North Kingstown United Methodist Church
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The Lenten Devotional - 2010
We are now entering this season called Lent. It is time to look inward, to reflect on our own sinfulness, and to repent, to turn again to God and take up God’s purposes as we navigate together the terrain of precipices, mountains, and valleys. May the reflections of fellow travelers on the journey invite you into a deeper experience of Lent and encourage you that we gather at the cross together on Easter morn to experience as one body the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Blessings on your journey,
Pastor Lori
· · ·
February 17th, 2010 Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-17
Often in the Old Testament, God is portrayed as a punishing God.
However, the prophet Joel also has confidence that ritual of repentance can
change the course of the history of God's people, because he believes the old
confessional formula:
[God] is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
And relents from punishing. (2:13)
As we begin our observance of Lent, let us remember that repentance can be something as simple as returning to the worship of our Lord or renewing our worship. Make God part of your life, every day.
Larry Price
· · ·
February 18th, 2010
Hosea 11:1-11
The Prophet Hosea was watching a catastrophe unfold. The Assyrians were poised for invasion and the people had lost confidence in their ability to protect themselves. Add to that a moral and spiritual decline that had weakened the inner spirit of the people. The situation could not have been more desperate. What can a prophet say in such times?
There are some who would say that the only appropriate word from Hosea would be: “I told you so! You have been disobedient and sinful! You are going to get the punishment that you deserve.” But Hosea has a different Word from the Lord. It is realistic, nuanced, and hopeful. Hosea tells how God remembers rescuing the people out of slavery, but weeps that they forsook their calling by offering devotion to false gods. It pains God that the people didn't know the source of their healing. God had given compassion and love, and had become at one with them, but the people turned away. Any god worth his salt would punish them.
And yet, Hosea speaks of God’s Compassion: “How can I give you up, O Ephraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel!” “My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender.” “I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.” God will not behave like mortals!
This is an important and essential insight. It is a witness that God’s love and compassion is constant even though faithlessness and evil conspire to bring calamity on the people. It is a reminder that catastrophes, contrary to the belief of some, are not a punishment from God. God loves, not because we are lovable, but because God is Love. God wants people to do the right thing, but will not compel them to do it.
This story brings a poignant quality to our Lenten reflections. We know where Lent is heading, and that, despite the Love of God in the life and teachings of Jesus, there looms a cross. In Hosea’s time God remains faithful to the people, precisely because God loves, even when those whom God loves do not return the love. In the week we call Holy we see an impending tragedy, and we struggle to reconcile God’s Love with the reality of the cross. Before that quandary God’s words through Hosea give us hope: “I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.” The compassion and love of God is sure, and that is for us a source of life and hope.
Prayer: Teach us to trust You, O Lord God, that we may see and believe that You alone are the source of our life and hope. Before the reality of tragedy remind us that You are the Holy One in our midst and that you do not come to destroy. Show us the way to faithfulness and obedience, that we may become whole in Your healing Love and find in you all that we need for life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev. F. Richard Garland
· · ·
February 19th, 2010
Hosea
14:1-9
The Lord loves us unconditionally. He spared Israel though the Israelites acted
as though He never mattered or existed. He pleaded with His people to return to
Him and He will shower them with love - regardless of their actions. He
expresses His ultimate forgiveness by looking beyond their sins and the false
gods. He loved them, and He loves us unconditionally.
We need to take this valuable lesson from our Lord. How often do we feel
aggrieved, or insulted when others knowingly or unknowingly offend us? How
often do we feel the need to lash out and punish others for their offenses? We
want to walk away and ignore them. There are so many interactions that we have
with others every day. Isn't it entirely possible that sometime, somehow
someone will "push the wrong button"?
We cannot control the actions or words of others, but we can control our
reactions to them. Rather than seeking revenge, or punishment, or shutting
others out, we should offer forgiveness, just as the Lord did with the
Israelites. By doing so, we will find our own peace within.
Bruce Reirden
· · ·
February 20th, 2010
1 John 1-10
Let me begin with a quote from the notes of my “Life Application Study Bible”: This letter was written by John, one of Jesus original disciples and Christianity had now been around through one generation and the Christians were scattered throughout the empire.
“The main problem confronting the church at this time was declining commitment: Many believers were conforming to the world’s standards, failing to stand up for Christ and compromising their faith. John wrote this letter to put believers back on track, to show the difference between light and darkness, and to encourage the church to grow in genuine love for God and one another”
Reading this note showed me that things haven’t changed a whole lot in 2000 years! In this time of Lent and of reflecting upon our own lives, we need to grab hold of the fact that God is the light in our lives. Not a single one of us is perfect (without sin) and we need to focus on the light and work and grow together to serve those around us in need. This is the example that Jesus set for all of us. We need to nurture the light in ourselves and starve the darkness by sharing together and reaching out to those around us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your hope and your light and pray that we can turn our darkness over to you and live in your light, sharing your light with the world around us. Amen
Ruth Sperry
· · ·
February 21st, 2010
John 2:
1-21
Jesus was challenged and tested many times before proving to all that He was the
greatest of all miracles. At the wedding feast in Cana, turning the water into
wine was the first of His many miracles.
We, as humans, always seem to want proof. "Show Me!" , we say. Jesus did, many
times. And when He chased the peddlers from the Temple in Jerusalem, they
demanded He show proof of Himself as the Lord. He foretold: "I will destroy
this temple and rebuild it in three days." This He proved when He was raised
from the dead in three days.
Our faith, as Christians depends on our belief in Jesus and His incredible gift
to us as the greatest miracle of all. He has given us all the proof we need.
Bruce Reirden
· · ·
February 22nd, 2010
1 John 2:18-29
John wrote this epistle to encourage and strengthen believers in a group of churches near Ephesus in the western half of what is today the country of Turkey. This particular section of 1 John, chapter 2 is devoted to the message of warning against the antichrist – one who denies that Jesus is the Christ.
John goes on to say that all true believers must stand firm in their convictions and beliefs, lest they be led astray and away from a vital relationship from our Lord. Even when we are anointed with the truth by the Holy Spirit, we can still fall away from the Body of Christ. All it takes is a little chip here and a little chip there and before you know it, we no longer walk with God. It doesn’t take much to erode that once close relationship with Christ. I ought to know-I’ve been there.
