Already Established

Already Established

Vona Wilson

Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed
and establishes a town by crime!
Has not the LORD Almighty determined
that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire,
and that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the
glory of the LORD, as waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:12-14

God has established a world of perfect order, justice and peace. Nothing we do as humans changes the order of God’s creation and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. It is happening. It is being fulfilled. Anything we do as humans that isn’t fully surrendered to God’s way or order and justice causes us grief and suffering and pain in a multitude of ways. It is a suffering of all of creation.  Many of those ways are so deeply ingrained in our lives and the world that we cannot even recognize them. It happens over generations and centuries; it is much more than we experience in a particular season. This is why God’s grace and mercy is so powerful and profound.  We stand in need of great mercy. Every day.  

The kingdom of God does not rest in the authority of a political entity or a person. We can recall the story of Pharaoh who was the ruler of Egypt.  He had worldly authority and power over land and people. God intervened in Pharaoh’s life and in the life of the Israelites who were crying out to God for help. The power of Pharaoh was disrupted for the purposes of our Creator.  God intervened in the life of Moses and got him involved…in what God was doing; not in the plans of Moses. Exodus 3:1-20 tells this story:  https://bit.ly/2IhIZ4d

We can recall when Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married, God interrupted their plans with a specific call on their lives to be part of God’s coming to earth in the life of Jesus Christ. These were not the plans of Mary and Joseph. They were faithful people that God tapped for a specific time and moment in history. They accepted that call on their lives.  This was not what they expected their marriage to be.  The king ruling at the time, King Herod, was deeply threatened by the birth of Jesus and took all manner of measures to stop the events that were unfolding.  It didn’t work.  Matthew 1:18-20; 2:1-19 tells this story:   https://bit.ly/3naC7F4

We can recall when Saul, a devout and educated religious leader, believed with all of his heart and mind that Jesus was not the Messiah and that he was even an enemy to the things of God. He did everything in his power and position to stop people who were sharing about Jesus. He arrested. He persecuted. He witnessed the stoning of Stephen who was killed because of his belief.  And then…. the resurrected Christ met Saul on the road to Damascus and intervened in his life. Saul, who eventually took the name, Paul, planted churches in the name of Jesus Christ for the rest of his life. It was God’s plan and kingdom being fulfilled on earth…not the other way around.  Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-20 tells this story:  https://bit.ly/32x4WUe

These stories of our fellow human beings on a journey with God are throughout the ancient Scriptures. They are amazing stories! They teach us about ourselves…both our vulnerability and our strength.  They teach us about God who created us with great love and intends for us to have lives that are a blessing in the world around us; lives that give glory and honor to God – no one else.  The stories tell us of a constant unleashing and revealing of the Spirt of God upon the earth. We can be a big, giant mess – and God still reaches out and claims us.

As we humble ourselves on this journey and align our lives with God things begin to slowly and carefully fall into place.  Peace comes. Probably not exactly in the way we planned. Definitely better than we imagined. A near headlong fall or sometimes a long stumble into the mercy and grace of our Creator. This is the spiritual journey.  It is difficult to see as we are living through moments of particular challenge.  We are shaped and pruned; we are humbled and strengthened.  Our selfishness and sin and distraction are slowly chipped away as the generous love of Christ moves in and dwells within us. This is our journey; both painful and amazing!

We are experiencing a great upheaval. Many will say, “God is going to do this; God is going to do that.”  Many are naming enemies and condemning people for their thoughts, actions, votes and mistakes.  Some feel hope; some feel despair.  Meanwhile COVID-19 visits homes and gatherings with no discretion whatsoever; reminding us that we are human beings with bodies that need care and health to thrive.  Good grief! If you are feeling a little tense these days, that is a reasonable response.  But there is also more.

