Christ by the Sea Messages

Walk through the Bible with Pastor Cliff Melvin.

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Midweek Message, January 11, 2017

Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Have you ever noticed that most of our phone conversations go something like this? You call, say a word or two, they’ll say a short thing or two in reply and then something like “Ok, in the middle of something, gotta run, talk to you later”! That’s a good example of far too many of my phone conversations.

I remember when my doctor called several years ago with a pathology report concerning a tumor on my thyroid. I made sure I was not interrupted and closed the door so I could hear every word clearly. If we make time and excuse ourselves from a room to talk to someone important on the telephone, how much more should we do these things for the Lord of Glory?!

William Wilberforce, Christian statesman of Great Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, once said, “I must secure more time for private devotions. I have been living far too public for me. The shortening of private devotions starves the soul. It grows lean and faint.”

We don’t starve our bodies, do we? Then why do we starve our souls? We would never dream of not eating for a month or two, but how long has it been since we’ve gotten to a quiet room to nourish our souls with the Lord? Seems ironic, doesn’t it? Our bodies are only temporary — they will be buried six feet under some day, along with our belongings eventually. Our soul, though, is what we should be nourishing daily, what we should be guarding as our most prized possession because it will always be around!

Let’s make sure our priorities are straight. Let’s be sure to excuse ourselves from the hustle and bustle — so we can hear from the Lord — loud and clear!
Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Connect Groups sign-up this Sunday after each worship service in Ratcliff Hall.
  • Bethune-Cookman University Chorale coming on January 22 at 11:00 worship.

 



Midweek Message, January 4, 2017

Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Or maybe you’ve given up on doing that!.

Indeed, most people who make a New Year’s Resolution have given up on their project by mid February. But there is another way to approach the start of a New Year: Pray for God to lead you in a “New Year’s Renewal.”

For a number of years I’ve been using the clean slate and fresh start of a New Year to make a New Year’s Renewal. I pray about what the Lord wants to do in my life and how I can work with him to grow in that area.

My New Year’s Renewals always boils down to one thing: More than anything I want to be the kind of person who lives for the one thing of being devoted to Christ with all my heart. Each year God shows me a problem I need to overcome or something about how I live my daily life that needs to change so that I can get more centered on Christ as my One Thing. This year, more than ever, I want to seek the One Thing that is the best thing, to be more devoted to Christ, don’t you? Of course you do, or you wouldn’t be reading this Devotion!

How do we grow to be devoted to Christ as our One Thing? How do we make real changes to how we live our daily lives as an expression of love for God? How do we overcome worry or anger? How do we learn to rejoice in trials? Pray without ceasing? Love difficult people? Not by trying hard!

The way to make a real character change – to learn, grow, or heal in any area – is by training. Look to Jesus as your Coach and “work out” with him. “Train yourself to be godly” Paul advises us (1 Timothy 4:7*). So-o…pray, read scripture, worship, and interact with other believers.

May you and I, day-by-day, discover more change in our walk and live for the One Thing of loving God and loving others as he loves us.

Cliff

 CHURCH NEWS:

·         Open House at the new Greytwig Rd. Offices, January 8, after each worship service

·         Church Leaders Training, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm

·         Connect Group Recruitment, January 15, after each worship service



Midweek Message, December 28, 2016

 

Midweek Tuesday, December 27 2016

The glow of the Christmas season is still with us here at the church, where we welcomed the fresh arrival of Jesus Christ among us with hundreds of worshippers this past weekend. I trust that this precious time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will give you and your loved ones moments to pause, reflect, and give thanks for God’s many blessings in your life.
 
I give thanks to God that we are well within reach of meeting all of our budgetary needs for 2016, as long as we have our usual end of the year influx of contributions. We would be grateful for any contributions you can give to help meet or even exceed your financial commitments for this year. As a reminder, all gifts should be postmarked to the church by December 31, or dropped off at the church office by 5 p.m. Friday, December 30, in order to count for this year. Our staff is working on an “on-call” basis this week. Please call and leave a message for us and we will get back to you. Edie Housel, our Business Administrator, will be happy to assist with gifts such as stock transfers as need this week.
 
Most of all, we give thanks for the many, many stories from people whose lives have been transformed here and abroad by the ministries of Christ By The Sea UMC. With your faithful discipleship and commitment to the mission of this church, you have been a part of each of those stories. And I am privileged to serve among you.
 

Grace, Peace, and Happy New Year!

Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Funeral for Edie Caple will be December 30 at 1pm, CBTSUMC
  • Two worship services resume on January 1 at 8:30 and 11:00, Sunday School at 9:45


Midweek Message, December 21, 2016

Midweek December 21, 2016

With the most popular holiday just around the corner, it seems like everyone is trying to get into the Christmas spirit. Store shelves are lined with Christmas goodies and decor, TV shows have switched to the theme of giving and love, and Santas are floating about. And why shouldn’t they, after all, it is that time, it is the meaning of the season, right?