That is why it is so important to “put on the full armor of God”. Don’t put God on a list of priorities of each day. Instead, put God at the center and the start of each and every day. Start your day with prayer; end your day with prayer; serve others as Christ has served you and me; set aside time each day to read from the Bible; participate in Bible study or spiritual book study. Attend worship regularly and take part in Holy Communion. Surround yourselves with like-minded believers and pour yourselves out as an offering to God and each other – friends as well as strangers.
Do these things not just in the Lenten season but all throughout the year. And on days when you fall, ask for God’s forgiveness, dust yourself off, and work hard to remain in Christ so Christ will remain in you.
In Christ’s love,
Richard Dunne
· · ·
February 23rd, 2010
1 John 3: 1-10
“Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”
p.611 The United Methodist Hymnal, copyright 1989)
According to the small print at the bottom of p. 611 in our hymnal, the words to this hymn were written in 1981 by Ronald S. Cole-Turner, Professor of Theology and Ethics at Pittsburg Theological Seminary. His words were put to music composed in 1715 by C.F.Witt. I’ll come back to this connection with today’s Scripture in a minute.
After reading the above scripture from the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, I had to find an easier way to understand what the apostle John was saying. I read his words several times from my copy of the Adventure Study Bible for Kids, and again from the New Revised Standard Version and finally from the Quest Study Bible, also NIV, but with the helpful notes in the margins and a great historical introduction to each book.
The apostle John wrote this book around AD 85-95. The new followers of Christ, “children” as John called them, are being warned of the people who will persecute them for their beliefs, try to confuse and deceive them. John calls these people anti-christ, because they do not know God or the children of God. John encourages the “Children of God” to live right, learn about and obey God’s commands.
We are children in our faith because we have not yet grown to know all that God has for us to know. So this brings me back to the hymn mentioned above. It is a hymn chosen by pastors for baptism, confirmation or reaffirmation services. In this song we acknowledge that through Christ’s sacrifice we are children of blessing, of promise, of love and joy.
This last verse clarifies John’s words for me.
Child of God your loving parent, learn to know whose child you are.
Grow to laugh and sing and worship, trust and love God more than all.
How do you know if you are a child of God? The answer below.
Children of God believe in Jesus.
They show they trust Jesus by obeying God’s commands and by loving others.
(p.1528 – The New Adventure Bible: A Study Bible for Kids.
Nina Dunne
· · ·
February 24th, 2010
Psalm 116
This Psalm focuses on our relationship with God and how that relationship
sustains us in our time of greatest need. God hears us when we call out for his
help. In our most desperate moments - when we are deep in despair or when the
face of death stares us in the eye - he is there to comfort our soul and dry our
tears. In return, we offer our prayer and worship, both personally and together
with others. We give him our promise to obey him as his servant. In doing so,
we sustain our part of this wonderful relationship.
Robin Marek
· · ·
February 25th, 2010
1 John 4:1-21
The entire message in this chapter is about love. In fact, the word appears 43 times in these verses. The verses speak of God's love for us as His children; if we are all his children, then we are all brothers and sisters. The author writes "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Later he writes that "God is love". As Christians, we cannot love God, and hate a brother or sister. That is incompatible with the message in these verses. God loves us so much that He sent His only son to be our Savior; to perfect our love of Him and of each other. As we prepare for the death AND resurrection of our Lord and Savior, let us remember the message in these verses; love God, and love each other in His name and Spirit.
Peace, Blessings, AND Love,
Steve Brooks
· · ·
February 26th, 2010
Scripture: 1 John 2:18-29
The author, John son of Zebedee, is writing what seems to be the 1st century equivalent of a pep talk. His letter, thought to be written to no particular group of believers, attempts to counter the false teachings of Gnostics. Gnostic teachers insisted that the teaching of the apostles about Jesus was to be supplemented with the “higher knowledge” that they claimed to possess. Salvation could not be achieved without it. John retorts that what the apostles taught through the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not only adequate but is the only reliable truth.
There is no shortage of experts today who claim to know the secret of salvation or the “real” way to a relationship with God. What are we to believe? Through our study of the Scriptures and letting Christ’s life and teachings be a model for our own, like the recipients of John’s letter, we will know the truth.
Lisa Bowe
· · ·
February 27th, 2010
2 John
To the elect lady, the Church, John writes about truth and love. True believers live in love with one another; they know and live the truth. He contrasts the life of the believer with that of the deceiver, and states that he is overjoyed to find believers walking in the truth. In the midst of the Lent can we find joy in the truth we profess? What is the truth you know? Is it what you feel? What you perceive?
The truth is God in Jesus Christ has come to live among us and it is by his grace and mercy we are being made complete. No one is perfect, all fall short of God’s glory, yet we may take joy in knowing Christ has gone before us. As we continue our Lenten journey, we will go to the cross, and we will move beyond it. Everyone who shares in Christ’s baptism will share in his resurrection. This is the hope we proclaim as we walk in love and in truth.
Pastor Lori Eldredge
· · ·
February 28th, 2010
3 John
In this short letter to his beloved friend and Christian leader, Gaius, John is sending a message of truth and encouragement. John has heard from traveling teachers of the Lord’s word that when they were in Corinth, they were refused help and turned away by Diotrephes who was another leader of a congregation. Also, those in Diotrephes’ congregation who tried to do the right thing were thrown out of his church. Unlike Diotrephes, Gaius welcomes these traveling teachers for the Lord and shows them hospitality. John is praising and blessing Gaius for knowing the truth and practicing it. John encourages his friend to keep steadfast in the truth and not be swayed by the evil example of Diotrephes in his town. We too have good examples of following the Truth of God and we have bad examples. Whom shall we follow? How do we know which is the way of the truth? John tells us in this letter that we can trust the truth of “being faithful in helping other followers of the Lord, even the ones you didn’t know before.” (3 John 5) John tells us that by supporting people who are doing the Lords’ work and teaching the Word of the Lord we are demonstrating God’s love and this is the truth that should guide us.
Dear Lord,
Help us to know your truth by supporting those who teach your Word. Place in our hearts the truth of love and hospitality so that others may know you through our thoughts and deeds. We know that it brings you happiness to hear that your children are obeying the truth and working together. Place in our hearts the desire to love others as we love you and to work together for the common good of your people. Amen.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula J. Martasian
· · ·
March 1st, 2010
Luke 4:1-15
The Temptation of Jesus
This passage reflects how Christians should not lead their lives. The devil is always out there, ready to wreak havoc with our lives by giving us the hope of something for nothing. He offers all the riches and possessions in the world if we but worship material things, thinking we are able to take chances without any ramifications.
