10 and 10 - Entries written by John Mollet

MonMondayMayMay20th2013 May 20

Posted Monday, May 20 2013 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Pentecost Sunday was yesterday, so we will dedicate this week’s 10 and 10 to readings on the Holy Spirit. We will begin with the Pentecost event as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

Monday, May 20

Acts 2:1-13

It is a strange scene to say the least. People are aglow with the Spirit of God as if they had tongues of fire on top of their heads. That is not all that unusual in biblical terms. The burning bush had a flame that sat on top of it when God spoke to Moses. We learned Sunday that Moses’ face was aglow when he came down Mt. Sinai with the 10 Commandments. And Jesus shined an unearthly white during the Transfiguration. Fire is a symbol of God’s presence and that is what is happening at Pentecost. Even though Jesus is no longer walking among them, God’s Spirit is still with them. Another example of God’s presence is those who speak different languages are able to understand each other about the mighty works of God. To see what a turn around this is, read Genesis 11:1-9.

SatSaturdayMayMay18th2013 May 18

Posted Saturday, May 18 2013 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Saturday, May 18

2 Corinthians 13:5-14

In these verses Paul tells the people of Corinth to examine themselves, to put themselves to the test. The test is to see how they are showing that Christ is inside them. How are you showing the presence of Christ that is inside you? Do you feel as though you are improving as Paul encourages the Corinthians to do? Are you doing what is right?

FriFridayMayMay17th2013 May 17

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Friday, May 17

Ephesians 3:14-21

These poetic words of Paul remind us that Christ can dwell in our hearts and be our comfort and our strength. It is by having Christ in our hearts that we are able have a power that goes beyond what we can imagine and to glorify God with that power. Christ becomes a part of us as we spend time with him. Spend some time with the Lord now, opening yourself to him and feeling his love for you.

ThuThursdayMayMay16th2013 May 16

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Thursday, May 16

John 14:12-24

Jesus promises the coming of the spirit. It will be so close to them, it will dwell with them and even be in them (vs. 17). It reminds me of the time God through Jeremiah told the people that God’s covenant would be “written on their hearts”; no longer being something external from them (like the commandment written on stone), but a very part of them. What does it mean to you that God’s spirit “dwells with you and will be in you”?

WedWednesdayMayMay15th2013 May 15

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Wednesday, May 15

Matthew 23:37-39

It is the last week of Jesus’ life and he laments over the people of Jerusalem. He says, if only they had realized that, like a mother hen, he would have gathered them under his wings and comforted and protected them. I think of crawling up in my mom or dad’s lap when I was young, feeling so secure. In what ways have you felt comfort and protection in your life? Hold on to that image of God’s love for you.

TueTuesdayMayMay14th2013 May 14

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Tuesday, May 14

Psalm 86

This psalm is a prayer asking for God’s attention. How do the psalmist’s words reflect your feelings? What specific things would your psalm to God say?

MonMondayMayMay13th2013 May 13

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Monday, May 13

Psalm 139

As I said Sunday, this is one of my favorite Psalms. It reminds me of God’s love and care for me. It tells me God is always a part of me and involved in my life. Read through the Psalm and see where the psalmist’s words take you. Is there some person who has been there for you over the years? Take the time to thank that person today.

SatSaturdayMayMay11th2013 May 11

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Saturday, May 11

Matthew 5:38-42

Justice is often defined as an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. How do you see that expectation for justice playing out in our society today? What does Jesus expect of us? What conflicts does this scripture create for you? Think of the ways you want revenge rather than to forgive. As someone once said, “Lord forgive them…just not right away.”

FriFridayMayMay10th2013 May 10

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Friday, May 10

Amos 5:18-24

These are the words of the Lord coming out of the mouth of Amos. It is a dark prophesy for the people of Israel. Last Sunday, I said that justice is the leveling of the scales and forgiveness is not requiring the scales to be leveled. After reading this prophesy which do you hope for, justice or grace? What is the prophecy saying that the Lord requires of us? As a follow up, read Psalm 51.

ThuThursdayMayMay9th2013 May 9

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Thursday, May 9

Luke 15:11-32

One of the best ways I have found to understand a parable of Jesus is to live inside of it. Jesus doesn’t tell a story as much as he invites us into it. Read the Parable of the Lost Son several times, playing the part of one of its different characters each time. What is it like to be the younger son, the older brother, the father, even the fatted calf? What is Jesus teaching you today?

WedWednesdayMayMay8th2013 May 8

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Wednesday, May 8

Matthew 5:1-11

The Beatitudes are a series of blessings, or graces if you will, given to us by Jesus. Read through them a few times. Which of these graces are particularly a part of your life today? Spend some time thanking God for those blessings.

TueTuesdayMayMay7th2013 May 7

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Tuesday, May 7

John 8:1-11

This is the scripture used in last Sunday’s services. These verses were not in the most ancient versions of the Gospel of John, so there are questions of it being an authentic story of Jesus. On the other hand, it certainly fits the other teachings of Jesus, such as the one we read for yesterday’s 10 and 10. Cindy Ryan asked in her introduction to communion on Sunday, What must it have felt like for this woman, who was expecting to feel pain of a stone hitting her at any moment, to look up and see her accusers dropping their stones and walking away? How have you felt that grace in your life? Can you accept that grace today?

MonMondayMayMay6th2013 May 6

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Monday, May 6

Matthew 7:1-5

If God were to judge you today based on your judgment of others, how would you fare? What log is in your eye? What speck in the eye of someone else can you not overcome?

SatSaturdayMayMay4th2013 May 4

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Saturday, May 4

Matthew 23:37-39

God as the mother hen is an image we don’t often think about, but with Mother’s Day just a week and a day away, it is a good one to put into our head and heart. How is God like a mother hen? My mother was one of those. I saw much of God’s perfect love in her love for me. In so many ways, my mother sacrificed herself for my good. She gave me life, protected me, nourished and nurtured me. We can often see the love of God through our mothers.

FriFridayMayMay3rd2013 May 3

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Friday, May 3

Psalm 139:1-24

God as the knitter or creator is another beautiful image for us to consider. Psalm 139, one of my favorite psalms, shows us what it means to be one of God’s created. It also continues to show the image of God as steadfast. Read through the Psalm and see what pictures of God come to mind.

ThuThursdayMayMay2nd2013 May 2

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Thursday, May 2

1 Samuel 2:1-10

Hannah’s thanksgiving brings to mind several images for God, but let’s look at God as the rock. Again, we can see the limitations of the image. A rock does not feel or hear. It is unable to respond, it just sits their powerless to do anything. None of those describe God. On the other hand, a rock is a foundation, a scaffold on which to live and build. It is steadfast. Jesus told Peter, whose name means rock, it was on his strength and steadfast faith he would build his church. How has God been like a rock in your life? What does God want to build on the foundation of your faith?

WedWednesdayMayMay1st2013 May 1

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Wednesday, May 1

Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus says God is like a father. Of course, Jesus is referring to a good father; one who is attentive and compassionate. Like the father described in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son. All anthropomorphic images for God are limited because the try to describe the divine and infinite in human and finite terms. Think of how the good father loves his child. Think of a father’s compassion and of the times he is forced into the tough love that is required for the guidance of their child. I remember the feeling of crawling up in my father’s lap and feeling his arms around me. That is what God as father makes me think of.

TueTuesdayAprApril30th2013 April 30

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Tuesday, April 30

Isaiah 64:1-12 | Ephesians 2:1-10

God as a potter emerges at the very beginning of the Bible. The Hebrew word used in Genesis for God’s creation of man is the word to describe the creative work of the potter. I was married to a potter for 36 years. The artistry involved is beautiful to watch; a formless and useless lump of clay is fashioned into something beautiful and useful. A piece of the artist moves into his/her work. God is the potter and we are the clay. What is God working to form from your clay? What piece of the artist can be seen in you?

SatSaturdayAprApril27th2013 April 27

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Saturday, April 27

James 2:14-18

Discipleship is the combination of being with God and doing for God. Which one are you better at doing? Which comes more naturally to you? Which one do you need to work on to be more balanced in your discipleship?

FriFridayAprApril26th2013 April 26

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Friday, April 26

Luke 18:9-14

We don’t feel the shock Jesus’ original hears did, but we should. We still divide ourselves into the "churched" and the "unchurched," the holy and the unholy. Jesus reminds us that none of us are truly able to walk in his steps…to totally follow him. Humility is an indispensable aspect of discipleship. Do you see yourself as "better than" or as a "fellow struggler" in your discipleship to Jesus?

ThuThursdayAprApril25th2013 April 25

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Thursday, April 25

James 1:16-27

Use Paul’s image of looking into a mirror (verses 23-25) for your devotional time today. See your "natural face" in the mirror. What do you see? How does it look? Now, look in the mirror at the face of one who is made in the image of God and who has made the commitment to be a disciple of Christ. What do you see? What do you wish you were seeing?

WedWednesdayAprApril24th2013 April 24

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Wednesday, April 24

Ephesians 5:1-14

Verses 1 and 2 of this passage are often used in regard to discipleship, but usually the following verses are left off…probably for obvious reasons. They come from the side of "disobedience". For the "fruit of light" (verse 9) see Galatians 5:22. For the "fruitful works of darkness (verse 11) see Galatians 5:19-21. How can you continue to receive the challenge and gift Paul offers at the end of this passage when he writes, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

TueTuesdayAprApril23rd2013 April 23

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Tuesday, April 23

1 Peter 1:10-16

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’." Dallas Willard uses the word "obedience" almost as a synonym for discipleship. Read over these verses asking how it directs you into more faithful discipleship.

MonMondayAprApril22nd2013 April 22

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Monday, April 22

Romans 1:1-6

Paul introduces himself as a "servant" and an "apostle" - two very important words in being a disciple of Christ as we have learned from reading and discussing The Great Omission. We are to become servants like Jesus and then, be sent out as an apostle to do the work of the servant in the world. Look at how closely the end of this passage mirrors Jesus command at the end of the Gospel of Matthew. It shows how strongly Paul felt about that command. How are you showing you "belong to Christ"?

SatSaturdayAprApril20th2013 April 20

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Saturday, April 20

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

I love the idea that we are letters of recommendation for God. It is an exciting and humbling notion…and a little bit scary. With is it for you…exciting, humbling, frightening…or something else?

FriFridayAprApril19th2013 April 19

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Friday, April 19

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
How has being a disciple made you a new creation? How do you see yourself being an ambassador for Christ? How is God making his appeal through you?

ThuThursdayAprApril18th2013 April 18

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Thursday, April 18

Matthew 4:18-19, Matthew 10:40, Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1-2

The word “disciple” means those who follow. The word “apostle” means those who are sent. Here are some scriptures that show the disciples being sent out as apostles. Being a disciple will always come to a time when you are sent out. What are you being sent by God to do?

WedWednesdayAprApril17th2013 April 17

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Wednesday, April 17

Revelation 21:1-7

The vision John is given of a new heaven and a new earth is another way for us to evaluate the church’s work today. How is our presence showing the dwelling of God with God’s creatures? How are we wiping away every tear, alleviating the mourning and pain in other’s lives, and giving them new hope and life?

TueTuesdayAprApril16th2013 April 16

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Tuesday, April 16

Luke 4:16-21

Jesus uses the prophesy of Isaiah to describe his mission while on earth. Notice it is the Spirit of God that drives him to the actions he lists. Again we see the movement of “being with God” pointing us to “doing for God”. How do you see the church today following the job description Jesus provides for himself?

MonMondayAprApril15th2013 April 15

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Monday, April 15

Revelation 3:14-22

In chapters two and three of the Revelation of John, the writer describes seven churches. These seven are used to represent the church in general. The church at Laodicea is described here as “lukewarm”, “neither hot nor cold”. How do you see those words describing the church in the U.S. today? What does the church have to do to rise above this designation? How would you describe our church?

SatSaturdayAprApril13th2013 April 13

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Saturday, April 13

Acts 11:19-26

I mentioned in the sermon Sunday, the word “disciple” occurs 269 times in the New Testament and the word “Christian” only three. This is the first scripture in which “Christian” is used. What is the difference between seeing yourself as a Christian and seeing yourself as a disciple? The New Testament is teaching us to be disciples. How are you doing in your learning?

FriFridayAprApril12th2013 April 12

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Friday, April 12

Matthew 17:14-21

This is a difficult scripture. There are so many things Jesus did that we are unable to do. There are some who believe this scripture so literally that they will endangered the life of a loved relying only on their faith in Jesus to heal that person. However, I do believe our “little faith” holds us back from doing what is possible in the Lord. Where do you believe your little faith is holding you back from the possibilities a greater faith would give? Remember, discipleship is like breathing, inhaling and exhaling the love of God. Try it.

ThuThursdayAprApril11th2013 April 11

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Thursday, April 11

Matthew 11: 1-6

John asks, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” John is in prison. He wants to know he has not put his life in jeopardy for someone who is not the Christ. Jesus responds by telling John’s disciples to go tell John what they have seen and heard about Jesus. It is there John should find his proof. What is it you have seen in Jesus that causes you to continue to follow him? In your times of doubt, in what ways have you “looked for another” savior and master?

WedWednesdayAprApril10th2013 April 10

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Wednesday, April 10

John 19:25-27

This is a most beautiful scene in the violence surrounding the crucifixion, Jesus making sure his mother will be taken care of after his death. Notice John reports Jesus calls him “the disciple whom he loved”. Some see this as a presumptuous statement by John, but I believe John is identifying himself by the most important thing that has happened in his life, the love of Jesus. Discipleship is based on the love the disciple has for the master. How do you show your love for Jesus?

TueTuesdayAprApril9th2013 April 9

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Tuesday, April 9

Matthew 10:24-25

How do you place your master above yourself? How do you see yourself being like your master?

MonMondayAprApril8th2013 April 8

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Monday, April 8

Mark 1:16-20

This is Mark’s description of the calling of the first disciples. Notice all they are willing to give up to follow Jesus. Family, possessions and the means of making a living are all left behind. It seems the Bible tells us sacrifice is a requirement for discipleship. Certainly Jesus saw sacrifice to be a component of it. As you look at your discipleship, what are you sacrificing to follow Jesus? Is there something you could sacrifice that would make you a better disciple?

SatSaturdayAprApril6th2013 April 6

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Saturday, April 6

Matthew 17:1-21

On the mountainside, Peter wants to build some structures so those with Jesus can stay on the mountain forever in the miraculous love of their Lord. But God’s voice from heaven says Jesus is His son and that they should listen to him. Then Jesus directs them back down the mountain to find the needs of the world awaiting them in the form of an epileptic boy. The rhythm of faith is to be with God, to be filled with God’s love, to share that love with others, to go be with God again to be replenished with God’s love. We are resurrected to resurrect others.

FriFridayAprApril5th2013 April 5

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Friday, April 5

Matthew 14:22-33

When Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus to look at the trouble the wind might cause, he starts to sink. In his fear he cries out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus reaches out his hand, catches Peter, brings him back on top of the water and walks him back to the safety of the boat. Jesus asks him why he doubted, but at least Peter had enough faith in Jesus to ask him to save him. Don’t be a person of little faith. Ask Jesus to save you when you feel like you’re you are going down for the count.

ThuThursdayAprApril4th2013 April 4

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Thursday, April 4

Mark 5:21-43

Notice that the girl is twelve years old and the woman has been ill for twelve years. Mark is linking these two stories together to tell us that Jesus doesn’t just bring the physically dead back to life, but he brings the socially dead back to life. This woman has had a flow of blood for twelve years. Because of that, she was considered to be untouchable and not allowed to participate in worship. Jesus brings her back into community; out of her loneliness and separation. As Paul would say in Romans 8, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Reread the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. It is another of my favorite resurrection stories.