Yet, the very first Christmas seemed to do without all of these. The very first Christmas somehow started a frenzy without the power of TV, without Candy Canes, without Santa, and even without Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Even more amazingly, the very first Christmas involved a poor couple, nobodies, who would lay the most precious child of all in a manger.

And so many seem to have forgotten that Christmas isn’t just about showing love for those you care for, but for those who are undeserving, and those you do not even know.

Today, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas… Peace on Earth, Good will toward all, for the Savior has come to show us how to love, and to give us the greatest gift of love. Instead of buying fancy toys, think of how you can give to those who would normally go without. Ask yourself how you can help out others who are not as fortunate as you. Show them the true meaning of Christmas: the gift of God’s love. And may we love others as God first loved us.

Merry Christmas,

Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

Funeral for Edie Caple will be on December 30th at 1pm.

Christmas Eve worship is at 3:00 and 5:00pm

Christmas Day worship is at 10:00am, no Sunday School.

Church office will be closed December 26-December 30



Midweek Message, December 14, 2016

 

Thinking back on Christmases past is a fun way to reflect on the good old days. The wonderful lights and decorations, festive holiday atmosphere, warm family get-together’s, unforgettable melodies, and jovial Christmas cheer all make for pleasant memories. But, of course, our hearts aren’t merry for these things alone. Christmas is the believer’s celebration of the arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, “who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a Servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7).

Hallelujah! It is this Gift of God—God’s own beloved Son—whom we joyously adore with our hearts this Advent season. Jesus, who took on human flesh so that we might partake of His divine redemption, is the One our Christmas memories turn to, worshiping and adoring Him for all He has done for us. Take time this holiday season to make Christmas memories that last—memories that lovingly honor the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
 
Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Christmas Eve Candlelight worship services will be at 3:00 and 5:00 pm
  • Christmas Day we will have one service at 10:00 am, no Sunday School


Midweek Message, December 7, 2016

There is so much discussion these days—a lot of it heated—about refugees and immigrants. Xenophobia, the fear of strangers, “others,” seems to be rampant. We may feel uncomfortable, but what about them? Many are fleeing for their lives because of oppression and hate. And that’s rather uncomfortable. They may need to learn a new language, new ways of doing things, a new way of life. Many others who already live among us are not accepted because they “don’t fit in.”

With power-drunk Herod a real threat to their baby boy, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt, seeking asylum. They were refugees. We don’t know much about their stay there, but there were certainly language and cultural differences. To survive, they had to learn new things. They were tested and living in fear; life surely wasn’t easy for them. Were they in a Jewish community, or were they complete outsiders? How were they regarded by their new neighbors? Were they accepted with kindness, shunned, regarded with suspicion, or did they encounter open hostility? Did they have to sign a “Jewish registry”?

In God’s world, there is no “us and them”; there is just one big “us.” This Advent, as we prepare to welcome the gift of God’s love in human form, let us extend that love to the newcomer, the outsider, with open hearts and arms. We may someday be the strangers in need of kindness.

CHURCH NEWS:

  • The Christmas Cantata is Saturday, 4:30- and 7:00pm
  • Needed: help with food for The Source for this Sunday. Call Gail 234-8546 or Helene 713-6390 if you can help provide food.
  • Our Facility survey is available for your input.
  • Christmas Eve worship is at 3:00 and 5:00pm


Midweek Message, November 30, 2016

Midweek November 30 2016

Theologian, Henri Nouwen, often talks about how God’s love unites us. He says that all the great Christian mystics have been attempting to say that to us over the centuries. He writes that: “All of them, however, spoke with a knowledge that came to them not through intellectual arguments but through contemplative prayer. The Spirit of Jesus allowed them to see the heart of God, the heart of the universe, and their own hearts as one.”

These unique, spiritual writers spoke with a knowledge that came through contemplative prayer. What is that? Contemplative prayer involves a great deal of listening rather than speaking, silence rather than noise. It is NOT a method of prayer most of use often enough. I am pleased to tell you that each one of our Advent Vesper services on Wednesday night will include contemplative prayer. I hope you will be present to join us in these spirit-filled times of worship.

Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Wednesdays in Advent at 6:30pm – Advent Vesper services
  • Angel Tree cards are still available. Please help the kids in need.
  • Christmas Cantata – Saturday, December 10, 4:30 and 7:00pm


Midweek Message, November 23, 2016

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 100 (NRSV)
A Psalm of thanksgiving.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;

    come into his presence with singing.

Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he that made us, and we are his;[a]

    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise.

    Give thanks to him, bless his name.

For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,

    and his faithfulness to all generations.

