Epiphany: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

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.

Epiphany: Monday, February 23, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 6:10-15

We see the Lord reminding the people.  Some good stuff is going to happen to you. God is going to bless you.  You are going to get land, houses, vineyards. All these good things. 

When they come, though, don't forget who gave them to you.  It was not because of your own strength, but it was because of God. God is the one that made this success possible. God is the one that brought the victory. God is the one that makes all the good things in our lives possible.

So should we be. When we encounter success.  Victory.  Achievement.  A blessing of any type.  Let us not be too quick to grab the credit. But, let us remember that it is God that makes all these good things possible. 

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 1:1-14

Of all the ways that God has spoken, the Loudest was through His Son. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate revelation of God, the Word of God. Thought Jesus, we see who God is. 

Well, then, who is God? He is love, mercy, dan compassion. He forgives.  He heals.  He comforts.  He brings life to the dead. He's not much on the self righteous or the holier than thou.  In fact, He spends most of His time with those that would not always have been acceptable to the holier than thou crowd.  

In short, He is Love. And, today, this day.  He loves each of us. 

Gospel Lesson

John 1:1-18

We see once again in this passage that Jesus is the Word.  He is with the Father, and all things were created through Him.  He is at the very right hand of God.  He is King of King, and LOrd of Lords. 

And yet, He gave all that up, to come to Earth to show us God's love, God's grace, God's comfort. Today, may we realize just how beloved we are, and may we live out that same love with each other.  

Epiphany: Thursday, February 19, 2009

Today just a quick thought. I drove over for a conference in Alabama this morning. As I drove through the foothills of the App. Mountains I thought about the greatness of God. How He formed all that is and all that ever has been.

He has held the entire world in His hand, as the old kids song goes.

And He holds you in His right now. Whatever you are going through right now, God knows. God loves. God cares.

Whatever it is.

God is with us today.

He promised to be. May we trust Him now and always.

Epiphany: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 65:1-12

We see God tell the people that because they did not seek Him, they did not turn to Him, and so He sought out another. That's something that is worth remembering.  God is not lucky to have us, we are lucky to have Him.  It's not love that we love God, but that God loves us!  

He always calls, always wants to people to come into relationship with us.  He wants to know you today.

New Testament Lesson

1 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul tells us today to train ourselves.  We need to work on the things that help our faith to grow, help us to be the people that God's calls us to be.  It's hard work.  It's not always easy.  It can be hard to pray and read and study. But, just as athlete trains to be the athlete, we train ourselves to be the people that God wants us to be. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 12:13-27

These people were trying to trip Jesus, focused on the things that didn't matter.  He was teaching them to love and serve and forgive. They were worried about the trivial things. 

Today, may we focus on God's grace, love and mercy.  Let's focus on the things that we know, and let's leave the trivial things to God and to His mercy. 

Epiphany: Monday, February 16, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 63:1-6

One of the lessons we see in Isaiah is that the Lord implores His people, turn to me in your time of trouble. Don't turn to other people, don't turn to your own strength, don't turn to that which is wrong. Turn to me, and I'll give you strength for the trial.

That's a lesson we can learn today, as well.  In our times of trial, where do we turn for strength? Is it the Lord our God?  All else will fail compared to His great strength.

New Testament Lesson

1 Timothy 1:1-17

We see Paul express thanks to God for the fact that God redeemed even him. For Paul had done things that were beyond the pale, that has actually hindered God's work and the church. And, yet, God forgive him.  God's grace knows no limits. God will forgiven anyone that desires to be forgiven. All one must do it turn to Him. 

Today, may we know that power of God's forgiveness. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 11:1-11

We see in this passage the people welcome and worship Jesus. They give Him the praise He is due.  They would later turn on Him, but in this moment, they worshipped.  Let us never loose the power of a moment.  Let us take time, at this time, at this moment, to worship. To praise God. To thank God. To come before Him saying, “Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Epiphany: Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 59:15b-21

We see that the Lord is the one that comes to save.  He is the one that saves His people.  Be reassured today that He is on your side.  He is working for you.  He is for you!  Think about that. The God of Heaven, the God of all that is, both seen and unseen, is on your side.  Is pulling for you. Will stand with you!  Rejoice, the Lord today stands with His people.  

New Testament Lesson

2 Timothy 1:15-2:13

Paul reminds us today that no one receives the reward without first working for it. No athlete wins with prize without the prior training and completion.  It is the work put for that makes the achievement possible. 

In faith, we must put feet to our faith. We must work for what we believe.  We must be about God's work. We will have hard times. We will have struggles. We have time when nothing goes right. 