WedWednesdayAprApril3rd2013 April 3

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Wednesday, April 3

Mark 5:1-13

“…a man…who lived among the tombs…” Men do not live among the tombs, that is where dead people reside. Mark is helping us understand that Jesus doesn’t just raise people who are physically dead back to life, he raises those who feel dead inside back to life. (See why Jesus came to us in John 10:10.) You don’t have to wait until you are in the grave to experience God’s resurrecting love. It is available to you every day of your life. Read about Nicodemus in John 3 for one who came to Jesus feeling dead inside.

TueTuesdayAprApril2nd2013 April 2

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Tuesday, April 2

Mark 4:35-41

I mentioned this scripture in my sermon Sunday. It reminds us that Jesus rides through life with us and, even though it might seem Jesus is asleep at the wheel, he is always there with us and for us. So Jesus asks us, “Why are you so afraid? Have you no faith?” Seek the strength faith can give you when the storms of life arise.

MonMondayAprApril1st2013 April 1

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Monday, April 1

Matthew 9:1-9

This week I will share with you my favorite resurrection stories in the Bible. That’s right, I said resurrection stories. These are the stories in the Bible that show God resurrecting the lives of everyday people through the presence of his son, Jesus. Without these stories, the story of the resurrection of Jesus is not nearly as powerful for us.

When I was in seminary, one of my professors, after reading this story to us, asked the class, “Do you believe Jesus really healed the paralytic?” Fearing it was some kind of trick question, we answered hesitantly, “Yes”. Then the professor said, “What I hope is that you believe Jesus is healing the paralysis in your life. He went on to say, it is one thing to believe and to teach your congregations that Jesus healed the paralytic. It is altogether another thing to believe and teach Jesus is still healing in the world today and, in fact, healing us from all that paralyzes us. That is faith in the resurrection. What paralysis do you need healed?

SatSaturdayMarMarch30th2013 March 30

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Saturday, March 30

Matthew 3:1-6

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” How can you make a pathway for the Lord this Holy Week? How can you make the pathway straight and easy for the Lord to come into your heart, into this world, into the lives of others? The Lord is ready to resurrect the deadness of our lives. Make this your priority this Holy Week and Easter.

FriFridayMarMarch29th2013 March 29

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Friday, March 29, Good Friday

Matthew 2:1-12

Yes, it seems a little odd to read of the three wise men on Good Friday, but following their encounter with Herod the scripture says, “…they departed for their home country by another way”. There is nothing more powerful that seeing the sacrificial love of Jesus exemplified in the crucifixion. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”(John 15:13) It is seeing and feeling that love that causes us to evaluate our lives and decide to walk in a different way. Sit for a while at the foot of the cross. Ask yourself what in your life do you need to leave there. Then leave walking in a whole new direction.

ThuThursdayMarMarch28th2013 March 28

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Thursday, March 28, Maundy Thursday

Acts 8:25-40

The eunuch “went on his way rejoicing” after receiving the good news of Jesus Christ. Being a part of The Way makes our way a life of rejoicing. I love the eunuch’s response to Philip’s question if he understands what he is reading, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” People are searching for a way in life that will bring meaning and wholeness to their lives. They need someone to guide them. Every Sunday our youth in their prayer time ask God to give them a name of someone that needs their prayers. Ask the Lord to give you the name of someone who needs to be guided. Commit yourself to that person. Give them or find for them the guidance they need so they can go on their way rejoicing.

WedWednesdayMarMarch27th2013 March 27

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Wednesday, March 27

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3

Paul speaks of the “more excellent way”. The Corinthian church was struggling with the divisive notion that there were some gifts of the spirit that were greater than others and, thus, some people in the church that were more important than others. Here Paul writes love is the more excellent way and that we as one body are to live in that love. How do you see The Way being the more excellent way Paul writes about? How do you see that more excellent way being lived out in our church?

TueTuesdayMarMarch26th2013 March 26

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Tuesday, March 26

John 14:1-7

Jesus is ‘the way’. It is probably from this saying of Jesus that the earliest disciples decided to call their religious walk The Way. It makes me think of scriptures from Paul like “Be imitators of God…” and “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…” Following The Way is being like Jesus. It is walking the path of faith as Christ walked it. It is walking the path of sacrificial love. Being a disciple of Jesus is seeing Jesus as the example and living life by that example.

MonMondayMarMarch25th2013 March 25

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Acts 9:2, 19:9, 19:23, 24:22

As I mentioned in Sunday’s sermon, the earliest followers of the crucified and resurrected Jesus did not call themselves “Christians”. They said they were a part of “The Way”. This will be out focus throughout this week’s 10 and 10 devotionals.

These passages from the Book of Acts are ones in which the faith is referred to as the “The Way”. I have found thinking of my walk as a Christian as “The Way” to helpful. Jesus sets the path and I seek to follow it. Meditate for a few minutes on The Way and see how it helps you better understand the task of living out the faith.

SatSaturdayMarMarch2nd2013 March 2

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Saturday, March 2

James 4:1-10

According to this scripture, submitting to God means knowing which kingdom you live in. In which kingdom do you feel most comfortable? Even though we wish we could say the heavenly kingdom, most of us would have to say the earthly one. The truth is we probably live with one foot firmly planted in both. How do you find you can live in God’s kingdom? What does that say about your submission to God?

FriFridayMarMarch1st2013 March 1

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Friday, March 1

Matthew 5:1-48 (the whole chapter)

Read chapter 5 (the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount) with the spiritual discipline of submission in mind. As I said Sunday, it is tied to our ability to free ourselves to love as Jesus did. How many of these sayings speak to submitting ourselves to God and how many of them speak to submitting ourselves to others? The more we look at the message of Jesus, the more we find how much it has to do with submitting to God and neighbor.

ThuThursdayFebFebruary28th2013 February 28

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Thursday, February 28

John 15:1-11

Discipleship has to do with “abiding” in Jesus. That word is used nine times in the ten verses. What does it mean to you to “abide’ in Jesus? What does that say about being a disciple? Does that differ from being a church member or a Christian? How are you doing at being a disciple of Jesus?

WedWednesdayFebFebruary27th2013 February 27

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Wednesday, February 27

Romans 8:14-17

“…if, in fact, we suffer with him…” Probably not a phase we would want to put on our brochure for those inquiring about joining the church. On the other hand, isn’t that the definition of discipleship? Suffering, sacrificing, loving as Christ did? What does it mean to “suffer” with Christ “so that we might be glorified with him”?

TueTuesdayFebFebruary26th2013 February 26

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Tuesday, February 26

John 15:12-17

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” We usually think of this in terms of Jesus laying down his life for us on the cross, but in reading the surrounding verses, it is clear Jesus wants us to think of it in terms of loving one another now. He says, since we have had Him with us, we are now partners (not slaves) in His ministry. How can we “lay down our lives” for others in the way Jesus did during his life on earth?

MonMondayFebFebruary25th2013 February 25

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Monday, February 25

Matthew 22:34-40

Can loving God be seen in the way we love our neighbor? How does that relate the spiritual discipline of submission? In some ways, our submission to God is best shown in the way we care for our neighbor. Think of Jesus’ submission to God. How was it seen in the way he loved people? How can we live as Jesus lived?

SatSaturdayFebFebruary23rd2013 February 23

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Saturday, February 23

Luke 18:9-14

Read verse 9 again. It tells us to whom Jesus directs this parable, “those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt…” Put that in the form of a prayer. “Lord, how do I trust in myself for righteousness?” “Lord, how is that affecting my relationship with you?” “Who is it that I hold in contempt?” “Lord, how is that affecting my relationship with my neighbor?” As those questions are answered, read the rest of the parable. Which of the two do you identify with?

FriFridayFebFebruary22nd2013 February 22

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Friday, February 22

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

I love this scripture and read it regularly to remind myself of the importance of certain spiritual behaviors. “Pray without ceasing…” does not mean to go around muttering to yourself. (That can get you locked up.) Remember, prayer is not talking to God, it is being with God. You can talk to God and still feel very far from God. Spend time each day being alone with God in silence and solitude. You will find that will help you be with the Lord throughout the day. Remember, the Lord is with you all the time. The question is will you recognize his presence?

ThuThursdayFebFebruary21st2013 February 21

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Thursday, February 21

James 5:13-18

Every once in a while it is good to re-evaluate what we believe about prayer; how we think it works and how we think it doesn't. I do believe it is important for us to believe in the prayer we pray for it to be most effective. Here James gives instructions on prayer and life within the community of faith. What do you agree and disagree with? What do you question and wonder about? Ask the Lord about these things. Talk to a friend or loved one about them. Bring them to our Monday evening class on the spiritual disciplines for discussion. Deciding what you believe about prayer, will help you with prayer.

WedWednesdayFebFebruary20th2013 February 20

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Wednesday, February 20

Ephesians 6:10-20

Paul gives us a visual image for prayer. It might be a little too militaristic for some, but it can be very helpful in getting into your emotions and forming your prayer. Image putting on the whole armor of God and how each piece can protect you. Which pieces of armor do you need the most right now? Where are you feeling vulnerable? How can the reassurance of the Lord give you the strength you need?

MonMondayFebFebruary18th2013 February 19

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Tuesday, February 19

Matthew 26:36-46

I will pray for you. I will pray with you. You are in my prayers. Often these are well meant phrases that are not acted on; promises that are unfulfilled. Last Sunday, Jenny Davidson told us how she helps our youth pray for others by asking them to allow God to give them the name of someone to pray for or with. Spend the next few moments asking the Lord that question, and then pray.

MonMondayFebFebruary18th2013 February 18

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Monday, February 18

Psalm 39:1-13

“Here my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry…” The psalmist writes what is our prayer so many times; our hope for God’s presence, recognition and attention. Look at how the writer lays out for the Lord what is happening in his life, and then asks for the Lord’s help. This is how most of our prayers go as well. What is missing is listening for the Lord’s response. What good does it do us to tell the Lord the details of our lives and ask for the Lord’s help, if we do not listen for the Lord’s response? Read the psalm again and pick out a phase that speaks to you. Say it over and over in your mind, as you listen for the Lord’s response.

SatSaturdayFebFebruary16th2013 February 16

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Saturday, February 16

Matthew 6:14-15

See I told you one of the most difficult parts of loving others was our ability to forgive them. Here Jesus reiterates and qualifies our forgiving. We are to forgive others if we want God to forgive us. Now is a good time to seek God’s forgiveness. After you ask the Lord to forgive you, make sure you forgive yourself.

FriFridayFebFebruary15th2013 February 15

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Friday, February 15

Matthew 6:13

I don’t believe God leads us into temptation. We do that well enough on our own. I also don’t believe God tests us. Life does that well enough on its own. I do believe God delivers us, resurrects us, heals us. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, we are told the stories of God deliverance. Every once in a while it is good to ask yourself, From what do I need to be delivered? Then say your prayer for deliverance?

ThuThursdayFebFebruary14th2013 February 14

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Thursday, February 14

Matthew 6:12

Happy Valentine’s Day. A big part of being a loving person is being a forgiving person. One of the most difficult acts of love we can make is forgiving someone who has wronged us. Out of God’s love for us, God forgives us. If are to follow God’s example of love, we will be one of those who forgives. “We love because God first loved us.” (I John 4:19)

WedWednesdayFebFebruary13th2013 February 13

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Wednesday, February 13 (Ash Wednesday)

Matthew 6:11

With this phrase we are asking God to give us what we need that day. So we might find it helpful to contemplate on what it is we need. This is called a prayer of supplication. When you pray this part of the prayer, you might discover a lot about yourself and where you are in life. You might find there is a difference between what you want and what you need. May God help us all discover the difference.

TueTuesdayFebFebruary12th2013 February 12

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Tuesday, February 12

Matthew 6:10

Think very hard before you pray this phrase. Ask yourself, do I really want God’s will to be done rather than my own? Do I really want the Lord to rule over my life or do I want to be the boss? Verse 10 makes the Lord’s Prayer one of the most difficult prayers to pray. If you don’t mean it, don’t pray it.

MonMondayFebFebruary11th2013 February 11

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Monday, February 11

Matthew 6:7-9

So much for eloquent prayers. Prayers are not to be beautiful prose; they are to be personal and honest conversation. One of my pet peeves is prayer that is in reality a sermon. It may be addressed to God, but it speaks only to the audience. Jesus begins his prayer with “Our Father” showing us the personal and intimate nature of prayer. I do think we have to be careful to remember that the “our” is not possessive (in that God belongs to us), but relational (in that we are forever connected to God). Maybe it would be better to being with, “Our Father, I am your child”; acknowledging who belongs to whom. That is why Our Father is followed by “hallowed be thy name”. By the way, another pet peeve is when people say “hallow would be thy name”. We can fall into some not so helpful habits in our prayers and those habits can show us we are not reaching the intimately we are seeking. What are some of those habits for you?

SatSaturdayFebFebruary9th2013 February 9

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Saturday, February 9

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Here Paul tells us to walk by faith not by sight. “Focus” is what happens when our sight and our faith are joined together. Can you think of a time when you saw with eyes of faith? How was your vision different? Did it cause a difference in you?

FriFridayFebFebruary8th2013 February 8

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Friday, February 8

Ephesians 1:3-10

In these verses we have a piece of Paul’s theology and faith. Find a verse that seems to speak to you as you read over the passage. Meditate on its words. Let God speak to you and open your eyes to what God wants you to see. The verse I will meditate on is verse 5a, “(God) destined us in love to be his children…”. Wow, this might take me awhile.

ThuThursdayFebFebruary7th2013 February 7

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Thursday, February 7

John 20:26-29

Blessed are those who can believe even when they are unable to physically see the Lord. Jesus knew it would be difficult for his followers to continue to believe in him after he ascended into heaven. He was right. Sometimes our doubt can be frightening. I have found there is a rhythm to my faith-life of strong periods of faith and equally difficult periods of doubt. But I have also found when I work through the doubt my faith has become much stronger. Blessed indeed are those times when we are unable to see but are still able to believe.

WedWednesdayFebFebruary6th2013 February 6

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Wednesday, February 6

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

What are those unseen things that seem to renew your inner nature? Remember a time you had one of those “unseen moments”. How did it make you feel? Hold on to that feeling and thank the Lord for it.

TueTuesdayFebFebruary5th2013 February 5

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Tuesday, February 5

John 9:13-34

This scripture is reminiscent of the conflicts from Mark we read last week. How do you see the church illuminating Jesus to the world? How do you see the church getting in the way of people being able to see Jesus more plainly? How does our church best help others see our Lord?

MonMondayFebFebruary4th2013 February 4

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Monday, February 4

Luke 24:28-35

Their eyes were opened in the breaking of the bread. Communion is our time to have our eyes opened to the presence of Jesus. How do you “see” Jesus in communion? How do you feel his presence as you kneel at his table?

SatSaturdayFebFebruary2nd2013 February 2

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Saturday, February 2

Mark 3:1-6

John Wesley encouraged the people called Methodists to do all the good they can and to do no harm. I think he got that from Jesus and his encounters with the Pharisees. I am afraid there have been times the church has gotten in the way of doing good and doing no harm. Can you think of some of those times? How can we as a church and you personally better follow these simple rules of faith?

FriFridayFebFebruary1st2013 February 1

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Friday, February 1

Mark 2:23-28

Jesus was a pretty practical man of faith. The church is meant to help us in our relationship with God, not to be the end in itself. How can you use the church to help you grow in your relationship with the Lord? How can we as a church do a better job of helping our members grow in theirs? Are there ways you see us getting in the way of people growing in their faith?

