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Old Testament Lesson
Nehemiah 9:26-38
We see the continued story of the Israelites in this passage. The one thing we notice right off the bat is that they weren't perfect. They never did just as God wanted them to do. They wandered away. They followed false idols. They did the things that they just were not supposed to do.
Yet, God still loved them. God's love for them was based upon who He is, not upon who they are. They were imperfect, He is perfect. They were not true, He is true. He loved them simply because they were His, no matter what they did.
The same is true for us. god's love for us is based upon who He is, not upon who we aer. He loves us because He is love. Rest in that love today.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 18:9-20
In Revelation, Babylon is the great power that is oppressing the church. It looks like ti will never be defeated. However, we see in this passage that Babylon is defeated and the people of God triumph over this thing that looked to great to ever be conquered. Remember, there is nothing is impossible for God. Even the greatest problem or hardest hurt. Nothing is impossible for God.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 15:21-28
This is one of those passages that lots of books have been written about. Why did Jesus speak to this woman so harshly? There are lots of theories which I won't go into in this space, but look simply at her response. She didn't give up. She kept on. When she didn't get the answer she wanted, she kept on pushing for the goal of seeing her daughter healed.
Sometimes things don't go our way. What will we do then? May we have the grace to be like this woman and to never give up until we achieve the goal that God has for us.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Ordinary Time: Monday, November 12, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Nehemiah 9:1-15
This might be a good passage for this Veterans Day remembrance. We see the people confess their sins, and confess the sins that have been committed in the past. Part of living as God would have us to live is to confess that we are not perfect. No one is. Part of the Christian life is confession and repentance. Part of the Christan life is turning from our mistakes of the present and the past and living as God would have us to live.
So today, as we celebrate those men and women that have served our country, let us also pause and reflect upon how we can better be the society that god want us to be. And, the way that begins is by each of us being the people that God needs us to be.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 18:1-8
One of the lessons that Revelation teaches us that God will intercede on behalf of his people. Today in this text, we see the fall of Babylon, the one that oppresses the church and oppresses God's people. All throughout Revelation, God is at work on behalf of His people, even in the darkest moments. That is the lesson ofthis book; don't give up, even in the dark moments. Don't lose hope, God is still at work!
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 15:1-20
We see the Lord tell the people today, honor me with your hearts. If you do that, your actions will be alright. It goes heart, then actions. We must focus our hearts upon Him. If we do that, our lives will will follow suit.
Nehemiah 9:1-15
This might be a good passage for this Veterans Day remembrance. We see the people confess their sins, and confess the sins that have been committed in the past. Part of living as God would have us to live is to confess that we are not perfect. No one is. Part of the Christian life is confession and repentance. Part of the Christan life is turning from our mistakes of the present and the past and living as God would have us to live.
So today, as we celebrate those men and women that have served our country, let us also pause and reflect upon how we can better be the society that god want us to be. And, the way that begins is by each of us being the people that God needs us to be.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 18:1-8
One of the lessons that Revelation teaches us that God will intercede on behalf of his people. Today in this text, we see the fall of Babylon, the one that oppresses the church and oppresses God's people. All throughout Revelation, God is at work on behalf of His people, even in the darkest moments. That is the lesson ofthis book; don't give up, even in the dark moments. Don't lose hope, God is still at work!
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 15:1-20
We see the Lord tell the people today, honor me with your hearts. If you do that, your actions will be alright. It goes heart, then actions. We must focus our hearts upon Him. If we do that, our lives will will follow suit.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Ordinary Time: Thursday, November 8, 2007
Today, I want to share a devotional thought with you. This is from the Christian Quote of the Day by my good friend, Dr. Rocky Henriques .
God is our refuge, and what comfort that brings! He is your refuge when you awaken in the night filled with fear, and cold sweat breaks out. He is your refuge, your strength, a very present help when events transpire that you cannot understand.
--Charles Swindoll
God is our refuge, and what comfort that brings! He is your refuge when you awaken in the night filled with fear, and cold sweat breaks out. He is your refuge, your strength, a very present help when events transpire that you cannot understand.
--Charles Swindoll
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ordinary Time: Tuesday, November 7, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Nehemiah 13:4-22
We see Nehemiah begin the reforms in the land. Sometimes we can wander off from where we used to be or where we should be, look up and say to ourselves, how did we wind up here? At that point, we have two choices. We can continue on the road we are own, the road that leads us further from where we want to be. Or we can turn around and go back home.
Today, the people have returned to the promised land, but they also return to some of the same mistakes. Nehemiah says, no, we are not going to do it this way this time. And, they begin the process of doing things as they ought be done, and living in the way they ought to live.
