Andy Talks

My new blog

2010-03-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm changing my blogging to a new site. You can visit my new blog at

www.revandy.org

See you there!

Ordinary Time: Thursday, January 28, 2010

2010-01-28T05:10:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 16:15-17:14

One of the things about God, that He does, is He make covenant with us. He comes to us and make an agreement. He made covenant with Noah, Abraham, the people of Israel, and with us. He comes to us and says, if you will do, I will do this. And here's the thing about that. He doesn't have to. He doesn't have to make covenant with us. He's God. We're not. He can tell us what He will do. He can tell us what we will do. He's God.

But, He doesn't do that. He respects us, respects our will, respects our choices. He gives us choices each day. To serve or not to serve. To love or not to love. To care or not to care. To forgive or not to forgive. Each day. Today, may we choose to be and live as He would have.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 10:1-10

The writer of Hebrews reminds us over and over again, it all comes down to Jesus. Not about what we do, not about the law or the codes, it's about Jesus. He did it all for us. We can't earn it, we can only accept it. It's not about what we can do/should do, it's about what He did for us. He has, through the cross and the empty grave, enabled us a way into the throne room of God. We are accepted by God, because of what Christ did. Know that our worth comes not from what we've ever do, but from what He has done.

Gospel Lesson

John 5:30-47

Jesus reminds us today that true life is found only in Him. No where else. We can search for life in lots of places and in lots of ways, but it is only found in Him. Today, rest in His life. Live in life. Serve in His life. Forgive in His life. Know that your life is found in Him. Today, and always. Rest in Him; live in Him. He is life.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, January 27, 2010

2010-01-27T07:09:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 16:1-14

We see here what doubt can do. It can cause us to seek a way, other than God's way. We see here that Sarah started to doubt what God said He would do, and so she decided she had to take it into her own hands, do it her own way, make her own plan and take care of it all herself. Instead of trusting.

Trusting is hard. It is not easy. It is not easy to trust when we don't know how it's going to turn out. It's hard to trust when we are unsure of the way. It's hard to trust in times of uncertainty. But remember, God is true to what He said He would do. He is true to who He is. And, we can trust Him. No matter what.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 9:15-28

Remember that Jesus Christ Himself speaks on our behalf before God. He is at the right hand of God, interceding for us, pulling for us, cheering for us, praying for us. You're not in this alone. I know it may feel like it sometimes. You're not. God is with you. Jesus is on your side. He's pulling for you. Trust (there's that word again). Trust in Him. He will not lead you astray.

Gospel Lesson

John 5:19-29

Jesus reminds us that this life is not the end. There is life beyond this life. This life is just a foretaste of true life. This life is just the beginning. Don't forget in the midst of your struggles and trials and problems. This life is not the end. There is more to come. Hold fast to one that made you, that loves you, and that has called you. Trust in Him. And find His life.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, January 26, 2010

2010-01-26T06:43:00.001-08:00

I wanted to pass along something I received today as a devotional. Many of you may be like me and have read the Upper Room at some point every day for almost all your life. Being the geek that I am, I have the daily Upper Room Devotional emailed to me each day. I thought todays was really, really good and I really spoke to me. So, I wanted to pass this along to you and pray that it's a blessing to you as it has been to me

You can get this devotional mailed to you each day by clicking here

Andy

Fruits of the Compost Heap

Suggested Bible Reading

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.

-Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 (NRSV)

Today's Scripture

[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.
-Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

I keep a compost pile and love to put things into it to ferment into clean, healthy soil. I put in vegetable scraps, old leaves, grass clippings, and even paper. Every few weeks, I stir the pile to make sure that all the content is turned over. When the heap is dry, I water it. Other than that, I do nothing but let natural bacteria do their job. After a few months, I find that my "garbage" has turned into rich, fresh soil for my garden.

Often something similar happens in my life. I have felt that things I did or did not do were wasted and fruitless. At times, I have been very hard on myself. But I realize that God is not as hard on me as I can be on myself. My great failures have been turned into something positive. God quietly works, and later, when I expect it least, I find wonderful new soil ready to nurture a new phase in my life. The rotten oranges and moldy leaves of my life -- my failures and shortcomings -- have been transformed, to give me a new perspective or stronger confidence.

We can always start again when we turn our will and life over to God and allow God's power to quietly work.

Sarah B. Joy (Indiana, USA)

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are weak and vulnerable. Help us to accept your guiding strength in our lives; and when we fail, help us trust you to use even that to teach us how to serve you more faithfully. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thought for the Day

God can use our failures to bring new growth.

Ordinary Time: Monday, January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 14:1-24

We one of the smaller characters in scripture today, but one of the more important - King Melchizedek of Salem. This king was of God, and was also a priest. And Abraham gave to him a tenth of what he had, the first time a concept of a "tithe" is found in scripture.

But, he is important not just because of that fact, but he's important because we see here that a man of God was there for Abraham at the time when he needed. God has a way of sending to us what we need; who we need; when we need. Now our schedule and God's schedule don't always match up. But know, God will give us what we need. Trust in Him. Today and each day.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 8:1-13

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God has made with us a new covenant and He writes the Law upon our heart. God's worried about our actions, He wants us to live in a good and holy manner. But He's more worried about our hearts. Our outward actions start with our inward heart. Our God writes His law, His love, His grace upon our hearts. May our hearts be drawn closer to our God and in that, we'll find our lives being drawn ever closer.

Gospel Lesson

John 4:43-54

This man in the text; he believed. And in that belief, great things were done for His son. It all starts with faith; it all starts with belief. Believe me, I want to know everything, I want to understand everything. But, I don't you don't. In life, we have to make a leap of faith sometimes. And, when we believe in faith, we see. Today, take a step of faith. And in that, God will place you where He needs you to be.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, January 21, 2010

2010-01-21T05:54:00.000-08:00

Today, just a quick thought:

God comes to us before we go to Him. This is God's habit. God came to Abraham when there was nothing to come to, just an old man at a dead end. But that's God for you. That's the way God likes to work. He comes to old men and to infants, to sinners and to losers. That's grace.

James Van Tholen

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2010-01-20T04:31:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 9:18-29

One of the things that's hard for us to do sometimes is to learn a lesson. We see here in the stories of Noah and his family right after the flood that they didn't fully learn a lesson. The Lord has just washed everything away through a flood, caused by the wickedness of humanity, and yet still, this soon after, Noah, and one of his son, fall into the trap of sin. Noah, into drunkenness, his son into disrespecting his father.

Lessons were not entirely learned. May we not make the same mistake. May we learn from the lessons of our lives, may we learn from the falls we endure, may we learn from the mistakes that we make. Today, and each day, may we learn.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 6:1-12

The author of Hebrews encourages us to keep on going, not to fall back or backslide away from the truth. In life, we will all fall down. We will all make mistakes. We will all fail. We will all sin. You will. I will. It is just part of our human condition. We will all fall down.

What do we do then? When we fall, what do we do? When we make a mistake, what do we do? Do we get up and keep going? Do we dust ourselves, up, and, by the power of God's grace, keep walking? That is what God calls us to to do. When we fall, God still loves us. And after we make a mistake, may we get up and keep going. That is what we are called to do.

Gospel Lesson

John 3:22-36

John says today that He must increase and I must decrease. In our lives, we must allow Christ's light to shine through us more and more and more. When we live for ourselves, we don't fully know the power of Christ and His life. But, when we decrease, when He shines through, we find there is life beyond us. Today, may we decrease and may He increase in our lives.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, January 19, 2010

2010-01-19T04:34:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 9:1-17

God is a God of covenant. He enters into, in many ways, a partnership with us. He says, I will do this, if you will do this. Think about it. He's God. He doesn't have to do that. He doesn't have to do anything. He doesn't have to base His actions upon us. He doesn't have to show us mercy, or even concern. Yet, He does. He is a God that not only loves His creation, He wants to be at work with us His creation.

Think about it, what does He really need us for? Nothing. Yet, He loves us. He cares for us. He works with us, He uses us. He calls us. He empower us. He forgives us. He doesn't have to do any of that. Yet He does. For He loves us. Above all, He loves us.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 5:7-14

The writer of Hebrews calls us to move from the milk of new faith to the meat of deeper faith. We are called to grow in the faith. We are called to grow in faith. We are not perfect, we make mistakes. We are not yet what we ought to be. But, are we growing? The question doesn't need to be are perfect? The question needs to be are growing. Not are we perfect, but are we more faithful today than we were yesterday. May we see to be faithful today, and each day.

Gospel Lesson

John 3:16-21

We all know John 3:16. We learn it a young age in church. It's part of the knowledge that we have. But, what bout 3:17? It's one of my favorites. Jesus didn't come into the world to condemn it, but to save it. God doesn't want to condemn you. He wants to save you. Above all, God wants to know you, but in relationship with you, care for you, guide you, lead you. God Almighty, maker of all that is, both seen and unseen, whats to know you. Wants to be your friend and guide.

Wow. How awesome is that? Today, in this day, there is a God that knows you and wants to love you. Jesus came not to judge us, but to save us. May we experience the life giving power of His love today.

Ordinary Time: Monday, January 18, 2010

2010-01-18T06:09:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 8:6-22

We see that after days and days of raining and flooding, it finally stopped. It must have felt like to Moses they would never see dry land. It would have been very easy to give up. To stop trying. To give up hope. To give up the willingness to keep going. But, he kept on. Because he knew that no matter how great his fear, God was bigger.

Whatever it is you fear, that you worry about, that steals you joy, remember. God is bigger.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

We have a God, through Jesus, that understands our weakness. We have a God, that through Jesus, understands our pain, our suffering, our temptations. We don't cry our in vain, we cry out to a God that hears. So, in the midst of our lives, remember, God hears, God loves, and God cares.

Gospel Lesson

John 2:23-3:15

Jesus calls us to new life. To new birth. To new living. This is a new day; a day God has given to us. May we claim this new life He has for us, this new birth. Today is the day He's given us. May we live for His, and may we live in the power of His new life

Ordinary Time: Thursday, January 14, 2010

2010-01-14T05:33:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 4:17-26

One of the things I love about the Bible, particularly the first few books, is that they so mirror our lives. There are great moments of faithfulness and redemption, and there are terrible moments of failure and defeat. Our lives are like that a lot, aren't they? There are these moments where we are faithful and do what God wants, and then are are moments when we do what we want and trouble comes.

But, we take from the Bible that God never gives us, God never leaves, God never forsakes. We see today, even after all that Adam and Eve had gone through, a son named Seth is born. And the name of the Lord in invoked again. Even after all that had happened, God was able to be praised once again. He never gives up on us. And always gives us a new day.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 3:1-11

Much of the book of Hebrews is about establishing over and over that Jesus is great than everything. And we think, duh, of course He is. But, in our lives, is he really? Is He greater than all in our lives, or is He just one of the big things in our lives? For us to really know His power, His live, He needs to be first. Hebrews reminds us over and over that He is above all and over all. May He be so in our lives.

Gospel Lesson

John 1:43-51

86% of people that come to a church for the first time come because they were invited by a friend. Not because of the preacher or the choir or the worship or the sanctuary or any of these things. Because they were invited by a friend. My folks here at Ripley FUMC are getting tired of hearing this stat, I know, but according to the Hinton Rural Life Center, the average United Methodist invites one person to church every 38 years. Wow.

When was the last time you invited someone to church? I know it can be a difficult step and I know there are all the work place issues. So, how about this? Next times someone asks you about your church, or your church comes up in conversation, only talk about the positive. Only build it up. Don't go negative, don't complain. May we always be about inviting people to meet Jesus.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, January 13, 2010

2010-01-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 4:1-16

The Lord warned Cain, temptation is lurking. It's right there, waiting on him. And he gave into that temptation, that anger. And great, great harm was caused by it, a life created by God was ended. Cain could not keep temptation at bay.

Today, temptation lurks for each of us as well. It is there, waiting for us. We each have our weakness, our frailties, our own temptations. Today, temptation will be lurking for us. God, through His grace, gives us a means to resist. When temptation comes, may we find strength in God's grace.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 2:11-18

We see here the answer to the problem posed in the first text. Through Jesus, we see how one triumphs over sin, over the power of evil, over all these things. Through Jesus, through His blood, through His victory, through Him, we can over come that temptation, we can over come those trials. Temptation will come, but Jesus will give us the power to resist when it does come. Be ready and turn to Him. We can over come.

Gospel Lesson

John 1:29-42

Jesus called these Disciples. They weren't perfect, they all had their weakness. But, Jesus saw them for more than they were, He saw them for what they could be, through Him. Alone, each of these disciples were ordinary. Through Him, they did extraordinary things. Through Him, each of them were able to do, and be, and something amazing for God. Through Jesus, you can too.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, January 7, 2010

2010-01-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

Today, just a quote:

Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not
helpless among the ruins. Our broken lives are not lost or useless. God
comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out his
wonderful plan of love.

Eric Liddell

Epiphany: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

2010-01-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 49:1-7

The Lord desired that His people be a light to the nations. He desired that His people Israel show His light, His love, His mercy to all the world, so that the entire world would know about God. That was their job. That was what they were chosen for. To show the world the goodness of God.

That is the job of His people today. If you are a Christian, that is your job. You are to show the love of God today. Through your words, your actions, your life. Does that mean that we have to be perfect? No. It means that we need to receive grace and give grace. We need to forgive and be forgiven. We need to love and be loved. Today, in our lives, we show the grace of God. May we reflect God to all that we meet.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 21:22-27

This life is not end. Whatever you are going through today, it's not the end. There is more to come. There is a hope greater than this life, there is a purpose greater than this life. The trials you face today, they are not the end of your story. The troubles you face today, they are not the end of your story. There is more to come.

Don't give up. Don't lose hope. There is more to come. We are a people of hope. May we never lose it.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 2:14-21

After the Wise Men came and left, Herod tried to kill Jesus and in that killed all the boys under two. We see the face of evil. Evil doesn't care who it hurts, as long as it gets what it wants. Love looks first to the needs of others. We are called to love, to look first to others. To help, to love, to care. And, we find that in doing that, we find more life than we'd have ever found in looking only to ourselves. Today, and each day, may we look to the needs of others.

Christmas: Tuesday, January 5, 2010

2010-01-05T04:47:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jonah 2:2-9

Jonah cried out to God in the midst of his distress. He cried out to God in the midst of the disaster and God delivered Him. And, if you remember the story of Jonah, Jonah had done nothing to deserver being saved. He had disobeyed God. He ran from God. He didn't do what God wanted him to do. And, in spite of that, God still intervened to save him. Because God loved him. God's love for Jonah was greater than any disappointment He felt over Jonah's action. God's love for you is the same today. Today, you are loved, no matter what

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 6:10-20

Paul reminds us to put on the armor of God. This will be a day of battle. We will battle against temptation. We will battle against things that are wrong. We will battle against doubt, against hate, against anger, against sin. We will battle these things today.

And Paul reminds us that we will not fight alone. If we fight against temptation by ourselves and in our own strength, we will lose. If we fight against anger in our own strength, we will lose. If we battle against these things in our power, we stand no chance.

But, through God, though His power, through His strength, through His armor, we can overcome these things. Don't give up, don't fear. Through God we will win whatever it is that are fighting against.