ThuThursdayJanJanuary31st2013 January 31

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Thursday, January 31

Mark 2:18-22

Fasting is the act of preparing for the presence of God, to be open to see, hear and follow him. But when God is present you spent time with him. How do you open yourself to the Lord? What do you do when you feel the Lord is present? If these questions are confusing to you, you will find help in our sermon series for Lent in which we look in depth at the spiritual disciplines. Spend some time meditating on the images Jesus gives of the shrunk and unshrunk cloth and the wine and wineskins. How do these images help you understand the way God is working in your life?

WedWednesdayJanJanuary30th2013 January 30

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Wednesday, January 30

Mark 2:13-17

Again Jesus’ ministry begins by being in the Word. (Are you getting the hint? Ministry does not happen outside our connection to God through prayer and/or scripture.) Jesus dares to minister to the undesirable. Who are those who need the Great Physician with whom we have been unwilling to sit? Pray that God will direct you to someone and that you will be able to meet the challenge of “sitting” with him or her or them.

TueTuesdayJanJanuary29th2013 January 29

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This week we are going to read through a short section of the Gospel of Mark in which the author shows us some of the “spiritual tunnel vision” of the religious leaders of the day.

Tuesday, January 29

Mark 2:1-12

This time the healing does not begin with Jesus being in prayer, it begins with him being in the Word. Notice the interesting question, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” The answer is “No one” and so Jesus is “God alone”. The irony of yesterday’s passage continues as Jesus not only forgives sin, which was reserved for the priests, but he also heals the paralytic. That was something new, because as the people said, “We never saw anything like this.”

It is one thing to believe God forgives us of our sin. It is another thing to believe we are healed of its destructiveness. How is God making your life new and clean today?

MonMondayJanJanuary28th2013 January 28

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This week we are going to read through a short section of the Gospel of Mark in which the author shows us some of the “spiritual tunnel vision” of the religious leaders of the day.

Monday, January 28

Mark 1:35-45

Chapter 2 of Mark’s gospel begins a series of conflicts Jesus has with the religious authorities. These verses that end chapter 1 are a good prelude to those conflicts. After preparing himself for ministry by spending some time alone with the Lord, Jesus heals a leper. Jesus tells the man to “…go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded…”. Jesus healed the man, but he would not be “officially” cleansed (no longer untouchable) until a priest authorizes it. Jesus is doing two things here; first, he is showing his respect for the doctrine of the church and, second, he is showing God is doing something new. Mark is using irony to show us the tunnel vision of the church of Jesus’ day.

Obviously, I love the church. I have devoted my life to ministry through it. I believe the church is the best way for us to become the disciples God calls us to be, but we must remember we follow the direction of God’s spirit. God does not follow ours. Are there ways you see the church restricting the work of the spirit? What are ways the church is enabling people to be disciples?

SatSaturdayJanJanuary26th2013 January 26

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Saturday, January 26

Revelation 21:1-6

This is John’s famous vision of a new world…God’s vision. What has to change in our world for this vision to become a reality? What part can you take in making it happen?

FriFridayJanJanuary25th2013 January 25

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Friday, January 25

Jeremiah 29:10-14

Jeremiah is warning the Israelites of being impatient. They are looking for a quick fix to the problems of their exile. Their feelings are understandable. They feel helpless, abandoned and hopeless. But Jeremiah gives them a wonderful promise from the Lord. In the Bible there are two different ways of calculating time; earthly time (chronos) and God’s time (kairos). How do these come in conflict in your life of faith?

ThuThursdayJanJanuary24th2013 January 24

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Thursday, January 24

Proverbs 29:10

I used this scripture as I closed my sermon Sunday. I said I didn't believe it meant that we would physically die if we didn't follow the Lord’s guidance. I believe it is speaking more about the Lord’s vision dying without our commitment and devotion to it. But there are a lot of ways of interpreting this proverb. What do you think it means?

WedWednesdayJanJanuary23rd2013 January 23

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Wednesday, January 23

Ephesians 1:3-10

This is Paul’s introduction to some plans he believes the Lord has for the church in Ephesus. I laid out some plans for our church this past Sunday. Those plans came out of a time I spent in prayer seeking God’s guidance. I appreciate those who have emailed, texted and spoken to me their words of support. I hope you will join in praying for our church. Let me know what the Lord is telling you.

TueTuesdayJanJanuary22nd2013 January 22

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Tuesday, January 22

Acts 2:12-24

Following the events of Pentecost, Peter preaches. He quotes the prophet Joel and reminds the crowd it is through God’s spirit we are able to see the will of the Lord and, he goes on to say, it is in the resurrection of Jesus we find the strength we need to follow God guidance. Following God’s will is sometimes seen by others as misguided (like being drunk). It sometimes seems crazy to us. But seeking guidance and strength is what enables us to make the tough decisions. Spend some time in prayer today, seeking guidance and strength.

MonMondayJanJanuary21st2013 January 21

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Monday, January 21

Isaiah 30:1-5

Isaiah is worried that the people of Israel are making some bad decisions. Due to the threat of aggressive countries surrounding them, they are making alliances with other countries that Isaiah sees in conflict the will of God. Fear often makes us compromise our beliefs and causes us to seek strength in something other than the Lord. Have you found this to be true in your life? What threatens your reliance on God? Seek in prayer to put your trust back in the Lord.

SatSaturdayJanJanuary19th2013 January 19

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Saturday, January 19

1 John 4:7-21

I know we have read this scripture several times for our 10 and 10 devotional. It is one of my favorites and speaks to much in our struggle to be faithful disciples. How would the words of this scripture help you answer yesterday’s questions? How does it tell us to “love God and neighbor”; to do the greatest commandment?

FriFridayJanJanuary18th2013 January 18

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Friday, January 18

John 21:15-19

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” This was a hard question for Peter to hear, because he wanted Jesus to know he loved him by their relationship. What if Jesus asked you if you loved him? What would you say? Could you convince him?

ThuThursdayJanJanuary17th2013 January 17

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Thursday, January 17

Matthew 22:34-46

Since this is the greatest commandment, we should ask ourselves how we are doing in following it. So, make a list of the ways you are loving the Lord and another list of how you are loving your neighbor. What can you add to your two lists?

WedWednesdayJanJanuary16th2013 January 16

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Wednesday, January 16

Matthew 5:38-48

These words you have read and heard a hundred times. Try reading them today like you are seeing them for the first time. How do you hear them? How do they make you feel? Do you find them instructive or threatening? Is there anything you are hearing differently than you have the other hundred times you heard them? How did Jesus live out these words in his life?

TueTuesdayJanJanuary15th2013 January 15

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Tuesday, January 15

Amos 5:21-24

“…I despise your feast…I take no delight in your solemn assemblies…Take away from me the noise of your songs. These are harsh words from the Lord. God is tired of hearing the words of faith without seeing the actions to back them up. It is not enough to praise and thank God with our mouths, we must do so with our lives and actions. “…let justice roll down like waters…”

MonMondayJanJanuary14th2013 January 14

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Monday, January 14

Isaiah 61:1-11

This is the passage Luke reports in his fourth chapter that Jesus turned to when reading the scripture in the synagogue to begin his public ministry. How do the words Jesus read reflect on Isaiah’s comment that God loves justice? How can we as a church and you as a disciple be involved in justice ministries?

SatSaturdayJanJanuary5th2013 January 5

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Saturday, January 5

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

This scripture sums up this week’s devotionals; letting the old pass away, allowing God to create you into a new creation that is more the Lord’s image, and setting the goal of “being in Christ”. I hope you will look at these three things again and ask yourself how you can make them happen as the New Year begins.

FriFridayJanJanuary4th2013 January 4

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Friday, January 4

Ezekiel 36:22-32

This is the scriptural reference for baptism by sprinkling (see verse 25ff). How has your baptism given you a new, softer heart? How have you seen God’s spirit in you?

ThuThursdayJanJanuary3rd2013 January 3

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Thursday, January 3

Philippians 3:7-16

Again we are offered the guidance to “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead”. Paul also encourages the people of Philippi to “press on toward the goal”. So, what are your goals for 2013? It is hard to accomplish goals that have not been set. Goal setting is different than New Year’s resolutions. They are accomplishable, have timelines and are taken seriously, because they can make your life and the lives of others more enjoyable and profitable. So, what are your goals?

WedWednesdayJanJanuary2nd2013 January 2

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Wednesday, January 2

Lamentations 3:19-26

You can see the theme for the week; God is working for good in our lives. What does it mean to you to “wait on the Lord”? How does waiting on the Lord relate to our faith and our trust in God? How can you better wait on the Lord in 2013?

TueTuesdayJanJanuary1st2013 January 1

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Tuesday, January 1

1 Peter 1:3-9

“Born anew”, “living hope”, “resurrection”, these are all ways of saying the past is behind us and a new life is ahead. What do you need to leave behind you? For what do you need forgiveness…from God, others and yourself? What new do you pray for in your life?

MonMondayDecDecember31st2012 December 31

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Monday, December 31

Jeremiah 29:10-14

No better promise could be given as we start a new year. God is on our side. This passage comes at a time when Judah has been exiled from the Promised Land by Babylon and the people feel hopeless and helpless. Jeremiah speaks the words of God when he says we should never feel hopeless as long as we know God is working for good in our lives. How do you see God working in your life as the new year begins? How are you seeking God with all your heart?

SatSaturdayDecDecember22nd2012 December 22

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Saturday, December 22

John 15:1-11

Read Jesus’ comments on being the “true vine”, because Jesus said these words so that his joy will be in us and our joy may be full. How does being a part of the vine bring you joy? How are others seeing Christ’s joy and your joy in the way you are living your life?

FriFridayDecDecember21st2012 December 21

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Friday, December 21

Luke 2:8-16

“…I bring you good news of a great joy…”. So are the words of the angel to the shepherds. Take some time today to think through the good news and the great joy the birth of Jesus brings to you. How is your celebration this year exemplifying that good news and that great joy.

ThuThursdayDecDecember20th2012 December 20

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Thursday, December 20

1 John 1:1-4

According to John, proclaiming our faith is what makes our joy complete. How are you proclaiming your faith in this season? I have to admit, I am getting a little tired of the statement, “Jesus is the reason for the season”. Yes, it is important for us to remember the reason we are celebrating and many people do celebrate “Christmas” who connect nothing of their celebration to the birth of Christ, but that statement, as catchy as it might be, is empty compared the true power of the gift we are given in Jesus Christ. It is time we rediscovered the real reasons for celebrating. That is why we have put so much emphasis on the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love in our Advent worship. In proclaiming our faith in Jesus, let us make sure we tell people the reasons why the gift of Jesus is so important, because it is in those reasons our joy becomes complete.

WedWednesdayDecDecember19th2012 December 19

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Wednesday, December 19

Philippians 4:4-7

This is one of the Bible’s most popular passages on joy. What is hindering your joy this year? How can you overcome the hindrances? Remember, the peace that passes understanding is found in keeping our hearts and minds in the one born in Bethlehem.

TueTuesdayDecDecember18th2012 December 18

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Tuesday, December 18

Matthew 2:1-12

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy…”. The scripture says the Magi’s response to their joy was to first, worship the child and, then, to offer him gifts from their treasure. What are your plans to worship the child this Christmas? How is your worship moving you to give the Lord gifts from your treasures? Don’t allow your gift giving this year to be merely perfunctory.

MonMondayDecDecember17th2012 December 17

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Monday, December 17

Psalm 66:1-20

As you read this psalm, try not to get caught up in the language used to demonstrate God’s power (like “How terrible are thy deeds!” and “For thou, O God, has tested us.”). The author is praising God and a part of that praise is acknowledging God’s beneficent use of power. The psalm also gives us a number of reasons for praising God. Read through these asking yourself if these are praises you can offer to the Lord. What other praises can you add? The week before Christmas is a good time to “make a joyful noise to the Lord.”

SatSaturdayDecDecember15th2012 December 15

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Saturday, December 15

John 14:25-27

In Sunday’s sermon, I said the peace God gives is a different kind of peace (John 14:27). It is not necessarily the absence of conflict, it is peace in the midst of the chaos. Stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Close your eyes and repeat the words “O come, O come Emmanuel”. Search for that place in you where God resides (see John 14:15-17). That is where peace is.

FriFridayDecDecember14th2012 December 14

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Friday, December 14

Luke 1:67-80

John the Baptist is born and his father, Zechariah, like a lot of new fathers, is filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. John will pave the way for the messiah. Zechariah’s words tell of the hope the people had in the coming of a messiah. How does Jesus make these words come true for you?

ThuThursdayDecDecember13th2012 December 13

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Thursday, December 13

Matthew 10:34-42

So much for those cozy words of Christmas. Peace often does not come without struggle. Sometimes to find peace we must give up what has become normal for us…normal but still destructive. Are there things that if you were to give them up, peace would be a greater possibility in your life? If so, why are you hanging on to them?

WedWednesdayDecDecember12th2012 December 12

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Wednesday, December 12

Isaiah 9:2-7

Light and dark is such a wonder contrast for us to contemplate during Advent and Christmas. In what ways are you walking in darkness this season? How can you begin to walk in the light? Light is God’s gift to you.

TueTuesdayDecDecember11th2012 December 11

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Tuesday, December 11

Psalm 34

Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann calls this style psalm a “Psalm of Orientation”. All is right in the psalmist’s world and he is thankful to God for it. In verse 14 the writer encourages us to “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it”, for that is where he has found peace. The rest of the psalm proclaims where peace can be found. Is this where you find peace?

MonMondayDecDecember10th2012 December 10

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Monday, December 10

Job 22:21-30

In Job’s affliction, he has 3 “comforters” come to him. They spout religious platitudes that Job finds less than helpful. In this passage, Eliphaz one of the comforters, shares with Job what will bring him peace. There is a lot of bargaining with God that he suggests, but there are some helpful nuggets of truth within it. Read through these verses asking yourself how can God give me peace.

SatSaturdayDecDecember8th2012 December 8

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Saturday, December 8

Roman 13:8-14

“Oh, you better watch out; you better not cry. You better not pout, I’m telling you why…”. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”. “Deck the Halls”, “Jingle Bells”, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. As you sing and listen to Christmas carols that tell you the ways you should live through the holiday season, remember these words from Paul. “Love your neighbor.” “…wake from your sleep…for the night is gone and the light of day is at hand.” “…cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…” These are good directions for observing a faithful Advent and Christmas.

FriFridayDecDecember7th2012 December 7

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Friday, December 7

Revelation 22:1-5

This is a part of the vision God gave John of a “new heaven and a new earth”. There is no more night, only light. Read verses 1-4 of chapter 21 for further images of this place where the former things have passed away. This Advent season, you can either be like those looking at the Mayan calendar to tell you when the world will end so you can experience these things or you can believe in Christmas and that new life and light have already been born into our lives.

ThuThursdayDecDecember6th2012 December 6

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Thursday, December 6

John 3:16-21

We often read these words outside of the context of the ones before them. Read the story of Nicodemus again and then read verses 16-20. Does the story of “Nick at Night” illuminate these verses for you? Think of John’s phrase “eternal life” in the terms of “life with the eternal one” rather than only “life after death”. Is it possible this is what Jesus was promising Nicodemus? I am not saying there is no life after death, but what Nicodemus needed was life now. That is the promise of Christmas.