Christians need to take the high road in Life. Don’t let the temptations of the world draw you in. Realize that to get ahead in life you must work for it with the help of God. With His help you will realize that living and believing in God is far greater than all the material things you could ever desire.
Elaine Roffo
· · ·
March 2nd, 2010
Luke 11: 1 – 13
"When Jesus finished praying, one of his Disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray."
So, Jesus told them, "Pray in this way:
'Father, help us
to honor your name.
Come and set up
your kingdom.
Give us each day
the food we need.
Forgive our sins,
as we forgive everyone
who has done wrong to us.
And keep us
from being tempted.'
Then Jesus went on to say: Suppose one of you goes to a Friend in the middle of the night and says, "let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has dropped in, and I don't have a thing for him to eat." And suppose your friend answers "don't bother me! The door is bolted and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you something."
He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep asking. So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened to everyone who knocks. Which one of you fathers would give your hungry child a snake if the child asks for a fish? Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if your child asks you for an egg? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heaven Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.
This Scripture is a look into why we say the common "Lord's Prayer". No one really sits down and really thinks about what each phrase of the prayer means, do they? I remember what I was taught, but actually reading this Scripture puts the prayer in an easier way to understand.
We pray to God for everything. But when we ask for help making it through, a wall in our life, God opens a window, or unlocks a door for us. By knowing what we want, and asking for something, we hope for guidance, Like children looking to Mom and Dad for rules. By praying we are asking, by Praying to God we are asking for that Guidance from the Holy Spirit. We may not get what we want, but we sure will get what we need.
Go in the Love of the Lord.
Betsy Bailey
· · ·
March 3rd, 2010 Watch and Pray.
Luke 18: 1-14
Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation (Matthew 26: 41a.)
Communication and transaction with God or our fellow humans often originate in thought, even the thought we commandeer and make our own. Thought is spiritual without a physical form. Yet we see, hear, and feel it as people eventually ex-press thought in word or deed, in audible or in visual form. We press thought out of the spiritual realm and into the physical world. In Luke 18: 1-14, thought is common to the participants in both parables. By their actions and utterances, we are able to infer their different thoughts. The widow thought persistence and patience in her request to the judge for justice. The judge thought the ruling on the matter was obvious and in the face of persistence, he had no choice but to make it and avoid personal consequences. The Pharisee thought he was better than others were and could in his prayer depend on his works. The publican thought he was a sinner who should only ask God for forgiveness. Which participant would you rather be in each parable? In our everyday dealings with one another and with God, such is the decision we must make, and temptation is often present. Our task is two-fold: to say and to do the right thing; to not say and to not do the wrong thing. Therefore, as the 100 percent principle, our Lord Jesus admonishes us to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation.
Thought for the day: Examine every thought and pray that you enter not into temptation before, during and after you ex-press it to the outside world.
Prayer: Our Father, we thank you for the thoughts you think toward us. Help us with the thoughts we think toward you, toward others and toward ourselves. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the exalted One. Amen.
Daniel and Dorcas Kamanda
· · ·
March 4th, 2010 Confess, repent, forgive. When?
Psalm 32
God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5: 8).
Forgiving other is what happens with us as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Being forgiven by other happens with someone else, even another follower of our Lord. However, in Psalm 32, that someone is God, our Father. When Father forgives us, he blesses us. He gives us the gift of forgiveness. He covers our sins and removes all guilt from the record and from our spirit. Further, God instructs and teaches us the way we should go. He advises us to be his creatures with understanding. In his divine mercy and love he sees us in Christ as man, woman, or child “in whose spirit there is no guile,” (Psalm 32: 2). This is awesome and should be so marvelous in our hearts, souls, and minds that we strive to be “perfect” (Matthew 5: 48), “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). The way we should go is acknowledge our sin, confess our transgression, pray, and repent and accept God’s forgiveness ( Psalm 32: 5, 6, 11). By this way multiple forgiveness would certainly happen to us, horizontally to us from us and vertically down to us from God: “forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us,” (Ephesians 4:32). Let us try it today and everyday. Shall we?
Thought for the day: Receive God’s gift of forgiveness and be forgiving too.
Prayer: Father, give me understanding that I may know and do your instruction. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the exalted One. Amen.
Daniel and Dorcas Kamanda
· · ·
March 5th, 2010
Psalm 33
A simple humble shepherd wrote psalm 33, entitled “A Song of Praise”, over two thousand years ago. These words, spoken from the heart, retain the power to stir our imagination and encourage us to sing our own song of praise.
Our praise should be out of reverence for God, because of our hope and trust in His love. Our praise should come out of the knowledge of what the Lord has done for us, of how His words are true, His works dependable, and that all things (the world and our lives) are at His eternal command.
While analyzing my own praise response, I realize that as I pray and give thanks for my day, regardless of the good or bad moments, I smile for the presence of the Lord has been with me throughout. I also realize that while singing hymns at church I sway to the music (as commented upon by several church family members). It’s as if my body is unable to remain still. These are simply signs of the outpouring of my spirit. Each of us has a unique way of singing a song of praise to God.
Our praise should be a natural response from the depth of our hearts, giving the Lord our thanks, our obedience, and honoring Him as (Psalm 33 states) our hearts “Shout for Joy”.
Dear Lord, Thank you for this opportunity to share my own thoughts of praise with my church family. May your constant love be with us, Lord, as we place our hope in you (Psalm 33:22).
PRAISE GOD,
Eve DerManouelian
· · ·
March 6th, 2010
Psalm 34
A David Psalm, when he outwitted Abimelech and got away
After focusing on David's experience we can put aside
thoughts about prayer as being just about praise and all the
good things we have to share with our Maker. Prayer is praise
and thanksgiving but David revealed an intimate relationship
with GOD; he was desperate and GOD saved him.
Turning to GOD in good times and bad, sharing all our feelings
with him, opens us to GOD's protection. We can experience
how good GOD is by talking to him, often, as to a very good friend.
We are blessed when we run to GOD, sharing our doubts, fears,
weaknesses, and longings as well as our joys.
vv. 8, 9, 20 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who
takes refuge in him.
