Monthly Archives: March 2024

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: Heart’s Harvest

Leave a comment

Read Matthew 22:34-40

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23 NLT)

In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Holy Tuesday unfolds with profound teachings and poignant encounters. Jesus, surrounded by his disciples, walks with purpose through the crowds, his words carrying weight and wisdom.

As he passes by the temple, a group of Pharisees and teachers of the law approach him, their faces filled with skepticism. One among them, a lawyer, steps forward with a question meant to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asks, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus, undeterred by their intentions, responds with a depth of insight that leaves his audience speechless. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” he declares. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Pharisees murmur among themselves, impressed by Jesus’ answer yet unsure how to respond. But Jesus is not finished. He turns his gaze upon them, his eyes filled with both compassion and rebuke. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,” he says, his voice echoing through the temple courts. “You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”

The Pharisees shift uncomfortably under Jesus’ scrutiny, realizing the depth of their hypocrisy. But Jesus does not condemn them; instead, he offers them a challenge—to live lives marked by genuine love and righteousness.

Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday encapsulate the essence of true spirituality: love for God and love for neighbor. His response to the Pharisees highlights the foundational principles upon which all of God’s commandments rest. Love, Jesus teaches, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith—a love that encompasses our entire being and extends to all those around us.

The first commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, speaks to the depth of our relationship with the divine. It calls us to surrender ourselves completely to God, to offer our whole being in worship and devotion. This love for God is not merely an emotional response but a commitment of the will—an acknowledgment of God’s supreme worth and authority over our lives.

The second commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, extends the scope of our love outward, embracing all of humanity. It challenges us to see others as God sees them—to recognize their inherent worth and dignity as fellow bearers of the divine image. This love is not limited by boundaries or conditions but encompasses all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or religion.

As we reflect on Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday, let us examine our own lives. Are we, like the Pharisees, more concerned with outward appearances than with genuine love for God and others? Let us strive to cultivate hearts that are truly transformed by love—a love that compels us to seek justice, extend mercy, and live lives of faithfulness.

Let us embrace Jesus’ challenge to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should permeate every aspect of our lives, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions. It should inspire us to reach out to those in need, to stand up for justice, and to extend grace and forgiveness to all who cross our path.

Let us also recognize that living out this love is not always easy. It requires humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But as we follow Jesus’ example and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that our efforts will bear fruit—fruit that glorifies God and blesses those around us.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
True spirituality is not about adhering to a set of rules but about cultivating a heart of love—a love that transforms us from the inside out.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our lives be marked by justice, mercy, and faithfulness, reflecting the depth of your love for us. Transform our hearts, O God, and empower us to live lives that honor and glorify you. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: Temple Tumult

Leave a comment

Read Mark 11:12-19

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7 NLT).

The sun rose over Bethany, casting long shadows across the dusty road as Jesus and his disciples made their way toward Jerusalem. Conversation flowed among the group, anticipation rising with each step. Suddenly, Jesus stopped, his gaze fixed on a fig tree in the distance. “I’m hungry,” he declared.

Peter, always quick to respond, chuckled. “We’ll find you something to eat when we get to Jerusalem, Master.”

But Jesus approached the fig tree, his hunger palpable. His disappointment was evident as he found no fruit, only leaves. “May no one ever eat fruit from you again,” he said, his words hanging in the air.

The disciples exchanged puzzled glances, but there was no time for questions as they continued their journey. Soon, they reached the outskirts of Jerusalem, the bustling city stretching before them. The noise of the marketplace filled the air as they entered the Temple courtyard.

What they saw next left them speechless. Jesus, usually calm and composed, was now a whirlwind of righteous anger. He overturned tables, scattering coins, and drove out those who were buying and selling. “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations!” he proclaimed.

The Temple leaders, threatened by Jesus’ actions, began plotting his demise. But amidst the chaos, Jesus continued to teach, his words piercing through the noise and confusion.

You stood in awe, witnessing Jesus’ zeal for the purity of worship and his rejection of religious hypocrisy. His actions challenged the status quo, confronting the corruption and injustice that had infiltrated religious practice.

As evening fell, you left the Temple with Jesus, pondering the events of the day and the profound implications of his actions.

In today’s passage, we witness Jesus’ actions in the Temple and his cursing of the fig tree. The fig tree, with its leaves but no fruit, serves as a symbol of spiritual barrenness and hypocrisy. What’s more, the tree was barren because it was not quite yet in season. This is a warning to us, Jesus’ disciples, that we are to be ready for Him, regardless of when he arrives. Furthermore, Jesus’ actions in the Temple demonstrate his zeal for the purity of worship and his rejection of religious hypocrisy.

The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer and communion with God, but it had become a marketplace, driven by greed and exploitation. Jesus’ actions were a powerful statement against the corruption and injustice that had infiltrated religious practice.

This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, or are we like the fig tree, full of leaves but lacking substance…not ready for the return of our Lord? Are our places of worship, starting with our own hearts, characterized by genuine devotion and prayer, or have they become polluted by worldly concerns?