WedWednesdayDecDecember5th2012 December 5

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Wednesday, December 5

John 3:1-15

Sunday I invited you to read the story of Nicodemus. As I said, I don’t think John felt he could get to this story fast enough. After proclaiming Jesus to be the life and light of us all in the first verses of his gospel, John tells the story of one who needed that light and life to feel whole again. There is a difference between knowing the story and theology of Christmas and allowing the reality of it to change your life.

TueTuesdayDecDecember4th2012 December 4

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Tuesday, December 4

Philippians 2:14-18

Paul reminds us that our attitude toward life and its challenges can be a way of sharing the light of Christ with the world. Some of us find that easier to do than others. Some are just naturally more positive in the way they look at the world; while others are naturally more negative. If you are one of those positive people, your challenge is not to let your contentment turn to complacency. The world needs you to help make it a better place. If you are one of the negative ones, you challenge is to see God at work in the world around you. Emmanuel is God with us.

MonMondayDecDecember3rd2012 December 3

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Monday, December 3

Job 30:24-31

Job tries to understand his life as the afflictions he has experienced mount up. He wonders why these things have happened to him when he has been faithful to pray for the needs of others. He struggles with the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people. Read his words again, listening for your own voice. When was it that you looked for good and only evil came or waited for light only to find darkness? How have you found Jesus to be the light in your life?

SatSaturdayDecDecember1st2012 December 1

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These scriptures are some of the Old Testament prophesies and where they are fulfilled in the New Testament story of the birth of Jesus. I hope they help you as you begin to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

Saturday, December 1

Isaiah 9:2-7
John 1:1-14

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” We are those people. Anyone who has experienced worry or hurt or grief or pain or sickness, is one of those people. Christmas is the story of light and life and love. Thank God the light has shined and that God has not allowed the darkness to over come it.

FriFridayNovNovember30th2012 November 30

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These scriptures are some of the Old Testament prophesies and where they are fulfilled in the New Testament story of the birth of Jesus. I hope they help you as you begin to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

Friday, November 30

Isaiah 7:10-17
Matthew 1:18-25

Emmanuel means "God with us." Christmas is not the celebration of a baby placed in a manger in a stable. It is the story that tells me God is with me. Read again the 23rd Psalm.. This is a psalm where someone has realized Emmanuel.

ThuThursdayNovNovember29th2012 November 29

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These scriptures are some of the Old Testament prophesies and where they are fulfilled in the New Testament story of the birth of Jesus. I hope they help you as you begin to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

Thursday, November 29

Jeremiah 23:5-6
Luke 2:1-7, Luke 3:31

The messiah was to be the son of David and to be called “The Lord is our righteousness”. Often our attention is placed on proving Jesus to be of the lineage of David as did the gospel authors with their genealogies, but I think we would be better served by concentrating on how Jesus is “our righteousness”; how Jesus brings us into closer relationship with God. (Righteousness is a relationship word. It means much more than being good.) I know Jesus is the messiah and my Lord because of his love for me and his presence with me. More than I do because of his gene pool.

WedWednesdayNovNovember28th2012 November 28

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These scriptures are some of the Old Testament prophesies and where they are fulfilled in the New Testament story of the birth of Jesus. I hope they help you as you begin to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

Wednesday, November 28

Isaiah 11:1-3a
Luke 1:31-33, Luke 3:32, Luke 4:18-19

The messiah was to be more than a king; the spirit of the Lord was to rest upon him. In Jesus we see God’s spirit exhibited more than in any other. When Jesus exited his earthly life, he promised he would leave that spirit with us (see John 14), so that we might continue to exhibit that same spirit to the world.

TueTuesdayNovNovember27th2012 November 27

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These scriptures are some of the Old Testament prophesies and where they are fulfilled in the New Testament story of the birth of Jesus. I hope they help you as you begin to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

Tuesday, November 27

Micah 5:2
Luke 2:4-7, Matthew 2:1

Bethlehem was the place this new king was to be born. Bethlehem, which means ‘house of bread’, was the home of David. The messiah was prophesied to be of the house and lineage of David and was to re-establish the kingdom to its glory days. Little did they know this new kingdom would be very different and much greater than David’s. Little did they know this new king would be the ‘bread of life’. The fulfillment of the prophesies remind us that might we think we know God’s plan and direction, but God is always making the promise better than we could possibly image. That is why hope is so much a part of this season.

MonMondayNovNovember26th2012 November 26

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These scriptures are some of the Old Testament prophesies and where they are fulfilled in the New Testament story of the birth of Jesus. I hope they help you as you begin to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

Monday, November 26

Genesis 22:17-18
Matthew 1:1

God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in heaven and the sands on the seashore. A pretty bold prediction considering Sarah was barren and the two of them were getting on in years. But God has always tried to gather his people around him. He created Adam and Eve. Saved a remnant of people from the flood. God established the covenant that he would be our God and we would be his people. Now Matthew writes that Jesus is a descendant of Abraham’s family; a part of the covenant of God being our God and we being God’s people. Jesus is God’s greatest attempt to bring us closer to him. That is the message of Christmas.

SatSaturdayNovNovember24th2012 November 24

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Saturday, November 24

Psalm 150

Sometimes the mood of praise just overcomes us. We can’t help it, something wonderful has happened and we want to sing and dance our praises to God. That is what has happened to this psalmist. Words are just not enough. When was the last time you felt that way? Try to remember that feeling. Let it fill your soul.

FriFridayNovNovember23rd2012 November 23

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Friday, November 23

Philippians 4:4-9

Thanksgiving is over and hopefully the clean up is done. Christmas is just around the corner and there are busy days ahead. But Paul reminds the Philippians (and all of us) that thanksgiving is an everyday thing. “Rejoice in the Lord always…if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Everyday!

ThuThursdayNovNovember22nd2012 November 22

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Thursday, November 22

I Cor. 11:23-26

The Lord’s Supper is called the “Eucharist” which means “give thanks”. It is our monthly (or weekly if you go to the 8:50 or bilingual service) thanksgiving meal. Whenever we share in it, as Paul writes, we are remembering Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. I hope that will be a part of your Thanksgiving meal today. Along with remembering Pilgrims and the blessings of living in this country, give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice and for God’s promise of new life.

WedWednesdayNovNovember21st2012 November 21

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Wednesday, November 21

Psalm 107

In this past year, how has the Lord satisfied your hunger, quenched your thirst, healed your disease, brought you out of darkness, and stilled the storms of your life? Now would be a good time to say thank you. Is there a way you can say thanks without using words?

TueTuesdayNovNovember20th2012 November 20

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Tuesday, November 20

II Cor. 9:6-8

I am a teaser and I realized early on in life that if you are going to tease people you better be ready to be teased back. “Whatever thou dishth out will be dishthed back upon you tenfold.” I’m sure that is in the Bible somewhere. Today’s scripture says it in a different way: you reap what you sow. A good question to ask yourself, as Thanksgiving approaches, is what I am sowing in the world around me?

MonMondayNovNovember19th2012 November 19

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Monday, November 19

Psalm 136

“For his steadfast love endures forever.” This Psalm is in the form of a litany with the psalmist responding to every experience of seeing and feeling the love of God at work in his/her life with this phase. After reading through the psalmist’s experiences, write your own litany of experiences. What has happened in your life to which you can say, “for his steadfast love endures forever”?

SatSaturdayNovNovember17th2012 November 17

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Saturday, November 17

Matthew 25:31-46

This scripture speaks for itself. In what way do you encounter Jesus in the lives of others?

FriFridayNovNovember16th2012 November 16

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Friday, November 16

Matthew 6:25-34

Sometimes we lose the power and difficulty of this passage in the beauty of its poetry. Read over the passage several times during the day. Allow it to soak into your life. What does it mean to you as you approach Thanksgiving Day?

ThuThursdayNovNovember15th2012 November 15

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Thursday, November 15

Luke 3:1-6

What do it mean to you “to make the path of the Lord straight”? John sees this as his calling and it certainly should be at least a part of ours. Contemplate how you are making the path straight for the Lord and how you are making it crooked.

WedWednesdayNovNovember14th2012 November 14

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Wednesday, November 14

Matthew 8:18-22

Being a disciple of Jesus is not one more thing to add to a list of duties, it is putting our lives in Jesus’ hands and living according to his will. Notice this would be disciple calls Jesus “teacher” rather than “Lord” (as his true disciples do). That is the trouble most of us have in our discipleship. We are willing to be taught by Jesus, but not willing to put our lives in his hands.

TueTuesdayNovNovember13th2012 November 13

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Thursday, November 13

Philippians 4:10-20

Paul says he has learned the secret of living with need and want. The secret is found in the strength the Lord gives us, not in our complaining. Contentment is an interesting state of being. It is good to be content in the sense of feeling fulfilled with the gift of life, but bad in the sense of not being motivated to work to make the world a better place. This is the balance of true gratitude.

MonMondayNovNovember12th2012 November 12

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Monday, November 12

Psalm 107:1-9

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, it is time to start reflecting on our thankfulness. How has the Lord fed us? What are the “good things” the Lord has given us? Gratitude is one of the most challenging virtues. It is time to prepare to be thankful.

SatSaturdayNovNovember10th2012 November 10

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Saturday, November 10

Mark 12:13-17

What does it mean to you to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God what is God’s? If all is of God, doesn’t what we give to Caesar still have to fit into our faith? Change often comes when the two become incompatible. What, due to your faith, do you feel needs to be changed in the world? Spend some time in prayer to discern what God wants those changes to be and what part you might play in making those changes happen.

FriFridayNovNovember9th2012 November 9

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Friday, November 9

Romans 12:9-21

No more beautiful words were written in the Bible. They direct us in our everyday actions. Using when as an evaluation tool, how are you doing in living the faith?

ThuThursdayNovNovember8th2012 November 8

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Thursday, November 8

Proverbs 8:15-16 & 24:21

It is interesting how closely the work of God and that of the ruling authorities was seen in the days of the writing of the Bible. The Proverbs were considered wisdom literature. How do these do these words hold wisdom for you?

WedWednesdayNovNovember7th2012 November 7

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Wednesday, November 7

Romans 12:1-2

Be not conformed, but transformed. How do you see this challenge playing out in your life of faith?

TueTuesdayNovNovember6th2012 November 6

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Tuesday, November 6

Philippians 3:17-21 & I Corinthians 7:25-31

Jesus directs us in the Lord’s Prayer to pray, “…on earth as it is in heaven”. We pray that our earthly matters will be dealt with in a heavenly way. You hear this in the Philippians passage. The I Corinthians passage reminds us that some of the authors of the scriptures thought the second coming of Christ was imminent and our earthly actions were of little consequence. We might see this as an excuse for people of the early church. In the church today, we see our task as working with the Lord to create the kingdom he envisioned while on earth. How are you doing in building the kingdom?

MonMondayNovNovember5th2012 November 5

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Monday, November 5

Romans 13:1-7

Most people find these words from Paul surprising; particularly knowing the Jew’s and Christian’s fragile relationship with the Roman government. His viewpoint comes from a long held Jewish understanding that God is ultimately in control of all things, even the actions of those in political leadership. When you think that God worked through people like Moses the murderer, Rahab the prostitute, Peter the turncoat, and Paul with a speech impediment, it is not too far fetched that God could work through Nero and Herod. That is the reason we should pray for all our political leaders.

SatSaturdayNovNovember3rd2012 November 3

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Saturday, November 3

John 9:1-41

In verse 34, notice the cultural notion in Jesus’ day that the ill and disabled were that way because they or their ancestors were sinners and God had cursed them for it. Here Jesus overcomes that belief by healing the blind man. God does not curse; God blesses. Also notice how difficult it is for us to believe in the healing powers of Christ. Would that we be those who were able to see clearly because of our faith in Jesus

FriFridayNovNovember2nd2012 November 2

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Friday, November 2

Matthew 15:21-28

This story reminds us that even the undeserving are loved by God. Thank goodness! Over the years, I have found so many who God has forgiven who, out of their own guilt and self-loathing, have not been able to accept that forgiveness. God wants to love you. Why don’t you give God the chance?

ThuThursdayNovNovember1st2012 November 1

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Thursday, November 1

Mark 5:21-43

Here we have two healings in one story. A woman who was untouchable is brought back into the community to live again and a little girl (and thus her family) is brought back to life. The grace of the resurrection saves us from more than physical death. It releases us from anything that makes feel dead inside. In John 10:10, Jesus says he came to bring life and that in abundance. You might ask Nicodemus what that is like. (John 3) From what do you need to be resurrected?

WedWednesdayOctOctober31st2012 October 31

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Wednesday, October 31

Matthew 9:1-8

One of my professors in seminary asked our class, “Do you believe Jesus healed the paralytic?” We, of course, answered, “Yes”. He went on to say, “The more important question is “Do you believe Jesus heals your paralysis?” He was right. It is one thing to believe Jesus healed two thousand years ago. It is another thing all together to believe he heals the hurts and difficulties of our lives today. What is paralyzing you that Jesus can heal?

TueTuesdayOctOctober30th2012 October 30

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Tuesday, October 30

Luke 13:10-13

Jesus’ healing in this passage “freed” the woman from her affliction. That is one of the things Jesus said God anointed him to do, “…proclaim release to the captives…set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18-19) From what do you need to be freed?

MonMondayOctOctober29th2012 October 29

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Monday, October 29

Mark 1:21-28

In this first healing miracle (exorcism) in Mark’s gospel, notice the demon knows who Jesus is. The demon’s words almost sound confessional, but the demon does not follow Jesus and is, in fact, working against him. Also notice this story comes right after the calling of the disciples. How many times would the disciples say the words that sounded like they followed Jesus, but, in fact, did things that were working against his goals? How many times do we do the same?

SatSaturdayOctOctober27th2012 October 27

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Saturday, October 27

Read Titus 3:1-7.

After a week of considering the goods and the shortcomings of our lives of faith, it is a good time to stop and seek God’s forgiveness, repent and start anew. Thanks be to God for the grace to be forgiven.

FriFridayOctOctober26th2012 October 26

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Friday, October 26

Read John 3:16-21.

According to this scripture, it is our deeds that show whether we are living in the light or in darkness. So, what are your deeds showing?

ThuThursdayOctOctober25th2012 October 25

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Thursday, October 25

Read Amos 5:14-15.

“Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice…”. Establishing justice often throws a kink in hating evil and loving good. Justice is a difficult concept for us to put into action. It is one thing to hate evil and love good, but to do something about it that brings justice is difficult indeed.

WedWednesdayOctOctober24th2012 October 24

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Wednesday, October 24

Read Proverbs 6:16-19.

Read over the seven abominations. Which do you struggle with the most?

TueTuesdayOctOctober23rd2012 October 23

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Tuesday, October 23

Psalm 97

One of the questions we have when we strive to love our neighbor is how we can love all our neighbors and hate evil at the same time. Another way to ask the question is, how can I fight evil and love my brothers and sisters. Read the Psalm several times and ask God these questions. What answers does the Lord deliver?

MonMondayOctOctober22nd2012 October 22

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Monday, October 22

Read Leviticus 19:15-18.

Chapter 19 of Leviticus is known as the Holiness Code. It is read every year in the Jewish Synagogue on Yom Kippur. As you can see in verse 1, Moses speaks these words to the whole community. It is both simple and profound at the same time. Sunday we were asked, “Who is our neighbor?” Read verses 15 – 18 and answer that question again.