NIV
Grace and peace,
Marilyn Moffett
· · ·
March 7th, 2010
Numbers 14:1-25
The Israelites had traveled for forty years with the hope and the promise of a “land flowing with milk and honey”. They were now at the borders of Canaan and had received dire warnings from the scouts sent ahead. The land was fruitful but the towns well fortified and the inhabitants strong and powerful. Now the people raged against their leaders, Moses and Aaron, feeling sorry for themselves and bemoaning their fate and the impossibility of overcoming such obstacles after all their wanderings.
As Moses and Aaron knelt down to pray while the crowd talked about stoning their leaders – playing the “Blame Game”- God appeared in their midst – chiding them for their repeated rejection and unbelief after all the miraculous events they had experienced. God was ready to have them all suffer the consequences of their rejection. Moses intervened on their behalf, pleading for God’s mercy.
God’s answer was that those who had repeatedly rejected him would not see the Promised Land. Only those who were faithful followers would live to enter Canaan. They were ordered to turn back toward the Red Sea.
There are consequences of repeatedly turning away from God – either by ignoring him or outright rejecting him. Just as a rechargeable battery has to be plugged in for recharging so that it can work another day, so we need to “plug in” to God or we will suffer consequences. Yes, God is merciful but we cannot continually separate ourselves from God without discovering that our distancing closes off options. Whatever we have to learn will keep showing up in our lives until we get the message. We can learn the hard way or the easier way by heeding the lessons of the Israelites.
Ellen Jacke
· · ·
March 8th, 2010
1 Samuel 2:1-11
The Song of Hannah
Samuel was the child of Elkanah and Hannah. Elkanah also had a second wife, Peninnah. Some theologians believe that when Hannah was unable to conceive, Elkanah took a second wife as was the custom of the day. In 1 Samuel 1:1-8, Peninnah is described as Hannah’s rival:
On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters; and, although he loved Hannah, he would give Hannah only one portion, because the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her sorely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.
In 1 Samuel 1: 9-20, we read of a distressed Hannah weeping and praying to the Lord at the Temple.
"O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy maidservant, and remember me, and not forget thy maidservant, but wilt give to thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head."
And
“They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her; and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD."
This lengthy introduction brings us to today’s reading. Today we read Hannah’s song of prayer and praise. Hannah rejoices in the Lord;
"My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy like the LORD, there is any besides thee; there is no rock like our God.”
What are we to take away from the Song of Hannah? Take your disappointments to the Lord; he is strong enough to take them. Trust in God to be merciful and remember that all our gifts are from God.
Charlie Seekell
· · ·
March 9th, 2010
2 Samuel 22: 1-25
My Quest Study Bible gives this chapter the heading name David's Song of Praise. Something I had forgotten: this particular chapter is also given in Psalm 18: 1-50. David in both Old Testament books is lavish in his praise of God ( my rock, my deliverer, my refuge, my savior), and for all the right reasons ( saved from violent men, rescued me, took hold of me, delighted in me). David also states, " I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin." Quite a statement for him to make seeing that this chapter was written before David would soon be guilty of two very serious sins - adultery and murder. So for the last part of verse 24, David is incorrect. But, he is absolutely correct in the first part of verse 24 - he is blameless! How could this be? How is this possible? David is not only guilty of future sin but also brings calamity upon his household in the death of the son that he and Bathsheba sire. Sounds like this "man after God's own heart" better run after the heart of God and beg Him for forgiveness. And this is exactly what David does. He doesn't say, "I am sinless". He says, "I am blameless." He trusts that God will forgive him of his sins and hold him blameless. And trust God he does. He runs after God, falls down on his face, accepts responsibility for his sins, and asks for a second chance. Sounds like good advice for all of us in this Lenten season.
God's Peace,
Richard Dunne
· · ·
March 10th, 2010
2 Samuel 22:26-51
This scripture is the second part of a song of praise King David wrote after
he had defeated all his enemies. He says that God has kept him safe and made him victorious over those who oppose him; that God cares for him and provides to him everything he needs: strength, endurance, bravery.
This passage is a reminder that God keeps His promises. "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." v. 31 God loves us so much that he gave us Jesus to show us how to live. This Lenten season we can prayerfully consider how we can follow him more closely.
Paula Wilberger
· · ·
March 11th, 2010
1 Kings 3:1-15
What is the definition of Riches? How would you define Wealth?
Worried that he was unequal to the task God had set before him, Solomon proved that he actually was up to it by asking for a simple tool: Wisdom. As with any self-improvement process, knowing that you have to undertake it is the first, hardest, and longest step toward attaining that goal.
In this passage Solomon attained two things that were more valuable by far than silver or gold. He received the strength to use his God-given wisdom for the good of God’s people, and he also received a smile from the Lord in heaven.
What more could any of us ask?
Prayer: Gracious God, grant your servants the Wisdom to know the path you have set out before us. Having granted that, we pray that you also grant us the Strength to follow it in your name. Amen.
Mark Zaccaria
· · ·
March 12th, 2010
1 Kings 8:1-21
At first reading, this passage gave me an interesting archeological explanation of how Solomon and the priests used the Ark of the Covenant in their worship of God. Solomon then goes on to explain that his father, David, had planned to build a Temple to God but God advised David that God’s plan was to have David’s son instead be the builder.
It seemed very interesting and all that but, “What had this to do with the Lenten season?” I thought.
Sometimes I’m a little slow on the uptake, but –I got this one! “Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise… for I have risen in the place of David..” This wonderful “Book of Life” of ours gives so many opportunities for us to see the plan for the coming of the Messiah. I don’t think that Solomon even remotely thought that he himself was the Messiah, but I think he knew his people would take comfort in being cared for by the Lord’s chosen one. And, he wanted it to be understood that they had very clear rules to use to guide their behaviors toward each other-those rules being contained in the Ark.
We are the same here in our generation. We look to God’s Chosen One who has risen in the place of David to provide safety and comfort to us. And, we are still using the same “Rules to Live By” –The 10 Commandments- that were contained in that very Ark long ago.
We’re blessed that some things never change!