They had the chance to come home and do things at they ought to be done. So do we, every day of our lives. Each day is a day that no matter where we are, we can turn around and start towards where we want to be.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 12:1-12
We see here in the battle between good and evil, between Satan and Michael, this war that even wages within our soul. This war of doing what is right and good, or doing what we want to do, regardless of the consequences. But, as we see in this passage of scripture, in the end, it is good that will win out. It is good that will ultimately defeat the powers of wrong and evil, and we just have to hold on, and do what is right. If we do what is right, God will take care of the rest. Today, live in the grace of God, and do that which He has called you to do. And know that He will take care of all the rest for your good and His glory.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:53-58
This is passage that shows why no preacher wants to serve their home church. The folks remember you from when you were young and got in trouble and had to be taken out. Why would we want to listen to you. What could you possible have to say to us? Today, may we be careful not to discount what someone had to say to us. Let us not be hasty and deciding who God will or won't speak through.
God will speak through whoever He wants to. May we have ears to listen. Today, the people didn't hear just words because they thought that they knew Him; what could He have to say to them. Today, may we have our ears open that we can listen to God through whomever He wants to speak to. My we listen, for God may speak in ways we don't expect.
Nehemiah 13:4-22
We see Nehemiah begin the reforms in the land. Sometimes we can wander off from where we used to be or where we should be, look up and say to ourselves, how did we wind up here? At that point, we have two choices. We can continue on the road we are own, the road that leads us further from where we want to be. Or we can turn around and go back home.
Today, the people have returned to the promised land, but they also return to some of the same mistakes. Nehemiah says, no, we are not going to do it this way this time. And, they begin the process of doing things as they ought be done, and living in the way they ought to live.
They had the chance to come home and do things at they ought to be done. So do we, every day of our lives. Each day is a day that no matter where we are, we can turn around and start towards where we want to be.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 12:1-12
We see here in the battle between good and evil, between Satan and Michael, this war that even wages within our soul. This war of doing what is right and good, or doing what we want to do, regardless of the consequences. But, as we see in this passage of scripture, in the end, it is good that will win out. It is good that will ultimately defeat the powers of wrong and evil, and we just have to hold on, and do what is right. If we do what is right, God will take care of the rest. Today, live in the grace of God, and do that which He has called you to do. And know that He will take care of all the rest for your good and His glory.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:53-58
This is passage that shows why no preacher wants to serve their home church. The folks remember you from when you were young and got in trouble and had to be taken out. Why would we want to listen to you. What could you possible have to say to us? Today, may we be careful not to discount what someone had to say to us. Let us not be hasty and deciding who God will or won't speak through.
God will speak through whoever He wants to. May we have ears to listen. Today, the people didn't hear just words because they thought that they knew Him; what could He have to say to them. Today, may we have our ears open that we can listen to God through whomever He wants to speak to. My we listen, for God may speak in ways we don't expect.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Ordinary Time: Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Nehemiah 12:27-31a,42b-47
It's one thing to have to wait. We've all been there. We hate waiting. It's another thing when that thing we've been waiting for comes to pass. That is what is happening here. The people had waited for many years for Jerusalem to be restored, and starting here, things are really starting to come together.
When we are waiting for the Lord's plan to come into place, be it in our lives, or in the life of our church, or in the life of our family, or wherever, don't lose heart. It's easy to do, but we must hold on. For He is not done, and He is still at work. It may take some time, just as it did for Israelites. But, He is still at work.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 11:1-19
Boy howdy, you have to love Revelation. I think the key thing that we always need to keep in mind when we are studying, reading, and praying over Revelation it to remember that God is at work in ways that we don't understand, and God is always at work for the good of His people. And, God always opens the door for folks to return to Him. We see it quite often in Revelation; we'll see something happen, but right before it does, the Lord give folks a chance to turn around and come back. His grace extends that far. His grace will always come, seeking us out. If we will only respond to His outstretched hand.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:44-52
We see Jesus tell us that the kingdom is hidden. We see its hard to find. But, we all see that it is hidden in the common things. We see it in a pearl. We also see it in a net. Today, we will see the kingdom. We'll see in a smile. In a warm word. In a hug. In all the small and ordinary things that God uses to make our lives extraordinary. Today, the kingdom is all around. May we have eyes to see.
Nehemiah 12:27-31a,42b-47
It's one thing to have to wait. We've all been there. We hate waiting. It's another thing when that thing we've been waiting for comes to pass. That is what is happening here. The people had waited for many years for Jerusalem to be restored, and starting here, things are really starting to come together.
When we are waiting for the Lord's plan to come into place, be it in our lives, or in the life of our church, or in the life of our family, or wherever, don't lose heart. It's easy to do, but we must hold on. For He is not done, and He is still at work. It may take some time, just as it did for Israelites. But, He is still at work.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 11:1-19
Boy howdy, you have to love Revelation. I think the key thing that we always need to keep in mind when we are studying, reading, and praying over Revelation it to remember that God is at work in ways that we don't understand, and God is always at work for the good of His people. And, God always opens the door for folks to return to Him. We see it quite often in Revelation; we'll see something happen, but right before it does, the Lord give folks a chance to turn around and come back. His grace extends that far. His grace will always come, seeking us out. If we will only respond to His outstretched hand.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:44-52
We see Jesus tell us that the kingdom is hidden. We see its hard to find. But, we all see that it is hidden in the common things. We see it in a pearl. We also see it in a net. Today, we will see the kingdom. We'll see in a smile. In a warm word. In a hug. In all the small and ordinary things that God uses to make our lives extraordinary. Today, the kingdom is all around. May we have eyes to see.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Ordinary Time: Monday, November 5, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Nehemiah 6:1-19
Believe it or not, people have always gossiped. Hard to believe, but it is true. Here, Nehemiah is at work trying to do good, trying to get the wall rebuilt, and others are saying, the only reason he's doing it to be king! They are hurling gossip and insults at him, when all he is trying to do is to do what is right.
