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Old Testament Lesson
Amos 7:10-17, 24-25
This is one of the great rebukes in scripture. The king tells Amos to get away and stop preaching bad news to him, and Amos says, I'm not a priest, not a prophet, I'm just a shepherd. And, I'm just doing what God has called me to do. And, God did call, and he did do.
God calls those that are willing to go and serve, not just those that are qualified. Today, do you feel called to something? Then, do it! Don't worry about anything else. If you are called, then go! God will take care of the rest.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 1:9-16
One thing we see in Revelation is a lot Biblical imagery from the Old Testament, but, this really isn't the forum to really dig down to that level. (Although, those that receive this from Ripely FUMC, I'm going to teach Revelation next year during Sunday School). But, the one thing that Revelation shows us is the importance of the whole of scripture. It is so important to keep things in context when reading them, and focus more on the big picture than all the small details. When we have that big picture in mind, we will be able to see what God is trying to say to us.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 22:34-46
In this passage, we see the goal, the completeness, the whole of our faith. We see ultimately what we are put here to do; what we are grow towards, what should be the heartbeat of our faith. We see what we are here for and what the Lord wants us to do above all else. Love of God. Love of Neighbor. Those two things must be our guiding principal in all of live. Does what we do further our love of God? Does it further our love of neighbor? This is the command of God for the Christian. Love God. Love Neighbor. The rest takes care of itself.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Pictures of FUMC Children's Program
You can click Ripley FUMC's picture blog to see pics from our Children's Christmas Program's from yesterday
Advent:: Monday, December 10, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Amos 7:1-9
We see the Lord give Amos warnings of potential destruction that is to come, if the people do not turn from their ways. Destruction, though is not sure to come. If they turn from their ways, if they turn to the Lord, they can and will live again. They must turn. The plumb line is laid out to measure them. But, it is not complete. There is always a second chance.
So it is for us, there is always another chance. Let us take advantage of God's grace that is new to us in this new day.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 1:1-8
In this beginning of Revelation, the Lord says that it is given so that folks can understand what He is doing. Sometimes in life, God doesn't makes. Sometimes, His plans aren't always clean. Sometimes, we are at a loss for what He is doing. Sometimes, we just don't know.
But there will come a time when we do understand. There will come a time when we do see. There will come a time when we do know. Just keep holding on, and believe. God will let us all know, one day.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 22:23-33
God is the God of the living. So, all that are in Him are alive. So, today, live! Live like you've never lived! Know His grace, and know His life! Today, live.
Amos 7:1-9
We see the Lord give Amos warnings of potential destruction that is to come, if the people do not turn from their ways. Destruction, though is not sure to come. If they turn from their ways, if they turn to the Lord, they can and will live again. They must turn. The plumb line is laid out to measure them. But, it is not complete. There is always a second chance.
So it is for us, there is always another chance. Let us take advantage of God's grace that is new to us in this new day.
New Testament Lesson
Revelation 1:1-8
In this beginning of Revelation, the Lord says that it is given so that folks can understand what He is doing. Sometimes in life, God doesn't makes. Sometimes, His plans aren't always clean. Sometimes, we are at a loss for what He is doing. Sometimes, we just don't know.
But there will come a time when we do understand. There will come a time when we do see. There will come a time when we do know. Just keep holding on, and believe. God will let us all know, one day.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 22:23-33
God is the God of the living. So, all that are in Him are alive. So, today, live! Live like you've never lived! Know His grace, and know His life! Today, live.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
On the Road Again
This is my latest article for the Southern Sentinel
One of my earliest memories may tell you a great deal about me. One of the things that I remember first from my childhood was my brother bringing home a new 8 track that we played in our home stereo of Willie Nelson singing “On the Road Again.” I remember that like it was yesterday and to this day I love that song.
Advent: Wednesday, December 5, 2007
There will be no blogging tomorrow. I'll be out of town for the Pastor's Leadership School and the camp ground we will be staying at does not have Internet access. So, we'll resume on Monday.
Old Testament Lesson
Amos 3:12-4:5
We see in this passage that the Lord condemns these people for many reasons, but one of the main ones is because they are not taking care of the needy in their midst. There are folks around them in need, and they are doing nothing to help them. That is a great lesson for us this morning.
Today, we will encounter people in need. It man be physical need. It may be emotional. It may be spiritual. Someone may need a shoulder to cry on. An ear to listen. A kind word. A hug. Somehow, some way, we will each meet someone in need. May we do all that we can to help those that we meet.
