This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday. The day of Epiphany is January 6th, but we celebrate this day on the Sunday before. The word epiphany means an appearance of a god or God. In the Christian Calendar, this day celebrates the way that Christ was made known to the gentiles, or the Wise Men.
And so, our readings also focus on the Wise Men:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12
This story differs in many ways from the story of Jesus' birth as recorded by the Gospel of Luke. Luke's Gospel tells us of poor shepherds who heard the news, saw the baby, and went away rejoicing. Matthew's story is different. It tells of priestly astrologers from Persia who observed the rising of the star and came to seek the new great Jewish king. The story also tells us the panic that spread through Herod and all of Jerusalem when this news was announced. Far from being excited the people were frightened.
It seems strange that these priests of another religion entirely saw the signs for a great king, and then went to worship him. In contrast, the Jewish leaders who should have been excited about this new king who came for them, were frightened. The Magi came with gifts worthy of a king. Herod sent soldiers in an attempt to prevent the new king from rising.
The gifts and the attitude that they brought to Jesus were radically different from one another. My commentary (The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary) points out that most preaching about the magi emphasizes their actions. "They acted on the light they had; they went to Bethlehem while the scribes who knew the Bible did not; they gave precious gifts to Jesus." These things are very important. We need to remember and follow the example of the magi who took great risk and sacrifice to come and present their gifts to the king.
Yet, we must be careful not to focus solely on their actions. The commentary concludes by saying, "their action is a response to the divine initiative. Here as elsewhere, God's grace precedes human action." We must remember that all worship is God initiated.
Questions to ponder...
What might the reaction be today if God came again? Do people want to hear about God's presence in our world, or are they frightened and skeptical like Herod and the people of Jerusalem?
Even more, how do we respond to God today? Do we worship God as the Magi did, bringing everything to God?
What are the gifts that God would have us bring to worship?
How does it change our attitude of worship, if we remember that we worship because of "Divine Initiative," or because God loved us first?
May God be with you as you worship this week.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A New Resolution...
The New Year is almost here and that means it is time once again to make those annual New Year’s Resolutions. We promise to diet or exercise or do all of those good things that we know we should be doing. We want so very much to try harder and to be better, but so often by February or March the resolutions have been forgotten, and we are back where we started.
This year I’d like to suggest a different kind of resolution. Worship God. That’s it. It seems pretty simple, and in many ways it is. Worship is a part of the Christian way of living. It is how we give thanks for all the ways we see God working. Worship should flow out of us naturally each and every day.
And yet, we often find worship difficult, because we get so busy that we forget about God. Not only that, but many of us aren’t really sure what worship is. Is it just about singing? Is it only saying thank-you? What is worship really? And, how can we worship more fully?
This January and February, I encourage you to join us as we answer these questions together. Each week we will explore how to truly find the “Heart of Worship.” I believe that as we seek to worship God more fully, we will find many gifts waiting for us. Christmas Day may have come and gone, but God’s gifts for us are still coming. As we worship, we discover that a deeper relationship with God is worth more than anything we could ever buy.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been worshiping God from the cradle, or if you are brand new to church, God longs for us to worship. So, come and explore with us what it means to worship.
This year I’d like to suggest a different kind of resolution. Worship God. That’s it. It seems pretty simple, and in many ways it is. Worship is a part of the Christian way of living. It is how we give thanks for all the ways we see God working. Worship should flow out of us naturally each and every day.
And yet, we often find worship difficult, because we get so busy that we forget about God. Not only that, but many of us aren’t really sure what worship is. Is it just about singing? Is it only saying thank-you? What is worship really? And, how can we worship more fully?
This January and February, I encourage you to join us as we answer these questions together. Each week we will explore how to truly find the “Heart of Worship.” I believe that as we seek to worship God more fully, we will find many gifts waiting for us. Christmas Day may have come and gone, but God’s gifts for us are still coming. As we worship, we discover that a deeper relationship with God is worth more than anything we could ever buy.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been worshiping God from the cradle, or if you are brand new to church, God longs for us to worship. So, come and explore with us what it means to worship.
The Light of Christ
We had a very interesting experience here at MUMC on Christmas Eve. It started out like any other Christmas Eve Service, but ended with a strange twist.
I planned to end our service with the traditional Candelight Service. We were going to sing, "Silent Night" and I was going to take the light from the Christ candle and share it with the congregation to remind us of how the light of Christ moves out into the world.
Just as I was explaining the meaning of this part of the worship service, the lights went out. It was only seconds before we planned to turn them out anyway. At first I thought someone had just "jumped the gun" and turned them out early. Then I realized that my microphone wasn't working either. The lights flashed on and off several times, before going out completely. It turned out that the ice on the powerlines caused us to lose our electricity.
Not wanting to be controlled by faulty powerlines, we continued the candlelighting service. Someone ran up to help our guitarist see his music so that we could sing Silent Night. The lights from the candles lit up the sanctuary and made a beautiful sight. Slowly and worshipfully everyone left the sanctuary while still singing.
And then, right where we would normally extinguish the candle and put it back in the box for next year, we realized that we still needed the candles!
People went out of their way to help others. Two people stationed themselves on the steps to help others see the way. Others stationed themselves at the coat rack to help people put on their coats. Someone else ran and got a flashlight from their car to help others see outside. Everyone pitched in to help others find their way.
Reflecting on this experience later, I realized that we really were "the light of Christ." We were doing exactly what we should be doing ... helping others to find their way.
May we all be candles for the world that on the darkest night, our light from Christ can shine brightly to help others find their way.
I planned to end our service with the traditional Candelight Service. We were going to sing, "Silent Night" and I was going to take the light from the Christ candle and share it with the congregation to remind us of how the light of Christ moves out into the world.
Just as I was explaining the meaning of this part of the worship service, the lights went out. It was only seconds before we planned to turn them out anyway. At first I thought someone had just "jumped the gun" and turned them out early. Then I realized that my microphone wasn't working either. The lights flashed on and off several times, before going out completely. It turned out that the ice on the powerlines caused us to lose our electricity.
Not wanting to be controlled by faulty powerlines, we continued the candlelighting service. Someone ran up to help our guitarist see his music so that we could sing Silent Night. The lights from the candles lit up the sanctuary and made a beautiful sight. Slowly and worshipfully everyone left the sanctuary while still singing.
And then, right where we would normally extinguish the candle and put it back in the box for next year, we realized that we still needed the candles!
People went out of their way to help others. Two people stationed themselves on the steps to help others see the way. Others stationed themselves at the coat rack to help people put on their coats. Someone else ran and got a flashlight from their car to help others see outside. Everyone pitched in to help others find their way.
Reflecting on this experience later, I realized that we really were "the light of Christ." We were doing exactly what we should be doing ... helping others to find their way.
May we all be candles for the world that on the darkest night, our light from Christ can shine brightly to help others find their way.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Open The Doors -- Welcome Home!
While I was in Seminary, I had the opportunity to serve at a church in Dubuque by working with their "Food for the Soul" program. They served a free meal every Saturday night to anyone who was in need. I worked as the Hostess for the meal. My job was to make sure that everyone felt welcomed, to pray for the meal, and to help with other logistics.
One night while I was working there, I saw a man reading a book. I asked him what he was reading and found out that he was reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. I was surprised that this homeless man was reading such a difficult book. This discovery opened the doors to a rather long and unexpected conversation about Classic Literature and our favorite authors.
Afterwards, I called my sister to share this strange happening. I told her that I couldn't believe that he had read so many classic books, I am ashamed to admit that I assumed most of the people were at a very low reading level. My sister, (being a fount of wisdom) said, "you were probably right about most of the people, but it's those other 10% that get you every time."
"The other 10%.." I've never forgotten that phrase, and sometime would like to do a whole sermon series about how God uses those "other ten percent" in powerful and mighty ways.
This theme can be powerfully seen in the passages for this week:
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:39-45
Luke 1:47-55
Surpisingly it is little and insignificant Bethlehem that is the birthplace for the Messiah. It is two unlikely women that God chooses to bear John the Baptist and Jesus. It is the lowly that are lifted up in Mary's Magnificat. It is the proud that are scattered. God turns the tables on our assumptions and prejudices and helps us to see "the other 10 percent." God welcomes us home not because we are rich or proud or mighty or intelligent. God welcomes us home because we are faithful.
Questions to ponder...
Who are the "other 10 percent" in your world? Who have you ignored, or forgotten, or made assumptions about? How do these passages challenge us to reach out to the least, lost, and forgotten of the world?
What does it mean that God uses the lowly and the forgotten to be bearers of God's message?
Where have you told God, "no" because you thought you were too insignificant? How might God be challenging you through these passages to step out in faith?
Remember that whoever you are, and wherever you are, God loves you! And despite how small and insignificant you may feel, you play a special part in God's plan. So, this week, remember that God has opened the doors for you (and the other 10 percent of the world we forget about) and is calling us home.
One night while I was working there, I saw a man reading a book. I asked him what he was reading and found out that he was reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. I was surprised that this homeless man was reading such a difficult book. This discovery opened the doors to a rather long and unexpected conversation about Classic Literature and our favorite authors.
Afterwards, I called my sister to share this strange happening. I told her that I couldn't believe that he had read so many classic books, I am ashamed to admit that I assumed most of the people were at a very low reading level. My sister, (being a fount of wisdom) said, "you were probably right about most of the people, but it's those other 10% that get you every time."
"The other 10%.." I've never forgotten that phrase, and sometime would like to do a whole sermon series about how God uses those "other ten percent" in powerful and mighty ways.