SatSaturdayOctOctober20th2012 October 20

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Day 6 – October 20, 2012

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

A Note from John…

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this week’s 10 and 10 lessons on stewardship and tithing. I hope it has been interesting, informative and challenging to you and your discipleship. Financial giving is a difficult topic for churches, even though, as you have seen, the Bible is not shy about speaking to it. Often when the minister starts talking about money, the congregation feels he or she has moved from preachin’ and gone to meddlin’. But the truth is giving to the ministries of Jesus Christ through the church is an important reflection of our faith.

This year’s stewardship campaign theme is “Oh, The Places We’ll Go!” named after the book with a similar title by Dr. Seuss. It emphasizes the power of combined giving and the vision that giving can fund. Church members often forget that when their gift is combined with the gifts of a thousand others, what a difference it can make. An additional ten dollars per week from every giving family at FUMCG becomes another half million dollars for the ministries of Christ. Can you imagine the places our church could go in the name of Christ with another half million dollars?!

Also, I hope you will consider giving proportionally and regularly. Proportional giving shows we are taking our giving seriously enough to calculate what percentage of our income we are investing in the work of the Lord. It also shows us how close we are in our giving to the biblical imperative of tithing. Usually, tithing is not where you begin. It took my wife and I a few years before we were able to grow our giving into a tithe, but that endeavor has enabled me to tithe to the church for the past 30 years. Regular giving is also important. Not only does it help the church with budgeting for the ministries we plan, but it also causes you to prayerfully consider your personal support of those ministries every Sunday. That is why your pledge to the church is so important.

These are challenging times for the church. According to the Barna Group, 34% of Americans said, due to the poor economy, they had to reduce their giving to the church over the last three months of 2011 and 11% had completely drop all giving to the church. That trend has continued in 2012 and will persist in 2013. However, with people willing to give proportionally and regularly, combining their gift with the gifts of so many others, “Oh, the Places We’ll Go!”

If our church had plenty of funding, where would you want us to go in ministry?

Tomorrow (Sunday, October 21) is Commitment Sunday! This is your chance to play an active role in supporting all the "places we'll go" in 2013 and beyond. Please prayerfully consider your commitment. Commitment cards will be available in the pew backs, or you may bring the card you received in the mail. Alternatively, you may choose to submit your commitment online. Click here to do so now!

SatSaturdayOctOctober13th2012 October 13

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Saturday, October 13

Read Luke 19:1-10.

I have always identified with Zacchaeus, “a wee little man” as the song goes. I also take offence that Saul was selected king merely because he was tall. I guess I really shouldn’t enjoy reading about his downfall and David’s rise to power, but it does seem they go what they deserved. Zacchaeus was considered small not primarily because to his statue, but rather because to the way he was seen by society. He was a sinner. (Now, I can really identify with him.) Yet Jesus paid attention to him, because, as the story says, Jesus “came to seek and save the lost.” Thank goodness Jesus doesn’t give up on us. Thank goodness Jesus continues to invite us to be with him.

FriFridayOctOctober12th2012 October 12

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Friday, October 12

Read Luke 16:19-31.

The rich man begged Abraham, “…but if some one goes to (my brothers) from the dead, they will repent.” Ironically, Luke is asking us if Jesus’ coming back from the dead has caused us to repent. The word ‘repent’ literally means to turn and walk in a different direction. Has the one who has come back from the dead caused you to walk in a new direction? Are your actions giving example of your faith?

ThuThursdayOctOctober11th2012 October 11

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Thursday, October 11

Read Luke 10:38-42.

I think we might consider our goal to become a combination of Mary and Martha. Sitting at the feet of our Lord to be filled with his love. Then getting up to serve him by loving others. Which part of the Mary/Martha life of faith do you find most natural? Which comes with more difficulty? Do you find it easier to worship and pray or do you find yourself bypassing that to do good? Both are of equal importance. In worship and prayer we are able to discern the will of our father in heaven. In acting upon that discernment, we share the love of God beyond ourselves.

WedWednesdayOctOctober10th2012 October 10

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Wednesday, October 10

Read Luke 10:25-37.

“Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The answer is love God and your neighbor. Jesus then gives an example of what loving God and neighbor looks like. It looks like those times when mercy is shown. Jesus tells us to “Go and do likewise.” How can you show mercy today?

TueTuesdayOctOctober9th2012 October 9

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Tuesday, October 9

Read I John 3:14-18.

“…if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” We are given so many opportunities to open our hearts to our neighbor, yet fail to respond. Through my ministry, I have come to realize there are a finite number of these opportunities. Take the opportunity to love your neighbor when it arises. We only get so many chances to open our heart in love.

MonMondayOctOctober8th2012 October 8

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Monday, October 8

Read James 2:14-18.

Paul wrote we are justified by faith (Romans 3) and he was right. Paul was responding to the religious practices of the day in which the emphasis was on the Law. Being faithful meant doing the Law and Paul felt that led to an obligatory faith – being faithful only out of obligation and for the reward of heaven. He believed true faith was based on our love for and our relationship with God. In this passage from the Letter of James, we are reminded that our works are the examples of our faith. “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” Our love for and relationship with God will spur acts of love. To love God is to love our neighbor and when we love our neighbor we are, in fact, loving God. How are you showing your faith?

SatSaturdayOctOctober6th2012 October 6

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Saturday, October 6

Read Luke 11:5-8.

The message of the parable is clear. If this householder, who makes excuses and is unwilling to immediately respond, will give bread to a friend to give to a hungry traveler, will God not grant the kingdom to those who seek it? The assurance of the coming of the kingdom is based in our confidence in God to give it. Remember, the kingdom is not just a gift God gives us when we die, God offers us entrance into the kingdom now. It is where we find the true life we have been looking for.

FriFridayOctOctober5th2012 October 5

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Friday, October 5

Read Luke 16:1-8.

The parable of the unjust steward invites us to take drastic steps to walk into the kingdom of God. Jesus is not lifting up the steward as exemplary behavior. He is saying the coming of the kingdom requires of us desperate measures. In Wesley’s Covenant Service, he writes, “Christ has many services to be done; some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honor, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and temporal interests, others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ without denying ourselves. Yet the power to do all things is assuredly given us in Christ, who strengthens us.” Desperate measures indeed.

ThuThursdayOctOctober4th2012 October 4

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Thursday, October 4

Read Luke 18:9-14.

We often are unable to perceive the shock that would have been felt by those who originally heard this parable. We sympathize with the publican and are repulsed by the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. Those who first heard the parable would have seen the high standard the Pharisee set for himself as admirable and the publican simply as a sinner. The kingdom of God is a realm where those who have been written off are given entrance back into community. The love of God is far greater than we imagined. When we unexpectedly see love at work is when we truly see the kingdom of God.

WedWednesdayOctOctober3rd2012 October 3

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Wednesday, October 3

Read Matthew 13:44-46.

The glimpse of the kingdom we are giving here is from the perspective of one who finds it or is found by it. Notice the reactions of the laborer and the merchant. How have you found yourself reacting to the joy of discovering the kingdom?

TueTuesdayOctOctober2nd2012 October 2

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Read Mark 13:33-37.

The kingdom of God is a biblical theme that is closely tied to the second coming of Christ. This parable refers to the people awaiting Christ’s triumphal re-entry into the world. As time past, many were losing faith that Christ would return in their lifetime. So, here the gospel writer urges the people’s vigilance. Mark warns his readers that the kingdom comes suddenly; “like a thief in the night” as Paul would say. I like to think of the suddenness of the coming of the kingdom as the opportunities God gives me to see kingdom at work or when I can help the kingdom become a reality. My vigilance to these opportunities is the faith to which I am urged.

MonMondayOctOctober1st2012 October 1

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Monday, October 1

Read Matthew 12:23-29.

In the Parable of the House and Kingdom Divided, Jesus says, my casting out of demons is not a sign of an alliance with Satan. It is a sign that the Kingdom of God has come into you midst. As St. John would put it, the light has come into the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. The kingdom is the place where freedom happens. How have you felt this freedom in your life? How have you participated in offering that freedom to others? Remember, the vows of baptism ask us, "Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world and repent of your sin? Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? These are questions we should continue to ask ourselves.

SatSaturdaySepSeptember29th2012 September 29

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Saturday, September 29

Read John 19:1-30.

Speaking of sacrifice…it is good every once in a while on a day rather than one in Holy Week to remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. Reread the story of Christ’s passion. What does the story teach you? How does the story make you feel?

FriFridaySepSeptember28th2012 September 28

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Friday, September 28

Read Mark 12:41-44.

The word is sacrifice. Giving up a piece of ourself for the good of someone else. It is not something that comes naturally to us, but it is the example of love Jesus gives us. That is why it goes beyond our expectations. How have you sacrificed for the good of another?

ThuThursdaySepSeptember27th2012 September 27

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Thursday, September 27

Read Matthew 15:29-31.

When I was in Kenya, I was preaching at a Methodist Church in Kambiti. During the service the preacher told me the people were asking for me to pray for them. He asked if I was willing to do so and I said of course. He invited anyone who needed prayer to come forward. Everyone there, about a hundred people, came to the front of the church, reaching out to me to touch them and pray for them. I was overwhelmed. It was exhausting. In the chaos of the moment I thought to myself, "This must be how Jesus felt with the crowds of people reaching out to him." I now know that Jesus in his ministry showed the untiring love of God.

WedWednesdaySepSeptember26th2012 September 26

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Wednesday, September 26

Read Matthew 14:22-33.

“'Lord save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him….” When we feel as though we are sinking, going down for the count, Jesus reaches out his hand and catches us. Have you felt the hand of Christ reaching out to you? Is this a time for you to reach out to God?

TueTuesdaySepSeptember25th2012 September 25

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Tuesday, September 25

Read Matthew 12:9-14.

Jesus’ love went beyond the law. The law says you have to love within these parameters. Jesus says you love because God first loved you. You are to love as God loves. How do you find God’s love challenging you to love beyond the parameters either you have or society has set?

MonMondaySepSeptember24th2012 September 24

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Monday, September 24

Read Luke 15:11-24.

When selecting passages that reflect a love that goes beyond our expectations, how could you not choose the Prodigal Son? This is the story of a man who hopes and prays for his son’s return. Even though, his son has done just about everything to dishearten his father. As a father, I know and feel the bond I have with my sons. To paraphrase Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, if we who are less than we could be love our children, how much more will our father in heaven love us? (Matthew 7:7-12) Or as Paul writes, “There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8)

SatSaturdaySepSeptember22nd2012 September 22

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Saturday, September 22

Read Psalm 114.

“Deliver us from Egypt.”These are the words of the psalmist in this hymn-like psalm that celebrates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and guidance through the wilderness and into the Promised Land.This is for the Jews what the resurrection of Jesus is for us.In our distress, God frees, delivers, guides and lifts up.When have you experienced the fulfillment of these promises in your life?

FriFridaySepSeptember21st2012 September 21

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Friday, September 21

Read Psalm 88.

This time the psalmist feels dead inside.The darkness is overpowering.He cannot see the light of life.He sounds like Nicodemus.Read his story in John 3:1-15. What do you think Jesus would say to the psalmist?

ThuThursdaySepSeptember20th2012 September 20

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Thursday, September 20

Read Psalm 86.

In most of the verses of this psalm we see the faith of the psalmist.Because of his statement of faith, it takes him awhile to get to his request.He asks for God’s reassurance so he and those hurting him can see he is “favored” (loved) by God. How does God reassure you that you are loved?The psalms teach us that knowing God’s love is a powerful tool in overcoming difficult days.

WedWednesdaySepSeptember19th2012 September 19

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Wednesday, September 19

Read Psalm 35.

Psalm 35 is a call for God’s justice and the hope for a little revenge.There is not resolution to this psalm, just the psalmist’s frustration with those who are unjustly attacking him.We all go through such times.Reread the psalm asking yourself how have I felt like the author of this psalm?How did your experience get resolved?

TueTuesdaySepSeptember18th2012 September 18

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Tuesday, September 18

Read Psalm 22.

This is the psalm Jesus quoted when on the cross. The psalmist feels forsaken by God. In verses 3 – 5, he tries to find strength in the fact that those who had gone before him had faith and had been delivered. But it seem that is not good enough. He must find his own faith to rely on. Many of us begin our faith journey relying on someone else’s faith. That hand-me-down faith can only take us so far. There is a point we must believe.

MonMondaySepSeptember17th2012 September 17

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Monday, September 17

Read Psalm 13.

This week we will be looking at some of the psalms of lament. In Psalm 13, the author has felt God’s absence. He wonders how long the Lord will forget him; how long God’s face will be hidden from him. Jewish theologian, Martin Buber, calls it the eclipse of God. In an eclipse, the sun or moon is, of course, still there it is just hidden from sight. The psalmist comes to the conclusion that God has been present. It has been his inability to see God. This happens to all of us, usually when bad things are consuming our attention. Are there times you have felt the eclipse of God? What was happening when you felt it? What help you get through it? What did your experience teach you about God and about you?

SunSundaySepSeptember16th2012 Readings for the week of 9/17/2012

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9/17 - Psalm 13
9/18 - Psalm 22
9/19 - Psalm 35
9/20 - Psalm 86
9/21 - Psalm 88
9/22 - Psalm 114

SatSaturdaySepSeptember15th2012 September 15

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Saturday, September 15

Read John 19:25-27.

This is one of the most loving acts in the New Testament. Jesus takes care of his mother and his friend at the same time. A friend once told me he judges ministers by who he would want to be his mother’s pastor. That is a good guideline for each of us as we minister to the needs of those around us. Are we caring as we would want someone to care for our mother?

FriFridaySepSeptember14th2012 September 14

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Friday, September 14

Read John 8:1-11.

There is so much to consider in this story. Jesus protects the sinful woman. He does not condemn her for her sin. He instructs her to start a new sinless life. He encourages those who have condemned her to see her with empathy; seeing themselves as sinners in need of forgiveness. Which part of the story speaks to you today?

ThuThursdaySepSeptember13th2012 September 13

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Thursday, September 13

Read Matthew 19:13-15.

We all have a picture of this scene in our heads, Jesus with a child on his lap. Father Henri Nouwen said there are times we have to move what is in our heads into our hearts. Try moving the scene of the child on Jesus’ lap that you have in your head to being the child on his lap. How does it feel?

WedWednesdaySepSeptember12th2012 September 12

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Wednesday, September 12

Read John 3:1-15.

The story of Nicodemus is about a man who has lost the zest of life. He is just going through the motions. He is on automatic pilot. His religious faith has lost its meaning and the words of faith have lost their power. Jesus tells him he has been working on his religion about God more than his relationship with God. Jesus re-introduces him to the spirit of God that lives with him everyday. We all find ourselves in Nicodemus’s shoes on occasion. In those times, heed Jesus’words and look for the spirit that swirls around you like the wind.

TueTuesdaySepSeptember11th2012 September 11

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Tuesday, September 11

Read Luke 19:1-10.

The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that God sees our smallness. Not just our physical vertical challenges, but God sees through anything that makes us feel small. If God is able to see us when we feel small, we should ask ourselves who is not being seen in our world. What would it mean for us to see them?

MonMondaySepSeptember10th2012 September 10

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Monday, September 10

Read Matthew 9:18-22.

Touch is important. In this scripture, merely touching the hem of Jesus garment was a healing experience. Sunday I told you of my grandma cupping my face in her hands and telling me how smart and handsome I was and what a fine young man I was becoming. Grandma’s touch was healing. There is an opening line to a prayer with a description of God I have always liked, “As a mother’s kiss heals a wounded knee and a father’s lap sooths a hurting heart, you comfort us and love us O God.” Human touch can help us feel God’s love. Whose human touch has healed you with God’s love?

