Whiter Than Snow

by Pastor Jackie White

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” Psalm 51:10

Psalm 51 has been an important part of my life, as I have learned to believe that God could truly forgive me of my sins and wash me, whiter than snow. Not that I had done anything horrible in my 15 years before coming to know Jesus as my savior, but God seems to have created me to have a keen sense of right and wrong. Because of God’s unfailing love and compassion for us in sending Jesus to die for our sins, we are made new. We need to go to God with contrite hearts when we have disappointed him. And then, he will create in us a clean heart, and put a new and right spirit in us. We can re-experience the joy of our salvation!

As Tim and I have gone through trials with his health, we have never entertained the “bad theology” of thinking that God is punishing us for our sins. Rather, as we Jesus-followers go through rough patches in life, we can be assured of His love for us, that He is with us and wants the best for us. During this challenge, we are even more thankful for our church family, as we have felt the power of their prayers and appreciate the loving gestures they have provided. As we continue through this time when we need God’s healing of the infection that caused his artificial knee to be removed due to a bad infection, we are full of hope and faith that Tim will be healed. This is another opportunity to work on overall health and lean on God’s promises.

While Tim is immobile, he prays faithfully for our church family. He has sermons stirring in his heart so he will be recording some messages from his “lift chair”. We encourage you to read Psalm 51 to see how it resonates with you. When we repent of our sin, we are made “whiter than show.” No matter how many times we come to the same Scripture reference, it is always a wonder to see how God will reveal something new to us each time. We love you thank you for your continued prayers.

Pastor Jackie White

PS:  Pastor Tim recorded a great message on Psalm 51, you won’t want to miss it this Sunday at 10:30 am.  You can join us for online worship via Facebook Live, You Tube Live, our Washington Cathedral App or on our Website wacathedral.org.

The Lord is my Light

By Rhonda Jones

“The Lord is My Light and my salvation, so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalm 27:1

Today the words of Psalm 27 are very meaningful to me. I’m writing this on the eve of my second shoulder surgery. Three years ago I had to undergo rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder because of a tear I created by trying to be a hero for my husband as I struggled to pull a very heavy yard waste bin up our steep hill....the cart won out and my shoulder lost. It was a tough recovery and I have been very careful with my shoulders ever since.

While getting dressed for church one Sunday in January 2019 I tripped and fell hard, wrenching the left side of my head as it hit my makeup bench with the full impact of my weight. Every vertebrae in my neck adjusted and I lay there thinking I had surely broken it. But I was able to move right away and continued on to serve at church that morning. Now, a year and a half later I have learned that when I fell it wrenched my muscles so violently that I tore my left rotator cuff, plus detached a tendon as well.

I must tell you having had this surgery before, I know too well what I’m getting into. On top of that knowing that I won’t be able to play the piano for some weeks ahead. But I have so much to be thankful for! I could have broken my neck that day - God protected me from serious harm! Six weeks of quiet healing and restoration must be just what I need. I look forward to hearing God speak to my heart during the coming days and share the lessons of love I need to learn. God bless you all, Washington Cathedral! You’ll see me in the coming weeks singing with Eliot. I will play our beloved piano again when I am able.

So, no matter what you are going through, I pray that you remember that the Lord is your fortress. This week Pastor Tim is going to be sharing with us from Psalm 27. Please join us for online worship on Facebook live, our website, our App or on our YouTube channel at 10:30 am on Sunday.

God bless you,

Rhonda Jones
Director of Music
Washington Cathedral

The Earth is the Lord's

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

The world and all its people belong to him.

For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas

and built it on the ocean depths. Psalm 24:1-7

By Pastor Linda

I’m writing this devotion on the morning of my 72nd birthday, so please pardon my time of personal reflection.  I have had the privilege for the majority of my work life to be part of a team led by Pastor Tim White of building a “great caring network.”  I have to be honest and tell you that I had no idea what I was getting into when I accepted the challenge of changing my career from Sales and Marketing Executive in the business world to a Pastor.  The minute Pastor Tim invited me to join the team, I knew in my heart that this is what I had been prepared to do.  (Maybe not as prepared as I thought I was, however). 

I made that career change in January of 1989, so it has been a journey of over 31 years.  I have to tell you it has been the best decision I have ever made.  Oh, there have been many times that I have said to God, “you want me to do what?”  But I have to tell you, when God has His hand on your life, there is only one way to go and that is His way.  Now His way is very different for every person and even changes as time goes on, so that’s why we need to walk with him every minute of every day.  Its not like he says, “here’s your assignment, now go do it.”  No, He gives us a glimpse and a focus and says, “let’s go, we’ve got this, I’m with you every step of the way, lean on me.”

