have which is today, a chance, a choice, my creativity, my call.
O Persistent God, pry me off dead center so if I am moved inside to tears, or sighs, or screams, or smiles, or dreams they will be real and I will in touch with who I am ma, and who you are, and who my are my sisters and brothers.