Gospel Lesson

John 11:17-27, 38-44

We see that Jesus has the power to conquer even the power of the grave. He is greater than even that. He conquered even that. So, today, whatever you facing, be it problems at work, with family, with friends, with yourself, with whatever - Jesus is bigger than that. Jesus is bigger than whatever you face today. Trust in Him and His power. And know that He will never leave us. May we find the power and joy of His life today, in all that we face.

Christmas: Monday, January 4, 2010

2010-01-04T04:11:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Joshua 3:14-4:7

We see the Lord bring the people across the river Jordan. They have reached it! They are in the Promised Land! They have crossed over to the land that God has promised, they have reached the place where their faith is now sight! Through God, they have done it!

But, they are not done. While they have reached it, there is still work to do. There is still more than must be done. So, God has the people build a memorial. To remember. To remember that God brought them this far. To remember that God was with them. To remember that God would not leave them.

God has brought you to this New Year. You have crossed over. God has much for you in this New Year. And He will not leave you alone in it. He will give you to the grace to do all all that He has called you to in this year. Believe. Trust. God is with you.

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 5:1-20

Paul warns us today - live! Don't sleep through life. Don't live in a way that is shameful to God or the faith. Live as God would want you to. Realize all you have, and all God has given you, all God has called you to, live! Live right, live boldly, live faithfully. Live with passion.

This is the only day you know you have. We can't do anything about the past or the future. We only have today! Don't waste it. Live.

Gospel Lesson

John 9:1-12, 35-38

Jesus healed through a variety of ways. Sometimes He touched. Sometimes He spoke. Sometimes folks touched Him. Sometimes He wasn't even in the same town as the one that He healed. He healed in many, many ways.

Max Lucado one wrote that this was his favorite miracle. Why? Because if Jesus can use spit and dirt to heal someone, He can use anyone, or anything. I don't care who you, what you've done, any of the things. God can use you. Today. You can be used by God for some great purpose day. A smile. A hug. A friendship. A shoulder to cry on. An ear to listen. A mouth to speak. Today, you can be used by God for a great and good purpose. No matter what!

A Year's End - a few thoughts

2009-12-31T04:20:00.000-08:00

Today, for New Year's Eve, just a thought.

As we look back on 2009, a year that commentators seem to think was a little maddening for all of us, let us take time to remember the times of joy and happiness. No matter what this past year was like for you, there were moments of joy. Moments Moments of peace, life, and love. There were good moments.

Sometimes, we look only at the bad. We only see our failures. We only see where we messed up. We only look at the mistakes that we have made, we only see the things we have done wrong.

We can focus only on the stuff that has gone wrong, the ways we have failed, the ways that others have failed us. We can, if we are careful, be overwhelmed by the negative.

We only see the trials that have come our way.

We see the problems. It's just not just us. That's a universal thing. I remember when I worked with kids at camp during the summer years ago, they always told us, you have to say 7 positive things to a child to overcome 1 negative thing that is said. We remember the bad stuff more than the good.

So, as we move forward, first, let's make an effort to remember the good. Remember the moments of grace and joy. Remember the good stuff that's happened to you and your family in this past year. Moments of joy, laughter and peace. Remember these things. And mark them on your soul. Let them be part of who you are.

And, second, let us be glad that God doesn't first look to our mistakes. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 103: 13-14

As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.

For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust

We look at the mistakes first. We know we are not what we ought to be. Sometimes, we don't see ourselves the way that we ought to see. Particularly at the end of a year when we look back.
Thankfully, though, the Lord knows how we were made. He knows we are just dust. He knows that we are weak and frail. He knows we are not what we ought to be. He knows that we aren't perfect. And He loves us anyway.

As we look back, and as we look forward, may we look above. And may we know that we are loved.

Live like the loved child of God that you are!

Christmas with the Stoddards

2009-12-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

Here's some of our Christmas Adventures this year!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

No blogging for a few days. I'll resume next Wednesday. Until then Merry Christmas. May God bless you in this Holy Time of year!

Advent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2009-12-23T04:37:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 7:1-17

We see the Lord tell David - I will establish your house. It will reign forever. Your kingdom will have no end, the Son of David will sit upon the throne.

Who is Jesus? The Son of God, yes. He often called Himself the Son of Man as well. However, there is another title for Jesus in scripture and in the New Testament. The Son of David. Through Joseph His family is traced back to David. He is the Davidic line, He is the Son of David, He is the king, the ruler, the mighty one promised here. He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and He reigns. Today, and always.

New Testament Lesson

Titus 2:11-3:8a

Paul reminds Titus to tell the people, basically, just be good people. Be quiet. Be good citizens. Do what right. Be simple. Love, serve, and care. Be humble. Be kind. Just simply to what is right. Grace has been given to us through the giving of the Son, and that grace calls us to that. God doesn't demand that we be perfect. He just wants us to be faithful. Faithful to Him, faithful to each other. Faithful to the calling He has given us. Today, and always, may we be faithful.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 1:39-56

Mary sings her song of praise to God in this passage - He had brought up the humble and has scattered the proud. He has brought up the weak, the hungry, the poor, and gave them good things. He has brought forth salvation to those that desire salvation. The proud are not aware that they have need for such things. The humble, the weak, the know they are needful, and they find there, waiting for them, a God that knows their needs. Today, God knows your needs. He knows what you need, what you fear, what you worry about. And He is a God that longs to fill you up.

2009-12-22T06:14:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 2:1b-10

The Lord is the one that brings life. The Lord is the one that makes all right. The Lord protects the weak, the orphans, the widows, those that hunger, those in need. This is a season of Good News. That is what the Lord wants you to hear this morning. Good News. Rejoicing. No matter what is going on in your life today. Good News. God loves you. Gave His son for you. Love you. You are loved today. Live life a loved child. That's what you are.

New Testament Lesson

Titus 2:1-10

Every person in this list of commands is basically given this command - think of others before yourself. Think of their needs. Their lives. Their feelings. Before thinking of yourself and your life, think of them. Here's the miracle of that. If we each do that, if we each think of each other first, we will each find we have all we need. For in giving our life away, we find life. The truest road to a miserable life is to think only of yourself. The truest road to a happy life is to think of others first.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 1:26-38

Mary says the truest word of faith in all the Bible today - Let it be unto me according to thy word. Mary didn't know what the future held. She didn't know what people would think. She didn't know what Joseph would say. She didn't know how her life would turn out. She knew none of those things. All she knew was that God had something for her. And her response was this - let it be unto me according to your word. She trusted. Even though she didn't know the road. She trusted. May we do the same.

Advent: Monday, December 21, 2009

2009-12-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today, just a quick thought. I've found folks like these as much as the longer ones. The less said the better sometimes :)

The will of God may lead us on a winding road that doesn't make sense, even to the most mature mind. But when the way gets puzzling, we can still trust in God. He knows the end from the beginning, and we can trust His character, knowing that His plans are aimed at accomplishing the best goals.

Donna Morley

Advent: Thursday, December 17, 2009

2009-12-17T04:06:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Zechariah 4:1-14

We see the Lord remind us today - not by might, not by power, but by my spirit. The Lord doesn't always choose the strong or the powerful, He chooses the willing. And then, through His spirit, He makes all things possible. So, His concern for you today is not if you are perfect or if you are strong or fast or any of these things. Are you willing. Are you willing to be used by God? And if so, then by His Spirit all things are possible.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 4:9-5:5

Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Lions are not safe. They are kings of the jungle. There is a great line in CS Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when they are talking about Aslan, the Christ figure, who is a Lion.

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Jesus is good. To say He is safe is to imply that He will ask us to remain the same. He will not do that. He will ask us to change, to do. To go. He will ask us to do more than we think possible. He is not safe. But He is good.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus reminds us again, be ready. Be ready for what is to come. Live your life aware. Live you life with an awareness of who you are, what you are doing, what's going on. Don't just float through. Don't just sleep through. Be aware. Live fully. Seize the day. This is a moment to start living!

Advent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009

2009-12-16T03:55:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Zechariah 3:1-10

The Lord took away the filth, took away that which was unclean, and made the priest clean. The Lord is a God is at that takes away our sin, it was cast upon Jesus, and makes us clean again. You are not defined by your failures, by your sins, by your mistakes. You are not defined by the things you have done wrong. You are defined by the grace of God. That's what make you who you are. You are more than your mistakes, you are more than your history. You are more than whatever in your past steals you joy and sleep. You are more than these things.

You are a loved child of God. Go out and live like it today!

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 4:1-8

There's a lot in Revelation that I don't understand. I don't claim to be an expert, I don't claim on know all the details. I try to look at the book from a big picture view. And what does the big picture show us? We see here what heaven looks like - the worship of God. We see here the different parts of the court of heaven worship God, declaring His worth, declaring how worthy of praise He is.

And He is worthy of praise. No matter what is happening in your life, He is worthy of praise right now. All good gifts come from above, and no matter what is happening in your life, there is something good happening there. And, for that good thing, God deserves praise.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 24:45-51

The Lord tells us today - the wise are always ready. They live with an awareness of what is coming, they are prepared, the know that anytime could be our last breath. If today was last day, would you be able to look back at your life with pride? Are you proud of the way you've lived? Are you proud of what you've accomplished?

Today is a new day! Let's live in such a way that we honor God and help each other out! There's so much for us to do. Let's be faithful to God, and faithful to each other. And know that it's all in God's hands.

Advent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

2009-12-15T04:11:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Zechariah 2:1-13

We see the Lord promise what is to happen - a time will come when the people will live in Zion, it will be restored and He will be glory within. He will be the one that will protect it, there will be a wall of fire around it and it will be fully inhabited by people, by animals, by life. He will restore that which has been destroyed and forgotten. He will bring life back to death, He will bring hope to the hopeless and bring back to life that which is death.

God is a God of hope, life, and restoration. No matter what's going on in our life, God is a God that longs to restore. That what His promise here, and His promise now. He is a God that will restore and bring life.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 3:14-22

The harshest words written to the seven churches are, in my opinion, these written to the church of Laodicea. The Lord says this - be hot, or be cold. Don't be luke warm. Don't half way do it. Either be for God, or not. But, don't be divided. Faith is really is serious business. God doesn't want just part of us, He doesn't want half our heart, or part of our heart - He wants it all. He doesn't want us to play religion or church, He wants us to have a true and deep relationship with Him. He wants our hearts to be on fire. He wants us to life fully for Him. Either hot. or cold. Not luke warm.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 24:32-44

No one knows the day or the hour. No one knows the future. No one knows what it is to hold. No one knows what is to come. so, what we do is this. We live faithful today, and we trust in God. That's what we do. We place the future in His hands. We place the unknown in His hands. We place what don't know, don't understand, can't control, we place this His hands.

And we live faithful today. We live fully today, and faithfully today. It's what we have, and may we live it to the fullest.

Advent: Monday, December 14, 2009

2009-12-14T05:12:00.000-08:00

Today, just a quick thought:

If you feel like you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on! Because God's a God of miracles, and He's holding the other end.

Pat Hicks

Advent: Thursday, December 10, 2009

2009-12-10T03:57:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 9:1-10

Even here, in this passage full of judgment, in this passage full of the Lord's anger with His people, there is a moment of grace. The Lord is saying how He will destroy the people, destroy the sinful nation, destroy all those that have stood in opposition to Him and to His will. But, the House of Jacob (His people), He will not destroy completely. Even through they deserve it. Even though they should receive it. Even this it is fully within His rights and power. He will not. Because they are His. And even at this moment full of judgement and anger, His love for His people is greater than everything. That's the amount of love God has for His people, and for us.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 2:8-17

In the letters to the seven churches at the start of the book of Revelation, there is a constant refrain. You will be tested. You have been tested. Tests will come. It won't always be easy. There will be very hard times. But, God is with you. God will not leave you. Even in the tests, God is there. And to those that over come, through the power and strength of God, there is a great reward. There is a crown, there is life, there is all this an more.

So, when your test of faith come today, don't give up, don't be discouraged. You are not the first to be tested, and you won't be the last. And above all, God is there. Even in the tests. God is there.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 23:13-26

These are part of what's called "The Seven Woes," Jesus' harshest condemnation of the Pharisees. He really hammers them. Really takes them to task. Why? They are more focused on the letter of the law than the heart of the law. They are more focus on the acts of religion than the heart of religion. They are more focused on legalism than helping others. They are more focused on appearing religious than having a heart for others. Remember, our faith is something that starts on the inside, but that then calls us to serve one another, and God. Our faith calls us to love God, and seek justice, love, mercy, all these things. Let's be faithful to the one that died for us. And let's leave all the rest in His hands.

Advent: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

2009-12-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 8:1-14

We see the Lord speak judgment against His people. Why? What had the done wrong? How had they failed? How had they not done what they should have done? This judgement is pronounced over the way they treated each other, over the way they treated the poor, the needy, the sick, they soar. They had not shown God's mercy to all, they had robbed, they had stolen, they had abused.

Perhaps Christianity, in the end, in not shown by the words we say, the music we listen to, the shirts we wear. Perhaps, in the end, Christianity is shown by the way that we treat each other.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:17-2:7

The constant message of Revelation is heard for the first time in this passage - do not be afraid. Do not fear. Revelation reminds us over and over again, that not matter what happens, God is at work. God is doing something. Something good, and something for God's glory, it will come out of this. God is at work in all things. Do not fear. God is with us, and God is at work.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus tells us not to seek praise - but instead to serve. Let's not be about tooting our own horns, lets not about about showing off, let's not be about showing everyone how great and awesome we are. Let's serve. Let's serve God and let's serve our neighbor. That's what we are called to be about, that's who we are called to be.

Advent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009

2009-12-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 7:10-17

Amos wasn't a trained priest. He's wasn't a learned prophet. He was simply someone God had called to do something, and he did it. God doesn't always call the most qualified, the ones that look like they'd be the ideal candidates. God calls the willing, God calls the ones that would be willing do what He says, go where He sends, speak what He lays on their heart.

Today, God will not just call the perfect, He will call you and me. God will have something special, something divine, for us each of us. We just have to respond. Where is He calling you today. He is calling. May we listen for His voice.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:9-16

We see that John is given this word while in prison on Patmos. One of the mistakes we can make is that if we assume we follow Jesus, everything will be perfect, nothing bad will ever happen. That is not true. Following Jesus is not a magical amulet that protect us from all harm. We are not promised that bad thing will not happen. John, here, is in prison for his faith after all.

What we are promised is this - God will never leave nor forsake us. No matter what happens in life today, God will be by your side. He will not leave you. He will not forget you. He will not abandon you. He will be with you. Trust in Him today, and always. He will not forget His children.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 22:34-46

Love of God, love of neighbor. That's it, that's the list. That's what we are called to do. That's who we are called to be. That's how we are called to live. Loving God, loving neighbor. That's the goal of the Christian life, that's the purpose and plan God has for us. That's the highest goal we can have today, and each day. To love our God will all that we have and love our neighbor as ourselves. That's what we are called to do today and each day. Love. God. Neighbor. That's it. Let's be about that.

Advent: Monday, December 7, 2009

2009-12-07T05:49:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 7:1-9

We see here a potential vision of the Lord's judgment. He stands and says, this could be coming. If you do not repent. Yes, the Lord is a judge. Yes the Lord will be the judge of each of us. Yes the the Lord is the righteous One, the Holy One, the Perfect One. Yes, we all bow down before Him.