King David knew this when he wrote the words of Psalm 24… “The world and all its people belong to him…” That’s you and me.

This week Pastor Tim has recorded a wonderful message on Psalm 24 to inspire and challenge us.  Join me for a wonderful online service at 10:30 am on Sunday.  You can take part in this weeks service by going to our website, www.wacathedral.org, our Wacathedral App, Facebook Live or You Tube Live.  Hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings on your life and your day,

 Pastor Linda

A Time to Stand Tough

by Pastor Tim White

There is a season for everything under the sun. A time to rejoice a time to cry, a time for war and a time for peace. And even though it’s not listed but there is a time to stand tough. When Daniel was a prisoner in Babylonia, he was commanded to pray to no other God than the state religion, but he kept praying. He had to be thrown into a lion’s den as a consequence, but he hung tough and God prevailed. Abraham and Sarah had only a dream of founding a nation but no baby to get started they did not give up. They hung tough. And every follower of God has had moments when they just had to do the right thing. And for many this is such a time. But before we get too dramatic let’s remember it’s always been that way. We had to hold on, to do the right things and we just could not let go.

Tell a mountain climber about hanging on. Everyone who has held on for dear life has that moment where the thought comes “just let go, give up you can’t do it.” But the consequences are dire for a mountain climber to just let go. So, they hang tough. And a way through comes to them. We are all a little bit mountain climber so don’t give up on that dream, that child, that parent, that spouse. Hang tough because it is the right thing to do.

Read Romans chapter 8:21- through the rest of the chapter.

Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White 

P.S. Join us in worship online this week.  This week we are collaborating with Hillspring Church in Richland.  We’d love to see you there through Facebook Live, You Tube, our website, or our App.

New Hope at Washington Cathedral

by Pastor Tim White

Washington Cathedral just hired an exciting, new Youth Pastor, Jared Gallardo. Jared is 29 years old and just returned, with his wife Rianna, from teaching in Thailand. He has his Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Simpson University in New York. Rianna played college basketball at Simpson. Jared has his Masters from Azusa University in English as a second language, teaching English as a second language. They are an adorable couple and we are so excited to have them at Washington Cathedral. Jared starts August 15th and it comes at a perfect time to boost the youth ministry of our church. I know that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone but remember God knows the plans he has for us and they are to give us a hope and a future.

Your friend for the rest of our lives,

Pastor Tim White

Psalm 23

by Pastor Tim White

PSALM 23
King James Version

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me
beside the still waters.
 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
 I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.
 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Some of the greatest words in all human literature. Recognized by all religions and philosophies Psalm 23 is memorized by children around the planet and relied upon throughout their lives. It echoes through hospitals, government offices, refugee camps and prisons throughout the world.
As many of us know there is Just something healing and restorative in these words.  It speaks to universal human needs and brings rest and refreshment.

Join me this Sunday at 10:30 am online as we dive into the exhilaration of the 23rd Psalm.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Refreshment Through the Psalms

by Pastor Tim White

Psalms Chapter One is the thesis statement for one of the greatest collections of human literature. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the wicked.”  This Old Testament blessed statement needs some unpacking to understand its vitality in our lives today. First of all, it applies to both men and women. It is a generic statement from ancient culture that thinks of mankind as everybody. Any other interpretation misses how this phrase is used in the Semitic word group, or ancient near eastern languages. So most modern translations of the Bible understand this and put it in their translation.  The New Living Bible uses: 
 Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked…

It’s obviously for everyone. But even more, the blessed phrase is a Hebrew word group. A word group in English would be “forget about it.”  It is a colloquial phrase that is so common that on the streets they become one word.  Blessed is the man (generic male or female). This phrase is picked up by Jesus and used in the Beatitudes. Blessed are you when…  Do you see how revolutionary this Psalms One was on its culture and following literary works? You will be happy when you are deliberate in your choice of who influences you.

There is so much here. Join us this Sunday as we study refreshment through the Psalms.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Online worship every Sunday at 10:30 am.  Join us on Facebook Live, YouTube Live,
or at our website www.wacathedral.org.

Let’s Make the Peace Work Through Teamwork.

by Pastor Tim White

Life is good.  Think about it - there is so much to celebrate, and we need to be thankful.  This week is going to be the conclusion of our series on peacemaking.  And we are looking at peacemaking in the “Corinthian Correspondence”. For years I taught a course on Corinthians Correspondence at Northwest University.  I believe it was a required course because my students were nursing students, teaching students, counseling students, and pastoral ministry students.  I loved the subject matter, but I also loved the students that I had over the years.  They were inspiring. I have stayed in touch with a lot of them and enjoy reading about their continued success.  One of the ideas that we focused on was discovering your gift mix and knowing how to get involved with a team using it.

