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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.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ordinary Time: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ordinary Time: Monday, August 24, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Ordinary Time: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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.
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.
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