But the Lord is also gracious, and kind, and loving, and merciful, and caring, and forgiving. The Lord is a God that longs to give second, and third and one hundredth chances. The Lord is a God that longs to give His people grace.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:1-8

It all comes down to Jesus. That is the message of the beginning of Revelation. His the first the and the last, the beginning and the end. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He holds it all together. Him. That's what our faith is about, our life, our all. Remember, it's all about Jesus. Let's love Him, let's serve Him.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 22:23-33

God is the God of the Living. He is the God of life. He is the God of newness and hope and tomorrow. God is the God of life. Now, since He's our God, let's go out there today and live! Let's live boldly, let's live passionately, let's live with all that we have. This is a new day, let's go make the most of it!

Advent: Thursday, December 3. 2009

2009-12-03T03:38:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 4:6-13

We see God's desire for His people today - return to me. In all the stuff that happened to the people, the Lord was using it for one reason and one purpose - to get His people to return to Him. But they would not. That is always God's desire. God desires isn't to get us or punish us or any of these things. His desire is for us to live in peace with Him and with each other.

New Testament Lesson

2 Peter 3:11-18

The author of this passage reminds us that as we wait for the return of the Lord, we should wait with grace in heart, peace in our lives, and serving God and each other. None of us know when the hour will come, none of us know when the day will be. But, we do know that it will happen and we want to be found ready when it does. So, no matter it if its today, or a million years from now, let's live today to the fullest, and lets live today as if it were our last day.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 21:33-46

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders, He was rejected by the powerful, He was rejected by the ones that were in power. And this stone, Jesus Christ, is the cornerstone of our lives. He is the foundation, He is the one that holds it all together, He is the hope, the power, the source of life. He is. No one or nothing else. Jesus.

Advent: Wednesday, December 2, 2009

2009-12-02T03:23:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 3:12-4:5

One of the condemnations the Lord makes through the prophets is this disconnect that had happened in to His people. The people were going through the motions of religion (sacrifices, feast days, etc) but yet their hearts were far away, and they were oppressing the poor and the needy of Israel.

The Lord says - no. Do not oppress the needy. Do not harm them. Do good. Give yourself to me. God doesn't desire the motions of religion, He desires a heart committed to Him, a life committed to loving Him fully and loving our neighbor fully. And as we fall more in love with God, we will fall more in love with our neighbor. And in that, He honor God, with all that we do.

New Testament Lesson

2 Peter 3:1-10

Even less than 100 years after the resurrection, people saying, when is the Lord coming back? What's taking so long? Maybe He's not coming. There was doubt and dismay even then. And the word says - don't worry. Don't doubt. God's time is different than our time, God's schedule is different than our schedule. Trust in God. He knows what He is doing. In all things. Trust in God. He knows what He is doing.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 21:23-32

Instead of listening to Jesus and His words, instead of trying to learn from Him, instead of following His example and His love, the religious leaders tried to trip Him up, tried to confuse Him, tried to trick Him. The could have learned, loved, and found life. Instead, they were threatened by Jesus, they didn't like what He was trying to do it, so they ignored Him, they abused Him, they tried to trick Him, and eventually crucified Him.

Today, let's spend time listening for Jesus. Let's spend time following His example of love. Let's spend time following His example of peace. Let's learn from Him. We don't have to understand Him fully, but we can understand this. He love us, and love all the world. Let's live into that.

Advent: Tuesday, December 1, 2009

2009-12-01T03:27:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 1:21-31

In the prophets there are two things the Lord normally condemns the people for, and they are linked to each other. The first is idolatry. They have worshipped idols and have not given their true devotion to God. The second is something that He condemns just as strongly. They are not treating each other as they should. They are taking care of the poor, the orphans, the needy. They are not caring for the oppressed, they are robbing and stealing. They are not caring the needy in their midst.

As we draw close to Christmas, let's make sure that God is our first love, above all else. Let's give our devotional to Him, above all. And let's take care in this time to to take care of the needy all around us. Let's give. And love. And serve. Let's show God's grace and mercy to all.

New Testament Lesson

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Paul, in his ministry, kept the first thing the first thing. His calling was to share the Good News of Jesus with as many as He could. His calling was to share the grace and salvation of God with everyone. Why? Because He had been saved by this goodness of God. And that salvation called Him to love others.

That is what being a Christian is supposed to look like. Loving God because of what God has done for us. And loving others, because of what God has done for us. God's great love for us should motivate us to be the most loving, forgiving, serving people out there. Look at the love given us! How awesome is that!?! May we love one another in the same way.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 20:9-18

Jesus was rejected by many during His ministry. He came showing God's love and power, and He was rejected by many. He was rejected because they didn't like what He was calling them to do, or they didn't like the way He did it, or they didn't like what He said, or how He said it. He came offering life, life abundant and life full, and they rejected it.

Today, through following Him and living in His love and mercy, He offers us life. Life full and abundant. May we not reject His life today. May we live in His life today. And may we find more life there than any place else.

Advent: Monday, November 30, 2009

2009-11-30T04:09:00.000-08:00

Hey there, remember me? Sorry I haven't been blogging much. I plan on being back to my normal routine starting back today, and actually I have another post I've been working on that I'm going to post later today.

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 2:6-16

The Lord warns His people - you have not done what you should, you have lead others astray, and just as I punished you in the past, I will punish you again. And it seems like in this text what has upset the Lord the most is not that the people made mistakes, we all make mistakes, it is that the people caused (and in this case) forced others to make mistakes.

Remember, we don't just live for ourselves, we live for God. And our lives have an impact upon others. Today, the lives we lead will glorify God, or not. And they can encourage other, or make a negative impact upon others. Today our lives will have an impact. May it be an impact for good.

New Testament Lesson

2 Peter 1:1-11

The author of this passage gives us a list of things that we should be seeking to apply to our lives, things that will strengthen us, encourage us, allow us to walk closer to our God. Things that will grow our faith and grow our hope. And they all build towards one thing - love.

Faith leads to goodness, and goodness to knowledge, and knowledge to self-control, and self-control to endurance, and endurance to godliness, and godliness to mutual affection, and mutual affection to love. It all leads to love. That's what we are supposed to be about, that's what we are supposed to seek above all, that how we are supposed to live. With love. May we love God, and love our neighbor with all that we have.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 21:1-11

We see today in this text Jesus receive the worship that He deserved. He received the honor he deserved. He received the praise He deserved. In this passage, Jesus is honored as He should be. I didn't always happen, and it wouldn't happen again. But He was worshiped in this passage.

In our lives today, may we give Jesus the honor, praise and worship He so greatly deserves. May we not wait till another day. May we do it and honor Him today.

Ordinary Time: Monday, November 16, 2009

2009-11-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Chronicles 15:1-29

There is a joy that comes from God. David felt this joy. There is a difference between joy and happiness. Joy is not based upon circumstance. Joy is not based upon the conditions of life. You can be joyful when there is no reason, when there is no point in it. Because for the Christian, joy is based upon our walk with God.

Because we have a hope, we have joy. Because the grave is empty, we have joy. Because there is life abundant, we have joy. Even when our circumstances are not good, we can have joy. David had that joy. May we as well.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 20:7-15

We have joy because we see here in Revelation that in the end, evil will be defeated. We live in a time now where it looks like evil is winning. We live in a time where it looks like good will not triumph, where it looks like sickness and sadness and death will win. That is not so. Goodness will win today and now, and it will triumph in the end. Don't lose heart. Have hope. In the end, God wins!

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 17:1-13

We have joy because we see the glory of Jesus. He is the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the beginning and the end. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is the Lord of the Church and the head of it all. This passage shows us the fullness of His glory. And, in all His glory, power and might, He loves us. Oh, how He loves us. Today, we have joy, because we are loved. Today, YOU are loved.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, November 12, 2009

2009-11-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Chronicles 10:1-14

We see Saul fall today. He had such potential. He was the one that "looked" like a king. He was strong. He was handsome. He had all the gifts. He was a good warrior. He was a good leader. He rallied the people at times. He served God at times. He was everything you would think that you would want in a king.

But, he turned away from God. He became more worried about his own power, his own way, his own desires than he did for what God wanted. He turned away from God and because of that it all came crashing down. It all has to start with our walk with God. That's what is most important. That's what matters the most. Everything else pales to that. It all starts with God.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 19:1-10

Revelation reminds us over and over again - things may look bad. It might look like things cannot get better. It might look like there is no hope. It might look like there is no way. But, God will make a way. God will rescue His people. God will intercede on behalf of His people. And, in the end, God will be worshiped by all. He is almighty, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and all will see His glory and power. He is worthy. Today, and always.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 16:1-12

Remember, when we feel bad that we don't understand God, we don't understand the Bible, when don't understand what God is doing - neither did the disciples. Jesus would teach them, He would speak to them, He would explain it them, and they did still didn't always get it. They did in the end, but they didn't all the time.

Thankfully, He was patient with them, and He loved them above all else. He does the same for us. He loves us in our weakness, He loves us in our not knowing. He simply loves us.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2009

2009-11-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

Today, just a quick thought. It's Veterans' Day, and also drawing close to Thanksgiving. Today, and each day, may we remember just how much we have to be thankful. Let us be thankful for "for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country loved. And mercy more than life" May we be thankful for all that are serving our country and all those that have served our country. May we be thankful for all the goodness of life. May we realize how blessed we are.

He who can return thanks for little will always find he has enough.
--Unknown

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

2009-11-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Nehemiah 9:26-38

This passage recounts the goodness of God. Time after time the people turned away. Time after time they turned from their God. Time after time they fell into sin. Time after time they chose the wrong, the improper, the the sinful. Time after time they were punished.

And time after time God forgave. Time after time God restored. Time after time God forgave His people and gave mercy, hope, and love. We don't deserve the goodness and mercy of God. That's not what we deserve or have earned. But He gives it anyway. God is a God of mercy, time after time. Let us be thankful for that.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 18:9-20

If Revelation teaches us anything, it's this. God will intercede on behalf of His people. In Revelation, the people of God are oppressed. They suffer. They are beaten down. They face persecution on every side. And, in the end, God defeats those that have harmed His people. God stands by His people and in the end, goodness will win. God will win over evil. The meek shall inherit the earth. God will reign and His people will live forever. God wins in the end. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus brought healing to those in need. They cried out and He brought healing. They hurt and He restored them. They were weak, and He brought strength. They were weak and wounded, sick and soar. And He gave them life.

The same Jesus that brought life to so many is the same Jesus that longs to bring us life today. Today, and each day, life is found in Jesus. In love, His mercy, His peace, His life. He is love and life. Today.

Ordinary Time: Monday, November 9, 2009

2009-11-09T05:58:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Nehemiah 9:1-15

The people come to this point where they are starting anew. They are starting back where everything was, but where so much had changed. They were starting again. But, before they restarted, they were reminded. The Lord was there in the past. The Lord had moved and the Lord would move again. In this time of change and new life, God was still God. And the same God they trusted back then was the same God they could trust now.

The same is true for us today. We can still trust God.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 18:1-8

We are reminded over and over in scripture that we are not to judge. But, we are also reminded today that God will judge one day. He is the final judge and authority. He is the king of kings and Lord of Lords. He is all in all and the Lord of it all. And, thankfully, He is a God of mercy. He longs to love and forgive His children. Yes, He will judge one day. But today, in this place and time, He offers mercy, love and grace.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 15:1-20

Jesus reminds us that it starts with the heart. That is where it all begins with. He wants our heart. He wants our very being. As the heart goes, so goes everything else. Today, and each day, may He have our heart.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, November 5, 2009

2009-11-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Ezra 7:1-16

One of the interesting things about the rebuilding of Jerusalem is this - God used people that weren't "His" to make this possible. Gentile kings and leaders, they allowed the Jewish people to return and rebuild. The kings supported, helped and encouraged. They told them to do and supported them in it. Yet, they weren't "God's people." They were Gentiles.

To me, this shows that God can and will use anyone. Sometimes when the church is resistant to doing what God would have us to do, God will use other means. God will use whoever, and whatever He has to in accomplishing His will. We need to always be careful to make sure we are trying to do God's will, not assuming that our will is God's will. God's will is going to be accomplished. May we be part of it.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 14:1-13

Blessed is those that die in the Lord. Revelation reminds us of that. One of the lessons we learn from Revelation is this - God wins. And there is a reward for those that are faithful to God, that serve and love Him, that seek to do His will and seek to grow in grace. God sees His people, He loves His people, and He has rest for His people. Don't grow weary. Don't grow tired. There is rest for those that love God and are called for Him. There is rest.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 14:1-12

Herod did a lot of things that were wrong. Lots of things that weren't good. Lots of problem. But, we see in this story perhaps his greatest downfall. Pride. He knew the beheading of John the Baptist was wrong. He knew he shouldn't. But, he had committed himself and he was too prideful to back down. It's the pride that goeth before the fall. May we remember the dangers of pride.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2009

2009-11-04T05:34:00.001-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Nehemiah 13:4-22

When we make mistakes, when we fall down, we can always take comfort in scripture. Why? Because the people there are no better than we are, and honestly, sometimes I think they are worse. Today, we see that the Temple is rebuilt! God has restored His favor! Blessings back in the Land! The people have been restored!

And in no time, the people are back to breaking the law. They are back to doing the very things that got them in trouble in the first place. They are back to not keeping their word to God.

So, it's not just us that fall down and make mistakes. It's not just us that don't do what we said we would do. This is not to offer excuses. But it is to say that all humans throughout all time have suffered from the same problem - sin. And thankfully, our salvation doesn't come through anything we do, but through all that He did.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 12:1-12

The power of evil is defeated by the blood of the lamb and by the word of our testimony. Jesus Christ, through the cross and the empty tomb defeated the powers of sin, death, and the grave. For us as Christians, they have no power over us. They are defeated. Where o death, is your victory, where, o death, is your sting? Sin is defeated, death is defeated.

And today, as Christians, as the church universal, when we raise our voices, when we offer praise to God, when we testify about God's grace by our words, and with our lives, darkness is defeated. Today, this day, with your witness, you have the power to defeat darkness.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 13:53-58

Because of their lack of faith, He could not do the miracles that He desires. The only thing stopping God from breaking out in our midst today is us. The only thing stopping God is our faith, or our lack thereof. God will do His part. May we do ours. May we believe. May we have faith. May we hope. May we know that God is still at work today, and each day. May we have faith.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, November 3, 2009

2009-11-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Nehemiah 12:27-31a, 42b-47

We see the wall is rebuilt. That which has been destroyed has been restored. We see where hopelessness and sadness reigned, hope was restored. The city had been destroyed. The temple laid to waste. All the signs of God's love and promise were gone. All looked lost.

But, God is a God of second chances. God is a God that doesn't give up. God is a God that forgives. God is a God of endless hope and a God that longs to restore. That which was lost has been found, that which was destroyed has been rebuilt. God is a God of endless hope.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 11:1-19

One of the hopeful messages of Revelation is this - God sees the pain and hurt of people. We see in Revelation judgement after judgement. But, who is being judged? Who is having all these harsh pronouncements given? Who is facing the wrath of God?