This theme can be powerfully seen in the passages for this week:
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:39-45
Luke 1:47-55
Surpisingly it is little and insignificant Bethlehem that is the birthplace for the Messiah. It is two unlikely women that God chooses to bear John the Baptist and Jesus. It is the lowly that are lifted up in Mary's Magnificat. It is the proud that are scattered. God turns the tables on our assumptions and prejudices and helps us to see "the other 10 percent." God welcomes us home not because we are rich or proud or mighty or intelligent. God welcomes us home because we are faithful.
Questions to ponder...
Who are the "other 10 percent" in your world? Who have you ignored, or forgotten, or made assumptions about? How do these passages challenge us to reach out to the least, lost, and forgotten of the world?
What does it mean that God uses the lowly and the forgotten to be bearers of God's message?
Where have you told God, "no" because you thought you were too insignificant? How might God be challenging you through these passages to step out in faith?
Remember that whoever you are, and wherever you are, God loves you! And despite how small and insignificant you may feel, you play a special part in God's plan. So, this week, remember that God has opened the doors for you (and the other 10 percent of the world we forget about) and is calling us home.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Home Is Where We Find Welcome
We began our journey of talking about home as the place for which our heart is longing. Just as the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) eventually longed to return to his Father's house, our hearts are programed to long to be in God's house. We long for the joy and the peace that only God's home can provide. Last week we talked about how the journey home requires preparation. We must prepare our hearts to receive the good gifts that God has waiting for us. And that means recognizing, confessing and repenting of our sins. This week we again look at repentance and the incredible gifts that come after one repents.
This weeks passages are:
Luke 3:7-18
Zephaniah3:14-20
"You brood of vipers!" This is how John starts his sermon to the people. Reading this passage can feel a bit like a slap in the face. You think, "how dare you, John, call me a viper!!" John's harsh message of repentance can be hard to swallow. But, here's the interesting thing. You would think that a crazy man railing in the desert would be largely ignored by the people. Maybe you'd get a few people going to see this novelty, but you'd think that most people would get offended and leave. But they don't.
Instead, as the passage continues, we see that there are crowds around him, not just listening, but even more asking him for advice on how to live their lives. Even more, the crowds contain the hated tax collectors and soldiers. How is it that this crazy preacher with such a severe message attracts such a wide variety of followers?
I think, it comes because people know truth when they find it. These people knew they needed to repent and turn around and live a new life, and they were thrilled when someone was bold enough to confess it. The notes in my Study Bible say, "John's message emphasizes judgement, but even news of judgement can be good news if it brings people to genuine repentance and moral transformation."
The news of judgement brought people from every walk of life: peasants, tax collectors, soldiers. All were welcome to hear and receive this news. And even better, to those who receive it, they find the peace and joy that comes through repentance.
The JOY of repentance is found in the passage from Zechariah in which God rejoices and sings and gathers and renews the repentant Israelites. After the harsh punishment of exile, the people have repented and returned to God and now they find the welcome and joy that only God can give.
Questions to ponder...
How do you react to John's message of judgement and repentance?
Spend some time in prayer. Are there places in your life where you need to turn around and repent?
Can you imagine God rejoicing over you with singing?
As you walk through the call to repentance remember that God asks us to repent not to beat ourselves up with guilt, but so that we can be in relationship with God and realize that our God rejoices over us with singing! Praise be to God!!
This weeks passages are:
Luke 3:7-18
Zephaniah3:14-20
"You brood of vipers!" This is how John starts his sermon to the people. Reading this passage can feel a bit like a slap in the face. You think, "how dare you, John, call me a viper!!" John's harsh message of repentance can be hard to swallow. But, here's the interesting thing. You would think that a crazy man railing in the desert would be largely ignored by the people. Maybe you'd get a few people going to see this novelty, but you'd think that most people would get offended and leave. But they don't.
Instead, as the passage continues, we see that there are crowds around him, not just listening, but even more asking him for advice on how to live their lives. Even more, the crowds contain the hated tax collectors and soldiers. How is it that this crazy preacher with such a severe message attracts such a wide variety of followers?
I think, it comes because people know truth when they find it. These people knew they needed to repent and turn around and live a new life, and they were thrilled when someone was bold enough to confess it. The notes in my Study Bible say, "John's message emphasizes judgement, but even news of judgement can be good news if it brings people to genuine repentance and moral transformation."
The news of judgement brought people from every walk of life: peasants, tax collectors, soldiers. All were welcome to hear and receive this news. And even better, to those who receive it, they find the peace and joy that comes through repentance.
The JOY of repentance is found in the passage from Zechariah in which God rejoices and sings and gathers and renews the repentant Israelites. After the harsh punishment of exile, the people have repented and returned to God and now they find the welcome and joy that only God can give.
Questions to ponder...
How do you react to John's message of judgement and repentance?
Spend some time in prayer. Are there places in your life where you need to turn around and repent?
Can you imagine God rejoicing over you with singing?
As you walk through the call to repentance remember that God asks us to repent not to beat ourselves up with guilt, but so that we can be in relationship with God and realize that our God rejoices over us with singing! Praise be to God!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Coming Home Takes Preparation
As we continue to focus on our theme of "Coming Home for Christmas" this week we turn our attention to the preparation required in order to go home for Christmas. More specifically, what does it take to spend quality time with God and our Christian family this season?
The passages for Sunday are:
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Luke 3:1-6
These passages all focus on John the Baptist's coming. As you probably know, John the Baptist is the messanger who came in order to prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist is an interesting character. He is rough and gruff and does not worry about being pretty. Next week we get a taste of his sermon style, but even this week as he is introduced we get the idea that this messenger isn't preparing the way for Jesus by sprinkling rose petals.
Malachi writes, "who can endure the day when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap." Zechariah says of his son, "you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." No matter how you look at things, John the Baptist requires you to get ready for Jesus by doing some cleaning up and examining your sins.
This is important for us, too. Sometimes, we need to look at our lives and do a little cleaning. We need to throw out the bad habits and make way for new. We need to clear off our schedule so that we can find time to spend with Jesus.
And while it's true that the cleaning process is rarely easy, it is equally true that being clean is worth all the effort.
Questions to ponder?
Why is John the Baptist's message important during Advent? Why do we need to look at our own sins in order to focus on Jesus' return?
John the Baptist reminds us to prepare the way for Christ. What do you need to do to prepare to see Jesus during this Advent season?
What things are cluttering your life and preventing you from finding true worship this Advent? What can you do to change this? Is their anything your Christian family can do to help?
May God bless you in your Advent preparations this year!
The passages for Sunday are:
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Luke 3:1-6
These passages all focus on John the Baptist's coming. As you probably know, John the Baptist is the messanger who came in order to prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist is an interesting character. He is rough and gruff and does not worry about being pretty. Next week we get a taste of his sermon style, but even this week as he is introduced we get the idea that this messenger isn't preparing the way for Jesus by sprinkling rose petals.
Malachi writes, "who can endure the day when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap." Zechariah says of his son, "you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." No matter how you look at things, John the Baptist requires you to get ready for Jesus by doing some cleaning up and examining your sins.
This is important for us, too. Sometimes, we need to look at our lives and do a little cleaning. We need to throw out the bad habits and make way for new. We need to clear off our schedule so that we can find time to spend with Jesus.
And while it's true that the cleaning process is rarely easy, it is equally true that being clean is worth all the effort.
Questions to ponder?
Why is John the Baptist's message important during Advent? Why do we need to look at our own sins in order to focus on Jesus' return?
John the Baptist reminds us to prepare the way for Christ. What do you need to do to prepare to see Jesus during this Advent season?
What things are cluttering your life and preventing you from finding true worship this Advent? What can you do to change this? Is their anything your Christian family can do to help?
May God bless you in your Advent preparations this year!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Come Home This Christmas
This year for Advent, we will be focusing on the theme of “Coming Home.” For me, the best image of homecoming comes from an old commercial for coffee where the oldest son/daughter returns back home and starts the coffee brewing. All the other members in the house eventually smell the coffee and run downstairs to greet the long-absent member of their family.
I love this commercial because in this brief moment, you see the family at their very best. They happily and excitedly welcome home their family member. Their joy is made complete because the one person, who was gone, has now returned home.
This is God’s experience when we “come home” to renew and refresh our faith. One only needs to read the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) to know how God celebrates when one who is lost comes home.
Advent is the season not just for the preparation of the Christmas celebration, but it is also the season when we anticipate Christ’s return to earth. We remember that Christ promised to come again and take us to our true home. Where we get to experience the fullness of God’s love for us. Advent reminds us that even though life might seem very dark right now, Jesus, the light of the world, promised to come again to light our way.
This is an undeniably busy season. Undoubtedly you have many things happening in your lives. But, in the midst of the chaos, we invite you to come worship with us this Advent season. Let us together remind ourselves that God invites us to come and find our true home in the love and peace of Christian community.
I love this commercial because in this brief moment, you see the family at their very best. They happily and excitedly welcome home their family member. Their joy is made complete because the one person, who was gone, has now returned home.
This is God’s experience when we “come home” to renew and refresh our faith. One only needs to read the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) to know how God celebrates when one who is lost comes home.
Advent is the season not just for the preparation of the Christmas celebration, but it is also the season when we anticipate Christ’s return to earth. We remember that Christ promised to come again and take us to our true home. Where we get to experience the fullness of God’s love for us. Advent reminds us that even though life might seem very dark right now, Jesus, the light of the world, promised to come again to light our way.