But, don't give up!  Keep trying and pushing!  Keep working!  Keep doing!  The Lord is one your side, and it is the effort put forth that makes the reward that much sweeter. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 10:1-16

We see today that Children have a special place in the heart of God. Thank you to all of you that work with our children.  Thank you for taking the time, and effort to work with these precious ones. 

And, may we have that childlike faith. Just a child trusts in their parents, so, today, may we trust in our God.  

Epiphany: Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 59:1-15a

There's an old saying about our walk with God; when we are not as close to God as we used to be, who moved? God didn't.  He's always there.  He never leaves.  What happens is that sin clouds our eyes.  Sin keeps us from being able to see.  He has not moved.  It's that the stuff of lives, it can separate us from God. 

But, the great news is that God is a God that longs to forgive His children.  If we confess our sin, He will forgive.  The relationship can be restored. 

Today.  

Today, you can start over.  You can hit reset. God loves you and wants to know you.  May we respond to His grace today.  

New Testament Lesson

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Faith is a treasure.  It is a gift.  It is the dearest thing in our lives.  Everything else withers with the trials, but faith, if tended, will remain strong, and grow. Today, tend the faith given you. Nourish it. Spend time in prayer.  Spend time reading the scriptures.  Spend time serving others.  Spend time with other's that love God. 

Nourish that gift of faith. Guard that treasure. And, it will grow strong, strong enough to sustain you through all of life.  

Gospel Lesson

Mark 9:42-50

Jesus tells us to be aware of the things that can keep us from His, as well as the things that can keep others from Him. And, get rid of them.  It goes back to the treasure. What is worth to us than our walk with God?  What do we spend out time nourishing?  May it always be our faith, and not those things that tear us from faith.  May we be aware of those things that trip us and entangle us.  And may we guard ourselves against them.  

Epiphany: Monday, February 8, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 58:1-12

The Lord reminds the people today that is it not the "stuff" of religion He's interested in.  God does not want us to go through the motions of having religion, He wants us to actually have religion.  Help those in need, take care of each other.  Love.  Forgive. Serve.  Believe.  Have faith. 

He wants a faith that starts in the heart, and works it's way out into our lives.  It's not about what we "do," it's about who we are "are." And, who we are will show its self in what we do. 

Today, may we have a heart for God and for His mercy.  

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 6:11-18

Paul says may I never boast in anything, other than the cross of Christ, and the new creation.  As believers, as Christians, as those that love God, today, may we be humble.  May we remember that the source of our strength is God, that He is our ability, our courage, our very life. And today, and each day, if we boast, may it be in Him.  

Gospel Lesson

Mark 9:30-41

I preached on passage as found in Matthew yesterday.  Even a cup of cold water, given in His name, is a great thing. Today, we don't have climb the highest mountain, or swim the deepest sea.  If we can give just a cup of cold water, we are doing something for God. 

I preached yesterday that the goal of the church is not build the church, but to change the world.  How do we do that?  We give one cup of cold water each, one cup at a time.  

Today, be faithful.  Give that cup.  And, in doing that, we will change the world!  

Epiphany: Thursday, February 5, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 55:1-13

In previous chapters Isaiah told the people, God is there, God cares, God loves you.  And we hear it today in the strongest words.  Anyone that is hungry, come and eat.  Come and drink.  Come and live.  Call the Lord will He is near, and He will be there. 

And, don't spend your money on that which doesn't satisfy.  How many of us chase after things that ultimately do no satisfy us?  True satisfaction, true life, true peace, it is found the free grace of God. Come, all that are thirsty, and receive this free gift

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 5:1-15

Paul tells us that we are saved for freedom.  We are not saved for the law. The Christian life is not about following a checklist of "thou shalls" and "thou shall not."  It's about living boldly in the freedom of God's grace.  You are not saved by your works.  You are saved by grace. The burden is lifted. The weight is gone.  

You don't have to earn God's love. 

It's simply given to you. 

Today, live as a loved child of God!

Gospel Lesson

Mark 8:27-9:1

If we don't get it sometimes, if we make mistakes, if we don't understand; don't feel bad.  Neither did Peter.  He goes from confessing Jesus as Lord one minute to being called Satan the next.  

We do the same. We go from the mountain top to the valley, very quickly sometimes. The great thing is that the God of the mountain is also God of the valley. And God is with us, all the time. 