Those that have worked against God; those that have oppressed God's people. Those that have persecuted the church, those that have sought to stop God's will. God hears the cries of His people. He hears the cries of the church. He hears the anguish of His children. And Revelation teaches us that He will intercede on behalf of His people.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 13:44-52

What can compare to God? What can compare to knowing Him? We chase life and love and peace in so many ways. And they all leave us empty. On in Jesus. Only in God. Only through Him do we find the life that we want so badly. What can we compare the kingdom of God to? It is the pearl of great price, the gift that is worth everything. What can we compare to the goodness of God? Nothing. It is above all and beyond all. It is all in all.

Ordinary Time: Monday, November 2, 2009

2009-11-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Lesson

Nehemiah 6:1-19

Nehemiah had a gift given to him by God - the gift of discernment. He was able to discern, to understand, to figure out that this one saying that he had a prophesy, did not. He was not speaking for God, he was speaking for those that were opposed to God and to His plan. Nehemiah was about to understand that see that.

Some of us may have that gift of discernment. Others may not. No matter, we all have a gift. We've all been gifted by God in some way. We all have something that God has given us that He wants us to use for His glory and His Kingdom. What are your gifts? Where do you feel like God has gifted you? What areas of your life do you just feel God calling you in? Those may be your gifts. Listen to God. Explore where He may be calling you. And follow.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 10:1-11

We see in Revelation the continuing prophecies of God. We see the continual unfolding of God's plan. We see God's completeness being unfurled. And we don't fully understand it. I think that if there are things that we can learn from Revelation, they may be this - God wins in the end. When its all said and done, when it's all over - God wins. And, we don't understand it all. We don't understand every mystery. We don't understand all that God is doing. And that's ok. We don't have to. We just have to trust.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 13:36-43

We see in this parable that angels will come, they will separate the righteous and unrighteous, and judgment will be done. Notice who's doing this. The angels on behalf of God. Not me and you. Our job is not to judge others. Our job is not to pronounce where folks will spend eternity. Our job is not to be the ultimate judge of others. Our job is to love. Love God, love neighbor. And leave the rest up to the one that will be the judge - God Almighty.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 29, 2009

2009-10-29T03:57:00.001-07:00

Let your work on God's team be inspired by the old story Rufus Jones told about a little boy playing on the deck of a ship plowing through a pitching storm at sea. When a passenger asked the boy if he was afraid, he replied, "I am not afraid because my father is the captain of this ship. Your Father is the Captain, and all is well.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, October 28, 2009

2009-10-28T03:53:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Ezra 6:1-22

We see the time in exile has now ended for the people. They are restored. They had been wandering away from the Temple, from the land, from the promise for these years. Now they have returned. And it is God who has lead to their restoration. He has protected them and made a way for them. Even though they were imperfect and had failed God time after time after time, God did not give up on them. They were still His people. And He made a way.

God doesn't give up. He's always calling us back, spurring us forward. God doesn't give up. He always brings hope.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 5:1-10

Jesus Christ is worthy. Not because of anything He has done. He is not worthy of worship just because of the many things we have to be thankful for. He is not worthy of worthy of worship just because of His great acts. He is not worthy just because of any of this.

He is worthy because HE IS. He is the great I AM. He is God. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the beginning and the end. He is all in all. He is the Prince of Peace. He is. He is God. He is Lord. He is Savior. He is worthy not because of all the great things He has done. He is worthy because HE IS.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 13:10-17

The Disciples were not perfect. All you've got to do is read the Gospels. They didn't always get it. They didn't always understand. They missed what was happening a lot. But yet, in spite of all this, they were willing. And Jesus revealed Himself to them. Because they were willing. Remember, God doesn't want perfect people. He wants people willing to love Him and love each other.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2009

2009-10-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Ezra 5:1-17

We see the people working on the Temple. They have been restored. They had been punished for their sins, they had seen it all taken away. And now, at this time, restoration comes. All is not lost, all is not forsaken. In spite of all that had happened, God restored them.

Always remember that God is a God of second, third, and one-hundreth chances. God is a God that longs to restore and to save His people.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 4:1-11

We start getting a glimpse of what happens in heaven in this passage - the enteral worship of God. God is praised forever and ever in heaven. Heaven is an eternity with God. Here on earth, so many things separate us from God. Time. Sin. Effort. Schedules. All these things, and many, many more. These things pull us away from that time we could be in God's presence, just being with Him.

In heaven, those things are gone. And in heaven we will do nothing be before God, worshiping Him. Heaven is an eternity before God and His glory. Revelation begins to paint that picture for us.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 13:1-9

What type of dirt are we today? Will our souls receive the seeds that God wants to spread His grace to us? Will our souls receive it and all it to grow? Will our souls be too hard to receive? Or will the seed come and wither away after a great start? What type of dirt are we today? Will we receive what God wants to do in our lives?

Ordinary Time: Monday, October 26, 2009

2009-10-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Zechariah 1:7-17

This prophet was there at a time when Jerusalem had been destroyed. He was there when things looked like they could not get worse. At a time when it looked like God had given up on His people. And what was the word that the Lord spoke to this His people at this time?

Comfort. Hope. Restoration. God has not forgotten. God has not given up. God will not abandon His people. Hope. Even in the darkest moment, there is still hope. God restored His people. And God will always restore His people.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:4-20

John was about to see some amazing things. Some visions that even today we don't understand. He was going to see some of the greatest mysteries that anyone could ever see or ponder. And what was the first word given - do not be afraid. Do not fear. That command is given time and time again in Scripture. Do not fear. Do not be afraid. God is with you. No matter what you face today, God is with you.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 12:43-50

Jesus reminds us today that all of us that love and serve Him, we are family. No matter what church we go to, what denomination we are part of, what our belief or our theology is. All that love Jesus, all that serve Him, we are family. If God is our Father, that makes us each brothers and sisters. So today, in all that we do, let's love as a family should love.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 22, 2009

2009-10-22T03:02:00.001-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Ezra 1:1-11

We saw a lot of warnings through the prophets - repent. Stop. Behave. Do right. Do justice. Follow God. Do what you are called to do. And if they people did not, judgement would come. And judgement did come. They were driven from they land. They were taken away. They suffered. They were destroyed and defeated. They lost everything. They felt forsaken.

And now, at that point, what happens? Hope. God says, I will send you back. I have not given up on you. I am still God and you are still my people. And will still save you. I will restore you. I have not forsaken you, even in the rough parts. God preserved a remnant. God preserved His people. And He longed to save them, even then. God is a God that does not forsake His people, even in the rough times.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 16:1-9

One of the things that Paul tells all the churches they should do is to take up and offering for the folks in Jerusalem. They are poor. They have no means of support. They have no means of protection. They face persecution from every side. They are defenseless and with our support.

Except from other churches. Remember, we are all on the same team. No matter what church we go to. No matter what denomination we are part of. We are all part of the same team. We all work together for a common cause - the cause of Christ. We are all part of the same family. Paul told the churches to support one another. May we do do the same today.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 12:15-21

In Jesus name, all people have hope. In Jesus name, all people have joy and peace and redemption. In Him name all people have life. In His name all people find love and healing and mercy. In His name there is life. No where else is life found, but in Jesus. Today, and each day, may we live in the power of Jesus name.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

2009-10-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Lamentations 2:8-15

We see the ruin of Jerusalem. We see mothers and children weeping. We see pain and hurt and loss. We see all those toss aside by the pain around. We destruction. We see grief. One of the reasons I love the Bible so is that every emotion we ever feel, we can find within. There are times in our lives we feel like those in the text today that have lost it all. We feel as though our world has crumbled. We feel as though all is lost. We feel pain of terrible loss. We see today that we are not the only people in history to feel that way. We see that others have hurt as we hurt. We see that loss is not just upon us, but it's upon many.

And, as we continue to read Lamentations, we are reminded that God doesn't leave us in our loss, God doesn't forsake us. God loves and cares for us, even in great sadness.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

This passage is part of the graveside service out of the United Methodist Church. I've read this passage at many gravesides and each time I do, it gives me great hope. There is a mystery to what God is doing. But, this body is not made for eternity. The soul is. And, even in our moments of grief, we Christians need to remember - death has been swallowed up by victory! Where oh death is your sting? It has been defeated by the cross and the empty grave! Through Christ, we have the victory not just over sin, but over even death! Praise be to God.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 12:1-14

We see that Jesus, above all, loved people. He understood that the highest calling of the Law and of religion in general is to love. Love God, love each other. That is what He did while upon the earth, and that is what He calls us to each day. Love. Love God and love our neighbor.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

2009-10-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Lamentations 1: 1-12

Lamentations is a terrible sad book. It's the book about the mourning that happens after Jerusalem is destroyed and the people taken into exile in Babylon. It's a book of heartbreak, or hurt, of pain, or loss. The people are devastated and all is ruined.

And the saddest part of the book was that it didn't have to be this way. The people had such potential to be faithful and do good for God. They had such potential to do the things God would have them and be the people God would have them to be. They had such potential to change the world for better. But they didn't. They never become would they could be.

Today, we have great potential as well. There is much we can do for God, for our neighbor. There is much we can do to make the world a better place. May we take advantage of our potential.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 15:41-50

Paul reminds us that this life is not the end. There is more than our eyes can see and ears can hear. There is a life, and world beyond this one. CS Lewis said we are each made for eternity:

There are no 'ordinary' people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations -- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whome we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit

This life is not the end. And you were created so something so much bigger than all this. You were made for eternity.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 11:25-30

What does Jesus promise? Does He promise an easy life? No. Does He promise no problems? No. Does He promise wealth and money? No. Does He promise good health? No. Does He promise that tear or pain or hurt will never come your way again? No. So then, what does He promise?

Rest. All who are weary will find their rest in Him. Rest. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Rest. Are you tired? Are you worn out? Are you beaten down? You can find rest. In the life, love, and service of Jesus. We find our rest in Him.

Laity Sunday

2009-10-19T06:32:00.001-07:00

This is a video we showed in Worship yesterday spotlighting some of the ministry we are involved in here in Ripley

Ordinary Time: Monday, October 19, 2009

2009-10-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 44:1-14

The Lord speaks to the sin that His people are committing today and He asks them this question - Why are doing great harm to yourself? That's ultimately what sin does, it harms us. It harms us. It does great harm to us. It harms our walk with God. It harms our walk with others. It harms our very soul. Sin, temptation, these thing look so good on the outside. . . so tempting. But, the do us more harm than we can ever imagine.

Be wary of sin. Be wary of temptation. For they will only do us harm, and do harm to the relationships all around us.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 15:30-41

Paul reminds us of this same fact today - bad company corrupts good morals. We need to be a friend to all. We need to be loving to all. We need to not be judgmental or condemning, the world has a enough Christians that do these things. The world needs folks right now that are willing to love and serve and see the best in others. That is what the world desperately needs at this point.

But, we need to, as well, have those Christian friends we can turn to in times of trial. Those Christian friends, those pastors that in our hour of need can walk with us, pray with us, care for us, and support us. We need to be those Christian friends to others, and in our lives we need make sure that we have those Christian friends.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 11:16-24

Jesus speaks to those that rejected Him and His ministry and says that this is that they have missed their moment. They had their chance. Jesus gave them a chance and gave them a moment. Just as He does for us. Today, we will have a moment with Jesus. A chance with Him. Let's not miss it.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 15, 2009

2009-10-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 38:1-13

One of the things we see in the life of Jeremiah is that things were not always easy or good. One of the misconceptions we have is that if we just love God, we'll face no troubles. That simply is not the message of the Bible. Everyone that loved God, everyone that sought after Him, everyone that tried to be faithful, they faced troubles.

But here's the thing. They were never alone. God did not forsake them. God did not abandon them. Even in the pit, even in the well, God made a way. Even then. So, the life of God is not always easy. But it is always worth it.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 14:26-33a, 37-40

Paul wants things done in order not because order is always perfect. He wants things done in order because thats the way that those that are new to the faith can learn. That's the way those that are just learning can learn more. Remember, we don't exist for ourselves, we don't even worship for ourselves. We exist, and we worship, for God. And for others. We should live in such a way, and be such a people, that glorify God, and build each other up.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 10:34-42

Jesus reminds us today that He has come, and He asks us to make hard choices. Will we be faithful to Him above all else, or will we be faithful to other things? Will we choose Him above all else? Or will we choose others things? Will He be the Lord of our lives? Or will we choose other things?

He loves us more than we'll ever know. We are worth more to Him than we'll ever know. He longs to love us and make us whole. He just wants all our life in return.

May we know that we will find life no other place than in Jesus. And may we turn to Him each moment of our lives to know His love and His mercy.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, October 14, 2009

2009-10-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!

--Russell Kelfer

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

2009-10-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 36:27-37:2

The king would not listen to the words of warning that were given. There was a chance there for redemption, for a turn around, for a new hope. But the king would not listen. He would not seize this moment. He would not turn to God at this time.

It's never too late to turn to God. It's never too late to start anew. It's never too late to give to God those things that torment us. It's never too late for a fresh start, for new hope, for a new day. This is a day of new beginnings. May we turn to God today, and may we receive the peace He longs to give.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 14:1-12

Paul reminds us that no matter what our gifts may be, they are not merely for their own glory or for our glory. Whatever gifts we've been given are for the good of church, for the good of kingdom, for God's glory. Today, whatever gift you have (and yes, you have one!) is for God's glory. Use it for such. Use it for good. Use it to build up. Use it for your church; use it for the kingdom. God has given us these gifts for these reasons. May we use them as such.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus warns us that trouble will come. Following Jesus is not always easy. In fact, it's not easy most of the time. I'm not a "bed of roses" preacher. Some folks say you become a Christian and everything is perfect, no problems. That's not the way that it works most of the time. Problems will come. There will be trials. There will be tough times. There will tears.

But, as He promised today, He will not leave us. He will give us what we need to say. He will not leave us alone in those times of trial. He will not forsake us. He will not abandon us. He will love us. And He will be with us. No matter what we are going through. He will be there.

Ordinary Time: Monday, October 12, 2009

2009-10-12T05:23:00.001-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 36:11-26

There are times in our lives when we need to listen to the words or warning. Today, the king did not. Why? Well, he's the king. He doesn't need to listen to anyone! Who can tell him what to do? Who can correct him? After all, he's the king. He's always right.

We need to be very careful in life that we don't get that same attitude. All of us, today, can be corrected at times. All of us can learn from others. All of us make mistakes. All of us have much to learn in life. There is only one that is perfect. And that one is not us. Today, may we be aware of our weakness in life, and may we never become so arrogant that we will not listen to words of correction or advice.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Christians should not be known for their doctrinal agreements. We should not be known for our acts of worship. We should not be known for our churches and our buildings. We should not be known for righteousness. We should not be known for our eduction. We should not be known for our positions. We should not be known for any of these things.

They will know we are Christians by our love. That is what we should be known for. Our love.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 10:5-15

Jesus told the disciples to go into the towns. He told them in some places they'd be received well. In others, they would not. He told them to do all the good they can do where ever they are. If they are allowed to stay, stay and do good. If not, leave then, and go on continuing to do good. Every effort we make may not be successful. If it not, shake the dust off, continue doing what God has called you to do, and keep doing good.

Today, in all that we do, may we try to do as much good for others as possible. And in doing that, we will show God's love, and be a light for Him.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 8, 2009

2009-10-08T05:47:00.001-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 23:4-25

Outside of David, Josiah was the greatest of the kings. Was he great militarily? He had some success, but not overwhelming. Was he of great wealth? Well, he was king, so he did alright. Where did his greatness come from?