This is an undeniably busy season. Undoubtedly you have many things happening in your lives. But, in the midst of the chaos, we invite you to come worship with us this Advent season. Let us together remind ourselves that God invites us to come and find our true home in the love and peace of Christian community.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Being Thankful For Our King
This Sunday is officially, "Christ the King" Sunday. This Sunday is always the last Sunday of the Lectionary calendar. It happens the week before Advent begins. It is kind of interesting to think about Christ as our King right before we begin to focus on Christ as a newborn baby.
Anyway, the passages for this week are...
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
They are very interesting passages because they present two very different pictures of Christ as King. The first is a picture of Christ in glory coming on the clouds. And the second is right before his crucifixion, and describes how Pilate questioned Jesus on whether or not he was the King of the Jews.
Questions for discussion...
Which passage better matches your image of Christ the King?
Which image do you relate to better? Christ as "exaulted king" or Christ the "suffering king?" Do life circumstances make us cling to one image or the other?
Jesus answers Pilate, "my kingdom is not of this world." What does Jesus' kingdom look like? What role do we have within Jesus' kingdom?
Anyway, the passages for this week are...
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
They are very interesting passages because they present two very different pictures of Christ as King. The first is a picture of Christ in glory coming on the clouds. And the second is right before his crucifixion, and describes how Pilate questioned Jesus on whether or not he was the King of the Jews.
Questions for discussion...
Which passage better matches your image of Christ the King?
Which image do you relate to better? Christ as "exaulted king" or Christ the "suffering king?" Do life circumstances make us cling to one image or the other?
Jesus answers Pilate, "my kingdom is not of this world." What does Jesus' kingdom look like? What role do we have within Jesus' kingdom?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Being Thankful in Desperate Moments
During the month of November we are focusing on being thankful. We did this last year, too, but last year I picked passages that specifically focused on giving praise to God. This year, I've decided to use the lectionary, and take these "everyday" passages and look at them closely to find ways to be thankful in the midst of everyday life.
Using the lectionary readings to find stories of thanksgiving has been challenging. Last week we talked about "being thankful for the small and strange." This week the focus is "being thankful in desperate moments."
The passages this week are...
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13:1-8
The first passage is the story of Hannah. Hannah is the very definition of desperate. The image of her desperately praying in the temple is one that is very moving to me. I realize as I read this story that Hannah is a great model for our faith. She faced a very desperate situation, and did not hide her emotions. But, she didn't waste time complaining or blaming others for her affliction. She took the problem to God. Her earnest, fervrent prayer is a fantastic model for how to deal with desperate moments. Not only that, but when she prayed she made a bargain with God. This is not a move that I recommend, but Hannah (unlike most of us) actually keeps her half of the bargain. She was so thankful, and so completly trusted in God's promises that she was able to completly give her child back to God.
The second passage is from Hebrews, and again reminds us that because of all that Jesus did for us on the cross, we can lift up our hearts and be thankful. Even more, the author seems to know human nature very well, and so reminds us that we need to remember to "provoke one another to love and good deeds." Sometimes, we all need a little help being thankful. But, as Hebrews reminds us, when we gather together, we can help one another to live out our calling.
Last, but not least, we have the passage from the Gospel of Mark. In it, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, and the end of the world. I can imagine the shock and the horror that his disciples must have felt upon hearing this news. No one wants to imagine such horrible destruction and chaos. Yet, here is the question that I have, what does it mean that these awful predictions came from Jesus, their trusted teacher, friend, and Savior? Somehow in the very fact that Jesus predicted such awful things, we know that Jesus will be with us in these awful moments. And that, gives us a reason to be thankful.
Questions to ponder...
Where have I seen God working in the desperate moments in my life?
How do we comfort those who are going through desperate times? How do we show them that God is there?
Using the lectionary readings to find stories of thanksgiving has been challenging. Last week we talked about "being thankful for the small and strange." This week the focus is "being thankful in desperate moments."
The passages this week are...
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13:1-8
The first passage is the story of Hannah. Hannah is the very definition of desperate. The image of her desperately praying in the temple is one that is very moving to me. I realize as I read this story that Hannah is a great model for our faith. She faced a very desperate situation, and did not hide her emotions. But, she didn't waste time complaining or blaming others for her affliction. She took the problem to God. Her earnest, fervrent prayer is a fantastic model for how to deal with desperate moments. Not only that, but when she prayed she made a bargain with God. This is not a move that I recommend, but Hannah (unlike most of us) actually keeps her half of the bargain. She was so thankful, and so completly trusted in God's promises that she was able to completly give her child back to God.
The second passage is from Hebrews, and again reminds us that because of all that Jesus did for us on the cross, we can lift up our hearts and be thankful. Even more, the author seems to know human nature very well, and so reminds us that we need to remember to "provoke one another to love and good deeds." Sometimes, we all need a little help being thankful. But, as Hebrews reminds us, when we gather together, we can help one another to live out our calling.
Last, but not least, we have the passage from the Gospel of Mark. In it, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, and the end of the world. I can imagine the shock and the horror that his disciples must have felt upon hearing this news. No one wants to imagine such horrible destruction and chaos. Yet, here is the question that I have, what does it mean that these awful predictions came from Jesus, their trusted teacher, friend, and Savior? Somehow in the very fact that Jesus predicted such awful things, we know that Jesus will be with us in these awful moments. And that, gives us a reason to be thankful.
Questions to ponder...
Where have I seen God working in the desperate moments in my life?
How do we comfort those who are going through desperate times? How do we show them that God is there?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Being Thankful for the Small and Strange
November is here, and that means that my thoughts have turned to one of my favorite holidays... Thanksgiving. I know everyone else likes Christmas best. But, Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of mine. There is no pressure to buy people gifts that they don't want or need. There is no need to dress in costume or hang lots of lights or anything like that. Thanksgiving is about spending time with people you love, enjoying a meal together, and being thankful.
And so, during the month of November, I think it's important to spend time being thankful. We need to be thankful for what God has done, not just on Thanksgiving day, but be thankful always. And so, here are this week's passages to inspire thankful hearts...
Ruth 1:19-21 & 4:13-17
Mark 12:38-44
Hebrews 9:24-28
It isn't really much of a list. Actually, these passages have more to do with how miserable life can be, and not how to be thankful.
The first part of the story from the book of Ruth is about tragedy. A famine caused Naomi's family to move to Moab. Something happened in Moab so that her husband, and two sons both died. While it may have been a blessing that Ruth stayed by her side, she still had no way to provide for herself or her daughter-in-law. She changes her name from Naomi (meaning that is pleasant) to Mara (meaning that is bitter). Life is very difficult for her.
The Mark passage doesn't have much cheer either. Jesus criticizes the well respected scribes for putting on a show of holiness, but instead actually doing much harm to the widows. Everything they do is "for the sake of appearance." The only person who doesn't put on airs is a very, very poor woman who puts into the temple treasury all she has to live on. It is a sad picture-- this lonely widow, putting in ALL the money she has to live on. How can she be thankful now that she has no money?
Finally, we have the passage from Hebrews. This passage contains much good news, but the text focuses around the sacrifice of Christ. It is easy to look at death by crucifixion as a great tragedy. And it was not easy (at first) to find anything to be thankful for about such terrible suffering and shame.
Each of these stories contain difficult and depressing images. At first glance, there's not much for which we can be thankful. But...
We know that the story of Naomi and Ruth has a great ending. Better than either of them could have ever imagined.
Similarly, the widow in the temple does not leave in shame because she could only put in two coins. Instead, she leaves with the praise and accolades from Jesus. Her act of faith and courage does not go unnoticed.
Lastly, we know that while there was great shame in the crucifixion, there was also redemption and resurrection. God transformed the shame of the cross into glory so that now Jesus is our great high priest. He speaks directly to God and intercedes for us. His sacrifice was once for all for the sins of the world. And, he has promised to return to those who are eagerly waiting for him.
God invites us to share in a secret. The people that the world quickly dismisses, are not quickly dismissed by God. God walks with us (as Ruth walked with Naomi) in the midst of our sorrow. Not only that, but God can bring redemption and rejoicing even in the midst of the worst tragedies.
This Thanksgiving, do not let your grief and sorrow overwhelm you. Instead, ask God to help you be thankful for the "small and strange." Ask God to help you find ways to rejoice even in the midst of deep pain.
Questions for reflection...
When have you had the opportunity to give thanks for something small and strange?
Has God ever turned your tragedy into something greater?
And so, during the month of November, I think it's important to spend time being thankful. We need to be thankful for what God has done, not just on Thanksgiving day, but be thankful always. And so, here are this week's passages to inspire thankful hearts...
Ruth 1:19-21 & 4:13-17
Mark 12:38-44
Hebrews 9:24-28
It isn't really much of a list. Actually, these passages have more to do with how miserable life can be, and not how to be thankful.
The first part of the story from the book of Ruth is about tragedy. A famine caused Naomi's family to move to Moab. Something happened in Moab so that her husband, and two sons both died. While it may have been a blessing that Ruth stayed by her side, she still had no way to provide for herself or her daughter-in-law. She changes her name from Naomi (meaning that is pleasant) to Mara (meaning that is bitter). Life is very difficult for her.
The Mark passage doesn't have much cheer either. Jesus criticizes the well respected scribes for putting on a show of holiness, but instead actually doing much harm to the widows. Everything they do is "for the sake of appearance." The only person who doesn't put on airs is a very, very poor woman who puts into the temple treasury all she has to live on. It is a sad picture-- this lonely widow, putting in ALL the money she has to live on. How can she be thankful now that she has no money?
Finally, we have the passage from Hebrews. This passage contains much good news, but the text focuses around the sacrifice of Christ. It is easy to look at death by crucifixion as a great tragedy. And it was not easy (at first) to find anything to be thankful for about such terrible suffering and shame.