Epiphany: Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 54

One of the constants we see in scripture is that things are not always easy for God's people.  Sometimes their problems are of their own makings, such as the struggles of the Israelites.  Sometimes their problems are because of the opposition of the world, such as the churches in Revelation.  

But, in all cases, God promises He will be there with His people, even in the midst of their troubles.  Even if their troubles are their own fault.  God will not leave His children, He will not abandon them in the moment of need.  His grace is always there, at all times. And, will be the shield, protected, and hope, for all that rely upon Him.  

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 4:21-31

Paul reminds us that we are the children of the promise.   As Christians, the whole catalog of God's promises are ours, as well as the main point behind the promise. The promises of God remind us that God's goodness to us is not because of our worth, but because of His Word.  None of those that are the recipients of the promise are "good," they all make mistakes, they all mess up, they are all imperfect. 

But, God's goodness to them is not because of who they are.  It's because of who He is. The same is true for us today.  His goodness to us is not because of who we are.  It's because of who He is. Today, live in the confidence of the fact no matter what, you are loved. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 8:11-26

Anytime I feel like I don't measure up, I like to read about the disciples.  Because, bless their hearts, they never really got it till after Pentecost. They walked with Jesus, lived with Him, heard His teaching, and they missed the point half the time.  

It shows that God can and will use anyone.  Today, remember you're not the first person not be perfect, nor will you be the last.  Live in the understand that God's grace can use anyone.  The disciples, Or, even, any of us. 

Epiphany: Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 52:1-12

Awake!  Rise up!  Hope!  Your Redeemer comes!  That's the message of this passage. God will bring restoration to His people.  God will save His people.  Things will not always be as they are now.  God is in the Hope business.  God is bringing His people to life.  Rise up! 

Whatever it is that is keeping you down this morning, know that God is at work!  He will help you throw off the yoke and live.  He desires to see His people really, really live.  Live joyously, knowing that God is at work.  

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 4:12-20

We see Paul tell about having a physical problem while their, but they didn't hold it against him.  Paul started churches all over the world.  He preached, he taught, he did much. But, he was also never fully healthy.  We don't know what his illness was, but it was something that greatly plagued him. 

And, in spite of whatever it was, he never gave up, or gave in.  He kept working for the goal and mission given to him.  That goal was greater that the pain.  The mission was greater than the problem.  God was greater than the illness. 

So is it for you today. Whatever it is that brings you down, causes you pain plagues your life.  God is bigger than that. Now, He may not take it away, but He will give you strength to do whatever it is He has called you to.  Hope in that. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 8:1-10

We see Jesus make provision out of very little.  He took care of the people.  He cared for them.  He loved them.  He fed them.  He provided. Today, in this day, may we place our trust in Him, and know that He will give us this day our daily bread.  

Epiphany: Thursday, January 29, 2009

Today, just a quick quote

Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.

George Mueller

Epiphany: Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 49:1-12

One of the things we see with God's promises to His people is that they will be a blessing to the world.  He is blessing them, He is using them, so that they will be a means of light to other people.  He wants His people to be means of grace to others. 

So is it with us. The great things God has given us, His love, His mercy, and grace, He has given them so that we can be a means of grace to others, a way to help others, show them His love.  He has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others. 

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 2:11-21

Paul reminds us today that if salvation comes through the law, then Jesus came for nothing.  It is through grace, not works.  That's really then entire point of Galatians.  We don't earn God's love.  We don't make God love us.  He just does. That's why it's called grace. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 6:13-29

We see the tragic end of John's life in the passage. Remember, John was Jesus' cousin, he was close, he was a friend.  Remember that through Jesus, God knows what its like to suffer pain, tragedy, and loss.  Through the pain of losing a friend, God understands the pain of our loss.  Just as we know that hurt, so does God. 

We can rejoice that we serve a God that is not foreign to us, but one that understands life, love, and hurt. 

Epiphany: Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 48:12-21

We see here two amazing things about God. First, He is the God of creation.  He is the one that spoke everything into being.  He is the on through whom all things were made.  He is the one that spoke the very creation into being. And His is all powerful, almighty, and all in all. 

Second, this amazing, all powerful God, He cares for you.  He wants to restore you.  He wants to save you.  He wants to love you.  This all powerful God never gave up on His people. In spite of their repeated wandering away, He always longed to restore them.  He always loved them. 

Just as He does us.  The amazing God of the universe wants to know you today.  

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 1:18-2:10

Paul tells the story of how he and his friends were received as brothers by the other apostles.  Let's remember who Paul was before he was a Christian.  He was a bad guy.  He persecuted the Church.  He helped in the stoning os Stephen.  