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Offices closed Thursday and Friday of this week
  • Invite your friends to our wonderful Cantata, December 10 at 4:30 and 7:00


Midweek Message, November 16, 2016

Post-Election Thoughts

I acknowledge that the responses to Mr. Trump’s election are varied in our congregation, and it is not my intention to wade into partisan conversations during this tender time in our democracy. What does intrigue me is mutually answering a question that can bring about healing across the divides: “if so much of what we thought we knew about this election has been disproven, what can we claim as factual?”

Put more simply, “What is still true?”

Here are a few thoughts:

What’s still true is that democracy worked.

Regardless of how you feel about the result, we can still marvel at the democratic process.

What’s still true is that we will pray for President-elect Trump.

Just as every other president has warranted the prayers of God’s people, we can pray for our new president and all of our leaders. “Lord, may all of our elected leaders exercise a wisdom that comes from humility, and pursuit of justice governed by love.”

What’s still true is that we need to be agents of peace, healing, and reconciliation.

It is true that this election caused harm. There is nothing more important for our citizens to debate at this time than what needs to be done for all of us to seek the welfare of the common citizenry, and to translate those intentions into actions of justice, love, and peace.

What’s still true is that we don’t know how to talk across our differences.

Because we have too few models of serious, open dialogue, we have become bluer and redder. Blue people have underestimated and misunderstood the serious concerns of red people, just as red people have done the same with blue people. We have forgotten how to talk, how to listen, and how to respond in helpful, hopeful ways.

What’s still true is the mission of the church.

As “strangers and aliens” in this land, we acknowledge that our primary citizenship is to the Kingdom of God, which crosses political boundaries and transcends manufactured tribalism. Nothing from last Tuesday’s election changes what is at the core of this church’s mission. We will continue to joyfully share the love of God. And at the end of the day, and now more than ever, it is good to be the church.

Grace and Peace,

Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Memorial service for Betty Wolfe is Saturday at 11:00am
  • Dueling Brothers Concert is Sunday at 3:00 and 7:00pm.


Midweek Message, November 16, 2016

Post-Election Thoughts

I acknowledge that the responses to Mr. Trump’s election are varied in our congregation, and it is not my intention to wade into partisan conversations during this tender time in our democracy. What does intrigue me is mutually answering a question that can bring about healing across the divides: “if so much of what we thought we knew about this election has been disproven, what can we claim as factual?”

Put more simply, “What is still true?”

Here are a few thoughts:

What’s still true is that democracy worked.

Regardless of how you feel about the result, we can still marvel at the democratic process.

What’s still true is that we will pray for President-elect Trump.

Just as every other president has warranted the prayers of God’s people, we can pray for our new president and all of our leaders. “Lord, may all of our elected leaders exercise a wisdom that comes from humility, and pursuit of justice governed by love.”

What’s still true is that we need to be agents of peace, healing, and reconciliation.

It is true that this election caused harm. There is nothing more important for our citizens to debate at this time than what needs to be done for all of us to seek the welfare of the common citizenry, and to translate those intentions into actions of justice, love, and peace.

What’s still true is that we don’t know how to talk across our differences.

Because we have too few models of serious, open dialogue, we have become bluer and redder. Blue people have underestimated and misunderstood the serious concerns of red people, just as red people have done the same with blue people. We have forgotten how to talk, how to listen, and how to respond in helpful, hopeful ways.

What’s still true is the mission of the church.

As “strangers and aliens” in this land, we acknowledge that our primary citizenship is to the Kingdom of God, which crosses political boundaries and transcends manufactured tribalism. Nothing from last Tuesday’s election changes what is at the core of this church’s mission. We will continue to joyfully share the love of God. And at the end of the day, and now more than ever, it is good to be the church.

Grace and Peace,

Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

  • Memorial service for Betty Wolfe is Saturday at 11:00am
  • Dueling Brothers Concert is Sunday at 3:00 and 7:00pm.



Midweek May 3 2017

Last week I was at a workshop and this poem was shared. I have never been much of a poetry kind of guy, but, these workshops have given me a deeper appreciation for the gift of poetry. This is titled “Evidence” by Mary Oliver:

Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood. 

How grass can be nourishing in the

mouths of lambs.

How rivers and stones are forever

in allegiance with gravity

while we ourselves dream of rising.

How two hands touch and the bonds

will never be broken.

How people come, from delight or the

scars of damage,

to the comfort of a poem.

 

Let me keep my distance, always, from those

Who think they have the answers.

 

Let me keep company always with those who say

“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,

And bow their heads.
 

Who are those people in your life who say “Look!”, laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads? I hope and pray you have at least a few of them and that you keep their company regularly!

Peace,

Cliff

 

Church News:

  • Imani Milele Children’s Choir from Uganda in concert this Sunday at 3pm.
  • Habitat Build day, Saturday, May 6, 7:30-noon. Call Howard for more info at 772-205-2569.