While all of the polarization and blaming keeps us distracted and stressed, and COVID-19 has us masked up and careful, there is something else that persists among the people of God. We need only to give ourselves the gift of stopping to listen.  Ancient words from a prophet still speak today:

But now, God’s Message,
    the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
    the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.  Isaiah 43:1-4 (THE MESSAGE)


What are we to do? We humble ourselves and ask our Creator for help.  We let go of our thoughts and plans and get open to whatever God may choose to do with us and through us as a nation. We have been given a great privilege to live in this country. And…we have been given the greatest gift of all to be the children of God. We embrace the gift.

As you begin the week, just remember that the kingdom of God has already been established. The resurrected Christ sits on the throne. Maybe one of these stories from the ancient Scriptures will encourage you for whatever you are facing this week. You are not alone. The God of heaven is walking with you and will not leave you. Perhaps you will receive a glimpse of that truth today!

The Lord their God will save his people on that day
    as a shepherd saves his flock.
They will sparkle in his land
    like jewels in a crown.
How attractive and beautiful they will be! 
Zechariah 9:16-17a

Holy God, please walk with us.  We ask for your help and wisdom throughout this week.  We need you Lord, and we trust you completely. We yield our lives and plans to you again. Open our eyes to see your presence everywhere. Help us sparkle when we least expect it so we know it is from you. Amen.

A Prayer for Election Day 2020

A Prayer for Election Day 2020

Vona Wilson

Holy God, we have not faced an election under the circumstances that we face today.  We are experiencing a global pandemic we have not known.  The tension within our United States is high and we long for certainty and security that will help us navigate through these challenges well. As your people, we know that the stability and hope we long for will only come from you. We offer this prayer and ask humbly and boldly for your clear assistance.

When we are tempted to allow disagreement to turn to hate; LORD give us self-control that we may speak, and act grounded in your love.

When disappointment with one another leans too close to judgement or despair; LORD fill us with the true hope that you are Lord of all of our lives. Nothing in this world is outside of your mighty and powerful hand.

When pride causes our hearts to be at war against those who vote differently than we do; LORD let your people across our nation be filled with the peace that can only come from you, the peace that is beyond our comprehension. The peace that changes the way we walk through life with others.

When in moments we start to think that an election is our source of contentment and happiness; LORD remind us that in your presence there is fullness of joy and life everlasting and that you want our joy to be complete in you. The joy you offer is never contingent upon an election result on earth.

When we are tempted to give up, to proclaim all is lost if things don’t go the way we think they should; LORD foster patience in us and among us, the patience that trusts you are always at work in the world fulfilling your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

When we are tempted to be harsh and judgmental toward others as our stresses are high and anxiety about the future weighs upon our spirits; LORD remind us that as Jesus made his way even to the cross, he stopped to offer kindness to those in need. He was merciful where forgiveness was so deeply needed; he was gentle in the moments when shepherding or teaching was the higher path to take.

Above all, may the grace that you have so generously given to us and to this nation, be the grace that we offer one another now. Thank you for your faithfulness and steadfast love. We love you and we trust you completely. Please hold this nation and your people in your merciful and mighty hands today. We pray in the name of the resurrected Christ, Amen.

Spiritual Readings for Today
Galatians 5 https://bit.ly/2TVJwex
I John 2:1-11 https://bit.ly/3eq9eBE
Prayer of St Francis of Assisi https://bit.ly/3mLr5G0

Powerful sermon on unity by Rev. Dr. Bryan Brooks
https://bit.ly/326qrLu

Amen by King and Country

The Struggle is Real

The Struggle is Real

Vona Wilson

The struggle is real. Do you ever feel like you are fighting something or trying to navigate life with a constant, nagging “thing” that just won’t let you go?  It may be fear or a habit or some dysfunction. It might be an illness or something in your environment.  It could be anything; we all have our stuff! Even though we may have knowledge and awareness of this, that doesn’t make it go away. It just means we may be able to put in perspective. And every day is different.  Yes, the struggle is real. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with us; it does mean we are human.

Paul wrote all the time about his struggles. I especially appreciate when he talks about his “thorn”.  We don’t know what it was and it doesn’t matter. If you’ve ever had the struggle then you get it.

Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for poweris made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.  – II Corinthians 12:8-10

Some of our struggles don’t go away but they do lose strength and power as we lean more heavily on Christ to bear that burden.  It is a practice and a way of living that keeps us grounded.  When we experience the Spirit of God working through our lives in spite of our struggles then we see the true power of God in our lives.  Recovery groups have this practice down really well. 


Our surrender and just letting God help us is a daily practice.  
“Lord Christ, come quickly to help me. Your grace carries me. You are my strength and help. I place myself in your hands of mercy today.”

Truth I’m Standing On / Leanne Crawford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQq1zEBk41E

If you would like to explore a recovery group here is a link to find a group anywhere in the nation. Many of them are available on zoom now too. 
https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa

Home
Home

https://al-anon.org/https://adultchildren.org/



The Morning Prayer

Vona Wilson


Your mercy is in the sunrise, Lord; you speak love over us once again. Your faithfulness is never dependent on ours; you just keep offering your grace. You set the mountains in their places and tell the leaves when it is time to fall. You bring rain and sunshine; you offer strength and beauty. The wind and the storm as well. Thank you for your love and your provision. Please consider us today. Guide our moments and conversations. Open us to what you are doing right now and give us courageous spirits to embrace what you reveal. We are sometimes slow to accept so please remind us again of who and whose we are. We welcome your presence; we are in your hands. We will trust in you.

October Sunrise


Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24

Monday Patience

Monday Patience

Vona Wilson 
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  – James 5:7-8

I intended to be in a hurry, to squeeze in the errand between many pressing priorities. And then…I got behind a farmer moving his hay!  He had just pulled out from the field; the line of cars behind him was just beginning to form.  This is going to take a while.

There is something about getting behind a farmer that reorders me immediately. It changes the pace of everything, reminding me of what’s really important. It gives me a chance to think.  Why do we want everything to happen faster?  Who and what is rushing us? 

When I lived in the country the daily drive into town and back home in the evening reset my mind and spirit. I watched the seasons change. I got behind a LOT of farmers.  I said a lot of prayers and thought through the blessings of the day.  Patience is a daily practice. Sometimes it takes getting behind a farmer to remember what it feels like to slow down, accept limits and trust the timing of God. And it happens on the city sidewalks too!

Patience and God’s timing are some of the most profound gifts we experience in life. 

Prayer
God we have become a people who think we have to “make” everything happen, and to do it faster, bigger and better every day.  Please consider us in your mercy and help us to trust your timing. Thank you for increasing our patience as we wait for more of your kingdom to be revealed on earth.  We are delighted to begin this Monday tucked into your hand of grace.  When the resurrected Christ shows up wherever we are today, open us to perceive his presence.  Thank you for always teaching us. Amen.

Practice
Drive out to the country. Take in the beauty of the changing leaves. Notice the farmer’s fields. Walk the sidewalks in your town. See the beautiful faces God formed in every person. Consider how carefully and intentionally God is patient with us.  Trust the timing of God today.

Smile by Sidewalk Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjurY5mR2hs

Happy Monday People!

Our Words

Our Words

Vona Wilson

I learned that words were important when I was a small child. Mom was forever teaching and reminding us of words that were “ok” to use, words that were absolutely “off limits”, and words that caused harm. When we used words that were “off limits” there were consequences that came. Often it would be some restriction like, “go to your room”. Sometimes it meant a privilege was taken away.

When we used words that were harmful something different happened. That required an action.  As siblings, we were never allowed to say hurtful things to one another without reconciling. There were different ways we had to do it, but it was always face-to-face, clear words of apology; clear words of restoring relationship; and signs of peace. We had to do it many times! She must have grown weary at our slow learning curve, but she never showed it; and she never let the teaching moments pass unattended.

I learned that words have power when I was an adult. Important is one thing; power is another. The words of a leader initiate action.  The words of a prophet challenge and inspire. The words of a child humble us when we take time to listen.  I’ve regretted words I spoke and often wished conversations had been handled differently.  Sometimes in moments when I needed my words to be eloquent and polished, they have stumbled out of my mouth disordered and looking for a landing place that I forgot to prepare.  What grace is needed in those moments! 