And yet, he was forgiven by the other Christians, and encouraged to go forth and do great things for God. They had every reason not forgive. They had every reason to not allow Paul in. But, they did. Because as God is a God that forgives us, so are we to be a people that forgives one another. 

As the first Christians forgave Paul, so may we forgive one another. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 6:1-13

It says today that Jesus could not perform some miracles because of their lack of faith.  Remember, sometimes the only thing that limits what God can do is us.  When they believed, Jesus did amazing things.  Today, I don't know what you're going up against, but don't lose faith. Don't lose hope. God is with you.  Believe.  He is there. Rely upon His strength today.  

Epiphany: Monday, January 26, 2009

Its good to back home and resuming a normal routine!  

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 48:1-11

The Lord says that for His name sake, He would refrain from bringing judgement against the people. For His name's sake, He would not.  Because of who He is, what His reputation is, the very nature of who God is, He would refrain.  God is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiveness, always looking to forgive, to bring home, to restore, to save. That is the very nature of who God.  That is the core of His relationship with us.  He has every right. But, He refrains. And, instead, He gives grace. 

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 1:1-17

Paul tells the people how shocked he is that they have left the gospel that He has taught, this gospel of God's grace, and salvation through grace, not by works.  They have left the Gospel to return to a salvation by works. A salvation that says that they have to earn God's love. That it is not freely given, it must be earned based off what you do. Paul says, no!  You have been saved not be your own works, but by God's grace!  Live in that freedom.

And the same is true today.  You don't have to earn God's love.  He simply loves you.  Live in that freedom, the freedom of God's love to you, and let your works flow from that.  

Gospel Lesson

Mark 5:21-43

We see in the miracles of Jesus this simple notion of faith. They had faith, even when there was no reason to have faith. The believed, even when there was no reason to believe.  They had hope, even when there was no reason to hope. 

Because they knew the power of Jesus. They trusted in Him, even when there was no reason. 

May we do the same.  

Epiphany: Monday, January 19, 2009

Blogging will be sporadic the rest of the week.  I'm going to Jim Griffin's Congregational Coaching Boot Camp in Dallas Tuesday-Wednesday, and then have to be in Jackson Thursday-Friday for the Pastoral Leadership School of the Mississippi Annual Conference.  

So, I don't know how much blogging I'll be able to do.  But, I do plan on being on Twitter.  You can follow me there at www.twitter.com/atstod

I'll be sending out tweets and updates from there.  

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23

Remember that He is God.  There is no other god besides our God.  And, of course we thing, duh. But, to speak of a God is speak of one's source of faith and truth, one's rock, one's foundation.  In this day, is God our total source of faith.  He is the total rock that build upon. Do we place all things on Him, or do we place our complete trust upon ourselves, upon our strength, might, and power?  

He is God.  He is the Rock. He is the foundation.  May we place all our trust upon Him.  

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 4:1-16

We are told to live a life worth of the Gospel.  What does that look like?  Not  a life of sinless perfection, but a life that that seeks to serve God and each other.  A life that seeks to make the world a better place.  A life that glorifies God through our actions, a life that love our neighbor as we love our self. A life dedicated something higher than I.  Life of service and dedicated to God. 

And, in that, we find a fuller life than we could have ever thought.  

Gospel Lesson

Mark 3:7-19a

Not even Jesus walked the road of life alone; He had his 12, plus others that walked with Him.  He realized He needed other people.  

So do we.  We need each other. We need the church.  We need the community of Faith. Today, don't try to walk the road of faith alone.  Jesus didn't.  Neither should we.  

Epiphany: Thursday, January 15, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 41:17-29

God says that when those that are in need cry out, He will deliver them.  He will bring forth water, He will bring forth shade and rest.  And, how does He do that?  How does He take care of those that are in need?  How does He care for the ones most in need of His mercy?  

Lots of ways, but to me, the coolest is this.  He uses you and me.  As the church and as individual Christians, we are the hands and feet of God.  We can take His good news, His mercy, His grace, to all that need to hear it. Through our lives, our words, our compassion, all that we are, God may allow us to be just the thing that someone that we may meet today needs. We may be that communication of Grace today that someone needs. 

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 2:11-22

God is in the business of bringing His children together.  I heard a speaker this week that had returned recently from a mission trip to Africa, and he confirmed something I found to be true in other places.  America is main place in the world where Christians fuss and fight over our differences.  In other parts of the world, if you are Christian, that's all that matters.  But here, we sometimes like to make a big deal over our difference and allow them to separate us. 