Ruth Zaccaria
· · ·
March 13th, 2010
1 Kings 8:22-53
Today's passage is a plea from Solomon to God to be present in the newly constructed Temple, and hear the prayers of the Jewish people that would be lifted up inside that temple. Solomon makes it clear that God is too mighty to be contained even by the heavens themselves, and cannot be limited to a single building, even one built by God's chosen people. Instead, he asks simply that God give special attention to the prayers and supplications that are lifted in the temple.
By the time of Jesus, however, not everyone involved with the temple seems to remember those wise words of Solomon. They have developed an intricate set of rules regarding access to the temple, and even have charges established to reap money from those who approach. The attitude seems to be that God is contained in the temple, it is only in the temple that people's prayers will be heard, and that those who control access to the temple control access to God. One of the more radical acts of Jesus is to expose that hypocrisy, and question the presence of the money changers and others who attempt to profit from the visitors to the temple.
While temples and churches are important, we need to remember that God is far to mighty to be contained in any building, no matter how grand, and that God hears the prayers of all, regardless of where those prayers originate.
Yours in Christ,
Al Brown
· · ·
March 14th, 2010
1 Kings 8:54-66
In the first part of today’s scripture we hear King Solomon lay out a very simple contract. It’s one we still have, with God Almighty, today. God’s end of the bargain has always been upheld. In order to enjoy the benefits of the relationship, all we have to do is remain faithful in word and deed to God.
In the second part of today’s reading we see that King Solomon was as good as his word when it came to Doing the things that bound him and his people to their Creator.
Talk the Talk, then Walk the Walk. It’s simple
It’s still simple today. In fact you’re walking the walk right now. Ok, Ok. You probably haven’t slaughtered twenty-two thousand cattle or one hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. But you have picked up your Bible today and you have taken a moment to hearken to the word of the Lord. In your own way you have held up your end of the bargain with God that King Solomon lifted up in prayer before consecrating the Temple.
Good show!
Mark Zaccaria
· · ·
March 15th, 2010
Ezra 9: 1-15
This chapter describes events following the return of the Jews (God’s “chosen people”) from their long exile in Babylon. Even as the Jews paid homage to God, with ample acts of sacrifices and offerings, they were reminded of a great and continuing sin.
Against explicit commands from God, many had integrated themselves and their families with foreign “corrupted” people of neighboring lands. They befriended and intermarried with the very people that committed “detestable practices” against the laws of God. For this direct disobedience and acts of unfaithfulness, Ezra prayed for God’s forgiveness and their redemption.
Disobedience of these laws of God, and unrepentance of their sins, contributed to the reason the Jews were sent into exile. Now, they had committed the same sins again and needed confession and sincere repentance. This would result in the difficult, yet necessary, act of sending their “foreign” families away.
For a long time, I have had difficulty understanding why God would have families separated and dissolved. Spouses and children, loved and raised, were to be sent away, never to be seen again. This seemed too harsh and unfair! Why would God require this?
I now realize that because they had disobeyed a direct command from God, this was the only way for them to show their commitment to their faith. God wanted the Jews to remain a clean and pure race, so that other nations would be able to see them as God’ chosen people. Intermarriage “contaminated” their race, not just by blood, but also by introducing pagan idolatry and practices into their lives. In order to show they had reformed and were truly repentant, they needed to purge from their lives these influences and reminders of their disobedience. Only by rectifying their sins could they be reconciled with God.
Instead of punishing them again, God gave them the opportunity to return to their land and more importantly, to their God. Obedience and sacrifice would lead to their reconciliation. This was truly a great gift from God showing His great love and mercy.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for not giving up on us when we sin against you. Thank you for presenting us with the opportunities to repent and be reconciled with you and your great love, grace and mercy. Help us to know your will and give us the strength and courage to make the tough, but right decisions. Amen
Mark DerManouelian
· · ·
March 16th, 2010
John 13:21-30
It is not always easy for us to understand God. When Jesus tells the Disciples, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me", he sets the scene for his own death, and the eternal condemnation of Judas. But Judas is not necessarily acting out of free will. Jesus states "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.
Judas was a Disciple, he loved Jesus and the Lord. Why did he betray Jesus? I hope that I never fall into such a situation; I don't know what I would do. The complexities pass my understanding. But what I do understand is that we must put our faith and trust in God. The world is a complex place; we do not have the individual capacity to understand everything that is going on around us. God does understand, and he prepares the world for us so that we can comprehend and understand in our own limited way. We can not run the world; we can not make it function the way we think it should - we can only live in it according to God's purpose.
We must trust in God to give us the foresight to live our lives in a holy way. That way may not be the easy way, but if we listen with our hearts, we can live our lives in a way that benefits God, the earth, and mankind.
Debbie Snow
· · ·
March 17th, 2010
Nehemiah 9:1-18
When you were growing up did you ever hear your parents say these words: “What do you mean you did it because all the others were doing it first? If they had jumped off the Jamestown Bridge would you have done that, too?”
This passage asks us to consider what responsibility we bear for the sins of those who have gone before us. It asks us not to jump from the bridge just because they have. In our hearts we know that we wouldn’t jump if we thought about it first, but we’re not always proud of our record of Thinking First and Acting Second.
Lent is that moment of the year that’s set aside for Thinking First. Take a little time to think through your actions and you’ll always do the right thing. Then your only responsibility for the sins that others have committed will be to forgive them.
A Friend of the Congregation
· · ·
March 18th, 2010
Philippians 4:1–13
It seems the Apostle Paul is always using his letters to the various flocks he started as a means of detailing fine points of Christian Theology. Well there were no seminaries, or theological libraries back then, which was OK since there weren’t any books to put into them, anyway. Paul’s letters are the original source documents for all the millions of words that have been written on Christian Teaching since then.
And in this passage he seems to boil it all down to the very essence of how people who call themselves Christians should live. Paul asks the Philippians to work together for anything that is Good in God’s eyes, to Rejoice in that work, and to realize that they, like Paul, “…can do all things in him who strengthens me.”
Paul is also asking US to those same simple things. After all that’s gone on in Christian thinking since these words were written, can we as modern Christians still hear what Paul said and then follow those instructions?
April Zaccaria
· · ·
March 19th, 2010
Esther 3:1-15
This chapter describes a wicked plan to destroy the Jews and marks the origin of the time the Festival of Purim is celebrated, around the first of March
Haman was a descendant of Agag, an Amalekite king who had fought against the Jews long before the time of Esther. (I Samuel 15:1-33). His people were traditional enemies of the people of Israel.