SatSaturdaySepSeptember8th2012 September 8

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This week we will read five of the parables Jesus told. Usually I include some guiding words to go with each scripture reading, but this week I want you to do the same thing everyday. Read through the parable for the day once and try to picture the setting of the parable. What does the scene look like? Allow the story to draw you in to it. How does it feel to be there? Now, make a list of the characters in the parable (even if they are objects or animals rather than people). Read the parable again, as many times as there are characters, each time putting yourself in the place of one of them. What do you learn from the parable from these different perspectives? How is the kingdom of God different than you thought?

Read Matthew 18:24-35.

FriFridaySepSeptember7th2012 September 7

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ThuThursdaySepSeptember6th2012 September 6

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WedWednesdaySepSeptember5th2012 September 5

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TueTuesdaySepSeptember4th2012 September 4

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MonMondaySepSeptember3rd2012 September 3

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SunSundaySepSeptember2nd2012 Readings for the Week of 9/3/2012

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Note: Readings will appear daily on the blog as usual.

SatSaturdaySepSeptember1st2012 September 1

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This week we have read through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We don’t often take the opportunity to hear his whole sermon, usually reading it in pieces, so we miss realizing the power and radical nature of his message. You can certainly see why his words upset the religious authorities.

Saturday, September 1

Read Matthew 7:1-29.

Today we finish reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (and you thought I preached long sermons). Jesus is setting up an alternative way of life. Can you imagine the hostility he encountered in doing so? As you read chapter 7, consider what this alternative community might look like. How does the church today resemble it? How do we need to change to become what Jesus had in mind?

FriFridayAugAugust31st2012 August 31

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ThuThursdayAugAugust30th2012 August 30

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This week we will be reading through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We don’t often take the opportunity to hear his whole sermon, usually reading it in pieces, so we miss realizing the power and radical nature of his message. You can certainly see why his words upset the religious authorities.

Thursday, August 30

Read Matthew 6:1-18.

In this section of the sermon, Jesus talks about three acts of faith; giving to those in need, prayer and fasting. What “reward” do you receive from participating in these acts of faith? Jesus warns us about being self-centered in our piety.

WedWednesdayAugAugust29th2012 August 29

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This week we will be reading through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We don’t often take the opportunity to hear his whole sermon, usually reading it in pieces, so we miss realizing the power and radical nature of his message. You can certainly see why his words upset the religious authorities.

Wednesday, August 29

Read Matthew 5:21-48.

For those who believe we should not interpret scripture, these must be difficult verses. Jesus is interpreting traditional understandings of scripture in a new way. He is building on the basic beliefs of the church; surpassing the standards of the scribes and Pharisees by presenting the possibility of a greater righteousness. I am sure this made the religious establishment uncomfortable. They sure make me uncomfortable. How about you?

TueTuesdayAugAugust28th2012 August 28

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This week we will be reading through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We don’t often take the opportunity to hear his whole sermon, usually reading it in pieces, so we miss realizing the power and radical nature of his message. You can certainly see why his words upset the religious authorities.

Tuesday, August 28

Read Matthew 5:13-20.

Through his ministry, Jesus is trying to reform the church of his day. Some believe Jesus was a part of or at least influenced by, the Essene community; from whom came the Dead Sea Scrolls. They were a group intent on reviving the Jewish church. How do you see these sayings in verses 13-20 encouraging reform in the church today?

MonMondayAugAugust27th2012 August 27

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Monday, August 27

Read Matthew 5:1-12.

Beatitudes were a common literary form in the time of Jesus. They are blessings people will receive based on certain behaviors and conditions. Jesus gives his beatitudes as blessings given by God. In a world built on power, wealth and status, these blessings seem strange. Jesus lived in such a world and so do we. How do these blessings ring true to you in your life?

SatSaturdayAugAugust25th2012 August 25

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Read Luke 9:18-22.

Jesus spent many of his days reconnecting with God so that he could better minister to others. It is a good rhythm of faith to get used to. You cannot be just one or the other and truly be in ministry. Being alone and being together are the two sides of effective living and productive ministry. Which do you find to be more comfortable? Which one do you need to spend more effort on to stay in good spiritual balance?

FriFridayAugAugust24th2012 August 24

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Read Psalm 102.

This is a psalm, Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann would call a “Psalm of Disorientation”. The psalmist is lonely; feeling “like a lonely bird on the housetop”. Bad things are happening and he has no one to speak to about them. The psalmist’s hope is that God is with him and that others will join him. I have a psychologist friend who says if everyone had five close friends and the faith that God will never leave them alone there would be no need for therapists. Who is it you can go to when you are in a time of disorientation?

ThuThursdayAugAugust23rd2012 August 23

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Read Ephesians 4:11-16.

Paul writes, we share our gifts with the community of faith to build up the body of Christ and to become mature in our own faith. He continues to say that when we are joined and tightly knit together, and each part is working properly, the body of Christ grows and will build itself up in love. How do you feel we are doing as a church? Are we all on the same page? Does our connectedness and love for each other show? Paul would say it is crucial for us to be this way if we truly want to be the body of Christ.

WedWednesdayAugAugust22nd2012 August 22

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Read Matthew 19:1-6.

“What therefore God has joined together let no man put asunder.” You have probably heard this at every wedding you have attended. They are the words of the ultimate community of marriage, but they are also words we should consider in a wide perspective. God puts us together. And, as we read yesterday, when we are put together Jesus is present. How many groups have dissolved because of something that happened or something that was said? Whenever we are a part of such things we are going against the work of the Lord. Community is so important to God’s work.

TueTuesdayAugAugust21st2012 August 21

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Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-26.

This passage is packed with images of personal gifts as they relate to community effectiveness. We have a lot of different people in this congregation who have varied theologies, politics, backgrounds, bank accounts and lifestyles. How can we remain one in our focus and ministry? Paul says it is the way we be the body of Christ.

MonMondayAugAugust20th2012 August 20

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Monday, August 20

Read Matthew 18:19-20.

These words remind us that Jesus’ presence is uniquely found in community. It is important to spend time alone with God as Jesus did many times during his ministry, but it is also important to recognize that ministry doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We need others to serve, to hold us accountable, to bounce ideas and thoughts off of and to work with on building the kingdom Jesus foresaw. How are you participating in community and how do you see Jesus’ presence in it?

SatSaturdayAugAugust18th2012 August 18

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Read Ephesians 5:1-2.

How can we be imitators of God? We walk in love. We love others the way Christ loved us. We sacrifice a part of ourselves for the good of another. Would you want God to love you, based on the way you love others? In your prayers, ask God how you can be a fragrant offering and sacrifice to Him.

FriFridayAugAugust17th2012 August 17

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Read Psalm 24.

Read verses 3 through 5 of the Psalm then read Luke 18:9-14. Does the Luke passage cause you to redefine what it means to have “clean hands and a pure heart”? How then can you best “ascend the hill of the Lord”?

ThuThursdayAugAugust16th2012 August 16

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Read 1 John 4:7-21.

This scripture has been in our readings before. Get used to it; it is one of my favorites. It is packed with profound insight into our lives together and our life with God. Read through the passage. Focus on a verse that seems to speak to you in this moment. What is God saying to you?

WedWednesdayAugAugust15th2012 August 15

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Read James 4:11-12.

This scripture is reminiscent of last Sunday’s reading in worship from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:1-5). “…who are you that you judge your neighbor?” Our judgment of others comes from our ego or the lack of it. We often judge others to build ourselves up. James is encouraging us, as Jesus did, to look at ourselves before we judge someone else. Remember when Jesus told those who were ready stone a woman for committing adultery, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Where do you see your weaknesses in your ego in the way you judge others?

TueTuesdayAugAugust14th2012 August 14

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Read Roman 13:8-10.

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” This passage follows yesterday’s scripture with a statement on the way we treat our neighbors. Maybe can we identify who we understand to be our neighbor by the way we treat them. Also, remember St. John wrote that God’s name, God’s being, God’s essence is love. To love neighbor is more than fulfilling the law; it is to love God.

MonMondayAugAugust13th2012 August 13

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Read Luke 10:29-37.

You know this story so well you could probably quote it, but the question Jesus is asked that begins the story still rings in our hearts. “Who is my neighbor?” Ask yourself that question. Maybe the more important question is who do you feel is not your neighbor. Now read the story again. What is Jesus saying to you?

SatSaturdayAugAugust11th2012 August 11

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Read 1 John 5:1-5.

“Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” This sentence can be understood in two ways. First, we can read it, “Who is it that personally overcomes the difficulties of the world but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God?” Or we can read it, “Who is it that overcomes the evils that corrupt the world but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God?” Both readings require a strong belief in the power of Christ but let me remind you, our faith in God is not just for ourselves. It is not only so we can personally find peace and rest. Faith is inherently unselfish. What are you doing to change the world through your faith in Christ?

FriFridayAugAugust10th2012 August 10

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Read Romans 12:14-21.

Part of finding peace is living in peace. Part of overcoming the difficulties life brings is overcoming the temptation to repay evil for evil. This scripture passage gives us a good opportunity to reflect on things that have overcome us in a bad way. Read the passage several times to see what phases God might highlight for you.

ThuThursdayAugAugust9th2012 August 9

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Read John 16:30-33.

Frederick Buechner writes, “…in Hebrew peace, shalom, means fullness, means having everything you need to be wholly and happily yourself.” So peace is not the absence of conflict; it being centered in your soul even when surrounded with chaos. Spend some time today centering yourself in that place in you where God is and peace resides.

WedWednesdayAugAugust8th2012 August 8

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Read John 1:1-5.

“…and the darkness has not overcome it.” In Jesus’ day, most believed you had to make peace with the evil forces of the world before good could happen. Today we call that superstition. We think it silly, but when was the last time you knocked on wood or veered not to walk under a ladder or made sure you didn’t step on a crack in the sidewalk…just in case? Little signs show us we don’t fully believe the light of Christ is more powerful than the darkness of the world. The Bible proclaims Jesus is the light. What darkness in you do you need Jesus to overcome?

TueTuesdayAugAugust7th2012 Tuesday, August 7

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Read Matthew 9:1-8.

One of my seminary professor once asked our class after reading this passage, “Do you believe Jesus healed this paralytic?” After some discussion and a consensus that he did, the professor said, “I would rather you believe Jesus heals what paralyses you.” Our faith is not in the biography of Jesus’ life; it is in the life-giving presence of our Lord. What is paralyzing you? Offer it to the Lord to be healed, so, with God’s help, you can overcome it.

MonMondayAugAugust6th2012 Monday, August 6

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Read Matthew 11:28-30.

Sunday’s sermon continued the theme of this year’s Olympics motto, Inspire a Generation, with being inspired to overcome. In writing the sermon, this passage kept coming to mind. When life overwhelms us, Jesus promises “rest”. This is a wonderful promise, but how does it work? How do we find rest in the Lord? Henri Nouwen writes, “Many voices ask for our attention. There is a voice that says, ‘Prove that you are a good person.’ Another voice says, ‘You’d better be ashamed of yourself.’ There also is a voice that says, ‘Nobody really cares about you,’ and one that says, ‘Be sure to become successful, popular, and powerful.’ But underneath all these often very noisy voices is a still, small voice that says, ‘You are my Beloved, my favor rests on you.’ That is the voice we need most of all to hear. To hear that voice, however, requires special effort; it requires solitude, silence, and a strong determination to listen.” I guess you can say it takes work to rest.

SatSaturdayAugAugust4th2012 August 4

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Read 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Again, I used this scripture in the sermon on Sunday. Are these words you could say in the last days of your life? Are you comfortable where you are in your walk of faith? Do you feel as those you have fought the fight and kept the faith? Where can you improve in your spiritual athleticism?

FriFridayAugAugust3rd2012 August 3

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Read Hebrews 12:1-2.

The Letter to the Hebrews is one of the most difficult books of the Bible to understand; yet it has some of the most quotable verses within it. These famous verses give much to ponder. What are some of the obstacles of faith you have encountered and found perseverance to be a helpful tool in overcoming them? How is Jesus the “pioneer and perfecter” of faith? What do you believe the author of the letter means by the term “joy” when he writes “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross”? Remember “joy” is not a synonym for “happy”; it is a state of spiritual centeredness when things are anything but happy. Can you think of a time you were joyful?

ThuThursdayAugAugust2nd2012 August 2

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Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

This is one of the scriptures I used in church on Sunday. What is the “imperishable” wreath Paul refers to? How can we be “disqualified” in our quest to attain it? What spiritual exercises do you perform in the quest?

WedWednesdayAugAugust1st2012 August 1

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Read Isaiah 40:28-31.

As we watch the Olympic games, we wonder how the athletes do not faint from exhaustion or grow so weary they are unable to continue. American gymnast Gabby Douglas was asked that question following her performance in the compulsory round. She said she meditated on scriptures. How do you find strength in the Lord so you can “run and not grow weary” and “walk and not faint”?

TueTuesdayJulJuly31st2012 July 31

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Read Proverbs 1:1-19.

The Proverbs speak in terms of wisdom. In these particular verses, we are warned against following the sinful ways of others. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once wisely said, the most difficult sins to avoid are those “most commonly practiced”. By this he means, those sins that have become a part of the fabric and everyday life of society. What are the sins most commonly practiced that have become difficult for you to avoid?

MonMondayJulJuly30th2012 July 30

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Read Psalm 119:1-32.

The Psalm begins by telling us we are blessed when we walk in the ways of the Lord (or, as it says in verse 32, in honor of the Olympics, “run in the way of Thy commandments”). Throughout the first 32 verses, we are given some ideas of how we can live our lives that way. As you read the psalm, highlight some of the ways the psalmist identifies as walking in the way of the Lord. Ask yourself; am I doing these things? What does walking in the way of the Lord mean to you?

SatSaturdayJulJuly7th2012 July 7

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Saturday, July 7

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

This is a good scripture for me to read since I just ‘celebrated’ my 61st birthday. How can our inner nature be renewed when our outer nature is ‘wasting away’? What do you think Paul means by ‘the things that are unseen’? How do those ‘unseen things’ renew your inner nature? How can you internalize these unseen things?

FriFridayJulJuly6th2012 July 6

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Friday, July 6

Read Psalm 51.

This psalm reads like a prayer of confession. As you read it, see if it gives you some ideas of how God can “restore to (you) the joy of God’s salvation (vs. 12)”.

ThuThursdayJulJuly5th2012 July 5

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Thursday, July 5

Read Matthew 14:13-21.

We often find we need to get away when something tragic happens in our lives; like Jesus following the death of John the Baptist. Jesus leaves for time to grieve, but life won’t leave him alone. The people follow him with all their needs. To be able to take care of the things of life and the needs of others, we must take care of ourselves. Taking time apart is not selfish; it allows us to have something to give to others. We fill ourselves so others can be filled.

WedWednesdayJulJuly4th2012 July 4

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Wednesday, July 4

Read Isaiah 40:28-31.

How do you become renewed? According to Isaiah we tap into the power and energy of God. All of us have times where we become weary, but those who spend time with God “shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint.” What makes you tired? In what ways do you need to ask the Lord to strengthen you? This being Independence Day, from what do you need to be freed?

TueTuesdayJulJuly3rd2012 July 3

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Tuesday, July 3

Read Luke 9:18-22.

Jesus “spiced” up his spirit by taking time to be alone; spending time alone with God. Notice in this report of his time alone, Jesus strengthens in his identity and prepares himself for the task that lies ahead. Taking time away can clear your mind and open your heart to the presence and purpose of God.

MonMondayJulJuly2nd2012 July 2

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I (John) am on vacation for the next few weeks and thought it might be nice for all of us to consider the importance of our times away from the regular and routine. (Not that our church is ever either regular or routine.) The scriptures this week were selected to help us remember how essential time away can be for our spiritual health.