Each of these stories contain difficult and depressing images. At first glance, there's not much for which we can be thankful. But...
We know that the story of Naomi and Ruth has a great ending. Better than either of them could have ever imagined.
Similarly, the widow in the temple does not leave in shame because she could only put in two coins. Instead, she leaves with the praise and accolades from Jesus. Her act of faith and courage does not go unnoticed.
Lastly, we know that while there was great shame in the crucifixion, there was also redemption and resurrection. God transformed the shame of the cross into glory so that now Jesus is our great high priest. He speaks directly to God and intercedes for us. His sacrifice was once for all for the sins of the world. And, he has promised to return to those who are eagerly waiting for him.
God invites us to share in a secret. The people that the world quickly dismisses, are not quickly dismissed by God. God walks with us (as Ruth walked with Naomi) in the midst of our sorrow. Not only that, but God can bring redemption and rejoicing even in the midst of the worst tragedies.
This Thanksgiving, do not let your grief and sorrow overwhelm you. Instead, ask God to help you be thankful for the "small and strange." Ask God to help you find ways to rejoice even in the midst of deep pain.
Questions for reflection...
When have you had the opportunity to give thanks for something small and strange?
Has God ever turned your tragedy into something greater?
An Apology
Before I say anything about today's passage, I first want to apologize for a comment in my earlier posting. I was trying to re-motivate myself last week to start blogging again. And in doing so, I described the pity party that I was throwing for myself. I wrote "no one reads this blog anyway."
I am very, very thankful that this statement is not true. There are many of you who do read the blog. We have made new friends through this blog.
So, let me say a big thank-you to all of you who read and comment on the blog, and let me send out a wish that more may join in reading and commenting -- so that we can all grow together.
I am very, very thankful that this statement is not true. There are many of you who do read the blog. We have made new friends through this blog.
So, let me say a big thank-you to all of you who read and comment on the blog, and let me send out a wish that more may join in reading and commenting -- so that we can all grow together.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a day in the Christian Calendar that is not always celebrated or recognized. Especially in the Protestant Church. We tend to think of this holiday (if we think of it at all) as a very Catholic celebration.
Yet, All Saints Day offers us a chance to think about death in a Christian context. Usually, we only think about death when we have to go to a funeral. And, usually at a funeral, you are too busy grieving to consider what your theological understanding of death. But, on All Saint's Day we have the opportunity to think about and remind ourselves what the Christian understanding of death looks like.
Here are the Scripture Passages for this Sunday:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
These passages tell us quite a bit about what heaven looks like, and they help us to answer some of the difficult questions that arise after someone dies.
The passage from Isaiah paints heaven as a great feast. It is a beautiful picture that helps us to see the lavish abundance of God's love.
The passage from Revelation is similar. It, again, helps us to envision what heaven will look like. It is a beautiful picture with no more crying and no more tears.
But, the passage from John is my favorite. This passage reminds us what life is like before we get to heaven. It is full of tears. But, the tears do not come just from the ordinary people, they also come from Jesus. In this passage, we see God's compassion during the funeral and grieving process. We see Jesus weep. It is a powerful passage that not only helps us understand death, but helps us to begin to understand the resurrecting power of God.
Here are some questions to consider...
Do I celebrate the fact that my Christian faith leads to eternal life?
What does it mean to me that God is preparing a lavish and heavenly banquet for us?
In the meantime, how do I deal with the tears? How can we see God in the midst of the grieving process?
And, last but not least, remember to celebrate on All Saint's Day the fact that we are connected to all of the people (or Saints) who have led us in the faith. Give thanks for the guidance that others have given you, and consider how you might be a guide to those around you.
Yet, All Saints Day offers us a chance to think about death in a Christian context. Usually, we only think about death when we have to go to a funeral. And, usually at a funeral, you are too busy grieving to consider what your theological understanding of death. But, on All Saint's Day we have the opportunity to think about and remind ourselves what the Christian understanding of death looks like.
Here are the Scripture Passages for this Sunday:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
These passages tell us quite a bit about what heaven looks like, and they help us to answer some of the difficult questions that arise after someone dies.
The passage from Isaiah paints heaven as a great feast. It is a beautiful picture that helps us to see the lavish abundance of God's love.
The passage from Revelation is similar. It, again, helps us to envision what heaven will look like. It is a beautiful picture with no more crying and no more tears.
But, the passage from John is my favorite. This passage reminds us what life is like before we get to heaven. It is full of tears. But, the tears do not come just from the ordinary people, they also come from Jesus. In this passage, we see God's compassion during the funeral and grieving process. We see Jesus weep. It is a powerful passage that not only helps us understand death, but helps us to begin to understand the resurrecting power of God.
Here are some questions to consider...
Do I celebrate the fact that my Christian faith leads to eternal life?
What does it mean to me that God is preparing a lavish and heavenly banquet for us?
In the meantime, how do I deal with the tears? How can we see God in the midst of the grieving process?
And, last but not least, remember to celebrate on All Saint's Day the fact that we are connected to all of the people (or Saints) who have led us in the faith. Give thanks for the guidance that others have given you, and consider how you might be a guide to those around you.
A new look... and a renewed motivation
...so it would seem that I haven't posted anything since July!
It's true that life has been very busy. And yet, I cannot quite seem to remember what I've been doing with my time.
Lots of meetings, seminars, and other activities have caught my attention. I have abandoned this discipline of updating the blog. I thought, no one reads it anyway.
But, a few friends and family have noticed that the blog has gone without updates. And, I realized that even if no one reads it, it is a good way for me to begin thinking through the sermon.
All of this thinking leads me to a renewed desire to start blogging. I hope that others are reading and enjoying the posts. But, even more, I hope to start posting more regularly so that I can be more focused and motivated to write my sermons.
Sometimes, it's important to re-prioritize, and make room for the things that are important.
It's true that life has been very busy. And yet, I cannot quite seem to remember what I've been doing with my time.
Lots of meetings, seminars, and other activities have caught my attention. I have abandoned this discipline of updating the blog. I thought, no one reads it anyway.
But, a few friends and family have noticed that the blog has gone without updates. And, I realized that even if no one reads it, it is a good way for me to begin thinking through the sermon.
All of this thinking leads me to a renewed desire to start blogging. I hope that others are reading and enjoying the posts. But, even more, I hope to start posting more regularly so that I can be more focused and motivated to write my sermons.
Sometimes, it's important to re-prioritize, and make room for the things that are important.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Taking a Rest
On every journey, sometimes you just need to rest. Even though driving is "just sitting down," it is tiring. Sometimes, those rest stops that you encounter along the journey seem quite heavenly. It is a blessing to be able to just stop and rest.
Surprisingly, rest stops are also needed in our faith journey. We need to sometimes just stop and remind ourselves of who we are, and who God is. God doesn't just recommend rest stops, instead, God actually commands us to rest. The 4th commandment which tells us to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" is one of the longest commandments. (Ex. 20:1-17) This should indicate to us, the readers, that this one is an important one.
Keeping the Sabbath is an important command, but it is also a command that is easy to forget and overlook. We think, "I don't have time to rest now, I'll do it later." But God encourages us to rest now.
You see, when we rest, we stop all of our minute by minute running, and we have time to remember. We remember that we are God's creation. We are deeply loved by our Creator. And, there is a plan and a purpose for our lives beyond running errands. Keeping the Sabbath reminds us of all of these things.
So this week, I have no deep or difficult questions for you to ponder. Instead, go take a BREAK! Enjoy the Sabbath, and remember that you are created by a Creator who loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Surprisingly, rest stops are also needed in our faith journey. We need to sometimes just stop and remind ourselves of who we are, and who God is. God doesn't just recommend rest stops, instead, God actually commands us to rest. The 4th commandment which tells us to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" is one of the longest commandments. (Ex. 20:1-17) This should indicate to us, the readers, that this one is an important one.
Keeping the Sabbath is an important command, but it is also a command that is easy to forget and overlook. We think, "I don't have time to rest now, I'll do it later." But God encourages us to rest now.
You see, when we rest, we stop all of our minute by minute running, and we have time to remember. We remember that we are God's creation. We are deeply loved by our Creator. And, there is a plan and a purpose for our lives beyond running errands. Keeping the Sabbath reminds us of all of these things.
So this week, I have no deep or difficult questions for you to ponder. Instead, go take a BREAK! Enjoy the Sabbath, and remember that you are created by a Creator who loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dealing with Detours and Navigating U-Turns
The text for this week is 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16.
There is much to talk about in this text, but for me, the verse that stands out is 7:9, which says: "Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief...."
The context of this verse is that Paul wrote the church in Corinth a letter in which he was forced to use "frank speech" and admonish them for their actions. But, it grieved Paul to be forced to use such honest speech. The entire book of 2 Corinthians (at least up until this point) shows Paul trying to explain his actions and reconcile with the Corinthian church.
All of this is of course very important. But even more important for me is the idea of "godly grief." What is "godly grief" and how does it work in our lives.
We all know that confession and repentance is important. One must be honest with God and freely admit faults and failings. But, feeling bad and guilty is NOT where the story ends. If you ask my family and friends they might tell you that I often suffer from an overactive guilt complex. I'm always wanting to apologize for things that are not my fault and/or out of my control. But, that over-active grieving is not the goal here.
When Paul says that "godly grief" is important, he is not just talking about feeling grief for our actions, but he is also encouraging repentance. Repentance is that moment of turning around and re-focusing your life on God. He tells the Corinthians that their grief led them to repentance, meaning they were able to turn around.
Questions for the week:
How would you define godly grief?
When is it important & when do we take it too far?
What can we do to help us in that process of turning around and putting our focus back on God?
