I Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.
The end of Jesus' ministry for us involves his suffering on a cross. The beginning of Jesus' ministry for us involves 40 days in the wilderness. What is it about suffering that is so seemingly a good thing in the Biblical narrative? Have you ever intentionally sought hardship for a greater good? How do you plan to experience this year's Lenten season?
I'm off to Lake Guntersville for a 2 day prayer journey with Melinda and the Sages.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
It is the crucifixion of Jesus that is the decisive criticism of the royal consciousness. The crucifixion of Jesus is not to be understood simply in good liberal fashion as the sacrifice of a noble man, nor should we too quickly assign a cultic, priestly theory of atonement to the event. Rather, we might see in the crucifixion of Jesus the ultimate act of prophetic criticism in which Jesus announces the end of a world of death (the same announcement as that of Jeremiah) and takes that death into his own person. - From The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
What are your questions about the crucifixion of Jesus? What steps will you be taking in the next 40 days to discover answers?
What are your questions about the crucifixion of Jesus? What steps will you be taking in the next 40 days to discover answers?
Ash Wednesday
Join us for a 6:00 Ash Wednesday service tonight after our community meal together! 55 gathered this morning in our chapel to kick off the Lented season.
Acts 9:1-6
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a vocie saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."
We are invited to reflect on our own call this Lenten season. What is it that God wants from me? It took a bright light and a loud voice to get Paul on the right path. What do you need?
Acts 9:1-6
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a vocie saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."
We are invited to reflect on our own call this Lenten season. What is it that God wants from me? It took a bright light and a loud voice to get Paul on the right path. What do you need?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Bible does not prescribe the time or length of prayer, but it does offer guidelines. In Psalm 88 prayer is offered in the early morning (v. 13), and in Psalm 55 prayers are said evening, morning and noon (v. 17). The author of Psalm 119 advocates prayer seven times a day (v. 164). Daniel knelt for devotions three times a day (Daniel 6:10). Jesus prayed before sunrise (Mark 1:35) and in the evening when the day's work was over (Mark 6:46). Peter prayed at the third, sixth, and ninth hours. -From The Struggle of Prayer by Donald G. Bloesch
When do you feel most comfortable praying? Is prayer more about when it feel's right or more about the discipline of regular prayer?
When do you feel most comfortable praying? Is prayer more about when it feel's right or more about the discipline of regular prayer?
Preparation for Ministry
Luke 9:61,62
Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
I will follow you Lord; but...
Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. We are being given an opportunity to fully explore those things that keep us from being totally committed to Christ and his work here on earth. What pulls your attention away from the work that needs to be done?
Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
I will follow you Lord; but...
Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. We are being given an opportunity to fully explore those things that keep us from being totally committed to Christ and his work here on earth. What pulls your attention away from the work that needs to be done?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Preparation for Ministry
How are you preparing for Easter? How are you preparing for response to what God, through Christ, has done and is doing for you?
Isaiah 6:7,8
And he touched my mouth, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven." And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
Lent is more than simply giving up chocolate or deciding to read all the Psalms. Lent is about realizing that Christianity is more than fellowship and is instead about committment to a cause that is bigger than we are. Lent is about preparing ourselves for real discipleship as we experience anew the sacrifice made on our behalf.
How will you prepare?
Isaiah 6:7,8
And he touched my mouth, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven." And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
Lent is more than simply giving up chocolate or deciding to read all the Psalms. Lent is about realizing that Christianity is more than fellowship and is instead about committment to a cause that is bigger than we are. Lent is about preparing ourselves for real discipleship as we experience anew the sacrifice made on our behalf.
How will you prepare?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Unchanging Truths
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
How much do you want that prize? Are you just going throuigh the motions or are you truly pushing on?
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
How much do you want that prize? Are you just going throuigh the motions or are you truly pushing on?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Faith is not a blithe "turning it all over to Jesus." Faith is such confidence in Jesus that it takes seriously his summons, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - From Discipline and Discovery by Albert Edward Day
What is the difference between taking up "A" cross and taking up "Your" cross?
What is the difference between taking up "A" cross and taking up "Your" cross?
unchanging truths
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
How hard have you been running lately? What kind of racetrack has been set before you?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
How hard have you been running lately? What kind of racetrack has been set before you?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Unchanging Truths
Ephesians 6:13-15
Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace.
What are the greatest evils you have ever had to face? What was the outcome? What have you learned?
Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace.
What are the greatest evils you have ever had to face? What was the outcome? What have you learned?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Lent season begins in 13 days on Ash Wednesday on February 25. Come worship with us at either 7:00 am or 6:00 pm and prepare for a season of reflection as we look towards the Easter event.
We are the agents of the Creative Spirit in this world. From The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill
How and where can we best serve this weekend?
We are the agents of the Creative Spirit in this world. From The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill
How and where can we best serve this weekend?