Monday, July 2

Read Matthew 5:13.

Ever feel like you have lost your saltiness and the flavor of your life has turned a little bland? Of course you have, because everyone has felt that way before. Feeling that way is a sign that life needs some spicing up. Taking time apart heals many of our spiritual needs. What would do that for you? Start making a plan.

SatSaturdayJunJune30th2012 June 30

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Saturday, June 30

Read Luke 19:28-40.

Jesus’ journey of faith was always heading toward Jerusalem, the place of sacrifice. Our walk is the same. How is God leading you to sacrifice in love for others? It is our sacrifices that continue to “cry out” the message of God in Christ. It is in our sacrifice that God’s love cannot be quieted.

FriFridayJunJune29th2012 June 29

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Friday, June 29

Read Ephesians 5:1-2.

What does it mean to walk in love? Does it mean to be loved or to love others or both? How are you more able to love when you know you are loved? Remember what Jesus said about the most important commandment; it is to love God and to love neighbor.

ThuThursdayJunJune28th2012 June 28

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Thursday, June 28

Read Matthew 9:1-8.

I guess it is a little ironic to use a story about a paralytic to help us understand our walk of faith, but a seminary professor once asked our class, “How has God healed your paralysis?” That is what this scripture is really about. Not that Jesus could heal a paralytic 2,000 years ago, but that he can heal your paralysis today. What must Jesus heal so you can “rise and walk”?

WedWednesdayJunJune27th2012 June 27

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Wednesday, June 27

Read Genesis 17:1-8.

In these verses we find the promise of the covenant. God tells Abram (Abraham) that he will be the God of he and his descendants and they will be his people. It is in this relationship that he is to “walk before God and be blameless.” That is the journey of faith we have been talking about. As you read these verses, ask how God has been your God and how have you been God’s child? What needs to change for your walk to be more fulfilling?

TueTuesdayJunJune26th2012 June 26

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Tuesday, June 26

Read Psalm 23.

Read through this familiar Psalm asking what it has to say about the journey of faith. I think you will find each phrase speaks profoundly of the walk of faith.

MonMondayJunJune25th2012 June 25

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The scriptures this week have been selected to continue our focus on the Christian journey of faith. The children will be learning about Son Rise National Park in VBS, we will be challenged in worship by examining where we are on our journey, and you can intensify that experience by reading and meditating on the scriptures in this week’s 10 and 10.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Read Matthew 10:5-15.

On our walk of faith, we share the good news with all people and grow in our faith in the sharing. The journey is not sustained with the usual things you would take on a trip; it is sustained by our trust in God. There are those you will encounter on your journey who will be receptive to the Word and others who will not. Enjoy the blessing received in every relationship. Never force yourself or your beliefs on someone else. As the preacher in Ecclesiastes writes, “There is a time for all things under heaven.”

SatSaturdayJunJune23rd2012 June 23

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Saturday, June 23

Read Matthew 6:5-15.

When I was young, my mom and dad would tuck me into bed with the Lord’s Prayer. I would ask them what each of the lines meant. It was really just my attempt to stay up a little longer, but it became the way I was able to commit the prayer to memory. I still cherish those moments before going to sleep.

I recommend to you going though the prayer line by line, asking yourself what each one means…starting with “Our Father.”

FriFridayJunJune22nd2012 June 22

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Friday, June 22

Read Isaiah 64:1-12.

What part of your life do you want God to remold?

ThuThursdayJunJune21st2012 June 21

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Thursday, June 21

Read Psalm 103.

“As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.” Read Psalm 103 and ask yourself, how do I love like the psalmist writes God loves him/her?

WedWednesdayJunJune20th2012 June 20

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Wednesday, June 20

Read Matthew 10:34-39.

Verse 37 is a difficult scripture. We put so much value on our relationships with our families. And what happened to the idea of honoring father and mother and loving our children as God loves us? Actually, I think that is exactly what Jesus is saying. To love God is to know how to love family. We learn to love from the unfailing love of God.

TueTuesdayJunJune19th2012 June 19

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Tuesday, June 19

Read Exodus 20:12 and Proverbs 20:20.

What does it mean to honor father and mother? Some of our parents are easy to honor, because they have lived an honorable life; with others that is not so. What does the author of Proverbs mean when writes, “If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness”? How does dishonoring a parent cause light to be extinguished? There may be a play on words here. The word for “lamp” has the connotation of “family”. How does dishonoring a parent extinguish family? It has been said, the way we treat our parents is the way our children will treat us. If they are still living, how are you honoring your parents? If they are not, is this a good time to ask for forgiveness?

MonMondayJunJune18th2012 June 18

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Following Father’s Day, the scriptures this week are selected on the metaphor of God as father.

Monday, June 18

Read Luke 15:11-32.

A father’s love should reflect the love of our heavenly father. As Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5:1, to be “imitators of God”, our arms should always be open to our children welcoming them into our lives. We spend too much time trying to make God look like us. We should be concentrating on remaking ourselves like God in Christ.

SatSaturdayJunJune16th2012 June 16

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Saturday, June 16

Read Philippians 2:14-18.

This scripture seems to call everything I have said throughout the week into question. “Do all things without…questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent….” Actually, I think it does just the opposite. Paul says be faithful without fear. Don’t be afraid to fully explore faith. I had a friend once tell me they were afraid to read a particular book, because it might take them down the wrong path. That kind of fear can stifle faith, cause our faith to stagnate and weaken our conviction. Questioning is a part of faith. Confronting our doubts enables our faith to grow and blossom. Paul is inviting us to jump into faith with both feet; unafraid of falling.

FriFridayJunJune15th2012 June 15

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Friday, June 15

Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-30.

I think Paul is basically saying here, “get over yourself’. Sometimes we take ourselves and our actions much to seriously. Paul doesn’t want the Law to get in the way of being faithful. His theological premise is that we are to be faithful to God, not the Law. (That is a big about-face from being a Pharisee.) It is about relationship with God and others, not religion. Sometimes our religion comes before our relationships. I remember the time I visited a young couple in the hospital whose baby was stillborn. They asked me if I would baptize the baby before the nurses took her away to take her to the morgue. To strictly adhere to church law, I should have said no, but I knew to be pastoral and loving my answer had to be yes. Some of my colleagues have told me they would never have baptized the baby. I would do it again tomorrow if asked. Is there something in religion that has become so important to you that is has gotten in the way of you serving the Lord?

ThuThursdayJunJune14th2012 June 14

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Thursday, June 14

Read Luke 2:41-52.

If Jesus could ask questions to grow “in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man,” shouldn’t we be willing to do the same?

WedWednesdayJunJune13th2012 June 13

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Wednesday, June 13

Read Mark 2:1-12.

The scripture says, the scribes “questioned in their hearts.” We all do. We all have things in the Christian faith we question. Those thing that sound too good to be true; more fantasy than reality. Jesus called the scribes to vocalize them. Don’t keep them in your heart. Bring them out into the light. It is in facing our doubts that we can overcome them. What of the faith do you question in your heart? Talk to God and others about it. It is the first step toward a new understanding.

TueTuesdayJunJune12th2012 June 12

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Tuesday, June 12

Read Matthew 7:7-12.

It just sounds too simple. All you have to ask and God immediately answers. It makes God sound like a vending machine; put the money in and get what you ordered. I don’t think that is what Jesus was saying. Answers are found because the question is asked. You cannot find anything unless you search for it. A door won’t open by itself; you have to knock for someone to open it for you from the inside. You can trust God loves you enough to provide the answers, but discovery begins with the search.

MonMondayJunJune11th2012 June 11

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The scriptures this week focus on the theme of questioning and answering. Last Sunday we had our Q and A with the pastors. Questioning is an important part of our faith. Without questioning the things of faith, our faith cannot grow. Without questions we can never find the answers.

Monday, June 11

Read Psalm 13.

Many of the questions we have come out of times of difficulty. Like the psalmist, we struggle with the presence and help of God when we are in pain. Look at the three parts of this Psalm. The first asks “how long”. The second asks for God to answer. The third thanks God for God’s faithfulness. How we get from the “how longs” of our lives to being thankful is discovering God’s answers. How have you found God’s answers come to you?

SatSaturdayJunJune9th2012 June 9

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Saturday, June 9

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

“Putting on” the things of God. How are you doing at putting on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, harmony, peace, thankfulness and wisdom? Which ones do you need to try on for awhile?

FriFridayJunJune8th2012 June 8

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Friday, June 8

Read Romans 12.

Paul did himself proud in this passage. These are some of his best teachings to the church. Spent some time using them to evaluate where the church of today is and where it needs to go.

ThuThursdayJunJune7th2012 June 7

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Thursday, June 7

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-31.

These are familiar words from Paul. The people of the church in Corinth are not getting along. It seems they do not play well with others. So, Paul tells them how our physical body works and how the Body of Christ should follow our body’s example. The more excellent way he speaks of in verse 31 is described in chapter 13.

WedWednesdayJunJune6th2012 June 6

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Wednesday, June 6

Read Acts 10:1-28.

In the story of Cornelius, Peter makes an interesting statement about God’s wishes for the church. In verse 28 Peter says, “…God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Who are those the church considers to be common or unclean today? How should we in the church treat them?

TueTuesdayJunJune5th2012 June 5

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Tuesday, June 5

Read Acts 7:51-60.

Stephen spoke his indictment of the church and it got him stoned. Look at verses 51-53. Do they describe the church today at all? Has the modern church ever acted as the Jewish church did in verse 57; stopping our ears and attacking?

MonMondayJunJune4th2012 June 4

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This week the clergy and our elected lay representatives are at annual conference, so the scriptures I have chosen for this week are ones that describe the development of the early church. I hope you will read each one thinking of our church and asking if the church has changed and, if so, has it changed for the better or the worse.

Monday, June 4

Read Acts 2:44-47, 4:32-37.

This passage shows the passion, commitment and dedication of the first apostles to their work and calling. What should we seek to continue or revitalize in the church today? What worked in their time and culture, but would not in ours?

SatSaturdayJunJune2nd2012 June 2

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Saturday, June 2

Read Galatians 5:19-26.

A good test to evaluate how you are doing in providing a home for the Holy Spirit is to see how many of its fruit you are exhibiting.

FriFridayJunJune1st2012 June 1

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Friday, June 1

Read Romans 8:1-8.

Paul believes the law is a means by which we follow Christ, but not the end itself. Relationship with Jesus is what sets our ethical code and moral compass. Does your relationship with Jesus ever come in conflict with the law?

ThuThursdayMayMay31st2012 May 31

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Thursday, May 31

Read John 3:1-15.

Put yourself in the story of Nicodemus. How do you come to Jesus half believing he can help you in your particular predicament? How do you feel dead insde? How, like Nicodemus, do you not understand the life of the spirit? We are more like Nicodemus than we wish.

WedWednesdayMayMay30th2012 May 30

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Wednesday, May 30

Luke 4:16-19

Jesus borrows these words from Isaiah to describe his mission. How has Jesus brought you good news, release, sight and freedom? How have you been a part of that mission in your life of faith?

TueTuesdayMayMay29th2012 May 29

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Tuesday, May 29

Read Matthew 5:1-3.

How is it that the poor in spirit can be the blessed ones? How is the Kingdom of God theirs?

MonMondayMayMay28th2012 May 28

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In honor of Pentecost, this week’s scriptures are about the Spirit.

Monday, May 28

Read Psalm 51.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a right spirit within me…take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” These words are good ones on which to meditate. Concentrate on what a clean heart and right spirit might look like and how they can be a part of you. What would your life be like if God took his spirit from you?

SatSaturdayMayMay26th2012 May 26

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Saturday, May 26

Read Psalm 139.

We have read this Psalm recently, but it continues to speak to me. Read again verses 7 – 12. Ascension is more than being with God on those heavenly days. It is knowing God’s presence even during the hellish one. In the early versions of the Apostle’s Creed it says Jesus descended into hell. It gives me hope and strength to know that Christ will go even into the darkness of the abyss with me. Thanks be to God.

FriFridayMayMay25th2012 May 25

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Friday, May 25

Read Matthew 3:4-10.

How much are you resting on your laurels? You have done a lot in the name of the Lord…in the past. Or, as we hear in this scripture, your parents or family have always been a part of the church. John the Baptist asks us to show the fruits of our relationship with God.

ThuThursdayMayMay24th2012 May 24

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Thursday, May 24

Read Proverbs 30:2-4.

This proverb reminds us of our place in the scheme of things. So often we think more of ourselves than we ought. We take ourselves way too seriously. I am sure the Lord is used to us questioning his work and ways, but don’t you imagine it would be nice for the Lord to hear our gratitude rather than our complaints and questions on occasion?

WedWednesdayMayMay23rd2012 May 23

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Wednesday, May 23

Read Colossians 3:1-4.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above…”. We live in two worlds. We have one foot in this world and the other in the Kingdom of God. If the ascension of Jesus means anything, it means we must rise to the life Christ lived. It is difficult to live in two places. In moving from one church to the next, I have found there are demands from both churches. The one I was leaving needed me to finish up the things I had started, pave the way for the new pastor and be there to say our goodbyes. The new church needed me to start our relationship, meet new people and help them make decisions so the church could move forward. I don’t serve one church very well; I certainly don’t serve two churches at the same time well at all.

So it is with the Kingdom of God. You can’t serve two worlds at the same time. How do you find having one foot in two different worlds challenging?

TueTuesdayMayMay22nd2012 May 22

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Tuesday, May 22

Read Psalm 24.

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?” The psalmist’s question is who will experience the presence of God? It seems in verse 4 we are given a list of what we must do for God to agree to be with us, but I think it is talking more about our openness to the ever-present Lord. It is not about doing the things of which God approves that brings the Lord to us. It is being open to the possibility God loves us enough to want to be with us. How can verse 4 be seen as being open to God’s presence rather than a To Do list?

MonMondayMayMay21st2012 May 21

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Monday, May 21

Read John 1:43-51.

The scriptures this week remind us of the ascension of Christ and the gift of God’s presence with us. In this passage from John, Jesus calls Philip to be his disciple. Philip then goes to Nathanael to tell him he had met the messiah. After some initial reservations on Nathanael’s part, Jesus convinces him he is the son of God and promises that through him Nathanael will “see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”

All of us, in becoming a disciple of Christ, have the opportunity to see heaven open for us and are able to witness the presence of God in our world. What are some of the moments you remember being aware of the presence of God? Spend a few moments remembering and being thankful.

SatSaturdayMayMay19th2012 May 19

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Read Hosea 13:4-8 and Deuteronomy 32:11-12, 18 and Matthew 23:37-39.

Here are three more female images of God. If you were to describe God by using your earthly relationships, what image would you give?

FriFridayMayMay18th2012 May 18

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Read John 19:25-27.

This is one of the most moving parts of the passion of Jesus. From the cross Jesus sees the pain and grief of his mother and John, the disciple whom he loved. He doesn’t want to leave either of them without the support and love they will need. So, he gives John the responsibility of the son and, at the same time, places John in the hands of his mother. It is a loving oasis in a moment of cruelty and meanness.

ThuThursdayMayMay17th2012 May 17

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Read Luke 15:8-10.

God searches for us like a woman searches for a lost coin. The value of the coin is not divulged, because the value is in the eye of the one searching. God values us so much more than we value ourselves. That in itself is a sin.

WedWednesdayMayMay16th2012 May 16

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Read Isaiah 66:10-13.

