Do Not Fear, Only Believe!

Day 23: October 7, 2013

Mark 5:35-42

It is hard to look at this world and not have fear in your heart. It is hard to believe that things can be better, that war can end and peace prevail. It is hard to think that one person can make a difference.

Jesus says: “Do not fear, only believe.” Trust God to make things right in the end. Believe that God can work through you. Believe that you can bring peace to the life of a child. Focus on one child at a time and let God’s peace ripple out into the world.

O God, help us to believe, to believe in you, to believe that peace will come to this world, to believe that we can make a difference one small step at a time. Help us to help the children who will carry peace forward into the future. Amen.

Donna J. Hanby

Springboro UCC

Pilgrim South UCC

Springboro, Ohio

God's Messenger

Day 22: October 6, 2013

Jeremiah 1:5-9

Called the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah was aware of both the sinful behavior of his people and the anger and frustration of God at their disobedience. Even though the ancient people of Judah attended temple worship, they had become entrenched and comfortable. Their traditions led them away from heartfelt worship of God in spirit and truth. They ignored God’s command to seek justice and provide care for the orphans, widows, and aliens. 

Like the ancient people of Jeremiah’s day, we, too, can have good intentions toward God and others as we faithfully attend church and follow the rules of our tradition. But when we allow idolatrous attachments and misplaced values to get in the way of true love for God and others, we, like the ancient Israelites, need to examine our intentions and relationship with God and others. 

Through God’s grace and guidance, we can be like the prophet Jeremiah, finding the courage to speak God’s message of truth and justice for all of God’s children. 

Holy God of Justice and Mercy, grant us the wisdom to recognize and the courage to speak out against unjust systems that oppress and harm your children. Grant us grace to be your messengers of hope to a world in which poverty and violence abound. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Karen Cote

Guyton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Guyton, Georgia

www.guytonchristianchurch.org

The Composition of a King

Day 21: October 5, 2013

1 Samuel 16:14-23 

How does a kid from the backwater of Bethlehem escape his mundane, sheep-filled existence to become king? David’s gift for music brought him into the royal court. Whoever nurtured David’s musical ability, opened up a world of possibilities. 

Where better to learn the day to day workings of a kingdom than at the side of the current king?  His music brought comfort and not just to Saul. During some of his loneliest moments David turned to his music. 

When we work to ensure music and the arts continue to be available to children, the results will be unimaginable; kind of like a shepherd king!   

God, we are your instruments. Help us to nourish the bodies, minds, and souls of our children so that your symphony will one day be heard with the clarity that you envision. Amen.

Tammy Nelson

Northern California Nevada Conference, UCC

Hayward, CA

Words of Love From Friends

Day 20: October 4, 2013

1 Samuel 3:10-18

Have you ever been told something about a friend that is so awful that you’re afraid to talk to that person about it? I remember this happened to me as a child. I felt like I had a burden thrust upon me and I was afraid to talk to anyone about it. 

I imagine that Samuel felt the same way after God told him Eli and his family were about to be punished. Just like Samuel talked to Eli, I talked to my friend. After I unburdened myself, my friend told me to let the other person say what they need to say. They will eventually do what is right, my friend predicted. 

I think about how words can carry love and strive to make my words show love.

God, as we go about our daily lives, let our words show peace and love as we speak. Magnify your blessings to those we speak.

Marcus L. King

Hilton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 

Newport News, VA

www.hccdisciples.com/

Listening for Someone Else’s Call

Day 19: October 3, 2013

1 Samuel 3:4-9

Perhaps the most important message Eli gave to anyone was to tell young Samuel that it was the Most High God who was calling in the night.

A few days after the movie theater shootings in Colorado, a young girl worked on her craft project for Vacation Bible School. The children were decorating friendship gift bags to hold handmade gifts and snacks for residents at a nearby retirement complex. 

She was thinking seriously as she sought to make her glitter glue swirls come out just right. She asked hesitantly, “Do you believe God wants to love everyone and be their friend?” I said I believed that. She continued, “What about that man who hurt all those people?” I told her that not everyone wants to be friends with God. She was quiet for a time then said simply, “I’m going to pray for all the hurt people and especially that man; he must be hurting, too.”

Holy One, As grown-up companions of the children you have placed in our care, help us remember that your call goes out to all people and is not age-specific. Help us be ready to identify your call and claim on our lives. Lead us to ways of supporting children’s efforts to live in your holy peace. Amen.

Ola I. Cricket Harrison

Minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

That Each Child May Follow Where God Calls

Day 18: October 2, 2013

1 Samuel 1:19-23

Every 29 seconds a child is born into poverty. Many are cared for and loved. In desperation, some are sold. Hannah was the object of abuse from her husband’s second wife who gave Elkanah children. When Hannah finally bore Samuel, for whatever reason, she didn't keep him. Eli took the boy in, gave him a chance to follow his call.

Every child deserves the chance to grow up and discover his or her calling. Neither poverty nor race, parent’s education nor vocation should hinder the next Samuel or Samantha from becoming the person God is calling them to be.

We pray for each of our children, born in home or hospital, in whatever circumstance the miracle of life is revealed. We pray for ample opportunity for education and nurture, sustenance and flourishing, and the encouragement to listen for and follow your call. Amen.

David Cobb

Spirit of Joy Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Lakeville, Minnesota

www.spiritofjoymn.org

Make Me Laugh

Day 17: October 1, 2013

Genesis 21:1-7

Such a potent, powerful action from God. When God gives the seed, whether planted in a womb or planted in a garden, what wondrous bounty results! “And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh.” (Gen. 21:6a KJV) 

What a bounty of laughter and love is in the bond between Sarah and her child. In her old age, Sarah is given the joy of a child to laugh with and to nurse. I imagine this joy of laughter contagiously infecting the entire community. 

What does a womb share with a sword? Each one can change hearts and lives. God changes a barren womb to one charged with life. Humanity has the power to change a sword into an implement to break the hard, barren soil so potent seeds can be planted and be transformed into plants of food. What do we want for our children?  Peace and plenty and lots of laughter.  

God, Creator and source of seeds of all kinds, may our desire be to laugh with you! May our love for you lead us to actions that result in loving, happy homes and gardens of plenty. Where there is violence, let us create and sow the seeds of peace as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus to express your love to everyone. Amen.

Brenda Matkin

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Huntsville, AL