Mordecai, Queen Esther's cousin, regularly appeared at the king's gate. When King Xerxes promoted Haman to the highest position in court he gave orders for officials at the royal gate to honor Haman by kneeling down to him. All complied except Mordecai, and when questioned about this disobedience to the king's command, he simply answered, "Because I am a Jew." Of course this was reported to Haman and it made him furious.
He started plotting to rid the kingdom of this people whom he claimed were not law-abiding and just didn't fit in. The 'wrong' was set in motion; Haman had letters written
in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring. They were written in all the languages used in the kingdom and sent to all leaders. The proclamation calling for the death of all Jewish men, women and children and confiscation of their property was
read right in the capital city of Susa. Then Haman and King Xerxes had a drink and
the citizens of Susa were perplexed.
Power in the hands of evil persons is very dangerous. Mordecai stood by his people, the Israelites and didn't go along with the crowd. Although the name of God is not found in
thi s book I believe that Mordecai's position was following God' s leading.
Dear God,
Help me to be ready to be known as a child of God today and every day. Amen
Marilyn Moffett
· · ·
March 20th, 2010
Esther 4:1-17
Today's reading is a portion of the story of a brave Jew, Mordecai, who stood up against the authorities of the Persian Empire in defense of his religion and his people. His adopted child, Esther, had been made a queen, which you would think might make Mordecai's life easy. But Mordecai refused to bow down to a king's official because doing so would have violated Jewish Law, and this set in motion a plot to kill all the Jews within the Empire. As a queen, whose Jewish heritage was a secret, Esther would have been immune from this plot. This passage describes how Mordecai uncovers the plot, and brings it to Esther's attention, but it ends without telling us her decision. As it turns out, Esther threw her lot in with her people, and cleverly risked her position and power to save them. In the end, it was the king's official who was executed, Mordecai was promoted to a position of power, and the Jewish people were saved.
So Jesus was not the first Jew who stood up and defied imperial powers. But while at first it appeared Jesus was not as successful as Mordecai, we now know that it was Jesus who won the greatest victory of all!
Yours in Christ,
Al Brown
· · ·
March 21st, 2010
Job 42:1-17
Job 42:10 …After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.
Job 42:16 …After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so he died, old and full of years.
These wonderful passages demonstrate how Job speaks humbly of his inability to understand the greatness of God. He praises God and admits how lowly we as people are compared to God’s great mystery and wonder, knowledge and wisdom. God is beyond us and yet keeps attending to us. Job speaks of how he turns to God in repentance of his foolish ways. God responds with great abundance and kindness and lifts up Job as an example to all. God responds to Job by identifying Job’s response as one of righteousness. And then, God does so much more than restore his true and faithful servant. God gives Job a life of abundance beyond Job’s imagination because that is what God is, giving us grace and love beyond our expectation.
During this Lenten Season let us be humble like Job and turn to God to accept the Grace we are undeserving of and yet receive. Let us live full of God’s abundance in the prosperous love that He intends for us. Say yes to God in the humble and awe manner in which Job said yes.
Dear God,
We are not deserving and yet you fill our lives with grace and love. You are a mystery that keeps us in awe of all that you offer us. We turn to you and by Job’s example humble ourselves to your will and your word. Lord, thank you for restoring us and for moving us to new levels of prosperity of spirit that only you can imagine for us.
Amen
Respectfully submitted
Paula J. Martasian
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March 22nd, 2010
Daniel 9: 1-19
After verses and verses enumerating the sins of his people, Daniel makes a fervent plea for God to “look with favor upon your desolate sanctuary” (NIV) when, in studying Jeremiah, he realizes that it is prophesied that Jerusalem will lie in ruin for seventy years
In ”The Message” Eugene Peterson puts it this way.
“Turn your ears our way, God, and listen. Open your eyes and take a long look at our ruined city, named after you. We know we don’t deserve a hearing from you. Our appeal is to your compassion. This prayer is our last and only hope. ”
How often do we sin and separate ourselves from God, then come crawling back seeking God’s forgiveness, not only of our sins but also of their consequences. In these verses Daniel demonstrates to us the first steps we need to take toward redemption—the full recognition and acceptance of responsibility for our sinning. God is indeed merciful and forgiving but we need to begin the process by repenting and seeking God’s compassion in prayer.
Ellen Jacke
· · ·
March 23rd, 2010
Jonah 2:1-10
As a prophet God had given Jonah a mission that Jonah did not want to do. God wanted Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire and warn them of God's judgment and that if they repented, they could receive God's mercy and forgiveness. Jonah did not like the Assyrians and did not want them to be forgiven. Jonah chose instead to disobey God and ran from him.
God may ask us to do something that we do not want to do for one reason or another. Instead of obeying God, we choose to ignore Him. God does not accept our excuses and we end up regretting our actions. When we ask for God's forgiveness and truly repent, God will be merciful and give us another chance to serve him.
Carolyn MacGregor
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March 24th, 2010
Habakkuk 1:1-17
To read this passage of scripture by itself will be to miss its larger meaning. It would be like looking at the Mona Lisa and seeing only her hands and not her face. There is a subtle lesson in this for those who would read and study scripture. There is a context for every passage, and a history that informs it. The Bible is simply more understandable when we recognize that. So, before we begin, take a moment to at least scan the second and third chapters of this brief book.
The setting is dire. The northern kingdom has been overrun. Armies are moving now towards Jerusalem. Habakkuk laments: “Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. The law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous.” [1:3] It begged the question: Is this God’s punishment? Has God abandoned the people? Why is God silent? Can there be any hope? Dare we even ask such questions?
There are times of tension and doubt in every faithfulness. Even Jesus cried out in Gethsemane: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” After hurricanes or tsunamis or earthquakes or one’s own personal tragedies questions rise and simplistic answers do not suffice. People weep and cry out: “My God, my God, why?” And they wonder: “How may I respond faithfully?”
Habakkuk offers the beginning of an answer: “There is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” [2:3] The words echo the Psalmist: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. [130:5-7]
Theodore Hiebert has written: “The righteous, the sincerely righteous, those who long and work for justice and righteousness receive the strength to go on, not because the world itself is just or because it rewards those who work for justice, but because these persons possess a larger vision of the way things should be. They possess the vision, as did Habakkuk, of God’s just reign.” [NIB p643]
The response to the laments with which the prophet begins is in the Psalm-like words at the close of the book: “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength.” [3:17-19]
As we walk with Jesus through Lent towards Easter, let us remember - God the Lord is our strength!