There is much to talk about in this text, but for me, the verse that stands out is 7:9, which says: "Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief...."
The context of this verse is that Paul wrote the church in Corinth a letter in which he was forced to use "frank speech" and admonish them for their actions. But, it grieved Paul to be forced to use such honest speech. The entire book of 2 Corinthians (at least up until this point) shows Paul trying to explain his actions and reconcile with the Corinthian church.
All of this is of course very important. But even more important for me is the idea of "godly grief." What is "godly grief" and how does it work in our lives.
We all know that confession and repentance is important. One must be honest with God and freely admit faults and failings. But, feeling bad and guilty is NOT where the story ends. If you ask my family and friends they might tell you that I often suffer from an overactive guilt complex. I'm always wanting to apologize for things that are not my fault and/or out of my control. But, that over-active grieving is not the goal here.
When Paul says that "godly grief" is important, he is not just talking about feeling grief for our actions, but he is also encouraging repentance. Repentance is that moment of turning around and re-focusing your life on God. He tells the Corinthians that their grief led them to repentance, meaning they were able to turn around.
Questions for the week:
How would you define godly grief?
When is it important & when do we take it too far?
What can we do to help us in that process of turning around and putting our focus back on God?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Paving the Way for Reconciliation
The text this week is 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:11.
In this passage, Paul continues his argument for why the church in Corinth should accept him and his ministry. The bulk of his argument in this section centers around the fact that it is God's reconciliation with us that makes it possible for us to reconcile with others.
There are several verses that stand out to me:
After discussing the meaning of the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul writes in v. 5:16 - 17: "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view ... So if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
v. 5:20 - 21: "So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
v. 6:1: "As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain."
The image for the sermon this week is paving a road. When paving a road, most of the work comes before actually laying down the asphalt. The same is true with reconciliation. Paul realizes that even though reconciling human relationships is important, the most important part of reconciliation is preparing that foundation with God. It is because of the work Christ did, that we can be reconciled to God, and reconciled to one another.
Questions for the week:
What does it mean to be an "ambassador for Christ"? How can we do this in our everyday lives?
Why is it important to understand our reconciliation with God, before we can be reconciled with others?
Where have you seen reconciliation in your own life? (Reconciliation with God? Reconciliation with others?)
In this passage, Paul continues his argument for why the church in Corinth should accept him and his ministry. The bulk of his argument in this section centers around the fact that it is God's reconciliation with us that makes it possible for us to reconcile with others.
There are several verses that stand out to me:
After discussing the meaning of the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul writes in v. 5:16 - 17: "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view ... So if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
v. 5:20 - 21: "So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
v. 6:1: "As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain."
The image for the sermon this week is paving a road. When paving a road, most of the work comes before actually laying down the asphalt. The same is true with reconciliation. Paul realizes that even though reconciling human relationships is important, the most important part of reconciliation is preparing that foundation with God. It is because of the work Christ did, that we can be reconciled to God, and reconciled to one another.
Questions for the week:
What does it mean to be an "ambassador for Christ"? How can we do this in our everyday lives?
Why is it important to understand our reconciliation with God, before we can be reconciled with others?
Where have you seen reconciliation in your own life? (Reconciliation with God? Reconciliation with others?)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Recognizing and Avoiding the Hazards in Our Ministry Together
This week's text is 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10
In this passage, Paul continues to make his case to the Corinthian church. He wants to convince them that he really is an authentic Christian who did proclaim the true gospel to them. But, in the defense that he gives to them, we learn a lot about how to live out our calling.
We know from the Great Commission (Mt. 28:16-20) that we are called to make disciples. Yet, we also know that this calling is difficult. Paul tells the Corinthian church about the challenges that he faced, and he tells them how he dealt with these issues. Here is some of his advice to them...
1. Live with honesty and integrity
2. Be aware that many are blinded by the god of this world
3. Avoid selfishness -- Proclaim Christ's glory, not your own
4. Recognize that our treasure is in clay jars
5. Despite affliction -- God will carry us through
6. Give yourself up to death for Jesus' sake -- in other words, die to your personal ambitions, so that Christ may shine through more clearly
7. Focus on the needs of the people to whom you are preaching -- Paul says "everything is for your sake"
8. Remember to have an Eternal Perspective
So, my questions for you...
Look at the list, what is your favorite? What gives you the most trouble? What questions do you have about how to carry these tasks out?
In this passage, Paul continues to make his case to the Corinthian church. He wants to convince them that he really is an authentic Christian who did proclaim the true gospel to them. But, in the defense that he gives to them, we learn a lot about how to live out our calling.
We know from the Great Commission (Mt. 28:16-20) that we are called to make disciples. Yet, we also know that this calling is difficult. Paul tells the Corinthian church about the challenges that he faced, and he tells them how he dealt with these issues. Here is some of his advice to them...
1. Live with honesty and integrity
2. Be aware that many are blinded by the god of this world
3. Avoid selfishness -- Proclaim Christ's glory, not your own
4. Recognize that our treasure is in clay jars
5. Despite affliction -- God will carry us through
6. Give yourself up to death for Jesus' sake -- in other words, die to your personal ambitions, so that Christ may shine through more clearly
7. Focus on the needs of the people to whom you are preaching -- Paul says "everything is for your sake"
8. Remember to have an Eternal Perspective
So, my questions for you...
Look at the list, what is your favorite? What gives you the most trouble? What questions do you have about how to carry these tasks out?
Living as the Aroma of God
The third week our text was 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18, and the theme was Living as the Aroma of God. Here's part of the sermon...
Smells are incredibly important. It is your sense of smell, and not your taste buds, that give your food its flavor. And, smell is one of the strongest triggers of memory. You know the way that certain smells will remind you of childhood, or Grandmas, or camping, etc. And, of course, as I already said, smells often makes us hungry.
Today’s text begins by telling us how to be “the aroma of Christ to God for those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” It’s kind of an odd image isn’t it? Your job as a Christian is to be …a smell.
But, if we are to be the aroma of God for the world, how do we accomplish this?
Paul gives us three very strong images. The first is being part of a triumphal procession, the second is being a reference letter for God, and the third is being a shining light.
All of these images get at the idea, that as Christians we need to be faithful always. We cannot simply pretend to live as a Christian on Sunday, and forget the rest of the week. We must be authentic in our faith and beliefs all the time.
This means that we have a great responsibility. Whether you see yourself as part of the Triumphal Processional, being the aroma of the thanksgiving offering, or whether you see yourself as the letter of recommendation for God that the world reads, or whether you see yourself as a shining radiant light, your actions matter. You (all of us together) share the glory of God.
C.S. Lewis reflected on this situation in his essay, “The Weight of Glory.” He wrote, “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as now you meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.”
When we recognize that we are responsible for showing God to the world, it puts a great weight on our shoulders. What kind of “aroma” do we give off as Christians, or as the church? If others are reading us as a recommendation letter of what God is like, what will they think? Do we hide God’s glory under a veil, or are we shining so that all can see?
Smells are incredibly important. It is your sense of smell, and not your taste buds, that give your food its flavor. And, smell is one of the strongest triggers of memory. You know the way that certain smells will remind you of childhood, or Grandmas, or camping, etc. And, of course, as I already said, smells often makes us hungry.
Today’s text begins by telling us how to be “the aroma of Christ to God for those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” It’s kind of an odd image isn’t it? Your job as a Christian is to be …a smell.
But, if we are to be the aroma of God for the world, how do we accomplish this?
Paul gives us three very strong images. The first is being part of a triumphal procession, the second is being a reference letter for God, and the third is being a shining light.
All of these images get at the idea, that as Christians we need to be faithful always. We cannot simply pretend to live as a Christian on Sunday, and forget the rest of the week. We must be authentic in our faith and beliefs all the time.
This means that we have a great responsibility. Whether you see yourself as part of the Triumphal Processional, being the aroma of the thanksgiving offering, or whether you see yourself as the letter of recommendation for God that the world reads, or whether you see yourself as a shining radiant light, your actions matter. You (all of us together) share the glory of God.
C.S. Lewis reflected on this situation in his essay, “The Weight of Glory.” He wrote, “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as now you meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.”
When we recognize that we are responsible for showing God to the world, it puts a great weight on our shoulders. What kind of “aroma” do we give off as Christians, or as the church? If others are reading us as a recommendation letter of what God is like, what will they think? Do we hide God’s glory under a veil, or are we shining so that all can see?
The Journey So Far...
In our journey through 2 Corinthians we have discovered several things about how to be signposts to God.
In the first week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. The theme was Finding Signs for God in the midst of suffering. We discussed how often suffering builds our faith and helps us to rely upon God more fully. How have you seen God work through the midst of difficult situations?
In the second week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11. The theme was "Finding Signs for Forgiveness." When we are a forgiving people, others notice and begin to see God’s work in and through us more clearly. Who do you need to forgive?
In the first week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. The theme was Finding Signs for God in the midst of suffering. We discussed how often suffering builds our faith and helps us to rely upon God more fully. How have you seen God work through the midst of difficult situations?
In the second week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11. The theme was "Finding Signs for Forgiveness." When we are a forgiving people, others notice and begin to see God’s work in and through us more clearly. Who do you need to forgive?
Our Summer Journey
Summer is here! One of the things I love best about summer is vacations and road trips. Exciting adventures were a part of my childhood, as my family traveled the country during our annual summer vacation. I often served as the navigator on these vacations and learned to read and rely on the road signs so that we would arrive at the right destination, and we would be able to have some fun on the way.
This summer, our church has begun it’s own “road trip.” We are journeying through the book of 2 Corinthians. And, as we journey, the road signs are a very important part of the journey.