New Testament Lesson
2 Peter 3:1-10
One of the virtues that this passage teaches us is patience. This book was written almost 2000 years ago. At this time, folks were getting tried of waiting for the return of Christ. Some that opposed the church said, see, He's not coming. 2000 years ago, folks were getting impatient waiting for His return.
You can go to Google and look up anything having to do with Jesus return and get thousands of pages. Some folks seem to be more focused on His return, than on doing His will. He will come when He is supposed to return. Let's not worry about that. Let's worry about doing all the good that we can do right now! For His sake, and for His kingdom! Let's do what He has called us to do!
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:23-32
We see Jesus tell the teachers of the Law that if they do not believe, there false religion will not be enough. In the above two lessons, I talked about how we are to be going and doing. Yes we are. But, before we go and do, before we do these things, we must make sure our heart is right. For the religion of Jesus starts with that heart, and moves outward. Today, may we focus our hearts on Him. Then our actions will follow.
Old Testament Lesson
Amos 3:12-4:5
We see in this passage that the Lord condemns these people for many reasons, but one of the main ones is because they are not taking care of the needy in their midst. There are folks around them in need, and they are doing nothing to help them. That is a great lesson for us this morning.
Today, we will encounter people in need. It man be physical need. It may be emotional. It may be spiritual. Someone may need a shoulder to cry on. An ear to listen. A kind word. A hug. Somehow, some way, we will each meet someone in need. May we do all that we can to help those that we meet.
New Testament Lesson
2 Peter 3:1-10
One of the virtues that this passage teaches us is patience. This book was written almost 2000 years ago. At this time, folks were getting tried of waiting for the return of Christ. Some that opposed the church said, see, He's not coming. 2000 years ago, folks were getting impatient waiting for His return.
You can go to Google and look up anything having to do with Jesus return and get thousands of pages. Some folks seem to be more focused on His return, than on doing His will. He will come when He is supposed to return. Let's not worry about that. Let's worry about doing all the good that we can do right now! For His sake, and for His kingdom! Let's do what He has called us to do!
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:23-32
We see Jesus tell the teachers of the Law that if they do not believe, there false religion will not be enough. In the above two lessons, I talked about how we are to be going and doing. Yes we are. But, before we go and do, before we do these things, we must make sure our heart is right. For the religion of Jesus starts with that heart, and moves outward. Today, may we focus our hearts on Him. Then our actions will follow.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Advent: Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Amos 3:1-11
In this passage the Lord tells us that He does nothing without first letting His people know what is happening. One of the gifts that God has given us is that He wants us to cooperate with His plan and what He is doing. So, to do this, He lets us know what He is going to do. In this passage He is warning about coming judgement, saying, have I not told you what I plan on doing?
But, in our lives, if we will watch, and listen, and pray, we will see what He is going to do. We just have make ourselves aware, and discipline ourselves to be looking. If we do this, then He will surly let us know what His plans for us are.
New Testament Lesson
2 Peter 1:12-21
One of the truths we see in scripture is the need to be reminded of things. In this passage we are told that we will keep being reminded of what has been taught and seen in the past. That's a good thing. Sometimes life can be so busy that we can forget. We can forget God's grace, God's call, God's plan. So, we need to be reminded.
I've always like the last verse of that old hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story."
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:12-22
One of the more amazing things that we see in scripture, in my opinion, is that those that opposed Jesus got mad when He helped people. They would get mad when He would heal the blind, or cure the sick, or raise the dead. Why?
They got mad because He didn't do it the way that they felt like it should have been done. He didn't do it by their rules in their way. Isn't that sad, to get mad when good is done?
Sometimes, thought, if we are not careful, we can fall into the same trap. God may be doing something good in our lives, but it is not done the way that we'd like for it do be done. And, we can sometimes get mad. Remember, in this life, to look at the good being done, and not always focus on whether its done the way that we like or not.
Amos 3:1-11
In this passage the Lord tells us that He does nothing without first letting His people know what is happening. One of the gifts that God has given us is that He wants us to cooperate with His plan and what He is doing. So, to do this, He lets us know what He is going to do. In this passage He is warning about coming judgement, saying, have I not told you what I plan on doing?
But, in our lives, if we will watch, and listen, and pray, we will see what He is going to do. We just have make ourselves aware, and discipline ourselves to be looking. If we do this, then He will surly let us know what His plans for us are.
New Testament Lesson
2 Peter 1:12-21
One of the truths we see in scripture is the need to be reminded of things. In this passage we are told that we will keep being reminded of what has been taught and seen in the past. That's a good thing. Sometimes life can be so busy that we can forget. We can forget God's grace, God's call, God's plan. So, we need to be reminded.