It came from what we read today. He had a heart for God. And he was going to follow God with all that he had and all that he was. He was going to lead the people in the ways of God. He was going to put a stop to the idolatry that had plagued the land. He was going to make sure the people knew that the Lord was God and was going to lead them in worship.

It was not any of the "earthly" things that made him great. It was his heart for God. May we do likewise.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

We all have different gifts. We can all serve God in different ways. None of us have the same talents or the same passions or the same callings. None of us have the same gifts from God.

But the same God gives us each our gifts. However we are gifted, we are called to use those gifts for God and for His glory. We are called to use whatever it is that He has given us for the good of God and His people. No matter what your talent is, no matter what your gift is. You were given it by God. May we use what He has given us for that good.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 9:18-26

Jesus brings healing. Sometimes, as in this text, it is physical healing. Sometimes He heals the sick and the dying. Sometimes these great and wonderful things happens. Sometimes, very often, He heals brokenness. The broken heart. The broken soul. The one that is beat down. The one in need of rest. The one that needs His grace. The one that needs His mercy. Jesus brings healing. May He bring healing to you today, in whatever form you need it.

Remembering

2009-10-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Today's devotional will be a little different. I just wanted to share a brief thought with you that I had yesterday. I had to drive to Jackson yesterday for a meeting and as I was driving back to Ripley I was just thinking about all that's going on in my own life, the life of my family, in the life of the church.

And the reality is it's not just me. It's each of us. Every one of us has something going on in our life that keeps us busy. Everyone one of us has something that keeps us worn out. Everyone one of us has something that worries us. Every one of us.

And as I was thinking about this yesterday, the Lord laid something on my heart; you are so stressed about all these things because you are carrying them all by yourself. Sometimes I forget that. I get so focused on what I can do or what I need to do that I forget that I'm not in this alone.

And I assume I'm not the only one.

Today, take time to share these burdens with God. Take time to share with Him you real concerns, your real hurts, your real needs. Take time to remember that you are not in this alone. That it's not just up to you. Take time to give it to God.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2009

2009-09-30T05:22:00.001-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 18:9-25

One of the things that always got the people in trouble in the Old Testament was that they relied upon things other than God. They would rely upon Egypt. They would rely upon other kingdoms. They would rely upon everything other than God.

In this time of fear, in this time where we seek safety everywhere, may we learn the lesson that the people of the Old Testament never did. Our safety, our protection, our provision, it comes from God, and God alone.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Paul reminds us that we live for more than just ourselves, we live for others as well. And while I may do something that doesn't cause me to to weaken my faith, it may effect someone else different. My life effects yours, and your life effects mine. We are part of the same body, we are part of the same family. Our lives really do affect each other.

So, let's live in a way to build up, not tear down. Help, not hurt. Strengthen, not weak. Pull together, instead of pull apart. Let's live as the family we are.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 7:13-21

Let us bear good fruit. Let us produce love, joy, peace and kindness. As the children of God, may we grow deep in Him. May we have firm roots in Him. My we dig down deep in our walk with Him. And, just a tree will produce the fruits of it's kind, as the children of God, may we produce the good fruits that God would have us to produce.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2009

2009-09-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Chronicles 29:1-3, 30:1-27

One of the truths of all the Bible is this: when people turn to God, He meets them there. No matter what. No matter what has happened. No matter what may have been done. No matter what the past may hold. No matter what. When people turn to God, He meets them there.

The king said "let us turn back to God." The people did, and God was there. God is a God that desires to be in relationship with us, to know us, to love us, to care for us. That is what He wants, above all. Today, when we turn to God, He is there waiting on us.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 7:32-40

All of Paul's talks about families here is defined by his first sentence. I want you free from anxieties. Paul doesn't want us worried about the the stuff of this world, he wants us worried about and focused on the stuff of God. Paul always reminds us that as great as things can be here, as awesome as it can be here, this world is not our home.

And we are called to keep our minds on things above. Not just just the things of this age. Today, may we keep our minds focused on the eternal, and things from God.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 7:1-12

Jesus teaches us to be very, very careful when starting to judge others. Before we judge others, lets look at ourselves. Before we start worrying about others mistakes, lets look at ourselves. Before we start looking at other's sins, let's look at our own.

None of us are sinless. None. None of us are perfect. None. Let's remember our own imperfections when we are tempted to judge others. Let's remember our own mistakes when we are tempted to judge others. Just as we want mercy for our own mistakes, may we show mercy for others and their mistakes.

Ordinary Time: Monday, September 28, 2009

2009-09-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 17:24-41

We see in this passage why the Samaritans had a bad name, even to the time that Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. They worshiped gods other than the Lord God. They worshiped their idols from their former lands. They also worshiped God, but He did not have exclusive ownership of their worship and their hearts. He only had partial.

God wants it all. He wants all our hearts; He wants all our worship. He wants all that we are. And, it's in giving Him everything that we have and all that we are that we find out who we are called to be.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 7:25-31

Paul reminds us that this world is not our home. We are here for a time, but this world is not our home. We have a higher home; we have a higher place. We were made for something more than this; we are created for an eternity with God. Never forget where you true home is, never forget what you were made for. You are made for eternity. Not just for this time. Remember your true home.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus reminds us of that in this passage. Don't worry about all these things. Trust in God. Seek His kingdom. Turn to Him. Rely upon Him. Follow Him. And He will take care of you. God will take care of you. He will give you what you need. He will not forget nor forsake you. Trust in Him. Seek after Him. And, in doing that, we will find that we have all that we could ever need.

An Open Invitation to the People of the United Methodist Church

2009-09-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Bill McAlilly on his great blog Building Bridges posts this Open Letter to fellow United Methodists. It's a great letter and I wanted to share it on my blog:

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the center of our Faith and that all of life flows from life in him…

If you believe that what unites us in Jesus Christ is greater than any difference that may separate us…

If you believe that we as Christ-followers need to recapture the gift of Christian Conversation…

If you believe that the Holy Scripture is best understood in light of the life, teaching death and resurrection of Jesus…

If you believe that we are better together than we are apart…that our strength is in unity not in schism…

If you believe that resurrection is stronger than death, that hope is greater than fear…

If you are tired of the endless arguing about who is in and who is out, who’s acceptable and who’s not…

If you would like to have a conversation about what’s right with the United Methodist Church…

I invite you to a conversation about the matters of our hearts and the desires of our faith…

I invite you to a conversation where we discover those places of vitality and strength…

Ordinary Time: Thursday, September 24, 2009

2009-09-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 9:1-16

One of the things we see through out the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, as well as all through out the Bible, is that God is always up to something. God is always at work. God is always doing something. Here, a new king was anointed and done so for a specific purpose. He was raised up by God to make things right. God was always at work.

And He is today as well. He is always working, always doing always in the midst of some new and awesome thing. In your live, in the lives our churches, in all that is happening. God is at work. Have hope, have confidence! God is doing something awesome.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. There was an old belief in Paul's day (which is still around today) called gnosticism. This said that the body was bad, and the spirit was good. So, it didn't matter what you did to the body, as long as you soul was good. Paul said, no, the body matters.

First, the actions we take affect our soul. How we live affects our soul. Our lives and bodies affect our souls. They are connected. They are joined. In short, how we live really does matter.

Second, these bodies are a gift! Take care of them. Nurture them. Take care of yourself. This is something I haven't always done, but I'm trying to do better. We each need to. This body is a gift from God. Take care of it!

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus warns us, don't worry about being seen as faithful, just be faithful. Don't worry about others seeing you prayer, or fast, or doing things things. Just do them. Don't make a big deal about your faithfulness. Don't brag about it. Don't puff out your chest. Just be faithful. Just love God. Just spend time with God. And then, it's worthwhile. Because then it's not done for others to see; it's done to spend time with your savior.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 23, 2009

2009-09-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 6:1-23

One of the great truths of the lives of those that God uses in amazing ways is that they trust God in all things. They know that He is looking out for them; that He is at work for good in their lives; that they are never alone. God is with His people. At all times. And in all places. And in all ways. God is at work for the good of those that love Him.

He protected Elisha today. He stood by him and helped him in this time of danger. And because Elisha knew the power of God, he trusted in God. Today, and each day, may we trust in the power of God. May we know that He is with us, and that His arm is still mighty to save.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 5:9-6:8

Paul felt like that as Christians, we should be able to work things out. We are a family. We share the same God as our Father and if He is our Father, then we are brothers and sisters. And as family, we can work through anything together. As far as disagreements, we can disagree without being disagreeable. We can have our differences without it getting personal. We are family. Let's work like one. Let's live like one.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus ends this passage with the command to be perfect as God is perfect. How? How do we do that? He tells us right before. Love. Love your enemies. Bless those that curse you. Forgive. Gives someone your coat. Walk a mile with them. Get to know them.

We may never be perfect in action. But, through God's grace, we can work towards perfection that really matters. Perfect in love. That's what we are to strive towards. Love God with all that we are. Love our neighbor with all that we are. Love. May we seek after this greatest gift of all - love.

Ordinary Time: Monday, September 21, 2009

2009-09-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 5:1-19

What Naaman was told to do didn't make sense to him. Surely, he thought, there is another way other than this. This plan isn't what I'd do. This isn't the way I'd do it. There must be a mistake. That's the way it sometimes works with God's plan. God's plan doesn't always make sense the way we'd like for it to. God's plan doesn't always work the way we'd like. God's plan isn't what we would do.

But, Naaman did what the prophet said and he was made clean. He followed the plan set for and God brought a good end. Eventually, he trusted. And, God made a way. May we learn to trust. And, we when we learn to trust, we will find that the same God that made a way from Naaman is the same God that will make a way for us.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 4:8-21

Paul says one of the most bold things he ever said in scripture today. Be imitators of me. If you want to see what a Christian looks like, if you want to see a Christian life, be do what I do. Live like me. Follow the way that I live. What a bold statement. What an amazing statement. To tell others to live like me to see a Christian life.

Can we say that? Can we say to others, if you want to see what a Christian looks like, watch me? The truth is, whether we say it or not, others are watching. May we live in a such a way that glorifies God with all that we do.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 5:21-26

Jesus wants us to be right in our hearts with others (not hating them in our hearts) and with our lives (leaving our gifts at the alter and making things right). It's not an either/or thing. It's a both/and. God wants our hearts to be right with others and our lives. It does not good to have a "pure" life and evil heart, just as it's not right to have "pure" heart and be mean with our lives! May we see to love God, and love our neighbor, with both our heart and our life!

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2009

2009-09-17T04:50:00.001-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 22:29-45

One of the lessons we learn from all the books of Kings is that the vast number of the kings of both Israel and Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord. Just because they had this powerful position, that did not mean that they were righteous.

And the sad part about that is that these persons were put in a great position to do good. They could have done so much good for God when they were king, but the did not. Instead of turning to God, they turned to themselves. They did not use their positions for good.

Today, not many of us a kings. But, all of us are in a position where we can do some good for God. May we each use our positions for good and to glorify God. May we use whatever status or position we have for the goodness of God.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15

Paul reminds us today, let us not be divided by factions. Let us not be divided as Christians. While we may have different opinions and have different views of things, we are all one in Christ. If Christ is our Lord, if God is our Father, then we are family. And as family, we may have disagreements. But, that doesn't mean that we aren't family. As Christians, as brothers and sisters in Christ, may we remember that what unites is much great than whatever separates us.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 5:1-10

Jesus teaches today, blessed are those that seek God. Blessed are those that seek peace and mercy. Blessed are those whose desire is not for the things of this world, but the things of God. Blessed are those that truly know what's important. Blessed are those that seek what is right, just and good. Blessed are those that seek God.

May we seek God today, and each day.

Ordinary Time: Monday, September 15, 2009

2009-09-15T04:09:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 21:17-29

The Lord is a God who longs to bring grace and forgiveness. Even Ahab, one who had done terrible, terrible things when he heard of God's coming judgement, he stopped and repented. And the Lord did not bring the judgement against him that he rightly deserved. The Lord is a God that wants to forgive and restore. The Lord is a God that doesn't delight in punishing His children. When we take one step towards God, He comes running after us. Even one as Ahab, who had done so much against God, when he stopped and repented, the Lord gave forgiveness.

Our God is a God of forgiveness and second chances. May we live the life changing power of God's grace today.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

Paul reminds us today that God is beyond our mind's ability to understand. His ways are higher than ours His thoughts are beyond our thoughts. His plans are good and righteous and always for our God. The thing with God is that while we don't always know what He's doing; we don't always know what He's up to, it will always be for the good of His children. It will always be for the good of those that love Him and are called by Him.

Even when we don't understand. Because we can't understand. But, we can trust. Because while we might not know exactly what He is up to; we do know this. God loves us.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus began preaching, and preached this simple message - Repent for the kingdom is near. To repent means not just to stop sinning, but to turn away from it. To make a 180 degree turn. And, just as importantly, turn to God. How can we stop sinning? How can we turn? How can we do these things? Only through God and His power. That's why to turn away from sin, we must turn to God. All things are possible through God. When we turn to God, we can do more than would ever thing possible.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, September 10, 2009

2009-09-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 18:1-19

We see the challenge made by Elijah today. On behalf of God, he challenged the prophets of Ba'al. It would be decided who was the God of Israel. Would it be the Lord God, or would it be Ba'al. When we read further, we see that the Lord won the challenge and showed His power and might.

Never forget we serve a big a mighty God. Never forget that we serve a God that can do amazing things. Never make God too little. Never make God too small. He is still alive! And will do amazing things! Don't doubt, have faith! Our God is an awesome God!

New Testament Lesson

Philippians 2:12-30

Paul reminds the people to be faithful - work out your salvation with much fear and trembling. As awesome as God is, He wants us to do our part as well. He wants us to be faithful. He wants us to respond. He wants us to be accountable. He wants us to follow. We are saved by grace through faith, yes. But, we are called to believe and respond. And we are called to let that grace work within us, that we may be faithful.

God will do His part. May we be faithful and do what God has called us to do.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 2:13-23

In the story of Jesus' birth we see great acts of courage - Joseph and Mary fleeing, the wise men deceiving, acts such as these. We also see great acts of evil and hatred, such a Herod killing all the boys under two years old. In life, we have choices to make at time. Will we be strong and brave like Joseph, Mary, and the Wise Men? Or will we give into fear and hate like Herod?

In our lives, in times of choice, may we choose the path of grace. We serve a God of grace. May we be a people of grace.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 9, 2009

2009-09-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 17:1-24

We see this great story of the widow who was faithful. She didn't have enough. She didn't know how it would work out. But, she knew that God has placed this one with her. And she gave. And the Lord blessed. She served beyond her ability. She gave from her heart. And the Lord took care of her. Even when she didn't know how or why, she did what the Lord required. She was obedient. The trust moment of obedience is that moment when you don't understand what God is doing or why He's doing it, but you obey. The widow did. May we do the same.

New Testament Lesson

Philippians 2:1-11

May we be humble as Christ was humble. May we serve as Christ served. May we love as Christ loved. Let us remember that if the very Son of God was a servant, that we should be too. May we take on that mind of Christ today. May we see the needs of others, the hurts of others, and pain of others. And then, as Christ did and still does, seek to help. May we take on the mind of Christ today be the hands and feet of Jesus today.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 2:1-12

The king and his prophets, they should have been looking for Jesus. They had every means of knowledge. They knew where He was to be born, they knew all these things. But, they did not look. Others did. Others found. Others sought. They did not. May we seek Jesus today. May we look for here. And we are told, when we seek, we shall find.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, September 8, 2009

2009-09-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today, just a quick quote. I'll return to my normal format tomororow:

Remember that to the new heart there is a joy even sweeter than that of being forgiven, even the joy of forgiving others.

--Andrew Murray

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 2, 2009

2009-09-02T03:19:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 9:24-10:13

We see the height of Solomon's fame in this passage. He is the greatest political king in Israel's history. Never is the kingdom more famous, more powerful, more wealthy, or bigger than it would be under Solomon's rule. All is going well. Why? Because as the text said, Solomon was worshiping the Lord, doing as the Lord would have, following His command, judging and ruling wisely. The Lord had kept His promise to Solomon. The Lord had done what He had promised He would do.

The Lord is a God that keeps His word. He does not depart from what He promises. He does not break His word. Of all that keeps us safe and secure, the greatest is this: His promise to never leave nor forsake His. He is always with us. Today, and each day. Today, rest easy for the Lord is with you.

New Testament Lesson

James 3:1-12

This is one of the most powerful passages of scripture in my opinion. Out of the same mouths flow both blessing and curses, this should not be so! Who can tame the tongue? Each day of our lives, we have a choice with our words. We can build others up, or we can tear down. Each day. By the words we say. By how we speak to one another. By how we speak to strangers.

Our words have a chance to impact people. Do we speak with grace? Are our words graceful? Do we tame our tongue? Do we use this instatement for God's glory? Do we use it build up instead of tear down? Through His grace, may we do so.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 15:1-11

Jesus made no reply because He knew the real power in all of life was not Pilate or the religious leaders, but it was God. God is the one that is king. God is the one at work. Jesus had no reason to quake before any person, because God was king. This amazed Pilate.

And the same is true today. We have no reason to fear. From humans or from anything. God is King. God is with us. God will not leave us. Do not fear. God will never leave your side, no matter what. Do not fear. God is you rock, your shield, you defender. Do not fear. God is with you. Today, and always.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, September 1, 2009

2009-09-01T05:17:00.001-07:00

Today, just a quick thought:

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.

--Author unknown

Ordinary Time: Monday, August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Chronicles 6:32-7:7

We see here the Temple dedicated; we see Solomon offer the praise of his words, through prayer and we see him offer the praise of sacrifice upon the altar. With this sacrifice, the Temple is now open and there is sacred space to worship God.

Now, we know that God didn't live in the Temple, just as we know that God doesn't live in any of our churches. We know that as the Psalmist tells us "heaven is your throne and the earth your footstool." But while God doesn't live only in these places, He is there. And those spaces are places that we have specifically set aside for the worship of God. These spaces are more for us than they are for God. These are spaces that we have said we will come and we will worship.

In our lives, we need these spaces. We need the space of worship in church, but we also need the space of personal reflection, personal prayer, personal time. As busy as we each are, we need to make time for those spaces. We need to encounter God there. If we make space to meet God, we will find Him there, waiting on us.

New Testament Lesson

James 2:1-13

We see one of the messages that comes forth in James - treat everyone the same. Don't show favoritism. Don't show partiality. Everyone is made in God's image. Don't treat anyone differently than you'd treat anyone else. Those are good lessons and good words for us. We should treat everyone the same. We should remember that everyone we meet each day deserves our respect. Wesley said did not Christ die for all? Thus He loves all. And so should we. Just as Jesus was loving to all, we should seek to do the same, through His grace.

And with the empowerment of His grace, we can do it. Today, and each day, may we treat everyone with respect.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 14:53-65

One of the hardest parts to read about the crucifixion is all the abuse that Jesus took. We said above that Jesus treated all with respect. In the passages we read about the crucifixion we see that He was not treated with respect, He was abused, spit upon, and beaten. And yet, on the cross, He prayed for the forgiveness of those that had done this. He did this all out of love. Let us never forget what our Lord suffered. And never let us forget what that shows us about the depth of His love towards us.

Ordinary Time: Thrusday, August 27, 2009

2009-08-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 3:16-28

We see the famous story of Solomon and the baby. He says since neither mother can agree about whose baby it is, the baby is to be divided into half and half given to each. The true mother says, no let her have it, showing she valued the child's life above all. Solomon had that wisdom given from God and we see it here. Wisdom is an interesting thing. It's not education, it is a gift. It's not something you learn, but it is something that life teaches. Wisdom is not about seeing things the way that the world would see it or we would see it, it's about trying, as best we can to see things through Jesus' eyes. Its about seeing things the way He'd have us to see.

Today, may we try to look not just through our eyes, but though Jesus' eyes. May we seek to see with wisdom.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 27:27-44

We see Paul save the lives of his captors here as well as the other prisoners. Paul encouraged the soldiers to eat and let them know that they would be fine, God would take care of them. And then, when the ship ran aground, the guards wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they would not escape, they didn't because of Paul. Because of the compassion and integrity of Paul, all these lives we saved.

We will never know the true impact of our lives. As we live lives of grace and mercy, we'll know all the lives that we touch. As we seek to live as God would have us to, full of love, mercy, and grace, God can change so many around us in ways that we'll never know. Let us be faithful. And leave the rest to God!

Gospel Lesson

Mark 14:12-26

His body the bread, His blood the wine, given for us. Not just in the meal of Holy Communion in each day. Each day, the body and blood of Christ poured out for us feeds us. Each day, He is our life. Each day, He is sustenance. Each day, He really is all we need. Today, if we have Jesus, we have all we need. May we rest in that.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 26, 2009

2009-08-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 3:1-15

God offered Solomon anything. Anything he could have wanted as king. And, Solomon proved that he already had some wisdom when he asked God for wisdom and the ability to judge wisely. At this point in his life, Solomon had a firm understanding of what was most important. But, later in life we see him depart from this, as he began worshiping idols and departed from God. I don't want to jump ahead in the story, but notice right now Solomon gets it. Later he doesn't.

Today, though, we see a man that knows what's most important in life and he lives and makes decisions accordingly. Today, in our lives, what is most important for us? What guides our decision making? What determines how we will; who we will be? Today, and each day, may we allow God to guide us, lead us, and help to live they way He wants and be the people He wants.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 27:9-26

We see Paul encourage the men with the statement we see over and over again — have courage. Do not fear. God is at work. In this terrifying situation, Paul tells the men, God is at work. God is doing something. God will do something because God has a bigger plan than this. He will make a way. Even in the storm they were in, God would make a way.

What a great encouragement to those of us that are often tossed about in storms - God will make a way. Have courage. Do not fear. God is there. And He will make a way. In whatever it is, in whatever storm we face, God, will make a way. Remember God is bigger than any storm in life we may face. Let us have faith, let us not fear. God is with us.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 14:1-11

We see here an act of devotion and an act of betrayal. The unnamed woman, she shows her love and devotion to Jesus by anointing him and worshiping. Judas betrays. These two stories are right beside each other. Perhaps this shows how closely the acts can be to each other. Sometimes in our lives, we are the woman, showing great devotion and love to Jesus. Sometimes we are Judas, betraying Him with our actions and words.

We are a mixture, aren't we? Sometimes we do right. Sometimes we do wrong. Sometime we glorify God. Sometimes we walk away. That's why we are saved by grace. None of us can earn what God wants to freely give us - His grace and mercy.

Today, you are loved. God loves you. Not because of what you've done, but because of what He's done. Live in that knowledge and grace today.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, August 25, 2009

2009-08-25T03:11:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 1:38-2:4

We often wonder, if I had one last thing to say, what would it be. Sometimes we preachers wonder, if I had one last sermon to preach, what would I preach? What words would you leave behind before those that would come after? What would you say?

David has these words for his son Solomon, who is now the king. He's words are not about leadership, or taxes, or military plans. It's not about how to run the kingdom. It's this — follow the Lord's decrees. Follow what the Lord has commanded. Follow His way and all else will work out as it ought to be.

Those are good words. We can't control everything in life. There are some things in life, many things in life, that we have no control over. But, I believe, if we follow the Lord, as best we can, all else will work out. That's what David told Solomon. I think its good words for each of us today.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 26:24-27:8

Paul is able to preach to the kings and rulers of that part of the world. Paul tells us in Romans that all things work to the good of those that love God. We see this happen in Paul's life. God is using the chains he is wearing as a powerful way to testify to the grace and glory of God. Paul's imprisonment allows him to preach the good news in places that he would have never had the chance before.

God can use anything. There's no part of your life, no part of your history, no part of who you are that God can't use for His glory and for your good. God can use it all. May we allow Him to do so.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 13:28-37

Jesus tells us about His second coming, no one knows the hour or the day. No one. Not even those that have wrote best selling books about it. Not even preachers. Not even people on the internet. No one knows when the second coming will be. No one.

So, I've always felt like it'd be a better use of our time to worry about the stuff we do know — foreignness and service and grace and love. Let's focus on what we do know, and let's leave the rest to God.

Ordinary Time: Monday, August 24, 2009

2009-08-24T03:25:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 1:5-31

One of the constants throughout human history is that people plot and scheme for power. We saw it with Absalom, we see it here now. On both sides. We see one said saying I'll be king, and we see another saying, make us king! That may be one of the most amazing parts of David's life. He never plotted against the king. When Saul was king, David told his men to not harm Saul, even when in doing so, it would have made David king. David would not do that.

Unfortunately, that lesson was not passed down to David's children, as it seems one after the other was always trying to figure out a way to be king. David understood it was a life lived in love and service to God that matters most, not your title. The children never understood. They wanted the title more than they wanted to walk with God. May we learn the lesson that they never did. May our walk with and service to God matter more to us than any title we would could ever possess.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 26:1-23

We see Paul recount his conversion for the King, tell how we had come to saving faith in Jesus, how Jesus had appeared to him and told him to go, preach this good news. Jesus had called him to something, given him a vision and a mission, and told him to go.

What a powerful foundation. To have Jesus give you a mission and then send you out. But, we each have that. Now, I don't know what your specific calling is, but God has called each of us to something. We each have special gifts that no one else has, we have things that only we can do, we are gifted in unique ways, called to unique things.

Right now, there's something you can do, that only you can do! No one else can! God has made you special and gifted. Follow Him. Trust Him. And He will lead you to where you need to be to be doing what you need to be doing!

Gospel Lesson

Mark 13:14-27

We see Jesus recounting what the Second Coming will look like. We can focus on all the things we don't understand about the Second Coming, we can focus on the way it looks like things will be bad. Or we can focus on the fact that Jesus does not leave His people and will return for them. We are never alone. We are never without hope. Jesus will not leave not forsake us. He will come again for His people! Don't lose hope. Don't give up. God has not forgotten you. Jesus will not leave you. He is here with you now, and He will return for His people!

Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 20, 2009

2009-08-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 19:1-23

David has a moment today that is completely bittersweet. The kingdom is saved. He is restored. His son is killed. He is no more. And while David wins the battle, he weeps over his son. And Joab tells him he need to rally the troops and encourage them. They laid down their lives for him, and needs to thank them, encourage them, speak to them.

What a hard thing to do, an impossible thing. Saving the kingdom by defeating your son. When we think of the life of David, the life of the one who was a man after God's own heart, let us not think that it is an easy life. It was very hard. Some pain was caused by David's actions.Some by forces beyond his control. In it all, he held close to God.

In the struggles of our life, may we do the same.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 24:1-23

Throughout Paul's imprisonment, he got to preach in front of many, many powerful people in the Roman empire. Leaders of all stripes. He got to tell them about the power of God, the Resurrection, the saving grace of Jesus Christ. God used this imprisonment as a way for Paul to testify to the goodness of God.

Today, not matter what happens in your life, you have choice. Will you use it for good, or will you use it for bad. Will you use the events of life to glorify God and build others up, or will you use them to tear others down and not glorify God. We have a choice today to make in our life. How will we respond to the things that happen to us today, and each day?

Gospel Lesson

Mark 12:28-34

We see the list today. What do you do as a Christian? What do you do to inherit eternal life? What is required? What's it about? We see today. Love of God, Love of Neighbor. That's it, that's the list. That's the checklist of our faith. That's what we are supposed to do. That's what we are made to do. That's who we are created to be. We are made to love to love God with all that we are, and love as neighbor as we love our self. That's it.

May we do this today. And as we do this, we will be about the work God has made us to be about.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

2009-08-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

Today, just a quick thought by way of my good friend Dr. Rocky Henriques

We always seem to find the time
To grumble and complain,
To think of all our troubles,
Our sorrows and our pain.
Yet if we would but stop and think,
I'm sure we would be glad
If we counted all the troubles
That we never had.
The loved ones we still have with us;
Our house that didn't burn;
Our automobile that wasn't wrecked;
The money we still earn.
When we're counting all our blessings
God gives us by His grace,
Let's think today of all the trials
We were not asked to face.
--Author unknown

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, August 18, 2009

2009-08-18T03:23:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 18:9-18

We see in this mention in the end of the passage the thing that plagued Absalom his entire life — pride. He wanted folks to know about him, how great he was, how handsome he was, how good a king he would be. He had an overwhelming sense of pride, and it is was got him in trouble. As Proverbs teaches us, it's the pride that goes before the fall.

Let us not become too prideful. Let us not grow to thing it's all about us. Let us not think too much of ourselves. Humility is not putting yourself down or having low self esteem. Humility is what a professor of mine called "self forgetfulness." It's forgetting about ourselves, and focusing on God and others. May we seek true and honest humility today, and each day.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 23:12-24

The Lord was at work in Paul's life at this point, making a way for him to testify to as many people as possible about Jesus. He had Paul speak before governors, kings, and eventually, according to legend, Caesar himself. Paul was able with his life to give witness the love and grace of God with all that he said and did.

May that be our mission as well. Regardless of who we live our lives in front of, from kings to commoners, may be glorify and give witness to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ by what we say, how we live, and what we do.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 11:27-12:12

Jesus was standing in front of them today and they didn't realize it. They had the very son of God before them and they were so worried about other things that they missed him. May we not make the same mistake.

Ordinary Time: Monday, August 17, 2009

2009-08-17T03:19:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 17:24-18:8

One of the signs of a good leader is someone who is willing to listen to his/her people. Today, David has a plan. David knows what he wants to do. But his people say, no, let's try this. And David, the king, the one after God's own heart, David says. Ok. Let's try that.

Who in your life do you listen to? Who in your life, if they disagreed with you, would make you reexamine your plans? We all need someone in our life to do that. That's willing to tell us the things that we don't want to hear, in love, of course. That's willing to speak truth that we may miss. David always had someone in his life like that, Nathan, his trusted commanders, someone. And, he listened.

Who do we have that we listen to? We all need someone.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 22:30-23:11

Paul saw all the things that he endured as a chance to testify to God's grace and mercy. He saw all things that happened in his life as something that God could use for His glory. What a great way to look at things! In life, we can see things in the negative, in the bad, in the troublesome. Or we can see each thing in life, each moment, each event, as something God can use.

God used each part of Paul's journey for some awesome means of showing His grace. Each thing that happened to Paul, God could use. So is it in our lives. Each part of our lives, each moment of our lives, God can use. May we allow God to use all of us today.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 11:12-26

Faith. Jesus said if we believe, it will happen. We are a people of faith. We are a people of belief. We are a people of hope. We walk by faith, not by sight. We are called to believe today. That's the key to who we are. We have faith in God, that's He's at work. That He's not done. That He's doing more than we can ever imagine, or even see. We have faith. And, as Peter once said, Lord, we believe, help our unbelief.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 13, 2009

2009-08-13T03:43:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 15:1-18

We see from Absalom the desire to do whatever he must do to get what he wants. He is willing to lie, to harm, to use people, to do whatever he has to do to get what he wants. And many of the people in the text don't even realized they are being used by Absalom. They don't even see it.

In life, there are those that so lust after what they want that they will do whatever they have to do to get it. Let us be careful of folk like that. But, as importantly, let us not be people like that. Let us not be like Absalom. Let us not plot, cheat, and steal. Let us lead moral upright lives. Let us not use others, let us do right be others. Absalom focused only on what he wanted; he didn't even consider other people. Let us not make that same mistake.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 21:27-36

We see Paul get swept up in the mob of this moment. This happens to Paul a lot. In life there seems to always be things happening that are beyond his control. This that swirl around him, that he has no control over. You can't control when a mob tries to throw you out of the Temple. What did Paul do in all this?

He focused on his mission. And he focused on what he could control. In life, there are a lot of things we can't control. There are a lot of things we can't do anything with. Let's not worry about those. Let's just focus on what we can control. On what we can deal with it. On what we can do something about. And we can leave all the rest in God's hands.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 10:32-45

The Disciples are arguing about who will be the greatest. Who will be in charge. Who will run things. Who will have the power. They'd gotten made each other, they'd started to fuss about it and Jesus hears. And He tells a Kingdom truth. The greatest must be least. The greatest is the servant. The greatest doesn't boss all, they serve all. The greatest in the Kingdom follows the lead. They will serve.

May we be the servants today that God has called us to be. May we love one another as God as called us to. May we remember that true greatest comes from serving one another.

Listening Sessions and Town Halls

2009-08-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about how if we are not careful, any listening session, any conversation, any time we gather together around any hot button issues in our connection can turn into of the town halls we are seeing right now across the nation. Or can turn into the cable news shows that reduce conversation to WWE style wrestling matches. We have lost the ability as a nation, and seemingly, as a church, to discuss things in a loving Christian manner. I was thinking about this is as I saw this story today.

Towns halls gone wild: After going on for several days now, who looks worse in this town-halls-gone-wild story? An Obama administration that promised a new era of American politics, but that isn't delivering on it? A Republican Party/conservative movement -- less than seven months removed from the White House -- stoking this anger and hoping it returns them to power? American citizens who can't treat their neighbors or elected officials with respect, even when they disagree? Or a media covering the story but also amplifying the exaggerations and outright lies being told at these town halls? Ah, the classic political story … nobody wins, we're all losers in these eyes of the true silent majority: the radical middle? To look at this debate through the prism of campaign politics, has anyone raised their POSITIVE ratings or simply succeeded in raising the NEGATIVE ratings of an opponent?

The ability for our country to have a constructive conversation is being lost, just like I see happening in the church. I think in the end, with all the yelling and angry talk, this radical center, this centrist view gets lost among the yelling and the entire Body is harmed. We've got to recapture the idea of Christian conversation. But I fear as I see the culture loosing this ability, the church may fall in line with culture, if we haven't already.

Two of my favorite disciples are Simeon the Zealot and Matthew (the tax collector). Zealots and tax collectors didn't get along. Zealots wanted to over throw the government and perhaps the only people they hated more than Rome were the tax collectors. And Matthew, was a tax collector. And both of these, these two that came from opposite sides of the street these two that had opposite opinions, opposite foundations, found unity in Christ.

Now we don't know what they may have talked about on those dark night when the rest of the 12 were asleep. Maybe they yell, maybe they argued. But, we do know they were united in mission and love of Christ.

Can't we as the church do that? Isn't that what we should be about? Isn't that who we are? We talk about being in the world, but not of the world. In the issue of our voices, if we are not careful, we are treading close to being of the world. And we are more than that.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2009

2009-08-12T03:41:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 14:21-33

We see in Absalom the ability to do what ever he has to do to get want he wants. Joab won't come and see you? Then set his field on fire. That got Joab there. But it was the way you should do things. In life, there are ways that we should treat each other. We should treat each other with respect, we should, as Jesus said, do unto others as we would have them do unto you.

Our culture has grown very coarse. There's lot of yelling and shouting, lots of loud word and raised voices. We've stopped treating each other with respect, we've stopped treating them as we'd like to be treated. No one would want their field set on fire. Did it work? Sure. Was it right? No. May we treat each other with the respect and the grace that we would want to be treated ourselves.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 21:15-26

Paul understood in life that are certain things you do for the benefit of others. Did he have to purify himself? No. Was is it something that he told others to do? No. But, in doing it, he was able to put the minds of some others to rest. He didn't do it for his benefit, he did it for their benefit. In life, we must not be a stumbling block to someone else. We don't just live for ourselves, we live for God. May we live in a way that glorifies God, and that helps each other.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 10:17-31

Jesus wants to be our first love. Over everything. Over our possessions. Over our status. Over our job. Over our hobbies. Over everything. He wants to be first. He must be first. The rich young man would not love Jesus more than His stuff. In our lives, what do we love more than Jesus? What takes first place in our lives? May we remember that Jesus wants to have that first place in our hearts.

Ordinary Time: Monday, August 10, 2009

2009-08-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 13:23-39

David's life grows very chaotic in the end. We see here family strife. We see even such extreme thing as rape and murder. We see even what should be the perfect family start the fall apart. And this reminds us that in the end, there is no perfect family. There is no perfect life. All of our lives have struggles and problem. All of our lives have times of great trials and tragedies. Even David's a man after God's own heart.

So, when you go through bad times, or times of pain, stress, and tears, remember you're alone. You will not be the first to go through such things, nor will you be the last. But, just as God was David during these times, so is He with you. At this time, and always.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 20:17-38

Paul is leaving on a journey and he knows he will not be back. He knows that this the last time he'll see these friends here. These ones that he loves and has worked with. And so he tells them to remember the important things. Hold fast to Jesus. Cling to His grace. Believe upon Him. Stick together. Don't depart from the faith. Remember it's not complicated — faith in Jesus. He wants them to remember what's most important.

And I think that's good thing for us. Sometimes we can spend our time on those things that aren't the most important, on those things that we'll never figure out. Instead, let's focus on what we do know - God loves you. He sent His son to show you His love and to save you through faith. He wants you to love Him, and love each other. Those are the essentials. Let's focus all our lives on those; and know that in the end, all things are in God's hands.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 9:42-50

Jesus tells us today that we don't just live for ourselves; we live for others. How I live my life, it will affect your life. How you live yours will affect mine. We are connected. We are part of one family, we are all part of one body — the body of Christ. So instead of tearing each other down, let us build each other up. Instead of hurting one another, let us help one another. As member of the body of Christ, let us be there for one another. Because we need each other. We don't walk this road alone, we walk it with God, and with each other. Let us do what we can to strengthen each other on this road we walk.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 6, 2009

2009-08-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

For those that were curious, Sarah did great her first day of school and had wonderful day. Mama and Daddy did ok too :)

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 11:1-27

We see here in this passage, even the one after God's own heart fails. Even David, the one that wrote many of the Psalms, the one that was faithful time after time after time. That had faith. That did right. That stood for God. That had courage. That was one to be admired and looked upon. Even he failed.

We've problem all heard sermons about why David failed. The power of temptation. Things like that. And, many of those things are very true. But today, remember this. David failed and sinned against God. Even David. So, when we do something dumb, let us be reminded that even David, he failed God. And God still loved and used him. May we learn to forgive ourselves.

And we other make mistakes, may we not be as hasty to judge, but may we remember that just as David messed up, just as we mess up, so will others. And may we respond to other in grace at the times of weakness

New Testament Lesson

Acts 19:11-20

When people step out on faith, people believe. When those in the passage today destroyed the things keeping them from faith; others said, wow, there must be something to this Jesus. Do we live in such a way to lead others to say that? Do we live in such a way to cause others to examine and say - wow, what is it about them? Why do the live the way that they do? That happened over and over again in the New Testament. May it happened in our lives as well.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 9:2-13

Today, the disciples saw Jesus as He really is, glorious and powerful. He's our best friend. He's our companion. He's our guide. He's our safe harbor and shield. But, He's also God Himself. He's Lord. He's the very God we worship and praise and through Him all things are held together. May we have Him as a friend. But may we also remember that He is Lord.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 5, 2009

2009-08-05T03:43:00.000-07:00

Say a special pray for all the kids that start back to school today, their teachers and other school staff as well. Also remember a little girl named Sarah Stoddard that starts kindergarden

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 9:1-13

In spite of all that Saul had done to David, in spite of all the ways that that Saul had sought to hurt David, oppose David, stand against David, David was determined to do right by Saul. Even after Saul's dead, David still wanted to do what was right by Saul's descendants and servants.

David would not let Saul's actions control how David responded to Saul. David was going to do what was right, regardless. Today, may we be like David. The only thing we can control is ourselves; no one else. No matter how folks act towards us in this day, may we respond with grace.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 19:1-10

We see here Gentiles saved. Paul went and told the Gentiles of the Good News, all that turned to God would be saved. That was the action that lead to salvation, not any correct action — the action was an action of faith. Turning to Jesus Christ in faith. That's it, that's the list. Today, may we remember that we are saved by anything we can do. We are saved by belief in Christ. That's it. May we remember we don't have to earn God's love. It's freely given. Today, and always.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 8:34-9:1

Now, turning to Jesus in faith will change who we are. We are not saved by taking up our cross. We take up our cross because we are saved. As John Wesley said, "We are not saved because we do good works; we do good works because we are saved." As people of faith, that live in the glory and grace of God, may the faith that we have change who we are.

Ordinary Time: Monday, August 3, 2009

2009-08-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 7:1-17

We see David realize that it's not right that he lives in such a nice palace while the Ark of the Covenant is in a tent. David says that he will build a house, a temple for God. But God says, no. Not now. Not yet. He will have a house, but it will not be built by David.

But, because of David's heart, because of his willingness to this for God, because of his understanding, God declares that David will have a house. Not just a material house, but a house that will last forever. His house, his kingdom, his linage will rule forever.

Jesus Christ is from the line of David. In scripture, He is sometimes called the Son of David. David wanted to build a house for God. God sent a savior through the line of David. Even now, at that point, God was at work, paving the way, for the redemption that was to come through Jesus.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 18:1-11

Everywhere Paul went, he met people that had the same heart, the same passion, the same vision that he did. Everywhere he went God was placing people in his path that would be an encouragement, a help, a friend on the way.

God knew that Paul couldn't do the things that God had called him to without help. God knew that the journey would be long, that there would be rough times, that their would be times of trial. And God knew that Paul would need encouragement; he would need friends.

In the roads we walk of life, may we take time to thank God for the friends He has given us, may we thank Him for those that walk the road with us that encourage, that challenge, that help. Like Paul, we need those friends. And, may we seek to be a friend as well.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 8:11-21

It must have frustrated Jesus, because the people (or the disciples) never saw. They never understood. He taught, He did miracles. He healed. He preached. And they never saw. The never listened. And you know what He did?

He kept loving. In spite of their lack of understanding, He kept loving. Even when they didn't get it, He kept loving. He never quit loving the people, or the disciples, even when they didn't get it.

Thank goodness it's the same today. He never quits loving us. Even when we mess up. Even when we don't get it. Even when we make mistakes. He loves. Today, and each day. May we live in the power of His love.

My thoughts upon the current conflict following the 2009 Mississippi Annual Conference

2009-07-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

I’m a geek. I’ve embraced it. It’s what I am, and I do not deny it.

So, being the geek that I am, one of my favorite movies is Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s the story of Luke Skywalker and the beginning of his journey to be the hope to an oppressed people. It’s a story of hope and it’s power; it’s story of a leader coming along that will lead the people who are fighting for what’s right on to victory.

Hope is a powerful thing. Leaders are powerful things.

And that’s what I have come to find out. This may sound like a very arrogant statement, but I think I’ve come to understand part of what can bring hope to our Annual Conference and to the United Methodist Church in general. And ironically, it’s not what I used to think that it was.

I’m not going to recount the ways that our Annual Conference and denomination have seen troubles in the past four decades. We’ve seen loss of membership, status in society, and influence in culture. We’ve seen our ability to spread scriptural holiness across the land decrease. It’s been a long time in the wilderness for us.

So, then the question is asked, what will be our way out of the wilderness? What or who will be our Moses? What will lead us to the promised land of new growth? Of building and strengthening the kingdom? Of relevance to our communities?

We must first, though, answer the big picture question of who are we? What do we do? How do we stop the decline within our Annual Conference and our Denomination? What do we do to go about doing great things for Jesus in our state and our world again?

It’s in the hard work of figuring out who we are that much conflict starts. It’s in the hard work of baring our soul; of reflection; of examination and conversation that conflict can arise. I think that is what has brought forth so much conflict in our Annual Conference the past few weeks.

Our conflict does not come out of an isolated incident. It does not come out of a witness given at an Annual Conference worship service. It does not come out of debates over constitutional amendments. This conflict comes as we examine who we are, and who we are called to be.

So, the question is posed, how do we move from here? How do we enable our church to grow now, and in the coming years?

One option is theological purity. If the Annual Conference, or everyone within the Annual Conference held the exact theology, or close to it, that I held to, then everything would be great.

In short, the problem with our church is those who have a different theology than we do. Regardless of what our theology is. It’s those that are not willing to take the same stand that we think is an essential stand. They are the problem within our Annual Conference. And, if we can outmaneuver them, or out vote them, or drag our Conference and denomination back to where we think we ought to be, then surly things will turn around we will grow.

That’s how I used to feel. That’s what I used to believe. I love my church. I love the United Methodist Church. It’s where I was baptized, confirmed and converted. It’s where I was called to ministry. Its theology is my theology; its polity is my polity.

I love my church.

And, for a time, I thought theological purity was the way to ensure that our church would grow and build the kingdom in our mist. I knew this was right. I felt like it was the way for relevance and the way to make sure that our church would grow.

I felt like if the right delegates were elected, the right votes were cast, the right speeches made, the right conversations had, then my theology would win, and our church would be restored.

And then something happened. I began to meet other pastors. Some of which were “conservative.” Some of which were “liberal.” Some of which were “moderate.” And all of them were doing great things for the kingdom in their midst. They were leading their congregations in exciting ways to be relevant within in the community. People were coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ through their ministries.

Across the spectrum. Liberal to conservative. These persons “got it.” They were leaders. They we focused on the kingdom. They were focused on their community. They were focused on doing whatever they could do to help build the kingdom in their midst. And God was blessing them.

And I shifted my thinking. It’s not about “theological purity.” It’s not about maintaining the old and keeping things as they are. If that were so, why aren’t the other churches all around us exploding? Why is there a decline in the influence in relevence of the church, not just the United Methodist Church, here in out state and across the nation? Have ALL churches fallen away from correct theology and that is why the overall church is declining? Or could it be something else?

So, going back to my original Star Wars reference, that hope that we seek is found not in a theological purity test or in closed doors or in condescending words, but rather our hope is found in Christ and in understanding that we have been called by Christ to take His grace to all that are hurting and needful. And that grace is for all. As John Wesley said in his sermon “Free Grace,”

How freely does God love the world! While we were yet sinners, "Christ died for the ungodly." While we were "dead in our sin," God "spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all." And how freely with him does he "give us all things!" Verily, FREE GRACE is all in all!

The grace or love of God, whence cometh our salvation, is FREE IN ALL, and FREE FOR ALL.”

Grace, free, and for all. That is what John Wesley believed, taught, and preached. That is who we are as United Methodists.

It’s about being relevant. It’s about following where Jesus is leading; to the heart of the communities where we live. The issues we fight over have very little to do with what matters in our communities. They are means to divide us and keep us fussing with each other. They are things that keep our eyes off of Jesus and off the great things He wants to do here.

All the time and effort that we spend fighting amongst ourselves is time and effort that we are not using to build the kingdom. That’s what matters. That’s what is most important.

It comes down to relevance and to meeting the needs of communities, to heal the wounds of the places we live with the love and mercy of Christ.

It’s not theological purity that leads to relevance. It’s leadership that loves and cares for their communities and leads their churches to care for their communities. And when our passion for the Gospel and freeing power of Jesus Christ compels us to leave behind the walls of our churches and build relationships, friendships, and connections with our communities, the kingdom springs forth. We see lives, families and communities change. When we become more than the churches on the corner or churches down the road. When we become part of the community.

Now, theological purity is easier. Theological purity is a checklist that can be completed and checked. Relevance for the sake of Jesus, that’s hard. But, that’s what the Lord demands of us. This is hard work. But it’s necessary work

This is our way. This is our new hope. But it’s same hope that compelled Wesley. It’s our way back. Leaders that will help us embrace our communities and build the kingdom. In this, God does amazing things.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2009-07-29T03:05:00.001-07:00

Today, just a quick quote:

The very fact that a holy, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, merciful, fair and just God loves you and me is nothing short of astonishing. The wildest part is that Jesus doesn’t have to love us. His being is utterly complete and perfect, apart from humanity. He doesn’t need me or you. Yet He wants us, chooses us, even considers His inheritance (Eph. 1:18). The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing God treasures us.

--Francis Chan

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, July 28, 2009

2009-07-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

Today, just a quick quote

If you want to smile through your tears, if you want to rejoice through times of suffering, just keep reminding yourself that, as a Christian, what you’re going through isn’t the end of the story … it’s simply the rough journey that leads to the right destination.
--Charles Swindoll

Ordinary Time: Monday, July 27, 2009

2009-07-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 2:1-11

We see know the plan that began when David was a young boy begin to be completed. God had marked David as the one that was to be king. And it took a long time. Years of struggle and fighting, years of betrayal and tear. Hard years. But, now the plan was coming into place. David would be king.

God's plan don't always work on our schedule. But they do work on His schedule and His plan. And His' is always the better way. Trust in Him, even when things look like they may not work out when we want it. God is at work. Something great will come out of it.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 15:36-16:5

We see here, God take something bad and bring something good out of it. Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. Barnabas was a forgiving person, always willing to give someone another chance. Just like he did with Paul when Paul first became a Christian. He wanted to take John Mark with them on the journey. Paul was against it; John Mark deserted them when they needed it last time. So, they parted way. Now, there were two groups out spreading the Gospel. And more leaders were being raised up, more good was being done, more folks were hearing the good news of God's amazing grace. God took this, and brought a good thing out of it.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 6:14-29

Pride is a dangerous thing. Because of his pride, Herod did something he knew was wrong. He had John the Baptist beheaded. He knew it was wrong. He knew he shouldn't. He didn't even want to. But, he had too much pride to admit he made a mistake. And that pride is a terrible thing.

Today, may we have the humility to admit when we've made a mistake. May we have the humility that we need for the living of life.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, July 23, 2009

2009-07-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 28:3-20

We see Saul consult a medium. Even though it was wrong. Even though he had banned them. Even though he knew it was something he shouldn't do. Why? Fear.

Fear is a bad thing. It makes do things that we normally wouldn't do. It makes us behave in ways that we normally wouldn't behave. It makes us do thing that we don't agree with, that we think are wrong. Fear can eat away at us, at who we are, at what we believe.

Perhaps that is why, over and over again, the scriptures tell us do not be afraid. Do not fear. God is with you. You have nothing to fear. Of all the things that should drive us, fear shouldn't be one. Do not fear. Do not be afraid. God is with you.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 15:1-11

This was a key moment in the history of the church. What would happen? Would the Gentile Christians have to become Jewish as well? Or would faith in Christ be enough. Peter answers the question. Its through faith. We are saved by grace through faith, lest no one can boast. We are not saved by anything we do, anything we can join, any ritual we performed. We are saved by faith. That's it. That's the list. That's where it all starts. Faith.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 5:1-20

The man that was healed, he said he wanted to go and follow Jesus. He wanted to go and do great things. His heart was so thankful and so full of joy he wanted to do this great thing. But, Jesus had something else for him. Something even harder. Instead of going off and being a witness for Him, this man was to stay home and be a witness for him. He was to tell his friends and his neighbors of the great things Jesus had done.

We aren't always called to go off and do good. Most often we are called to stay where we are, and do good. What good can you do today where you are? What good can you do in your job? In your family? In your friends? Today, what good can we each do for Jesus where we are?

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2009

2009-07-22T03:36:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 25:23-44

Abigail averted disaster because she did what was right. This took courage. It took strength. But she knew that if she did not go to David and make things right, terrible things would happen to everyone. So, in spite of any doubts or fears she may have had, she did what was the right thing, and appealed to David's goodness and because of that, lives were saved.

The right thing is not always easy, but it always brings life. Sometimes we have to swallow our fear, trust the Lord is there, and do what He has called us to do. And when we do that, He will be with us. In that time of fear. We can trust in Him. And He will be our strong hand in our time of trouble.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 14:19-28

The love of God compelled Paul to go to place, to do things, that he didn't want to do. God loves everyone. We all agree with that, we all know that. But, if God loves everyone, then He calls on us to love everyone. Even those we don't like. Even those that don't like us. Even those that do us wrong. Even those that are not nice to anyone. We are called to love. As God loves. And God loves everyone. Regardless.

We can't do that. But, through God, we can. Today, may we know the power of God's love and mercy, that we can love everyone. Even those we don't like.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 4:35-41

The disciples came to Jesus and said, do you not care if we die? And He responded by calming the storm. Calming the storm on the sea, and asking them, do you not have faith? Peace. That is His gift to us. Peace. Do we have peace today? Not peace that comes from anything the world can offer. Not peace that comes from anything we can do. But, peace that comes from know that God is at work, and even in the bad times, we can trust. Today, may we know that peace of God.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2009

2009-07-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 25:1-22

Generosity is a very good thing. Being kind to one another is a very good thing. Today, David gives Maon the chance to show hospitality and grace, and he refuses. He doesn't want to let loose of any of his food or drink to help David, even after all David did to help his servants. He has the chance to be generous and help another. And he doesn't.

May we not miss the chance today to help one another. May we not miss the chance today to show God's love and mercy to each other, by loving one another. May we show hospitality and grace.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 14:1-18

One of the things Paul and Barnabas were able to do was to remind people, they were the important ones, God was. They weren't preaching for pride, or to get attention or to make money. They were preaching to spread the Gospel, to show God's love and mercy to all that needed it. They living in such a way that they pointed to heaven in all they did.

Not matter what we do today, no matter what our job is, may we live in such a way that we are always an arrow pointing to heaven.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 4:21-34

The kingdom of heaven might look that that mustard seed to some. Small, unimportant, not worth worrying over. But, if you've ever worked in the hot sun, you know how important a good shade tree can be. The mustard seed is a great shade tree. To those that need shade, it is very important.

To those of us that need grace, the kingdom is very important. It is life, it is hope, it is peace. It might not look like much to non believers, but to those of us that believe, ti is the very hope of our lives. May we always live a life of hope, because of the great hope we have in God.

Ordinary Time: Thursday, July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 20:24-42

We see in David and Jonathan that true friendship. We see the love they have for each other as friends, the support they offer, the defense of each other. Part of what it mean to live a life of peace and mercy is doing what is right for others. Jonathan, by helping David, assured that there was no way he'd ever be king. David would. But, as a friend, that was the right thing to do. The world tells us that it's all about us. This story reminds us, no, it's about doing onto others as we'd have them to unto us. And, in doing that, we find more life than the world could ever offer.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 13:1-12

One of the truths we see in scripture is that there will be challenges. Things will not always be easy when God calls us to something. But God will be with us even in the times of trials. We see Paul and Barnabas sent out. And things weren't always easy. But God was with them. He empowered them do what He called them to do. And to be who He had called them to be. He was with them. And He's with us, today.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 2:23-3:6

Jesus reminds us that people are most important. That people matter the most. He was sent to love us and to teach us to love each other. And to show us God's love for us through His life, His death, and His resurrection. He loved people first and foremost. And He calls us to as well. To love our God and to love our neighbor. And, in doing that, we find the very thing God has called us to do, and we are the very people God has called us to be.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

2009-07-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 20:1-23

One of the greatest comfort of friendship is that there is someone in life that you can trust. I know one of the things I appreciate most about my friends is the ability that I have to talk through situations with them. They can help me figure out the next step, and also tell me when they think something might not be a good idea.

We all need someone like that to talk to, and to talk through things with. Do you have someone like that? Are you someone like that? Let us never take for granted the gifts of friendship God has given us.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 12:18-25

One of the lessons we learn in Acts is that God is always at work. His plan is always unfolding, and He is doing more than we can know or see. Many time in Acts, things look bad for the church or for the spreading of the Gospel. But, God is doing more than the people can see with their eyes. He is at work.

The same is true in our lives. God is always at work; and always doing more in our lives than our eyes can see.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 2:13-22

Tax collectors were seen as the worst of the worst. They were traitors. They were bad people. They were not worthy of fellowship or of mercy. And Jesus still ate with him. And called him to follow Him. Jesus looked beyond the sin and saw the soul beneath. He knew that Matthew was not defined by that which was wrong in his life, but was defined by the grace of God working within him.

The same is true for you. You are not defined by your mistakes. You are defined and find your identity in the fact that you are a loved child of God.

Ordinary Time: Tuesday, July 14, 2009

2009-07-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 19:1-18

Friendship is a good and noble thing. Jonathan and David were great friends. In times of trial they were there for one another. They supported each other, cared for each other, could be counted on to help the other in time of need. We all need friends like that. We all need friends that we can count.

And we all need to be friends like that. We all need to be the kind of person that others can count on. We need to be the kind of friend that we would like to have. And in doing that we find we have those friends we need.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 12:1-17

God makes a way. God is always at work, and is doing more than we can ever imagine. Peter surly thought his time was up. He must have thought that it was over and his end had come. But God, He had other things in mind. He made a way for Peter to escape, to continue doing what God had called him to do. God will make a way. Today, and each day of our lives. God will make a way.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 2:1-12

The type of friendship that David and Jonathan had is the kind of friendship seen here. We see these friends taking this one to Jesus. Going through whatever it would take to make sure that their friend had the chance to meet Him and experience His healing power. They were determined to do what they had to do for their friend. That's what friends do.

Ordinary Time: Monday, July 13, 2009

2009-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 18:5-16, 27b-30

Jealously is a dangerous thing. Jealousy destroyed Saul. He become more and more jealous of David until it destroyed him, his walk with God, and his walk with others. It is dangerous thing to dwell on other people. Instead of focusing upon them, let us focus on ourselves, on our walk with God, with our walk with our neighbor, on what God has called us to do and who God called us to be.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 11:19-30

Barnabas is one of the true heroes in the Bible. He was able to see the good in Paul when other were afraid or worried. Barnabas was able to be his friend when he didn't have many; able to encourage him; help him; mentor him. If Barnabas hadn't done what he had done, Paul wouldn't have done what he did.

If we treat other the with the love and respect that they deserve as those made in the image of God, there is no telling what God can do! Let's respect and love each other, and let go be at work in amazing ways!

Gospel Lesson

Mark 1:29-45

This leaper couldn't help be tell others about the great things Jesus had done for him. He just couldn't help telling about the hope of Jesus' love and mercy. The hope of Jesus' healing. The hope of Jesus' grace. How about us? Do our lives tell the story of Jesus' grace? Do the words we speak reflect grace? Do we build up or tear down? It's not just about "witnessing." It's about living a grace-full life. Do we do that? Do our words and lives tell of the great things Jesus has done for us?

Ordinary Time: Thursday, July 9, 2009

2009-07-09T05:15:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 16:14-17:11

One of the battles Saul faced was not that of Goliath, but that of fear vs faith. Saul was fearful of what may happen or could happen. The Lord had repeatedly done great things for him and had been a rock and shield for him. But, each time these trials could come, he would fall back into fear, instead of faith.

We do the same. We know God is there, we know God loves, we know God will be there. We are like Peter - increase our faith. Today, and each day, may we choose faith, instead of fear.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 10:17-33

For the longest time, the Jews were not to associate with the Gentiles. But, Peter comes to understand that one's walk with Christ is more important than anything that we as humans use to separate. Through Christ, we are all one. Through Christ, there are no divisions. Through Christ, we can be one. Even if we don't all agree or all share the same opinion, through Christ, we are one. Let us live as one, as God's children.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 24:36-53

The disciples had great joy. They had seen that the Lord has risen. They had seen that death could not hold Him back, they had seen that sin, death, and the grave are defeated. They had seen the power of God. And, with God's great power, they knew all things were possible.

Today, the same is true for us. Through God, all things are possible. Through God, we can know that joy, peace, and hope. And life. Through God, we can live.

Ordinary Time: Wednesday, July 8, 2009

2009-07-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

Old Testament Lesson

1 Samuel 16:1-13

David was not the one that Samuel would have chosen. But he was the one that God had chosen. God doesn't choose like we chose, He doesn't pick as we pick. God looks at the heart. God looks at what matters most. If the heart is willing, God can do the rest. Because David had a willing heart, God did great things with. But, before God could do any of the things He wanted to do with David, the heart had to be ready.

Today, may we have wiling hearts.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 10:1-6

Cornelius was faithful, and the Lord heard his prayers. The Lord hears the prayers we offer. The Lord bends His ear to hear the words we utter. Even more, the Lord knows our hearts. Our prayers are not best defined by the words that come out our of mouths, our prayers are defined by the words upon our hearts.

Our prayer life is not simply the words that we may say. It's about our hearts' walk with God. It's about that relationship with God. It's about the heart longing to be in God's presence. That, even more than anything we'll every say, that's prayer.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 24:12-35

I love the story of Emmaus. The ones on the road almost missed the presence of Christ in their midst. They were so concerned with all that was happening and that was going on; they almost missed Jesus standing right beside them. How often to do we miss Jesus right here with us? How often are we concerned with other things that we miss Jesus, right here with us. Today, in this day, He is with us. May we have eyes to see, and souls to feel. He is with you, even now.