Yet, in our journey, we are learning to be the road signs. We are learning to be road signs that help to point back to God. We are learning what it means to help others see and travel on the journey of faith.
As we read 2 Corinthians, we discover that Paul over and over uses his life and ministry to point back to God. Everything that he does is not for his own glory, but for the glory of God. He writes, “for we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is God who said, ‘Let your light shine out of darkness,’ who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 4:5-6)
Please join us this summer as we journey together, learning what it means to be a signpost pointing to God.
This summer, our church has begun it’s own “road trip.” We are journeying through the book of 2 Corinthians. And, as we journey, the road signs are a very important part of the journey.
Yet, in our journey, we are learning to be the road signs. We are learning to be road signs that help to point back to God. We are learning what it means to help others see and travel on the journey of faith.
As we read 2 Corinthians, we discover that Paul over and over uses his life and ministry to point back to God. Everything that he does is not for his own glory, but for the glory of God. He writes, “for we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is God who said, ‘Let your light shine out of darkness,’ who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 4:5-6)
Please join us this summer as we journey together, learning what it means to be a signpost pointing to God.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Trinity Sunday
This week, according to the official church calendar is Trinity Sunday.
The Trinity is an important part of the way we understand God. We know that God is both one and three. This concept has a lot of different nuances, and Trinitarian theology can get pretty confusing.
However, the thing that is always fascinating to me is the way that the Trinity means that God does not exist outside of a community of love. It is love that binds the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And through this strange dynamic of three and one, God demonstrates to us that we were created to live in community with one another.
Our thoughts and understandings about God are more clear when we are able to engage in Holy Discussions.
Thank you to all of you who have given yourselves to be part of the community of this church. You stay and fellowship after worship, you come to Bible Studies and prayer groups. One person cannot make up a church. The church needs everyone working together. Thank-you for all you do to build our community.
May you be blessed by the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Trinity is an important part of the way we understand God. We know that God is both one and three. This concept has a lot of different nuances, and Trinitarian theology can get pretty confusing.
However, the thing that is always fascinating to me is the way that the Trinity means that God does not exist outside of a community of love. It is love that binds the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And through this strange dynamic of three and one, God demonstrates to us that we were created to live in community with one another.
Our thoughts and understandings about God are more clear when we are able to engage in Holy Discussions.
Thank you to all of you who have given yourselves to be part of the community of this church. You stay and fellowship after worship, you come to Bible Studies and prayer groups. One person cannot make up a church. The church needs everyone working together. Thank-you for all you do to build our community.
May you be blessed by the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sharing stories of God's Resurrection Power
Here's my story...
If you had known me as a child you never, never would have guessed that I would become a pastor. I was afraid of people I did not know. I hated to talk in front of people. I was the kind of kid who was so quiet that I blended into the background. And, I liked it there in the background. It was nice and undemanding.
And yet, here I am standing in front of you front and center every Sunday. The journey from shy quiet little girl to now is a long and complicated one. Because of time, I will not tell you all the steps on that journey. But, I will tell you that over and over again, it felt like God was pushing me off of the safe and sturdy diving board and into the scary deep end of discipleship. Every time, I wanted to scream, “No! I can’t go I’m scared!” And, every time, God would reassure me that this was where I was to go and what I was to do.
It began with small things like going to church camp, or leaving my family for a week to go with the church mission trip. Then it was going to a Bible Study where I knew no one. Then it was leading a Bible Study. Then it was countless other things until I got here. Each new step was scary and challenging. Each time, I was forced to rely upon God’s power and not my own. And, each time, I found that God’s resurrecting power was more than I needed. God’s love was with me each step of the way. And through, God’s gifts and guidance I find myself your pastor. And through God’s gifts and guidance, I know we will be able to continue our journey together.
Would you share your story of how God worked in your life?
If you had known me as a child you never, never would have guessed that I would become a pastor. I was afraid of people I did not know. I hated to talk in front of people. I was the kind of kid who was so quiet that I blended into the background. And, I liked it there in the background. It was nice and undemanding.
And yet, here I am standing in front of you front and center every Sunday. The journey from shy quiet little girl to now is a long and complicated one. Because of time, I will not tell you all the steps on that journey. But, I will tell you that over and over again, it felt like God was pushing me off of the safe and sturdy diving board and into the scary deep end of discipleship. Every time, I wanted to scream, “No! I can’t go I’m scared!” And, every time, God would reassure me that this was where I was to go and what I was to do.
It began with small things like going to church camp, or leaving my family for a week to go with the church mission trip. Then it was going to a Bible Study where I knew no one. Then it was leading a Bible Study. Then it was countless other things until I got here. Each new step was scary and challenging. Each time, I was forced to rely upon God’s power and not my own. And, each time, I found that God’s resurrecting power was more than I needed. God’s love was with me each step of the way. And through, God’s gifts and guidance I find myself your pastor. And through God’s gifts and guidance, I know we will be able to continue our journey together.
Would you share your story of how God worked in your life?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Living the Resurrection?
So, I am sitting at my desk, trying desperately to focus. I should have already finished this month's newsletter article, but instead, I just feel crabby. “I don’t want to write an article!” I keep repeating in my mind, as though throwing a temper tantrum will help the situation. The logical side of me is saying, “you should write about Easter, or the Resurrection, or “Living the Easter Spirit” or some other inspiring sort of article like that. But, I cannot quite seem to get there. My spirit refuses to be joyful.
And, yet, in spite of my desire to give up and go home for the day, I realized that dealing with my grouchy attitude is exactly the kind of message that we should be preaching in this season of Easter. In spite of outward appearances, Easter is not about being happy.
It is true that Easter is full of beautiful flowers, and happy, joyful music. It is easy to get carried away in all of that and assume that the Story of the Resurrection is supposed to make us happy all the time. It usually does make us happy, because it is, after all, very good news.
But, the fact of the matter is that our faith does not run on feelings. There will be days when you just plain feel grouchy. And there is little that anyone can do or say to break that grouchy mood within you. That’s how I felt when I started writing this article.
Nevertheless, the good news of the gospel is not dependent upon our moods. It is still good news, even if you don’t feel it. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful.” You see, the Resurrection is good news because it proves God’s faithfulness, not ours. We hold unswervingly to the gospel even on grouchy and depressed days, because we know without a doubt, that whatever our mood is today, God’s love for us will never falter nor fail. God’s love could not be stopped by our moods or even by death on the cross. God’s love is with us always. Thanks be to God! Amen.
And, yet, in spite of my desire to give up and go home for the day, I realized that dealing with my grouchy attitude is exactly the kind of message that we should be preaching in this season of Easter. In spite of outward appearances, Easter is not about being happy.
It is true that Easter is full of beautiful flowers, and happy, joyful music. It is easy to get carried away in all of that and assume that the Story of the Resurrection is supposed to make us happy all the time. It usually does make us happy, because it is, after all, very good news.
But, the fact of the matter is that our faith does not run on feelings. There will be days when you just plain feel grouchy. And there is little that anyone can do or say to break that grouchy mood within you. That’s how I felt when I started writing this article.
Nevertheless, the good news of the gospel is not dependent upon our moods. It is still good news, even if you don’t feel it. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful.” You see, the Resurrection is good news because it proves God’s faithfulness, not ours. We hold unswervingly to the gospel even on grouchy and depressed days, because we know without a doubt, that whatever our mood is today, God’s love for us will never falter nor fail. God’s love could not be stopped by our moods or even by death on the cross. God’s love is with us always. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Monday, April 13, 2009
What does it mean to be Easter People?
In the Hymn, "Easter People, Raise Your Voices" the third verse says this: "Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song."
And it is that verse that has caught my attention. First, I wondered, what does it mean to be an "easter person?" And secondly, how do you make every day Easter?
What does it mean to live the Easter story always?
The Scripture Passages for this Sunday are:
John 20:19-31
Acts 4:32-35
Both passages are stories about the disciples gathered in community. But there is a remarkable difference in these two types of community. One group is huddled in fear in a locked room. And, the second is a community that is truly one body. They have everything in common, they reach out to the poor, they spend time in worship, study, and prayer. They are a group that any church would desire to emmulate.
What makes the difference between these two communities?
How can we seek and find that change in our own lives?
And it is that verse that has caught my attention. First, I wondered, what does it mean to be an "easter person?" And secondly, how do you make every day Easter?
What does it mean to live the Easter story always?
The Scripture Passages for this Sunday are:
John 20:19-31
Acts 4:32-35
Both passages are stories about the disciples gathered in community. But there is a remarkable difference in these two types of community. One group is huddled in fear in a locked room. And, the second is a community that is truly one body. They have everything in common, they reach out to the poor, they spend time in worship, study, and prayer. They are a group that any church would desire to emmulate.
What makes the difference between these two communities?
How can we seek and find that change in our own lives?
Holy Week Revisited...
It has been a busy week!
Someone said to me, "this is like your Superbowl weekend, isn't it?" And, indeed it was! There are so many things that happen during Holy Week. A Thursday service, a Friday service, a 24-hour Prayer Vigil, a Sunrise Service, an Easter Breakfast, and finally the Easter worship service. And, in addition to all of that, there was extra time spent with my family.
All of it was time well spent. I had an incredible Holy Week and Easter this year. It was exciting to see so many participate in the prayer vigil. I think that was one of the things I was most nervous about. I wondered, would we really be able to fill up the time slots? And the answer was yes!
I think that the whole week made me realize that during busy weeks and hectic schedules it is most important to remember that we do not do this on our own power, or for our own glory.