I've always like the last verse of that old hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story."
I love to tell the story, for those who know it bestJust because we've heard it before; we all need to be reminded of that great story.
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:12-22
One of the more amazing things that we see in scripture, in my opinion, is that those that opposed Jesus got mad when He helped people. They would get mad when He would heal the blind, or cure the sick, or raise the dead. Why?
They got mad because He didn't do it the way that they felt like it should have been done. He didn't do it by their rules in their way. Isn't that sad, to get mad when good is done?
Sometimes, thought, if we are not careful, we can fall into the same trap. God may be doing something good in our lives, but it is not done the way that we'd like for it do be done. And, we can sometimes get mad. Remember, in this life, to look at the good being done, and not always focus on whether its done the way that we like or not.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Advent: Monday, December 3, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Amos 2:6-16
We see that one of the things that the Lord condemns the people for in this passage is that not only did they do wrong, but they led others to do wrong. One of the things that we must always know is our power and influence. There are always folks watching us. Seeing how we live, seeing what we do.
That sometimes puts undo pressure us on us, doesn't it? It makes us feel like we can't make any mistakes, or else. That is not what that means. Living the Christian life means that sometimes we make mistakes. And, what do we do when we do that? We say, I'm sorry. We say, I made a mistakes. We ask forgiveness.
The Christian life is not about false perfection. It is about real life, trying to be obedient to Christ, and we we fall, get up and keep going. Let us always ask forgiveness, and offer forgiveness. For, as we have been forgiven, we are to forgive each other.
New Testament Lesson
2 Peter 1:1-11
Sometimes we get the feeling that we just can't do whatever it is that we are called to do, or that we feel led to do. We think that the mountain is to high, or the valley too wide that we can't jump across. Today, in this passage, we see that all these great things, power, and strength, all that we can ask for, are there for us in Christ Jesus.
If He has called you to something, you can do it! Through His power, there is no mountain too high! Today, you can! Believe it! He is with you. Rely upon His strength and power.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:1-11
The two events that bind our faith together are Christmas and Easter. On Christmas, our hope was born, on Easter, our hope suffered and died so that we could be reconciled to God. In this passage, we see Jesus enter into Jerusalem on the back of a humble donkey, entering what He knew would result in the cross.
One thing we see in the life of Jesus is humility. He was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How did He enter into the world? A manger, something used for the feeding of animals. How did He enter into Jerusalem? Not a stallion, as a conquering king would do,but on the back of donkey.
Christ humbly did these things to show us that life is not in exalting ourselves or in seeking gain only for ourselves; life is found in living outside of ourselves. Living for Him, living for family, living for purpose. Today, may we see that true life comes from living in the hope of something greater than ourselves.
Amos 2:6-16
We see that one of the things that the Lord condemns the people for in this passage is that not only did they do wrong, but they led others to do wrong. One of the things that we must always know is our power and influence. There are always folks watching us. Seeing how we live, seeing what we do.
That sometimes puts undo pressure us on us, doesn't it? It makes us feel like we can't make any mistakes, or else. That is not what that means. Living the Christian life means that sometimes we make mistakes. And, what do we do when we do that? We say, I'm sorry. We say, I made a mistakes. We ask forgiveness.
The Christian life is not about false perfection. It is about real life, trying to be obedient to Christ, and we we fall, get up and keep going. Let us always ask forgiveness, and offer forgiveness. For, as we have been forgiven, we are to forgive each other.
New Testament Lesson
2 Peter 1:1-11
Sometimes we get the feeling that we just can't do whatever it is that we are called to do, or that we feel led to do. We think that the mountain is to high, or the valley too wide that we can't jump across. Today, in this passage, we see that all these great things, power, and strength, all that we can ask for, are there for us in Christ Jesus.
If He has called you to something, you can do it! Through His power, there is no mountain too high! Today, you can! Believe it! He is with you. Rely upon His strength and power.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:1-11
The two events that bind our faith together are Christmas and Easter. On Christmas, our hope was born, on Easter, our hope suffered and died so that we could be reconciled to God. In this passage, we see Jesus enter into Jerusalem on the back of a humble donkey, entering what He knew would result in the cross.
One thing we see in the life of Jesus is humility. He was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How did He enter into the world? A manger, something used for the feeding of animals. How did He enter into Jerusalem? Not a stallion, as a conquering king would do,but on the back of donkey.
Christ humbly did these things to show us that life is not in exalting ourselves or in seeking gain only for ourselves; life is found in living outside of ourselves. Living for Him, living for family, living for purpose. Today, may we see that true life comes from living in the hope of something greater than ourselves.
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