Jesus talks about words a lot; sometimes silencing those who are blaming and other times speaking peace and order into chaos.  Jesus speaks and the wave obey him!  Jesus speaks and people rise up from condemnation! Jesus speaks and people ponder things in their hearts.

It is amazing that God created us with mouths and minds and hearts from which words are formed and shared.  Words that have power. Words that bless. Words that condemn. Words that distract. Words that distort. Words that speak truth. Words that speak lies. Words that offer joy. Words that make room for peace. Words that heal the greatest divides.

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 12:36-37

What are we doing with our words?  I do wonder what power we might release in the world if we simply surrender our words to God and ask for help before we use them…

Prayer
God, we will speak and write many words today. We know you hear and see every single one. You are in this with us every moment. Please help us to use words that honor you and bless your people on earth today.  Tune our ears to receive truth and let noise pass.  Align our hearts to you so that we are able to discern and accept your wisdom when it is offered.  We surrender our words to you today. Amen.

Zach Williams & Dolly Parton: There Was Jesus
https://bit.ly/3jBSo4q

Autumn 2020

Autumn 2020

Vona Wilson


We welcome your new season
the trees singing a different melody in their breezes.
Leaves allow their colors to change
shouting with the brightness of red and brown and yellow;
purple and orange.
All restraint disappears in the transformation. 
Dramatically we will wake to find them
dancing free
of the branches and limbs that held them,
finished providing shade and shelter…
free now to line the bed of winter coming.

Oh that it would be so easy for us!

To marvel at the change in my neighbor’s life
to see the colors, each one, as the brush of God on the earth
to stand and allow the winds of fall to speak.
To welcome what we could never have imagined
and embrace your way of grace.
Remind me that change brings both sadness and joy;
it is the road of life we travel.
The street made with gravel and pavement,
curves and hills that help shape us for the long stretches
of what seems
like
nothing. 
Our knees ache on the downhill
our hearts race at the steep inclines
always looking for an easier way.

Perhaps this is enough.
To stop us from looking elsewhere
and point us in the direction of living
this season, this moment, this life.
The hand of a friend makes better the journey
even when it comes from a distance.
Here…just offer me yours
as I offer you mine.
We have not walked through this before;
we may need each other this time.
– Vona Rose Wilson, 9/22/2020

Building Plans

Vona Wilson

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” – Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27

The rains came hard in our area of Tennessee this weekend. I was at the river for sunrise on Saturday morning. The water was low. The flowers were blooming. Bird singing. It was a beautiful morning.

Late yesterday before sunset I returned to that same spot. Everywhere I had been was covered in rushing water. Just like that.

I remember working my first “flood” as a Paramedic. It all happened so fast!  We had to rescue many people from their homes and stranded vehicles. As is often the case with flooding, some people lost their lives.

Life can be like the rains that come so quickly and, in some cases, with great destruction.  Whatever foundation we have when “life happens” is what we have to stand on as we navigate through it. If we are standing on shifting sand…well, you get the picture and it’s not pretty. The good news is, we don’t have to stay on the sand. 

When Jesus said these words about the foundation we build for our lives, he was teaching some very practical things that help develop that foundation. When it feels like we are standing on sand instead of rock, there is something we can do. Jesus offers us a lot of practical instructions and counseling.  He mentors us along with very different ways of doing life.  When we follow his teachings, our feet slowly begin to find the foundation underneath us getting stronger and stronger. Our faith begins to grow. Our trust in God’s grace and love is strengthened. We experience the gift of mercy. And when the rains come, as they will, we find ourselves standing on solid ground.

Wonder what to do to start building a more solid foundation for your life?  Read the 7th chapter of Matthew to discover a few actions that Jesus encourages to do. He even invites us to ask for what we need:  https://bit.ly/3mo7AnI

Prayer
Lord, we need more lives built on rock for this time in history. Please help us see our way to following your teaching that leads us to abundant life. We need you. We love you and we trust you completely.

