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November 2023
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 Good Thoughtful Thursday Morning! Hope all of you are doing great this week. Today, we have a thought to ponder: 
While on a flight to New York, the pilot announced that we were approaching a very bad thunderstorm. He explained that he was going to go to a higher altitude to go above the storm. I could hear the engines throttling up and the plane began to nose up into the heavens. What a sight it was to look out the window and see the dark clouds and lightning below us. Here we were in the sunshine and below were gloomy, black clouds. I wonder if the pilot knew about the eagles. Sometimes, we all face dark and gloomy days. Things just aren't going right, or there is financial difficulty or illness. Perhaps it is relationships with friends or loved ones that are in ruin. Filled with doubt and despair, we are sometimes in the "storm" of our lives. The bible tells us how to cope with these issues: 
What a blessing to know that God is with us in times of trouble. Our Creator can lift us up when we are down. The Master can sooth our hurts and disappointments. Our prayers are heard and not unanswered. What an awesome God we serve! I'm reminded of the words from a hymn we love to sing: 
 I'm sure you recall the story. In Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa stood her ground by sitting in the "white" section of the public bus. When told to move, she resisted and, as a result, was arrested and jailed. Her valiant and courageous refusal to move sparked a movement. I remember growing up in New Orleans during the 50's and 60's. It was common to ride the bus or streetcar throughout the city. I sadly remember the sign that appeared near the last rows of seats saying "Whites Only". I witnessed the driver ordering a person to move or thrown off the bus if they sat in the white section. Even as a youngster, I knew this was wrong. But what could I do? I was just a kid! The Bible has a lot to say about justice:  As a teenager, I came to know the scourge of racial inequality. I saw people mowed down by the pressure of the fire hose. I saw the beatings at the bridge crossing in Selma. I saw the vicious police dogs growling and biting. I saw Dr. King gunned down. Being raised in a "color blind" and loving family, I could not understand this injustice. As a Christian, I stand for justice. I stand for equality for everyone. I stand by the mission statement of our church, based on Micah 6:8 -
Good Terrific Tuesday Morning! Tuesday is "hymn" day. The selection today is "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine". Fanny J. Crosby, an American poet, hymn writer, and composer, wrote the lyrics of the hymn “Blessed Assurance.” Fanny Jane Crosby, born on March 24, 1820, in Southeast, Putnam County, New York City. Fanny Crosby had the ability to see for two months until she developed inflammation in her eye. As a result, Fanny could only perceive the presence or absence of light but could no longer see physical objects. Despite her being blind, Fanny wrote over 8,000 songs, among them "Blessed Assurance". Many believe that she drew inspiration from the bible verse, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22 KJV) The central theme of the hymn focuses on heaven, portraying it as a perfect place where “perfect submission” and “perfect delight” will be realized. “Blessed Assurance” has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved hymns sung on various occasions and in churches. Furthermore, the hymn continues to enrich congregations across the Christian faith community. We sang this hymn a couple of Sundays ago. I could tell you like it because you sang joyously and with gusto. I am truly blessed to hear you sing like that. And, by your singing, I could tell you loved the words: 
What a magnificent testimony to the love of God and the meaning it has for us as Christians. I can't wait to get to heaven and sing that in glory, seated at the foot of the Throne. How 'bout you? Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick
Sometimes, I feel like that lady when I go to the doctor. Expensive visits, expensive tests, poked and prodded. Thank goodness I have good health insurance, or I would be in the poor house. Yes, it is costly, but not as costly as medical bills. There is a comparison here - "Insurance" or "Assurance"? Insurance is good, but Assurance is a blessing and gift from our Loving God. Like the hymn "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine", we are given the promise of everlasting life with our Creator. The Bible tells us:
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 We have assurance because of God's love for us by sending the Christ to atone for our sins. That's not just love, that's AMAZING LOVE!
Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick 1. CLICK BELOW LINK or IMAGE to join Zoom worship Note: Use this option for meeting participation chat and interaction. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85783031679?pwd=T0lNRGYya0JpMTd3N2psandJbitidz09 Meeting ID: 857 8303 1679 Passcode: Micah6:8 ***Zoom opens early at 10:00 AM, for anyone wishing to test audio/video connections and pre-worship chat. Worship Service starts at 10:30 AM. 