As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody his teachings and reflect his character. Let us strive to cultivate lives of authenticity and integrity, bearing fruit that glorifies God and serves others. May our places of worship be sanctuaries of prayer and worship, where all are welcomed and embraced in God’s love.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the midst of chaos and conflict, Jesus reveals his zeal for the purity of worship and his unwavering commitment to God’s purposes.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, lead us into reverence, aligning our hearts with Your purpose. Grant courage to confront injustice and wisdom to follow faithfully. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Episode 329 | THROUGH THE VALLEY, part 7: Lament and Action

Leave a comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ukrjy-15bdd7b

In this episode, Rev. Todd reminds us that while facing reality can sometimes cause us great pain and sorrow, Jesus shows us how this important step can lead us to necessary, God-seeking action.

Online Worship

March 24, 2024 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

Leave a comment

JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our live-streamed Sunday Worship Services for March 24, 2024. Today we discover that while facing reality can sometimes cause us great pain and sorrow, Jesus shows us how this important step can lead us to necessary, God-seeking action..

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860

God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: The Unexpected King

Leave a comment

Read Mark 11:1-11

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9 NLT) –

Imagine the dusty road leading toward Jerusalem, the excitement palpable as Jesus and his disciples make their way toward the city. You walk alongside them, feeling the energy in the air crackling with anticipation. The disciples exchange glances, their faces a mixture of awe and uncertainty. They’ve seen Jesus perform miracles, heard his teachings, and witnessed the crowds grow in size, but this moment feels different, charged with significance.

As you journey with them, you hear Jesus instructing two disciples to fetch a donkey. There’s a sense of urgency in his voice, a quiet confidence that everything is unfolding according to plan. The disciples, unsure but trusting, follow his instructions and soon return with the young colt. They lay their cloaks upon its back, a makeshift saddle for their humble King.

They knew the Scriptures. They knew what Zechariah had prophesied and they knew the implications this all meant for Jesus. He was the Messiah… the coming King… who would kick the Romans out of Judea once and for all. He would set up the Messianic Kingdom and restore Israel back to her glory days forever. This is who they saw Jesus as, their warrior king.

The atmosphere shifts as they approach the outskirts of Jerusalem. The crowds begin to gather, their excitement contagious as they catch sight of Jesus riding upon the donkey. Some spread their cloaks on the ground, while others cut branches from nearby trees, shouting praises and blessings as Jesus passes by. “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

In the midst of this jubilation, the disciples exchange nervous glances. They’ve heard the prophecies, they’ve witnessed the miracles, but the weight of the moment is not lost on them. They wonder what this triumphal entry means for their beloved teacher and for the nation of Israel. Will Jesus establish his kingdom here and now, overthrowing the oppressive Roman rule? Or is there something else, something deeper, that they have yet to understand?

As you walk alongside them, you can’t help but ponder these questions yourself. What does this moment mean for you personally? How does Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem speak to the desires and longings of your own heart?

In this passage, we witness the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, echoing Zechariah 9:9. This prophecy, given centuries before, describes the coming of a righteous and victorious king who is humble, riding on a donkey’s colt. By deliberately choosing this mode of transportation, Jesus is unmistakably declaring himself as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the expectations set forth in the Scriptures.

The disciples, familiar with these prophecies, may have interpreted Jesus’ actions as the fulfillment of their hopes for a conquering Messiah who would restore Israel’s former glory. They likely anticipated a political revolution, envisioning Jesus as a powerful warrior king who would overthrow Roman oppression and establish a physical kingdom on earth. Their understanding of the Messiah was deeply rooted in their cultural and historical context, shaped by their longing for freedom from political oppression and the restoration of Israel’s sovereignty.

As we reflect on this scene, we are reminded of the danger of imposing our own expectations onto Jesus. Just as the disciples envisioned Jesus as a warrior king who would bring political liberation, we too may be tempted to confine Jesus to our own narrow understanding of who He is and what He should do in our lives. However, Jesus defies our expectations and challenges our preconceived notions of his identity and mission.

Instead, let us approach Jesus with humility and openness, allowing Him to reveal Himself to us as He truly is—the Savior who brings not just political freedom, but spiritual liberation and eternal life. While Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem may not have met the disciples’ immediate expectations of a political revolution, it ultimately fulfilled a far greater purpose—the redemption and salvation of humanity.

As we journey through life, let us surrender our own agendas and expectations to Jesus, trusting in His divine wisdom and sovereignty. May we allow Him to work in our lives in ways that surpass our understanding, and may we remain open to the transformative power of His love and grace.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, guide me through life’s ups and downs. Help me trust Your plan, find peace in Your presence, and surrender our fears, knowing You reign now and forever. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Episode 329 | THROUGH THE VALLEY, part 7: Lament and Action

Leave a comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ukrjy-15bdd7b

In this episode, Rev. Todd reminds us that while facing reality can sometimes cause us great pain and sorrow, Jesus shows us how this important step can lead us to necessary, God-seeking action.

Devotional

Episode 328 | THROUGH THE VALLEY, part 6: Lament and Hope

Leave a comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9maa3-15bdd70

In this episode, Rev. Todd reminds us that in a world of “either/or,” lament can bring us to a more honest place of “both/and.” We can both reckon with the full weight of our sorrows and experience hope in our faithful, loving God.

Devotional

Our Forever High Priest

Leave a comment

Read Hebrews 5:5-10

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“The Lord has promised and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek'” (Psalm 110:4 NLT).

Imagine you’re back in the ancient days, where people lived in tribes and cities were still rare sights. In this world, there was a king and priest named Melchizedek, who met Abraham after a battle. Instead of asking for something from Abraham, he brought out bread and wine and blessed him. This was a bit unusual, but it was a special moment that later had a big meaning.

Now, think about Jesus. When he was on earth, he did something very similar with his friends. He took bread and wine and shared it with them, saying that it represented his body and blood, given for them. This might sound strange, but it was actually a way of showing that he would give himself for everyone, just like Melchizedek’s act hinted at.

In the passage from Hebrews, it talks about how Jesus didn’t just pick himself to be the special priest. God chose him for the job. This tells us that Jesus’ role as High Priest is really important. He’s not like the other priests who followed a bunch of rules; he’s different. He’s forever.

So, why does all this matter to us today? Well, it means that Jesus knows what it’s like to be human because he lived as one of us. He’s not far away; he’s right here with us, understanding our struggles and helping us out.

Picture this: when you’re going through a tough time or feeling far from God, remember that Jesus is there for you. He’s like a friend who’s always ready to listen and help.

When we understand the significance of Jesus’ role as our forever High Priest, it changes how we live our lives. Firstly, we can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands us completely and intercedes for us. Secondly, we’re called to extend grace to others, just as Jesus does for us. We’re also challenged to serve with compassion, following Jesus’ example of selfless love. Additionally, participating in Communion regularly can deepen our connection to Jesus and remind us of his sacrifice. Lastly, we’re invited to share the good news of Jesus’ love and forgiveness with others, inviting them into a relationship with our compassionate High Priest.

Remember, as you go about your day, that Jesus is not a distant figure but our loving Lord and a close friend who understands your struggles and is always ready to help. Lean on his grace and strength, and trust that he will guide you through whatever challenges you may face.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Jesus understands us completely and is always there to help us, just like a good friend.

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for being my forever High Priest. Help me to remember that you’re always there for me, no matter what I’m going through. Guide me as I seek to draw near to you, extend grace to others, and serve with compassion. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

God’s Surprising Choice

Leave a comment

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—God’s own people, Israel. He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands” (Psalm 78:70-72 NLT).

Have you ever felt overlooked? Like you were standing in the background while everyone else got picked for the team? If so, you’re not alone. In 1 Samuel 16, we encounter a similar situation. The prophet Samuel is sent by God to anoint the next ruler of Israel, and Samuel heads to Jesse’s house in Bethlehem. Now, Jesse had several sons, and as Samuel laid eyes on the eldest, Eliab, he thought, “Surely, this is the one!” But God had other plans.

You see, God doesn’t always choose the obvious or the expected. Instead, God looks at the heart. And so, one by one, Jesse’s sons pass before Samuel, and each time, God says, “Nope, not this one.” Finally, Samuel asks if there are any more sons, and Jesse mentions the youngest, David, who’s out tending the sheep.

IMAGINE THE SCENE: David, probably smelling like sheep, enters the room. He’s young, not the most likely candidate for a ruler. But God sees something in David that no one else does. God sees a heart after God’s own heart.

David’s life before this moment was not glamorous. He spent his days out in the fields, caring for his father’s sheep. It was a humble existence, far from the spotlight. Yet, it was in this ordinary, OVERLOOKED life that God was preparing David for something extraordinary.

In our lives, we often judge by outward appearances, just like Samuel did with Eliab. We look at the impressive resumes, the flashy talents, the outward successes. But God sees BEYOND all that. God sees the heart. God sees our willingness to obey, our faithfulness in the small things, our love for God and for others.

So, what does this mean for us? It means that no matter how overlooked or underestimated we may feel, God sees us. God knows us intimately, and God has a purpose for each of us, just like God had for David. Our job is to trust God, to seek God with our whole hearts, and to be faithful in the little things, knowing that God is working behind the scenes, preparing us for the plans God has in store.

God’s choices are often surprising but ALWAYS perfect. Let’s take comfort in the fact that the same God who chose David, the shepherd boy, to be the king of Israel, is the same God who has chosen us and has a plan for our lives.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
God’s choices are often surprising but always perfect.

PRAYER
God, help us to trust in Your wisdom and timing, even when we don’t understand Your ways. Give us hearts that seek after You above all else, knowing that You see us, You know us, and You have a purpose for each of us. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Online Worship

March 17, 2024 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

Leave a comment

JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our live-streamed Sunday Worship Services for March 17, 2024. Today we discover in a world of “either/or,” lament can bring us to a more honest place of “both/and.” We can both reckon with the full weight of our sorrows and experience hope in our faithful, loving God.

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860

God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.