In the middle of all the joys of life we humans have this major challenge.  We want our lives to count.  Every human being has this need.  Even when we are stuck at home during a pandemic, we need to know that our lives matter.  How do we fit into the big picture?  Well, l Corinthians lets us know that we need teamwork to make the peace work. We can all accomplish so much more as a team than what we could as an individual.  And that presents us with a problem.  All of our weaknesses that cause us not to engage with other imperfect people hold us back to the thrill of the adventure of life.  Do you want to grow in your enjoyment of the goodness of life? Then you need to enjoy the teamwork of life, so you can use your giftedness.  

Remember in the movie “Castaway”when the Tom Hanks character was stranded on a beautiful desert island in the South Pacific?  The landscape was beautiful to watch on the movie screen, but it wasn’t enough, so he fell in love with a volleyball with a face painted on it called Wilson.  We laugh at it, but it really was sad when he lost Wilson at sea.  He had a basic human need to have his life to mean something and for that he needed relationships.  Since he had none, he invented it.

Now, don’t think that I am encouraging each of us who are stranded at home to buy a volleyball.  But we still need to have our lives matter.  We need to be a part of a team (the church) in the great challenge of bringing peace to the world through the love of Jesus Christ.  Is that possible in our situation today?  Yes.  Is it going to be easy?  No.  But nevertheless, we can do it, as long as we all apply ourselves to using our gift mixes to form a team which can adapt to circumstance and let God prevail.  

This week let us all work on finding our gift and using it.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Powerful Peacemaking

by Pastor Tim White

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers”. Notice that doesn’t say blessed are the peacekeepers. Peace keeping is courageous and much needed in our day and age. But this is more active than that, we are called to be peace makers. Jesus is directing us to take a high road in the midst of frustration, strife and conflict.

DeSean Jackson made a mistake on social media for which he apologized later. He praised Adolf Hitler and his view of Jewish people. And in response there was a flood of commentary slamming the talented NFL wide receiver. The bashing of Jackson continued until it seemed it would never end. DeSean had said in his apology that his comment was naive, and he did not really understand what he was saying.

NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman stepped in and said that he would be glad to take DeSean Jackson to the Holocaust museum and they could discuss it in a conversation. Edelman said, “I have a lot I would like to learn and understand about DeSean Jackson’s story”. I have been to the Holocaust museum and that would be a breakthrough conversation for everyone.

Julian Edelman is a great wide receiver, just like DeSean Jackson, and he is the only Jewish American player in the NFL. At this time he is a peacemaker. Jesus is right, our world needs more peacemakers. I challenge you to be a peacemaker in your family, at work, in the church and in the marketplace. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

I love America because I follow Jesus Christ.

Before you get all upset at that statement hear me out. The greatest point in my life was when I decided to become a follower of Jesus. And as a Christ follower I know that no nation or person is perfect. But that does not prevent me from loving them. The beloved apostle John wrote in his letter 1 John, Beloved let us love one another for love is of God and everyone that loves knows God. He that does not love does not know God because God is love. So beloved let us love one another.” 1 John 4:7-8
Do you have those verses memorized yet?

I love Kenya because Jackie and I have two children there that we sponsor through Orphan Outreach. We are sponsoring them until they graduate from college. Edinah is age 13 and she is in the sixth grade. And our new boy (our last boy graduated out) is Gedion he is only age 3. Jackie chose him because of his sweet face and his favorite food was milk. They both live in the second largest slum in the world. They have a well with fresh water and a new building because of Orphan Outreach and Washington Cathedral working together. When we sponsor a child there, it pays for their food, education, and medical attention. We have met with many mothers and the elders of the gang that rule the slum. We know the kids’ teachers and pastor. We correspond with them and pray for them daily. We hope to see them again in the next couple of years. Listen, we know Kenya is not perfect. Their medical system is good but needs improvement. They live in a democracy, but it exists in conflict. Kenya has drought, political unrest and needs both infrastructure and urban planning. Not perfect, but we love Kenya because we love its people. And we have friends in Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Burundi, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Black lives matter. We love the people themselves, not just because they are black or African but because they are beautiful people made by our Heavenly Father. How can you not love Kenya if you love God? And the same is true of the United States. We love our friends and neighbors, police and prisoners because they are beautiful people. So, Sunday we celebrate the country we live in. Again, not perfect but we will work along with anyone trying to make it better. We can’t help loving America because we love God.

Join me in worship at 10:30am this Sunday on Facebook, at our website and YouTube.

The 6-Foot Freedom Fest has been canceled due to Governors rescinding
his previous orders until July 9th.

Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim