Christmas: Tuesday, January 5, 2010

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 5, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Joshua 1:1-9

We see the Lord call Joshua to take the lead after Moses' death. And Joshua said, how can I do that?  Moses was the greatest leader the people had ever know.  How could he follow after him?  The task was too great.  

And God said, as I was with Moses so shall I be with you.  Do not fear.  I am with you. For it is the greatness of men that make them great.  It is the greatness of God. 

Today, through His strength, you can do all things that He has called you to. Whatever it is.  You can do it.  If He has called you, given you that vision, giving you that leading, through Him, you can do it!  Fear not!  He is with you.  

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 11:32-12:2

In this new year, that's a great passage.  Let us lay aside the weight and sin of the past. It's a new day.  It is.  Today is new. It's a new year.  Full of new life, new potential, new possibility.  Let us lay aside those things from last year. Those things that weighed us down.  Let us start anew. Let us start afresh.  Let us press on towards what God has for us, and let us run with confidence. 

For today is a new day! 

Gospel Lesson

John 15:1-6

Jesus is the vine.  He is the source of our lives, the source of beings.  And life is found only in Him.  We will not find the life we desire in other things. But, in Him, we will find that fullness of life we truly desire.  Through the life of Christ, we can know what it means to truly life.  Today, and in this new year, let us live fully and deeply within the vine of life, Jesus Christ. 

Christmas: Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 25:1-9

One of the constant reminders in scripture, and particularly within the prophets is the notion that God will save His people.  No matter how dark it may look, no matter how dire the situation, God will save HIs people.  He will come to their rescue, and there will be that time with no more tears, hurt or pain. 

So, in the midst of the dark situations in our life, this is our hope: don't give up!  God will save His people!  Good will win in the end!  Love, grace, and peace will find a way!  God will wipe away those tears.  Rejoice. 

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:9-20

We see words of hope in Revelation: do not be afraid!  In a world filled with fear, we have no reason to fear.  In world filled with despair, we have no reason to be down hearted. Do not be afraid. For God is still God, and He is still on the throne.  We are not a people of fear, we are a people of faith. We are not the people of a small God, we are the people of a great and mighty God, God of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords!  Have no fear!

Gospel Lesson

John 7:53-8:11

I could spend a lot of time talking about this passage.  In fact, I'm preaching on it on January 11.  So, I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that we hear what grace sounds like in this passage. The sound of rocks falling as we each understand our own sinfulness and the command of Holy Scripture to forgive others as we have been forgiven.