John Wesley's Guide to Reading the Bible

If you desire to read the scripture in such a manner as may most effectually answer this end, would it not be advisable,

1. To set apart a little time, if you can, every morning and evening for that purpose?

2. At each time if you have leisure, to read a chapter out of the Old, and one out of the New Testament: if you cannot do this, to take a single chapter, or a part of one?

3. To read this with a single eye, to know the whole will of God, and a fixt resolution to do it? In order to know his will, you should,

4. Have a constant eye to the analogy of faith; the connexion and harmony there is between those grand, fundamental doctrines, Original Sin, Justification by Faith, the New Birth, Inward and Outward Holiness.

5. Serious and earnest prayer should be constantly used, before we consult the oracles of God, seeing "scripture can only be understood thro' the same Spirit whereby it was given." Our reading should likewise be closed with prayer, that what we read may be written on our hearts.

6. It might also be of use, if while we read, we were frequently to pause, and examine ourselves by what we read, both with regard to our hearts, and lives. This would furnish us with matter of praise, where we found God had enabled us to conform to his blessed will, and matter of humiliation and prayer, where we were conscious of having fallen short.

And whatever light you then receive, should be used to the uttermost, and that immediately. Let there be no delay. Whatever you resolve, begin to execute the first moment you can. So shall you find this word to be indeed the power of God unto present and eternal salvation.

~ John Wesley (Preface to the explanatory notes on the Old Testament)

A Prayer for Groundhog Day

 

God of all creatures, ​today we praise You for groundhogs, unassuming rodents who carry the tradition and mystery of forecasting spring.

From their elaborate burrows they rise, half dead: groggy from hibernation, hungry, alone, stressed; awakened by an inner clock synchronized with the rhythms of the seasons that tells them it is time to explore and prepare for the next generation.

We pray for all creatures who count the days until the weather changes, until winter loosens its grip, until they can reconnect with others.

We pray for all who are tired, who are hungry or dissatisfied, who are lonely or isolated.

In this time between solstice and equinox reassure us that sooner or later spring will come.

Grant us patience to see the gifts of this particular time, and to savour the stillness.

In our exhaustion release us from stress so that we might find rest.

In moments of hunger or dissatisfaction remind us that there is enough.

In our isolation be a comforting presence.

We pray that whether the sun shines or the sky is grey, we will count each day as a gift with moments of wonder.

Let hope rise up in us, as we align our bodies and spirits to your greater purposes beyond what we see this day. Amen.

​- Rev. Wendy Janzen, Burning Bush Forest Church, https://www.burningbushforestchurch.ca

Scripture Lessons for February 8

The lessons for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany will be coming from 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-20.

February begins at Glenville UMC

The table is ready

Sid T. gets us started with a joke

Shelley G. is today's scripture reader

Dominic assists Pastor Charles in serving communion

Faithful attendance

Joys:

+Shelley G. thanks God for the gift of this loving church family.

+Shelley G. thanks God for the joy of knowing that both her mother and sister who recently died are now at peace with God.

+Praying thanks to God for Nancy B.’s sister Randy’s successful heart surgery.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for his brother Joe’s successful emergency surgery last week.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for being happily surprised by the ordinary, every day joys in life.

+Thanks be to God for visitors Ryan and his son Dominic. Ryan is Cheryl R.’s nephew.

+Thanks be to God for Dominic agreeing to help Pastor Charles serve Holy Communion today.

 

Concerns:

+Praying for Gloria S.’ cousin Carolyn J., who is on hospice now.

+Praying for all who are currently on hospice care and for those providing that care.

+Praying for Pat R.’s husband Craig who is beginning a new phase of treatments tomorrow. Also praying for Pat to have the strength to provide Craig the support he needs.

+Praying for Donna N. from Glenville who had a stroke last month and is recuperating at St. John’s.

+Praying for Bob S.’ veteran friend David S. who is currently at St. John’s.

+Praying for the strength and courage Shelley G. needs to face after both her sister and mother dying recently.

+Prayers continue for Korla S.’ cousin Jessica who is in Houston getting a new heart and lung today.

+Prayers continue for Erin B. who is facing a serious medical challenge. (Note: A Burger Basket Fundraiser, including a silent auction and bake sale, to help cover family’s expenses is planned at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge, today, 3:00-6:00 p.m.)

UWFaith News

Ditch the “New Year, New Me” pressure. Instead of focusing on resolutions that demand depletion, try a soul care twist: intention setting.

Don’t resolve to do more; resolve to be more present, more rested, and more nourished.

What is one resolution you are transforming into a gentle, restorative intention this year? Get nourished in our community. Join UMFaith Digital.

Know your rights when they’re under threat

United Methodists have good reason to stand up for basic rights — especially when those rights are being ignored or violated.

The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles declare that all individuals — no matter their circumstances — deserve basic human rights and freedoms. These include the right to life, liberty, security as well as equal treatment before the law and freedom from unlawful detention.

“These rights are grounded in God’s gracious act in creation (Gen. 1:27), and they are revealed fully in Jesus’s incarnation of divine love,” say the General Conference-approved social teachings.

“As a church, we will work to protect these rights and freedoms within the church and to reform the structures of society to ensure that every human being can thrive.”

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

But may not women, as well as men, bear a part in this honourable service?" Undoubtedly, they may; nay, they ought; it is meet, right, and their bounden duty. Herein there is no difference; "there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus." Indeed, it has long passed for a maxim with many, that "women are only to be seen, not heard."

And accordingly, many of them are brought up in such a manner as if they were only designed for agreeable playthings! But is this doing honour to the sex? Or is it a real kindness to them? No; it is the deepest unkindness; it is horrid cruelty; .... And I know not how any woman of sense and spirit can submit to it. Let all you that have it in your power assert the right which the God of nature has given you.

Yield not to that vile bondage any longer. You, as well as men, are rational creatures. You, like them, were made in the image of God; you are equally candidates for immortality; you too are called of God, as you have time, to "do good unto all men." Be "not disobedient to the heavenly calling." Whenever you have opportunity, do all the good you can, particularly to your poor, sick neighbour. And every one of you likewise "shall receive your own reward, according to your own labour."

~ John Wesley (On Visiting the Sick)