I heard many affirming comments about the Good Friday service, and while I did spend time planning who would read, and what songs we would sing, I really did not do anything to create a great service. The thing that made the service great was the fact that God spoke to people's hearts. And again with the Prayer Vigil. If it was helpful and meaningful, it is was so because God was speaking. And that is something that can never be manufactured by the pastor.
Holy Week reminds us that we need to work together as the Body of Christ. When we come together to plan a service, God speaks powerfully. Even more, Holy Week reminds us to stop and listen to God speaking.
May God continue to speak to you this week, and always... Amen.
Someone said to me, "this is like your Superbowl weekend, isn't it?" And, indeed it was! There are so many things that happen during Holy Week. A Thursday service, a Friday service, a 24-hour Prayer Vigil, a Sunrise Service, an Easter Breakfast, and finally the Easter worship service. And, in addition to all of that, there was extra time spent with my family.
All of it was time well spent. I had an incredible Holy Week and Easter this year. It was exciting to see so many participate in the prayer vigil. I think that was one of the things I was most nervous about. I wondered, would we really be able to fill up the time slots? And the answer was yes!
I think that the whole week made me realize that during busy weeks and hectic schedules it is most important to remember that we do not do this on our own power, or for our own glory.
I heard many affirming comments about the Good Friday service, and while I did spend time planning who would read, and what songs we would sing, I really did not do anything to create a great service. The thing that made the service great was the fact that God spoke to people's hearts. And again with the Prayer Vigil. If it was helpful and meaningful, it is was so because God was speaking. And that is something that can never be manufactured by the pastor.
Holy Week reminds us that we need to work together as the Body of Christ. When we come together to plan a service, God speaks powerfully. Even more, Holy Week reminds us to stop and listen to God speaking.
May God continue to speak to you this week, and always... Amen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
What is Worship?
Palm Sunday provides a great opportunity to ask the question, "What is Worship?"
On Palm Sunday it is easy to get caught up in the excitment and the drama of worship. Everyone is waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna!" In the midst of the excited crowd, it was easy to cheer and worship this king who came into town riding on a donkey. Even now, centuries later, we still get excited about waving Palm fronds and shouting "Hosanna!"
Worship certainly is celebration. But, as we worship God, we realize that there is much more than simply celebration. We see as the rest of Holy Week unfolds, that worship also involves listening, following and upholding God's word (think of Jesus' acts in the Temple). Worship also means serving others (Jesus washed the disciple's feet). Worship means spending time in prayer and keeping watch over friends who are in trouble (Garden of Gethsemane). Worship meanss that we, like the "beloved disciple" need to stay close to Jesus when everything else seems to be going wrong.
Worship is celebration for all that God has done, but worship is so much more. True worship happens through the way we live our lives.
How can we be more intentional about living and worshiping in God's presence this week?
On Palm Sunday it is easy to get caught up in the excitment and the drama of worship. Everyone is waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna!" In the midst of the excited crowd, it was easy to cheer and worship this king who came into town riding on a donkey. Even now, centuries later, we still get excited about waving Palm fronds and shouting "Hosanna!"
Worship certainly is celebration. But, as we worship God, we realize that there is much more than simply celebration. We see as the rest of Holy Week unfolds, that worship also involves listening, following and upholding God's word (think of Jesus' acts in the Temple). Worship also means serving others (Jesus washed the disciple's feet). Worship means spending time in prayer and keeping watch over friends who are in trouble (Garden of Gethsemane). Worship meanss that we, like the "beloved disciple" need to stay close to Jesus when everything else seems to be going wrong.
Worship is celebration for all that God has done, but worship is so much more. True worship happens through the way we live our lives.
How can we be more intentional about living and worshiping in God's presence this week?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Blessed to be a blessing...
"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." -
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
This week's theme is Christian Service. We are going to share the stories of some of those who faithfully serve our church. I love the above verse because it shows how Paul encouraged his congregations in their service. Paul believed that "whatever we do, whether in word or deed" we should "do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
So, this week, as you go about your normal average daily jobs, ask yourself:
How am I serving God through this job?
How can I give thanks to God through my work?
I pray that you may be able to find special ways to serve God this week.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
This week's theme is Christian Service. We are going to share the stories of some of those who faithfully serve our church. I love the above verse because it shows how Paul encouraged his congregations in their service. Paul believed that "whatever we do, whether in word or deed" we should "do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
So, this week, as you go about your normal average daily jobs, ask yourself:
How am I serving God through this job?
How can I give thanks to God through my work?
I pray that you may be able to find special ways to serve God this week.
Spiritual Disciplines
Here's what we've been doing throughout Lent...
As March begins, so does the season of Lent. Lent is a time for reflection and meditation and getting ready for Easter. If you were an athlete, Easter would be the Olympics. The Olympics are full of pomp and circumstance and celebration. At the Olympics, you get to see the very essence of what it means to be an athlete. The Olympics make all of the hard work of training worthwhile. And, similarly, Easter is full of celebration and festivities, and it is that moment when it is most clear why you are a Christian. As we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, we are reminded why we became a Christian in the first place.
During this Lenten season, you have been invited to participate in the “Olympics.” We are “spiritual athletes” that need to get in shape for Easter. And, so, to help us on that journey toward Easter, we are going to be focusing on the Spiritual Disciplines. The word “discipline” often carries with it ideas of harsh fear and punishment. However, fear and punishment is not the purpose or intention of the Spiritual Disciplines. Instead, the Spiritual Disciplines are long-held Christian practices that help us in our Christian journey. Just as an athlete trains for hours and hours to finally get to a place of freedom of movement, the Spiritual Disciplines help us to train our spirit to get to a place of freedom in our relationship with God. John Wesley called these practices the “means of grace,” because through these Disciplines, we come to know and see God’s grace more clearly.
To help us in our journey, I will be using the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. In his introduction, he compares growing one’s spiritual life to growing a seed. He reminds us that only God can grow the seed. The farmer is very important in the growing process, helping to create the best conditions for growing the seed. But, after the soil is tended, irrigated, weeded, etc., the farmer still cannot guarantee that the seed will grow. It is God who grows the seed. And the same is true in our spiritual lives. I believe that the Spiritual Disciplines can be very helpful to us to create the right conditions for our spiritual lives to grow. But in the end, we must remember that only God can grow the seed.
I pray that you may be blessed as we journey together exploring these Spiritual Disciplines during this Lenten Season.
This Year’s Lenten Journey looks like this:
1st Sunday March 1
Simplicity & Submission
Nehemiah 1:5-11 Matthew 6:19-24
2nd Sunday March 8
Study & Guidance
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Acts 15:22-29
3rd Sunday March 15
Meditation, Prayer, & Solitude
Psalm 119:97-105 Matthew 6:5-15
4th Sunday March 22
Fasting & Confession
2 Samuel 12:1-14 Psalm 51 Matthew 6:16-18
5th Sunday March 29
Service
Leviticus 19:1-2;9-18 Matthew 25:31-46
6th Sunday April 5
Worship
Psalm 118:1-2 Psalm 118:19-29 Mark 11:1-11
As March begins, so does the season of Lent. Lent is a time for reflection and meditation and getting ready for Easter. If you were an athlete, Easter would be the Olympics. The Olympics are full of pomp and circumstance and celebration. At the Olympics, you get to see the very essence of what it means to be an athlete. The Olympics make all of the hard work of training worthwhile. And, similarly, Easter is full of celebration and festivities, and it is that moment when it is most clear why you are a Christian. As we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, we are reminded why we became a Christian in the first place.
During this Lenten season, you have been invited to participate in the “Olympics.” We are “spiritual athletes” that need to get in shape for Easter. And, so, to help us on that journey toward Easter, we are going to be focusing on the Spiritual Disciplines. The word “discipline” often carries with it ideas of harsh fear and punishment. However, fear and punishment is not the purpose or intention of the Spiritual Disciplines. Instead, the Spiritual Disciplines are long-held Christian practices that help us in our Christian journey. Just as an athlete trains for hours and hours to finally get to a place of freedom of movement, the Spiritual Disciplines help us to train our spirit to get to a place of freedom in our relationship with God. John Wesley called these practices the “means of grace,” because through these Disciplines, we come to know and see God’s grace more clearly.
To help us in our journey, I will be using the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. In his introduction, he compares growing one’s spiritual life to growing a seed. He reminds us that only God can grow the seed. The farmer is very important in the growing process, helping to create the best conditions for growing the seed. But, after the soil is tended, irrigated, weeded, etc., the farmer still cannot guarantee that the seed will grow. It is God who grows the seed. And the same is true in our spiritual lives. I believe that the Spiritual Disciplines can be very helpful to us to create the right conditions for our spiritual lives to grow. But in the end, we must remember that only God can grow the seed.
I pray that you may be blessed as we journey together exploring these Spiritual Disciplines during this Lenten Season.
This Year’s Lenten Journey looks like this:
1st Sunday March 1
Simplicity & Submission
Nehemiah 1:5-11 Matthew 6:19-24
2nd Sunday March 8
Study & Guidance
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Acts 15:22-29
3rd Sunday March 15
Meditation, Prayer, & Solitude
Psalm 119:97-105 Matthew 6:5-15
4th Sunday March 22
Fasting & Confession
2 Samuel 12:1-14 Psalm 51 Matthew 6:16-18
5th Sunday March 29
Service
Leviticus 19:1-2;9-18 Matthew 25:31-46
6th Sunday April 5
Worship
Psalm 118:1-2 Psalm 118:19-29 Mark 11:1-11
Getting Married
I shamefully realized today that it has been over a month (almost two months) since I last posted anything. Why the lack of activity on the Blog?