David Wesley’s Virtual Choir#6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkIr6eHjqXI

A Prayer After Labor Day

Vona Wilson

After Labor Day we rush
into the months
forgetting quickly the blessing
of days and moments.
Help us, Lord, just today
to take the moments into account;
hold each as precious gifts;
stop to tend to the neighbor
whose name we still don’t know.
Protect us from filling our
months, seasons and remaining year
with frivolous busyness
while you are inviting us into
something bigger than we can see.
Help us, Creator, just today
to appreciate conversations that
shape us for peace;
to love without question;
pray without ceasing;
plan without striving.
Let this “after Labor Day” moment
be like no other
leading us into Grace for these days.
Amen and Amen.

Fancher Falls

Asking the Question

Vona Wilson

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  – II Samuel 9:1

David and Jonathan were dear friends. Jonathan’s father, Saul, was the king under which both young men served. Their story includes a difficult and required parting due to circumstances beyond their control.  It was a messy situation with wrongs enacted by Saul and power struggles that drove decision making.  Before David and Jonathan parted, a promise was made. Jonathan helps save David’s life and David promises Jonathan he will always show kindness to the house of Saul.  This includes the whole lineage from Saul.  Both men knew that one day David would be king, and also that a lot of difficult things were likely to happen before that day was established, things they could not know or control.  The promise made between the two friends was lasting though they were never able to be together again. The covenant between the two never wavered. Read the details of their story here:  https://bit.ly/3lpT1PF

At this point in David’s life, there is a break from the difficulties. He is able to take a breath and ask the question – about whether or not anyone is still left in the house of Saul to whom he can show kindness. He has not forgotten his promise to Jonathan.  Time and circumstances have  passed, but the heart of the friendship remains. The story follows that Mephibosheth is found as the living relative of the house of Saul. He is Jonathan’s son. When Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle, Mephibosheth was 5 years old.

When David learns that Mephibosheth is living isolated and away from his own family’s resources, he takes immediate action. Mephibosheth became crippled through a fall that happened during the same crisis when his father and grandfather died.  It is not uncommon that he would have been shifted out of sight and away from the access of the family’s heritage. David recognizes this as the kindness he needs to offer to the house of Saul.  He immediately restores all of Saul’s assets to Mephibosheth, so he shares in the inheritance of his family.  And then with a radical and clear act of love, David sets a permanent place for Mephibosheth at his table. Hospitality was one of the most important virtues in ancient times. Having a place at the table and a safe place to sleep at night were immeasurable gifts of grace.

Life can go down a lot of roads we didn’t plan to travel. Things happen. We get redirected. Sometimes the journey or actions of another person impacts ours in permanent ways. We make choices but we also learn to embrace situations that unfold in life.  We don’t always get to choose how that happens.

Mephibosheth is in that situation. A lot has been removed from his control. Living isolated and without the resources of his family, he is clearly not where Jonathan would be if Jonathan was alive.  David could easily have left his promise to Jonathan unfulfilled. Saul and Jonathan are both dead, no one would know the difference. But he doesn’t because he can’t forget his friend, or his promise.  He asks the courageous question and he learns of Jonathan’s son.

David has the power to restore order and honor; he does so right away.  His actions also restore all of those who are connected with Mephibosheth.  Once physical assets and places are reestablished, David restores what money can never buy. He sets a place at his own table, offering friendship and hospitality, the same as he would have done for Jonathan.

Jesus, many years later, reminds his disciples of the same teaching: “Love one another has I have loved you.” – John 15:12

And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always at the king’s table, and he was crippled in both feet.  – II Samuel 9:13

Prayer
God thank you for finding ways to remind us of the most important things in life.  If there are unfulfilled kindnesses we need to offer today, please bring them to our minds. Give us courage to ask the questions and always to act with humility and love. Amen.