Prayer: Bring your light to every darkness, O Lord; and in your great love and mercy uphold us through all perils and dangers; that, in the sure knowledge that you are our salvation, we may receive the strength to go on; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev. F. Richard Garland
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March 25th, 2010
Habakkuk 2:1-20
As with the first chapter of Habakkuk, to read this passage of scripture by itself will be to miss its larger meaning. So, before we begin, take a moment to at least scan the first and third chapters of this brief book so that we might set this passage in its context.
Biblical scholar Eugene Peterson, in his introduction to his paraphrase of Habakkuk, writes: “Most prophets are in-your-face assertive, not given to tact, not diplomatic, as they insist that we pay attention to God. But Habakkuk speaks our word to God. He gives voice to our bewilderment, articulates our puzzled attempts to make sense of things, face God with our disappointment with God. He insists that God pay attention to us.” It is an important insight: Habakkuk is as much a pastor as he is a prophet, as much an advocate as he is an accuser. It is easy to hear the “hard word” and easier to understand the expectations of God if we hear them from one who cares about the people.
But Habakkuk is still a prophet who makes it clear that God’s justice will be done. He warns that violence and tyranny always carry the seeds of their own destruction, that a desperate pursuit of security only brings increased risk of danger, that the building of wealth and empires is a vain indulgence that will not long endure, that unrighteous living will lead to decay, that idolatry will separate us from God. The message is clear: “Don't!” It is a warning, as well as an invitation to reflect on the meaning an direction of our own lives.
Perhaps the most familiar passage from Habakkuk is: “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him!” [2:20] This verse is a part of my own spiritual DNA. Often it was the verse that called us to worship in the church I attended. It taught me that the most powerful and eloquent praise of God is our silence before God. It taught me that worship without silence often keeps us from hearing God. It calls to mind another prophet, Elijah, who heard God speak in “a still, small voice” or the “sound of sheer silence.” Peterson is right-on when he speaks of Habakkuk as a “prophet companion who stands at our side” “who does something even more important: He waits and he listens.” Habakkuk is a pastor and advocate who, by his faithfulness, offers hope in a world that seems to have come unstuck.
It is easy to become impatient for the covenant of God to be fulfilled, and soon. But to this anxiousness Habakkuk offers wise counsel: “There is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” [2:3] So remember again the words of the Psalmist: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. [130:5-7]
As we walk with Jesus through Lent towards Easter, let us remember - God the Lord is our strength!
Prayer: Teach us, O Lord, to be silent before you, so that we may hear your Word of hope. Make us mindful of that which can destroy, and show us how to choose that which leads to life. In all things assist us to walk with Jesus, to learn from him and work with compassion for the righteousness and justice he seeks; in his holy name we pray. Amen.
Rev. F. Richard Garland
· · ·
March 26th, 2010
Habakkuk 3:1-19
Now we come to the culmination of Habakkuk. The context has been set. The lament has been made. Habakkuk and the people have waited in silence. “God is in his holy Temple! Quiet everyone - a holy silence. Listen!” [2:20, The Message] Now hope is about to be made real.
Commentator Peter C. Craigie points out that Habakkuk, in response to the questions he posed to God, had been told to await a vision and to record it when it came [2:2-3]. Craigie notes that what we have is not so much an account of the vision as a poetic response to the vision - a Psalm, a prayer for use in worship by a grateful congregation. God has appeared to the prophet. God does not abandon the people. As in the past God had been with the people, God still works for the salvation of the people. “The allusions to the past are celebrated not merely in memory, but also in anticipation; what God had done, God would do again.” “The years of barren hopelessness are transformed by the vision of God’s salvation.”
This is a powerful Word for our time and for the season of Lent, and it is a two-edged Word. To be sure, Lent is a time of personal introspection when we have an opportunity to examine our ways and seek to understand where we have fallen short in faith and practice. But Habakkuk reminds us that there is a larger dimension in which we, as covenant people, are called to examine how our faith affects the world in which we live, and how we can faithfully respond to the crises our world faces. How do we respond to the ever growing gap between the rich and the poor, where the benefits and entitlements of the few do not trickle down to the many? How do we respond to terrors, and a world awash in weapons? How do we respond to the cataclysms of nature? Do we simply blame them on our own sin and/or unfaithfulness? And, if we belong to God, why does this happen? Thank God that we have a Habakkuk who will plead our case, and patiently wait for a vision of salvation!
As we walk with Jesus through Lent towards Easter, let us remember that assuring and hopeful vision of God’s salvation - God the Lord is our strength! Praise God for the assurance that, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint!” [Isaiah 40:31] With the Apostle Paul let us again affirm: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:35,37-39]
Prayer: We wait for you, O Lord, and in your word we hope. Teach us to sing joyful praise to you, O God - to turn cartwheels of joy before you, O Savior God - to count on your rule to prevail - to take heart and gain strength! O Lord, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. [3:18-19, The Message]
Rev. F. Richard Garland
· · ·
March 27th, 2010
Psalm 86
Labeled a Prayer of David, This psalm is one of six psalms that are labeled as prayers.
The psalmist uses pieces of the Book of Exodus, and some bits and pieces of other psalms in this one. Psalm 86 reads like a plea for divine help from a desperate and needy man.
“Hear, O
LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2
Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
You are my God; save your servant
who trusts in you.”
In dark moments God is willing to help turn our lives around. It is in these times that we must make the words of the psalmist our own.
Prayer:
Psalm 86 Verses 5-6
5
You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy
Charlie Seekell
· · ·
March 28th, 2010
Luke 19:28-48
Palm Sunday. What a contradiction. On the one hand Jesus acknowledges his position as the Son of God and accepts the praise of the people for all he has done in his ministry. It might have been a triumph of Love, except that on the other hand he expressed that Love by driving the money changers out of the temple using a whip after overturning their tables and wares. Luke tells us that on Palm Sunday the religious elders were already plotting to kill Jesus in order to silence his message. They were prevented from doing so, however, for fear of the people’s reaction to the death of one so revered and loved. These elders hadn’t quite yet hit upon the plan of using those very people to condemn Jesus and call for his blood. That would take a couple days.
And as Palm Sunday drew to a close? Jesus prepared to spend the week teaching in the Temple, knowing all the while what Friday would bring - at the hands of his very students.
We like to think of Palm Sunday as a joyous moment, just ahead of Easter. Today Luke reminds us that there was a lot going on and that most of it was at cross purposes. As we read this passage that faint whisper in the background may be the Holy Spirit reminding us that it had to come apart this way before Easter could be Easter.
Mark Zaccaria
· · ·
March 29th, 2010
Luke 20: 1-18
This passage struck me as showing what understanding Jesus appeared to have on how to read the meaning of the priests’ questioning. He would have made a terrific psychiatrist! He listened carefully to the priests’ questions, had clear insight into what they were really trying to accomplish by their questions, and just how to put their subterfuge right back on them. They had absolutely met more than their match!
Through the passage he gave another parable. This time he gave a foreboding of things to come in his own future. I can’t imagine knowing clearly that I would have to suffer the immense trials that he knew he would suffer and still have the strength and courage to keep the faith.
But, then, Jesus was the Son of God-our Messiah- whose wisdom and strength were and are beyond me in an immeasurable manner. All I need to know is that He suffered to give us life, and, for that, I am ever thankful.
Ruth Zaccaria
· · ·
March 30th, 2010
Luke 20:20-47
From the heights of popular acclaim just two days ago Jesus is now surrounded by swirling forces of envy and avarice. While the many wanted to simply hear him teach, the few who felt their positions of power under threat from Jesus’ Truth were circling him. Waiting. Watching. Wanting him to fail.
And you thought you had to work under pressure. Imagine what it took for Jesus to concentrate on delivering his message while all these lethal distractions engulfed his every move.
But he did it. He continued to speak the Word of God and to prepare his Disciples for the roles they would have to assume in just a week. Jesus maintained his bearings through all this by staying calm and centered. It is an example we should all learn from.
Sherrie Blott
· · ·
March 31st, 2010
Luke 22:1-38
In today’s long passage Luke tells us much about the Last Supper. He details the swirling and conflicting forces that attended this Passover. He speaks of faith still incomplete among the twelve. He portrays Jesus as eager to spend this last moment of earthly comfort with his disciples. And, of course, Luke casts the sinister shadow of betrayal over it all.
Yet if you look closely you will see that in the midst of this gathering confusion and darkness Jesus offers us all one last gift. That we still have it with us today might rightly make it one more miracle. It’s the Eucharist.
There is a central moment of calm in this passage where Christ explains to the ages that we are all made part of His Body when we make His Body a part of us. Jesus proposes Holy Communion as the thread that weaves us all into one church. It is the glue that binds us as Christians.
With everything else that was intersecting in him at that moment our Savior took time to instruct us in how to be saved. Praise be.
Wendy Halstead
· · ·
April 1st, 2010
Luke 22:39-71:
This passage sets in motion the final events leading to Christ's death on the cross - a crucial transition in Jesus' ministry. Each of the principle figures in this passage reacts to this imminent change in different ways. Jesus prays to the Father to forestall this change, but at the same time, prays for the resolve to accept change if he must. Many of the disciples cannot or will not accept that anything will change, and when faced with circumstances they do not understand, react violently, lashing out with a sword. Peter denies that change is occurring, or that he has a role in it. Both Judas and the temple priests have misinterpreted the change; the elders and priests are trying to prevent a challenge and change to existing authority structures by removing the instigator in the person of Jesus, while Judas is trying to compel Jesus to bring about political change in the form of a new earthly kingdom - neither of which is the change the Father has planned.
Change, though a necessary part of life, it often resisted. In part because we do not understand it, we have no plan to deal with it. We deny, we fight, we ignore. Yet in our faith we can find the very plan that gives us the confidence to face change. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things that I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."
Pete Pellegrino
· · ·
April 2nd, 2010
Luke 23: 1-49
The Death of Jesus.
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23: 34
With these words, Jesus, while dying on the cross, forgives the persons responsible for his murder.
Throughout the gospels Jesus preached forgiveness. Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” In Matthew’s gospel Jesus says “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” When Jesus taught us the prayer we now call “The Lord’s Prayer”, Matthew 6:10-14 and Luke 11:2-4, we pray for our own forgiveness and that of those who have wronged us. In today’s reading Jesus, after being mocked, abused, and crucified, is still able to forgive those who caused his anguish and death.
As Christians we like to believe that we are a forgiving people. However, do we just talk the talk or can we walk the walk? Forgiveness is not an easy thing to do. When our pride is hurt or we have been deceived, or been the target of some injustice, it can be easy to look for revenge instead of offering to forgive. Jesus, in the most unimaginable place, continued to teach his followers through example. Jesus demonstrated that he could talk the talk and walk the walk.
Prayer:
Our
Father,
Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13
Charlie Seekell
· · ·
April 3rd, 2010
Luke 23:50-56
Joseph assists in Jesus burial because he could not stop him from being murdered but he was a “good and righteous man" and wanted to assist. He had no power over this wrong but in his faith he came forward and did something in a small way. He found Jesus body and took it to the women of faith to be prepared in the final hours of the 7th day. It so often may seem that we as one person can never have 'great purpose’
Where would we be without that one small act?? I believe that is Jesus’ message to us everyday .We need not do large visible acts; but like Joseph ' right the wrongs and give hope in many small ways. The world needs our hope over our fears...... and so I move forward in ................ faith.
Blessings to all
Pat Staley
· · ·
April 4th, 2010 Easter Sunday
Luke 24:1-12
“He is risen! He is risen indeed!
What glorious words sing out this Easter morning on the beach at sunrise and in the churches across the land!
We know “the rest of the story” but it was a different matter for those women who approached the tomb with burial spices so many centuries ago. They were frightened when they saw that the stone had been rolled away. They were confused further by the lack of a body in the tomb. Their confusion and fright turned to wonder when they were reminded of Jesus’ prophesy that he would be crucified and rise on the third day and they ran to tell the others.
The three women were greeted with skepticism until Peter confirmed their story that there was no body in the tomb.
How often are we skeptical of the “coincidences” of God’s workings? How often do we really give God the credit? On this Easter Morning let us all rejoice that God gave us His glorious gift and that Jesus walked this earth to show us how we as human beings are to live loving God and loving each other! Hallelujah, Christ is Risen!
Ellen Jacke
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