John Wesley said that if you heart has been warmed as my heart has, than give me your hand.  I think today, as Christians, that should be who we are.  If you confess and follow Christ, as I do, then, in spite of any differences we may have, we are family. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 2:1-12

This man's friends loved him enough that they would do whatever they had to do to allow him to meet Jesus and experience Him.  They would sacrifices themselves to make sure their friend was made whole. That's what friends do.  They give of themselves for one another. They do what they have to do to help each other. They care for each other. CS Lewis said that the love of friendship maybe the strongest of all the types of love. 

Today, may we thank God for the friends that we have in our lives. And, may we see to be the best of friends that we can be to our friends.  

Epiphany: Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 41:1-6

Isaiah reminds us once again that God is God.  He is the one, He is the source of creation, He is the one that has brought it all together.  He has formed the seas, He has brought forth the dry land.  He has brought forth life.  Let us remember that all of creation is God's.  The Bible tells us that all of creation gives us a glimpse of God's glory. 

Let's take time to look around today, and see God's glory. And give thanks.  

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 2:1-10

We are saved by grace through faith.  Or, to put it in another way

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO  MAKE GOD LOVE YOU!

He already does.  His love for you today is not based upon who YOU are.  It is based upon who HE is. And, He loves you.  

That's grace. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 1:29-45

Jesus took time each day to commune with God.  He spent time in prayer.  He spent time with God.  And, He was just as busy as we are.  I've learned that the busier I am in my daily life, the more I must spend that time with God.  If I do not slow down and pray, I will miss what God is calling me to.  No matter how busy I am.

No matter how busy you are today, right now.  Stop.  Breathe.  Think.  Pray.  Reflect.  

Take this moment.  And reflect upon God's great love for you. 

You cannot earn it.  It is given.  

Live in that grace. 

Epiphany: Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 40:25-31

We see this passage that many of us know so well. Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their hope.  They will soar with wings like eagles.  

Why?  

Why those that wait? 

Perhaps it is in the waiting that we learn that we are not in control. That it is not up to us. We are not the end of all knowledge and wisdom.  It is God who is.  He is the source, the author, the hope our salvation.  

When we wait upon Him, we learn to trust Him.  We learn to put our hope in Him.  We learn that He is the rock, of our lives.  When we wait upon Him, we turn to Him. And, in turning to Him, we find life. 

In Him.  

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 1:15-23

He is the head of the body; the church.  No matter what church we go to, no matter what denomination we belong to; no matter what our theology may be.   He is the head.  He is the leader.  He is the chief.  It is His church.  

And, if He is all our Lord, then we are called to work together in purpose.  Imagine if we allowed the things that unite us to be our focus.  Imagine if all of that love Jesus and are loved by Jesus, worked together?  

Wow. 

We, through the power of the Holy Spirit, could change the world. 

May we follow our head, and be at work for His kingdom.  

Gospel Lesson

Mark 1:14-28

Notice, wherever Jesus went, He made an impact.  Lives were changed, people were moved.  He had the ability to change lives. 

He still does. 

Today, may we allow Him to change whatever it is within us that may need to be changed.  

Epiphany: Monday, January 12, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 40:12-23

Who is like our God?  It is He who made the stars in the heavens, it is He that breathed into the breath of life.  He holds all the world together and is our shield and defender.  Sometimes it is easy for us to forget how mighty and powerful God is.  We can focus on ourselves and our stuff, and we can forget the depth of His power and might.  

Remember today that the very God of the universe, the very one that created everything, both seen and unseen, the Lord of Lords, KIng of Kings, God of creation.  Is here with us.  Now.  In our midst. And He wants to know you.  Love you. Care for you.  Guide you.  

That, my friends, is awesome.  

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 1:1-14

Paul reminds us that our true inheritance is not of the world, but is the inheritance of the Sons and Daughters of God.  We are rightly called the children of God. Through Him, we can have abundant, full life here in this place and in this time. And, we have the hope of eternity.  

We have the assurance of being loved children, and the confidence of know that will have life, now, and forever. So, let's live boldly!  With courage!  And strength!  And power!  For, we are the sons and daughters of God!  Let's live with the freedom and security of being the children of God. 

Gospel Lesson

Mark 1:1-13

We see that God sent John to point the way to Jesus.  In may ways, that is our job as well. Through our lives, our words, our joy, our grace, our friendship, through all we do, that is our calling. We are called to point to Jesus. We are call through all that we do to show others who He is, show His grace and love and show His desire to save the world. 

Today, let's be an arrow pointing to heaven.