...well, I got married. And my mind, and my time, was consumed with trying to get all of the last minute details ready for the wedding. I worked and worked trying to make sure that everything would be just right. I scoured the Bridal Magazines, looking at every checklist, trying to determine if I was on the right track, and trying to figure out what I had forgotten. It seemed to me like a massive undertaking, and without the help of my family and friends, the wedding would not have happened.
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, I heard lots of "wedding horror stories" about how badly things can go at a wedding. I was determined to maintain calm on the day of the wedding. I told myself, "something will probably go wrong, but it doesn't have to ruin your day. The most important thing that has to happen is that at the end of the day, you actually are married." I told myself that over and over. Focus on what is truly important. But, it wasn't always easy.
I think that living a life following God is similar to this process. We all desperately desire to have that perfect life, wrongly assuming that after becoming a Christian, life will somehow be perfect. But, just as no wedding is perfect, no Christian is perfect either. As United Methodists, we are of course, on the road to perfection, but it is not always an easy journey.
I did some research and looked up every time the word "bride" is used in the Bible. I found some interesting verses. Many of them describe us dressing up as the Bride getting ready to meet God. Others describe God longing to be in relationship with us just as a bridegroom longs for his bride.
We want the Christian life to be perfect, but there will certainly be moments of difficulty. The most important thing is focusing on what is truly important. The important thing is not the little details of the Christian life. The important thing is building our relationship with with our "bridegroom" (God).
"I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." -- Isaiah 61:10
"No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah ;
for the LORD will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a maiden,
so will your sons marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you." -- Isaiah 62:4-5
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God." --Revelation 21:2-3
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Taking Time to Pray...
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a deserted place, where he prayed." (Mark 1:35)
There it is, a tiny little verse, stuck in the middle of Jesus' powerful ministry. Mark, Chapter 1, begins with a bang. Jesus is announced, baptized, thrown into the desert to be tempted, recruits some disciples, amazes the crowds, casts out demons, does a good bit of healing, and oh yeah... right in the middle of all that, he takes time to pray.
I have to say Jesus really impresses me in this verse. I HATE getting up in the morning when it is still dark. I think I would never do that "just to pray!"
But, then I realize that this verse is very intentionally placed in the chapter, to remind us that the times when we have the least amount of time to pray, are often the times that we need it the most.
Jesus shows us in this passage, just how important it is to take time to pray, especially in busy moments. And, even though the idea of getting up in the morning sends chills down my spine, I love the idea of taking that extra time to spend with God in a deserted place. In college, I learned to take R.O.S's or Retreats of Silence. I would go find a deserted place in a park or even an empty part of campus. I'd sit with my Bible and my journal and pour out my heart to God. I have continued this practice since college and find it to be one of the most restoring things I can do for myself.
So, the questions for you this week are...
What do you do to take time to pray?
Where is your "deserted place?"
When is the best time for you to go there?
How can we best encourage one another to go to that "deserted place" on a regular basis?
There it is, a tiny little verse, stuck in the middle of Jesus' powerful ministry. Mark, Chapter 1, begins with a bang. Jesus is announced, baptized, thrown into the desert to be tempted, recruits some disciples, amazes the crowds, casts out demons, does a good bit of healing, and oh yeah... right in the middle of all that, he takes time to pray.
I have to say Jesus really impresses me in this verse. I HATE getting up in the morning when it is still dark. I think I would never do that "just to pray!"
But, then I realize that this verse is very intentionally placed in the chapter, to remind us that the times when we have the least amount of time to pray, are often the times that we need it the most.
Jesus shows us in this passage, just how important it is to take time to pray, especially in busy moments. And, even though the idea of getting up in the morning sends chills down my spine, I love the idea of taking that extra time to spend with God in a deserted place. In college, I learned to take R.O.S's or Retreats of Silence. I would go find a deserted place in a park or even an empty part of campus. I'd sit with my Bible and my journal and pour out my heart to God. I have continued this practice since college and find it to be one of the most restoring things I can do for myself.
So, the questions for you this week are...
What do you do to take time to pray?
Where is your "deserted place?"
When is the best time for you to go there?
How can we best encourage one another to go to that "deserted place" on a regular basis?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Smell The Color Nine
That is the title of a song by Chris Rice. In the song, he talks of how difficult it can be to hear God's call. He says that sometimes trying to find God is like "trying to smell the color 9 ... 'cuz 9's not a color, and even if it were you can't smell a color." Last week, we focused on the high glorious moments when you first realize that God is calling you.
This week, I want us to consider, what happens next?
The call "follow me" seems so simple and easy. And yet, the more we try to follow God exactly, the more difficult following becomes. Who is proclaiming the right message to follow? How do you know which path to take?
You have the desire to follow, but not always the direction. Faith can be difficult. And yet, we believe and proclaim that God guides us. We believe that God leads us. We believe that God can really "be our vision."
So, the question for this week is, how do we find God in our busy, chaotic world?
This week, I want us to consider, what happens next?
The call "follow me" seems so simple and easy. And yet, the more we try to follow God exactly, the more difficult following becomes. Who is proclaiming the right message to follow? How do you know which path to take?
You have the desire to follow, but not always the direction. Faith can be difficult. And yet, we believe and proclaim that God guides us. We believe that God leads us. We believe that God can really "be our vision."
So, the question for this week is, how do we find God in our busy, chaotic world?
Follow Me
In last week's sermon we discussed how Jesus called his disciples. Out of the blue, (or so it seems) Jesus walked by the lake and called the fishermen. And, as incredible as it may seem, "immediately" they left their nets and followed Jesus.
This story is a powerful one, that asks the question, how is Jesus calling me?
I shared the stories of John Wesley, John Newton and Corrie TenBoom. These are some of my favorite stories of people who were faithful to God's call. We looked at their stories to see that no matter where you are, God can call you to follow. The important part is not how you were called, but how did you respond?
So, my question to you is how did (or how are) you respond(ing) to God's call in your life?
This story is a powerful one, that asks the question, how is Jesus calling me?
I shared the stories of John Wesley, John Newton and Corrie TenBoom. These are some of my favorite stories of people who were faithful to God's call. We looked at their stories to see that no matter where you are, God can call you to follow. The important part is not how you were called, but how did you respond?
So, my question to you is how did (or how are) you respond(ing) to God's call in your life?
Monday, January 5, 2009
A New Year, A New You
"A New Year, A New You" is the common theme on morning talk shows in January. We see and hear and spend time thinking about new resolutions. And we think about how this new year might be different than the last one.
With the thought of making the transition from old to new, our text this week is Joshua 1:1-9 and Mark 1:1-13.
In Joshua the transition moves from Moses to Joshua. God boldly tells Joshua,
"as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you."
This transition of leadership happens much like it might in a monarchy handing power from one leader to another.
A similar occurance happens in Mark. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, so that people might recognize who he is and what he came to do. When Jesus is baptized, again, we hear God's reassurance:
"this is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
We are people who are also living in a state of transition. Soon we will have a new president. You are still getting used to a new pastor and a new District Superintendent. We are already at the beginning of a new year. New jobs, new hopes, new dreams surround us.
So, we must ask ourselves, what are we doing to prepare ourselves for the transitions in your life?
How is the presence of God seen more clearly during transitions?
What can we do to rely more fully upon God's strength in the midst of changing times?
With the thought of making the transition from old to new, our text this week is Joshua 1:1-9 and Mark 1:1-13.
In Joshua the transition moves from Moses to Joshua. God boldly tells Joshua,
"as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you."
This transition of leadership happens much like it might in a monarchy handing power from one leader to another.
A similar occurance happens in Mark. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, so that people might recognize who he is and what he came to do. When Jesus is baptized, again, we hear God's reassurance:
"this is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
We are people who are also living in a state of transition. Soon we will have a new president. You are still getting used to a new pastor and a new District Superintendent. We are already at the beginning of a new year. New jobs, new hopes, new dreams surround us.
So, we must ask ourselves, what are we doing to prepare ourselves for the transitions in your life?
How is the presence of God seen more clearly during transitions?
What can we do to rely more fully upon God's strength in the midst of changing times?
Catching Up
It has been several weeks since I last posted an entry. But, just because the posting on the blog has been slow, it does not mean that things have been boring or slow here at the church.
We still have had services every Sunday. The last Sunday in Advent we talked about God's peace -- even when it comes in surprising ways.
Then there were two Christmas Eve Services.
Then another Sunday with a sermon called "Moving from the Manger to the Temple." Where the focus was how to transition from the high excitement of Christmas back to "regular life."
And then last Sunday, the focus was on the Wise Men. I re-told the story written by Henry van Dyke called The Other Wise Man. The story is one of a fourth wise man who was unable to travel with the other three. He searches long and hard to find Jesus, but is thwarted at every turn. Nevertheless, every time that he is delayed or sidetracked, he stops to help others in need. At the end of the story, we hear the words from Matthew 25, "in as much as you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto me." This story reminds us in our journey to see Jesus that we need to continually remember the least and the lost.
We still have had services every Sunday. The last Sunday in Advent we talked about God's peace -- even when it comes in surprising ways.
Then there were two Christmas Eve Services.
Then another Sunday with a sermon called "Moving from the Manger to the Temple." Where the focus was how to transition from the high excitement of Christmas back to "regular life."
And then last Sunday, the focus was on the Wise Men. I re-told the story written by Henry van Dyke called The Other Wise Man. The story is one of a fourth wise man who was unable to travel with the other three. He searches long and hard to find Jesus, but is thwarted at every turn. Nevertheless, every time that he is delayed or sidetracked, he stops to help others in need. At the end of the story, we hear the words from Matthew 25, "in as much as you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto me." This story reminds us in our journey to see Jesus that we need to continually remember the least and the lost.
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