The Rewards of Ministry
Ezekiel 33:31,32
And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with their lips they show much love, but their heart is set on their gain. And, lo, you are to them like one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.
For what are you most often praised in your ministry to others? How effective does it seem to be? Do they praise and then "not do' anything?
And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with their lips they show much love, but their heart is set on their gain. And, lo, you are to them like one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.
For what are you most often praised in your ministry to others? How effective does it seem to be? Do they praise and then "not do' anything?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Another opportunity for a good Wednesday night meal tonight at 5:00! And a new class, "How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk(ette)".
If the Church really sees itself as the people of God, it is obvious that it can never be a static and supra-historical phenomenom, which exists undisturbed by earthly space and historical time. - From The Church by Hans Kung
What does that mean? How do we avoid it?
If the Church really sees itself as the people of God, it is obvious that it can never be a static and supra-historical phenomenom, which exists undisturbed by earthly space and historical time. - From The Church by Hans Kung
What does that mean? How do we avoid it?
The Rewards of Ministry
Philippians 3:8-12
For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or an already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
When have you been able to look at loss as a possible source of gain and not just written it off as 'sour grapes'? What must we do to truly gain God's perspective on things and not be worried about the problems of life that are, after all, only here for a short while?
For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or an already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
When have you been able to look at loss as a possible source of gain and not just written it off as 'sour grapes'? What must we do to truly gain God's perspective on things and not be worried about the problems of life that are, after all, only here for a short while?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The waters indeed are to the palate bitter and to the stomach cold, yet the thoughts of what I am going to, and of the conduct that waits for me on the other side, doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart, - From The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
What keeps you going when times get tough? Share and compare your answer with a friend!
What keeps you going when times get tough? Share and compare your answer with a friend!
The Rewards of Ministry
I Timothy 6:6-8
There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
When have you been confronted with choices between luxuries and necessities? how did that work out?
There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
When have you been confronted with choices between luxuries and necessities? how did that work out?
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Rewards of Ministry
I Thessalonians 4:9-12
But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brethren throughout Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you; so that you may command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on nobody.
To do God's work is often it's own reward, but have you ever seen the effect it has on someone else merely watching you? Why is the concept of a role model so important?
But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brethren throughout Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you; so that you may command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on nobody.
To do God's work is often it's own reward, but have you ever seen the effect it has on someone else merely watching you? Why is the concept of a role model so important?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Cost of Ministry
Sorry for the two day lapse. It looks like this will be a Sunday through Thursday effort. Today is Scouting Sunday where we honor our scouting programs AND after our second service we will be honoring our older adults with lunch.
I Corinthians 9:16
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
God calls us to "make disciples of all the nations". How strongly do we feel that necessity?
I Corinthians 9:16
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
God calls us to "make disciples of all the nations". How strongly do we feel that necessity?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Cost of Ministry
I Peter 5:1-3
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.
It is easy to love the lovable. How do you respond to the annoying committee member or the outspoken Sunday school class attendee?
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.
It is easy to love the lovable. How do you respond to the annoying committee member or the outspoken Sunday school class attendee?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ministry isn't JUST a vocation!
"God's light shines upon us individually so that we can live into the beauty and wholeness in which we were created. but this is not an end in itself, done simply for one's own benefit. God wants us to be whole because it makes a difference in creation; as we become more whole, so does the world. Gathered in communities, our unique beauties and talents are shared, magnified, and extended beyond our individual reach." - Susan Baker-Lehne
"God's light shines upon us individually so that we can live into the beauty and wholeness in which we were created. but this is not an end in itself, done simply for one's own benefit. God wants us to be whole because it makes a difference in creation; as we become more whole, so does the world. Gathered in communities, our unique beauties and talents are shared, magnified, and extended beyond our individual reach." - Susan Baker-Lehne
The Cost of Ministry
Philippians 1:19-30
Yes, and I shall rejoice. For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I shall not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
When is the life of the martyr a sign of passionate committment and when is it simply madness for a cause?
Wednesday night supper from 5:00-6:00 - First time visitors free!
Yes, and I shall rejoice. For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I shall not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
When is the life of the martyr a sign of passionate committment and when is it simply madness for a cause?
Wednesday night supper from 5:00-6:00 - First time visitors free!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Cost of Ministry
I Kings 19:1-3
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid, and he arose and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
When have you been persecuted for doing the right thing? When have you been afraid of doing the right thing? Why do you suppose that was?
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid, and he arose and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
When have you been persecuted for doing the right thing? When have you been afraid of doing the right thing? Why do you suppose that was?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Cost of Ministry
Luke 9:57-62
"As they were going along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his jead.' But he said, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' But he said to him, 'Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
What keeps us from looking ahead?
"As they were going along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his jead.' But he said, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' But he said to him, 'Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
What keeps us from looking ahead?
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