In life, we can't control what others say. We can't really control what they think about us. All we can control is our actions. Some folks my look for wrong motivations in right actions. Some folks may be looking to tear down. Some folks may refuse to see good in certain people.
There are two things we must do in this situation. First, we must do what is right, regardless of what others may think or say about us. We must learn to tune out the gossip and the slander, and listen to God.
Second, lets make sure we are not the ones looking to tear down, looking to gossip, refusing to see good in folks. Let's learn to and forgive, even those that may think are our enemies. After all, is that not what the Lord told us to do?
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 10:1-11
In Revelation, many things happen that don't make much sense to any of us. But, the one thing that in put forth over and over again, is that God is control and at work. Even in situations that don't make much sense to us or that we can't understand. God is at work. We need the grace to trust, even when the situation around us doesn't make sense.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:36-43
Notice it is up to God and the angels to do the casting into the fire at the end. It is not up to you and me. Let's be careful before we starting throwing those that we think are weeds into the fire, for God may yet make them wheat. Let's remember that all we are is because of all that God has given us through His grace; and let us learn to rest on that grace.
Nehemiah 6:1-19
Believe it or not, people have always gossiped. Hard to believe, but it is true. Here, Nehemiah is at work trying to do good, trying to get the wall rebuilt, and others are saying, the only reason he's doing it to be king! They are hurling gossip and insults at him, when all he is trying to do is to do what is right.
In life, we can't control what others say. We can't really control what they think about us. All we can control is our actions. Some folks my look for wrong motivations in right actions. Some folks may be looking to tear down. Some folks may refuse to see good in certain people.
There are two things we must do in this situation. First, we must do what is right, regardless of what others may think or say about us. We must learn to tune out the gossip and the slander, and listen to God.
Second, lets make sure we are not the ones looking to tear down, looking to gossip, refusing to see good in folks. Let's learn to and forgive, even those that may think are our enemies. After all, is that not what the Lord told us to do?
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 10:1-11
In Revelation, many things happen that don't make much sense to any of us. But, the one thing that in put forth over and over again, is that God is control and at work. Even in situations that don't make much sense to us or that we can't understand. God is at work. We need the grace to trust, even when the situation around us doesn't make sense.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:36-43
Notice it is up to God and the angels to do the casting into the fire at the end. It is not up to you and me. Let's be careful before we starting throwing those that we think are weeds into the fire, for God may yet make them wheat. Let's remember that all we are is because of all that God has given us through His grace; and let us learn to rest on that grace.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
All Saints Day: Thursday, November 1, 2007
Today is All Saint's Day. It is the day where we stop and take a moment to remember those that have gone before. Those that have shaped and influenced our lives, but yet are no longer with us here on the earth. They have joined that great company of heaven. They have gained that eternal reward. They are now fully alive in Christ, as we each hope to one day be.
So, today, on this day, our reflection will not be upon a Biblical passage but on the life of someone you love. Particularly someone you love that has passed into true life.
Today, think about that person that shaped your faith. Maybe it was a grandmother, a parent, a teacher, a friend. Think about what they have taught you about love, above mercy, about hope, about peace.
How do we emulate that in our lives? How do the lessons that we have been taught show forth in the way that we live? Do we allow Jesus to shine through in our lives as they have done in their lives? Are we living in such a way where someone, someday will stop on this Holy Day and reflect about us?
OK maybe one passage from the Bible. Hebrews 12 tell us that we are surrounded by a mighty cloud of witnesses. So, let us keep pushing and working and trying. Let us keep up the struggle and keep up the fight for a holy life. Let us keep doing that which the Lord has called us to do.
Today, let us remember those that have gone before. And, let us live in such a way where honor what they have taught us and live in the truth and love their savior, and our savior, Jesus Christ.
So, today, on this day, our reflection will not be upon a Biblical passage but on the life of someone you love. Particularly someone you love that has passed into true life.
Today, think about that person that shaped your faith. Maybe it was a grandmother, a parent, a teacher, a friend. Think about what they have taught you about love, above mercy, about hope, about peace.
How do we emulate that in our lives? How do the lessons that we have been taught show forth in the way that we live? Do we allow Jesus to shine through in our lives as they have done in their lives? Are we living in such a way where someone, someday will stop on this Holy Day and reflect about us?
OK maybe one passage from the Bible. Hebrews 12 tell us that we are surrounded by a mighty cloud of witnesses. So, let us keep pushing and working and trying. Let us keep up the struggle and keep up the fight for a holy life. Let us keep doing that which the Lord has called us to do.
Today, let us remember those that have gone before. And, let us live in such a way where honor what they have taught us and live in the truth and love their savior, and our savior, Jesus Christ.
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