Have a blessed Thanksgiving! With a song in my heart, Rick 
 *The devotional for this week by Pam Lewin is attached to this email. Please join us for coffee (and on Zoom) at 8:45 and class will begin at 9:00. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83211638783?pwd=dTBHQ1BsWGZJdGRTS1lBeHZ2MW9BQT09 Meeting ID: 832 1163 8783 Passcode: Micah6:8 Our Church/Ourselves: Living the Life and Teachings of Jesus Session 11: Caring for the Poor, the Sick, and the Elderly A devotional reflection by Pam Lewin SERVING THE ‘INASMUCH PEOPLE’ “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matt.25:40b NKJV. Ed arrived at the clinic early. A foul odor of putrid flesh accompanied him. We donned our masks, protective gowns and gloves and brought him to the exam room right away to avoid his sitting for long in the reception area. Vitals taken in the room were normal. The usual questions were asked: “How long have you had this? What happened? What have you been using on it?” And also, “Why did you wait so long?” He had had it for months; it started because he is homeless and has to sleep on the street. He had nothing to dress it with and covered it with toilet paper, which by now was stuck firmly to his skin, wrapped with newspaper. The smell of urine and the infected wound permeated the room. We had to work quickly, using alcohol pads inside our masks to cope. We washed his feet and carefully removed the paper from the exposed skin. The wound was deep across the top of his foot extending to his right ankle. He stated how relieved he was that we were there to help him. When it was cleaned up, the skin looked quite vital and the ointment was soothing as we wrapped it with sterile bandages. Fortunately, we had some donated clothes and underwear to give to him, so we made a gift bag, for which he was very grateful. He was given medication and told to return the next day, and the day after that till we could see new skin forming. That wound, eventually, took months to heal. Treating people who are unsheltered, taking care of their skin, especially their feet, involves not only the physical act of washing but the symbolic act of kindness towards individuals with neither the means nor the materials to do so for themselves. They are often the outcasts of society. A long time ago there was another incident in which a man fell victim to robbers and thieves who stole his belongings, beat him up and left him for dead. He, at last, was rescued by an unlikely passerby who bound up his wounds and took care of him, placing him in a safe location, and attending to his physical needs and ailments. Sometimes, to help people it is necessary first to see them! Then there was Jesus, who walked wherever he went, and whose feet became as dusty as his sandals. Yet, when the time came after supper, did he make sure that his own feet were clean? Was he primarily concerned about his own welfare and appearance, though he knew his fate? He took the bowl of water and the towel and washed the disciples’ feet, explaining that they should wash each other’s feet--that is, take care of one another. John 13:14 “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet: ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” He showed by example what they should do for others. I like to call it Othering. “The church is the healing community of Christ in the world; the church needs to be involved in community outreach.” said Dr. David Cooper. We at Fort King are well aware of this. When we feed or clothe the poor, when we provide for their shelter, when we invite them to come and share in our worship or take gifts for their children, when we visit them in prison, we do it as unto God. Jesus advised the disciples that they should care for the least and the last and the lost, because “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Prayer: God, our Father, it is our sincere prayer that you will open our eyes to see the many opportunities we have daily to make lives better for those who are less fortunate than we are. Help us to give of our time and substance, generously, without counting the cost, as if we are doing it for you, as your hands and feet, and we will give you all the honor and the praise. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. John 13:17: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” KJV There are TWO ways to watch our FKPC live-streamed worship service. 1. CLICK BELOW LINK or IMAGE to join Zoom worship Note: Use this option for meeting participation chat and interaction. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85783031679?pwd=T0lNRGYya0JpMTd3N2psandJbitidz09 Meeting ID: 857 8303 1679 Passcode: Micah6:8 ***Zoom opens early at 10:00 AM, for anyone wishing to test audio/video connections and pre-worship chat. Worship Service starts at 10:30 AM.  2. CLICK BELOW to join LIVE simulcast on FACEBOOK Live  Facebook stream is a simulcast, so does not include user interaction, which is very important to most. Worship and Crossroads II live-stream links are always available on our website and Facebook pages, too. https://www.facebook.com/FKPCinOcala  
We've all seen people do odd and crazy things. Go ahead, you must confess that you have done some odd or crazy thing at some time in your life. I don't mind admitting that I searched for my glasses until I was just about exasperated only to discover they were on top of my head. Or the time I sat in a chair that wasn't there. Whoops! There are some things in the scripture that are bewildering, and we might find odd: 
Can you imagine your reaction if someone told you they were swallowed by a great fish? Or, in a crowd watching a man hitting a rock with his staff? How about your shock and fear when a chariot of fire swoops down and takes your friend in a whirlwind into the heavens? Head For The Hills! Every day, God performs miracles that bless and enrich our lives. Miracles that we don't understand and don't always see, but by faith, we believe. As the old hymn says, "faith is the victory that overcomes the world". I like the Amplified Bible's version of Hebrews 11:1. 
Have faith my friends. God Is On His Throne!
Have a blessed day and see you Sunday. With a song in my heart, Rick |
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Fort King Presbyterian Church
13 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 Church Phone: (352)-694-4121 Church Email: fkpc@ftkingchurch.org Website: https://www.ftkingchurch.org Website Contact: fortkingpresbyterian@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FKPCinOcala This website is maintained by members of Fort King Presbyterian Church. |