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you….” Again, the Bible gives us a female image of God. How do you understand God to be like a mother to you? How do you understand God to be like a father to you?

TueTuesdayMayMay15th2012 Tuesday, May 15

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Read Isaiah 49:14-18.

Judah is in exile, far from the land God had promised to them. God had led them to the Promised Land from Egypt through the wilderness. Now, they feel they are back in the wilderness, back in slavery and abandoned by God. Isaiah reminds them of God’s love for them. Verse 15 is one of those wonderful motherly images of God in the Bible.

MonMondayMayMay14th2012 May 14

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As a follow up to Mother’s Day, this week’s scriptures all refer to mothers.

Read Ephesians 6:1-4.

Paul quotes the fifth commandment saying, parenthetically, it is the first commandment with a promise. It is tempting to think Paul is confirming the idea that, if we are nice to our parents, God will bless us. But I believe what he is saying more like, “To do good is to bring good into life.” That is what I have found in my relationships with my father, mother and father- and mother-in-law. The closer and better our relationship, the more love that's brought into the world.

SatSaturdayMayMay12th2012 May 12

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Read Psalm 34:1-22.

This is another Psalm of Orientation. Read the Psalm over several times. Which verses seem particularly relevant to your life right now? Use them in a time of prayer with the Lord.

FriFridayMayMay11th2012 May 11

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Read Genesis 28:10-17.

Jacob’s ladder is such a comforting scripture. Jacob glimpses the truth of God’s intimate relationship with creation and, in particular, us. It is the forerunner of the gift of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. God continues to move freely and deliberately between heaven and earth. What a blessing.

ThuThursdayMayMay10th2012 May 10

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Read Matthew 28:16-20.

We call this the great commission and read it with the emphasis on making disciples. We should not neglect, however, Jesus’ final promise; “I am with you always…”

WedWednesdayMayMay9th2012 May 9

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Read Isaiah 41:8-10.

Isaiah proclaims the truth to the Hebrews in exile who feel deserted by God. God is with you as God has always been. This truth is our strength. It is our victory.

TueTuesdayMayMay8th2012 May 8

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Read Revelation 21:1-5.

This is John’s wonderful vision of a new heaven and a new earth. It is not some dream of the future. It is the God’s promise for now. Because God cares, God wipes away every tear and that is why we no longer have to endure never ending grief and pain.

MonMondayMayMay7th2012 May 7

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Read Psalm 139:1-24.

Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann would call this a Psalm of Orientation. The Psalmist writes at a time when all is right around him. He is able to clearly see and profoundly feel the presence of God. He is thankful for his creation. These are wonderful moments; when we know for sure God is near.

SunSundayMayMay6th2012 May 6

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Read about the Church at Laodicea – Revelation 3:14-22

Are you a little wishy-washy in your faith; lukewarm, never hot or cold? This describes a lot of Christians today. As a preacher once said, people of faith often say they are burned out, but, actually, they have never shown any evidence of ever being on fire. John is challenging the people of Laodicea (and us today) with the notion that the opposite of faith is apathy. Our hope is found in the fact God is always knocking at our door. Why don’t you invite the Lord in?

SatSaturdayMayMay5th2012 May 5

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Read about the Church at Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13

“He who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of my God; never shall he go out of it…” How hard it is in those dark days for us to realize we are in the presence of God. When we are able to remain faithful, we become like a pillar holding up God’s sanctuary for others.

FriFridayMayMay4th2012 May 4

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Read about the Church at Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6

“…you have the name of being alive, and you are dead.” We are thought to be alive, full of the spirit, everything going great. But life is not always that way. We all struggle, it is how we are able to react to the struggles that makes us faithful. Awake to the presence of God and feel his strength.

ThuThursdayMayMay3rd2012 May 3

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Read about the Church at Thyatira – Revelation 2:18-29

First let me say, I don’t believe God places burdens upon us when we are unfaithful, or any time for that matter. What does seem to be helpful in this scripture is that we all have Jezebels in our lives; those people who lead us astray. Think for a moment of those people in your life who are good examples and those who are bad examples. I once heard a person say to a friend, “I like me best when I am with you.” Who is that for you? Why don’t you tell them how important they are to you today?!

WedWednesdayMayMay2nd2012 May 2

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Read about the Church at Pergamum – Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamum is the center for the practice of emperor worship. This is a difficult place to be a Christian. There are so many temptations to be unfaithful and so many distractions from being a disciple of Jesus. We live in a world of distractions and temptations. What are those things that pull you away from the ways of Jesus?

TueTuesdayMayMay1st2012 May 1

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Read about the Church at Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-11

John reminds the congregation at Smyrna of the riches of being a people of faith. What makes us rich is more than having money in the bank. He encourages them to stay strong even as evil is surrounding them. Their faith will be tested; not by God, but by the circumstances life brings. These are still issues for us. How are you blessed beyond your bank account? When have you felt the strength of God in difficult times?

MonMondayAprApril30th2012 April 30

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This week we will look at the 7 churches to which John wrote and described in the Book of Revelation. Each day we will compare these churches of John’s day to our church.

Read about the Church at Ephesus – Revelation 2:1-7.

John knows the church in Ephesus has endured the persecutions of the Roman government. They had held fast to the faith in difficult times. However, he was not seeing the love they had once exhibited as a church. He was proud of them for not following the Nicolaitans, a group that wanted to combine the practices of worshipping the emperor with Christianity. How do you feel we are exhibiting the love of Christ as a church? How often do we fall into the trap of mixing of faith with our culture?

SatSaturdayAprApril28th2012 Saturday, April 28

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Read Matthew 14:13-21.

Jesus says, “…you give them something to eat.” He blesses the food brought to him, but it is up to the disciples to feed them. What do you believe happened in this “lonely place”? Did Jesus multiply the amount of food? Were those who had food being selfish, hoarding it for themselves and Jesus softened their hearts to share? Was it the presence of Christ that filled them with the spiritual food for which they were really hungry? Jesus says, “You feed them”. What are you doing to feed the hungry?

FriFridayAprApril27th2012 Friday, April 27

Posted Friday, April 27 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read the book of Jonah, all 4 chapters (Jonah 1:1-4:11)

God has a way of giving us every opportunity to follow what God wants us to do. What is it that God wants you to do? What pathways have you seen God opening up for you?

ThuThursdayAprApril26th2012 Thursday, April 26

Posted Thursday, April 26 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Isaiah 50:1-3 & Matthew 7:7-12.

The image given of God in these two scriptures is quite different. The divisions we see in Christians today are based less on the labels of conservative and liberal than in the way we picture God. Some see God as a loving, gentle God, while others understand God to be more judging and vindictive. How do you see God?

WedWednesdayAprApril25th2012 Wednesday, April 25

Posted Wednesday, April 25 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Read Exodus 7:20-24.

In the story of the Exodus, God brings plagues on Egypt to convince Pharaoh to let God’s people go. We applaud the righting of this injustice, but we struggle with the notion that God hurts some people to save other people. Later in the story when the Israelites are crossing the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in close pursuit, God makes a way for the Jews to march safely through the sea, but then God floods the waters over the Egyptians killing many of them. Even the Jews have had difficulty with this part of the story. In the Jewish historical writings, there is a continuation of the story of the Red Sea. It says Miriam was so thankful for God’s saving grace that she sang a song on the shores of the Red Sea. It was so melodic and beautiful that everyone joined in the singing. Even the angels in heaven sang. So, in heaven and on earth there was praise being sung to God. Then the heavens split with the powerful voice of God saying, “How dare you sing while my children are dying!” It is a difficult part of our faith. How do you understand it?

TueTuesdayAprApril24th2012 Tuesday, April 24

Posted Tuesday, April 24 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Genesis 1:26-27.

In the first creation story in Genesis (the second begins 2:4), when human beings are created, God says we should have “dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air”. What do you believe God meant by “dominion”? Last Sunday was Earth Day. How does our understanding of “dominion” influence our celebration of Earth Day?

MonMondayAprApril23rd2012 Monday, April 23

Posted Monday, April 23 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

The scriptures for the week all refer to last Sunday’s scripture lesson about fishing or fish. (John 21:1-17)

Read Mark 1:16-20.

In Mark’s version of the calling of the first disciples, those called leave everything behind; their livelihood, their families, their lives. What does answering Christ’s calling today demand of us?

SatSaturdayAprApril21st2012 Saturday, April 21

Posted Saturday, April 21 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read 1 John 4:7-21.

“Perfect love casts out fear”. How do you find that statement to be true in your experience? Make sure you read verses 18 and 19 in light of what John wrote in verses 7 and 8.

FriFridayAprApril20th2012 Friday, April 20

Posted Friday, April 20 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Philippians 1:12-18.

We all are given opportunities to serve the Lord. The first question is do we make the best of those opportunities or do we let them quietly pass by us? The second is what is our reason for serving God? As Paul says, God will use our every attempt for the good, no matter what the underlying reason may be. However, there is a purity in serving God that is a true blessing.

ThuThursdayAprApril19th2012 Thursday, April 19

Posted Thursday, April 19 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-11.

This is a very interesting portion of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. There are many things within it to ponder. What do you think Paul means in verse 5 by the spirit being given as a guarantee? In the context of this scripture, how can we be courageous?

WedWednesdayAprApril18th2012 Wednesday, April 18

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Read Luke 12:32-34.

Our culture puts a lot of emphasis on security; retirement plans, alarm systems, screenings at the airport. On what should you rely for safety from the government, from yourself, from God? What is the difference between insurance and assurance?

TueTuesdayAprApril17th2012 Tuesday, April 17

Posted Tuesday, April 17 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Psalm 27:1-14.

The first verse of this Psalm is one of the best known. Read the Psalm over several times. Put yourself in the place of the psalmist as you read. How is the Lord your light and salvation? How has God been that in your past and how can God be that for you today?

MonMondayAprApril16th2012 Monday, April 16

Posted Monday, April 16 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Readings this week respond to the sermon series, The Next Seven Words of Christ and the biblical phrase “Be not afraid.”

Read Psalm 2:1-11.

If we are to “be not afraid” when we are in the presence of God, why does the scripture tell us we should “fear the Lord”. In this context, “fear” means, “trust”, “respect”, “obey”. You honor your parents when you when you obey them, not out of fear of punishment, but out of respect, trust and love It is the same with God.

SatSaturdayAprApril14th2012 Saturday, April 14

Posted Saturday, April 14 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Mark 16:1-8.

You will probably see a note in your Bible stating that, according to our most ancient sources, these were the final verses of Marks gospel. I believe Mark wanted his last line to haunt us; “…and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” How could they possibly keep the wonderful story of the resurrection quiet? Then again, how can we? Go tell someone about the resurrecting love of God today.

FriFridayAprApril13th2012 Friday, April 13

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Read John 11:5-44.

The story of the raising of Lazarus is another view of the resurrection that asks us, what is it that binds us and keeps us entombed, unable to truly live? Spend some time today asking yourself that question. When you come up with an answer, ask God to raise you above it and consider what, with God’s help, you can do to crawl out of that tomb.

ThuThursdayAprApril12th2012 Thursday, April 12

Posted Thursday, April 12 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Read Revelation 21:1-6.

It was in prison on the island of Patmos where John, the author of the Book of Revelation, saw the presence and hope of God; a new heaven and a new earth where God truly reigns and new life begins. There is a poem I have enjoyed over the years entitled Go Down Death by James Weldon Johnson. It comes out of his hearing sermons preached by African-American pastors as he grew up. Click here to read the poem. I hope it brings you the joy it has brought me.

WedWednesdayAprApril11th2012 Wednesday, April 11

Posted Wednesday, April 11 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Read Acts 9:1-19a.

I mentioned this story in the sermon Sunday. For Paul, this was the event in which he became a believer in the risen Christ and changed his life. For Jesus’ disciples, it was the empty tomb and his appearances to them following the resurrection. These were the events that made them become passionate about following Jesus. What is it for you? What made you a believer? How has it changed your life? What gives you a passion for following Christ?

TueTuesdayAprApril10th2012 Tuesday, April 10

Posted Tuesday, April 10 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Exodus 14:1-31.

The story of the Exodus is another chapter of the continuing story of God’s saving love. Due to God’s wish and direction, the Israelites are released from their captivity in Egypt. They take with them only the possessions they can carry and head to their new freedom. Back in Egypt, Pharaoh and his court reconsider and send the army to bring the Israelites back into slavery. The Israelites see the most powerful army in the world coming after them. The Egyptians are on horseback and in chariots; the Israelites are on foot. They have no chance of eluding the Egyptian army, particularly when they come to the shores of the Red Sea – the barrier between them and freedom. They cannot go through it; they will drown. They cannot go around it; they will be captured. Moses asks God to save them and God opens up sea so they can make their way to safety. God closes up the sea so the Egyptians can no longer pursue them. God saves them from captivity and/or death. On the cross, Jesus saves us from our captivity to sin and gives us eternal life. God just keeps adding chapters to that story of saving love.

MonMondayAprApril9th2012 Monday, April 9

Posted Monday, April 09 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14.

The resurrection reminds us that in the droughts of life, God brings hope and breathes breath back into us. The Hebrew word for breath is also the word for spirit. Lifelessness can be when we no longer feel the spirit of God in us. God is always seeking to breathe the spirit back into our souls and give us life again.

SatSaturdayAprApril7th2012 Holy Saturday, April 7

Posted Saturday, April 07 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read John 21:1-14.

How quickly we give up on God. The disciples had been with Jesus for three years; hearing his preaching, watching his miracles and seeing the love and truth that flowed from his life. Yet, after Jesus was crucified, they looked at each other and said, “Let’s go fishing.” They were going back to the lives they lived before they met Jesus; washing their hands of Jesus much like Pontius Pilate did at his trial. Maybe they were confused. Maybe they were frightened. But Jesus had told them this would happen. He had talked with them about what it would be like and what to do after he was gone. Now all that had vanished. The slate wiped clean as if Jesus had never even existed. Those whom Jesus had invited to leave their boats, their nets and their families to follow him, were going back to them. They were going fishing.

Holy Saturday is that “in between” time; in between the time we experience the presence of God and the next time God enters our life. It is the space in time where you are both looking back upon and waiting for the love of God. Isaiah warned the Israelites of this place when he reminded them of God’s love and guidance in the Exodus and then told them, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (43:18-19a) God had resurrected Jesus; brought light into the darkness, swallowed death up in new life, as God always does, but the disciples couldn’t see it. They were living in the “in between.”

Most of life is lived in the “in between.” We are either looking back to the good old days or hoping for better days in the future. But the “in between” is a place of trust. It is believing God is “doing a new thing.” It is just so difficult to perceive it.

God, give me the faith I need to live in the “in between.” Open my eyes to perceive the new life you are bringing forth. Amen.

SunSundayMarMarch25th2012 The Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 25

Posted Sunday, March 25 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read John 12:20-33.

In these verses, St. John uses Jesus’ words to foreshadow what is to come during Holy Week. “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” But, these words are more than just a literary tool; they are some of the most profound and instructive words Christ speaks in all the gospels.

Following my mother’s death a few weeks ago, I was thinking back over her life and I realized something; this was not my mother’s first death. Many years ago, when my sisters and I were born, Mom decided to give us a piece of her life. She committed herself to be our mother, sacrificing herself in many ways, and she did it because she loved us. Before that, she did the same when she married my father. “To have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.” Mom gave a piece of herself to Dad. That is what love is. Giving a piece of yourself, so someone else can be more alive. In a very real sense, my mother died long before her physical death; she died so we could live. And in that death, she found her true life.

Some of the best people the world has ever seen gave up a piece of themselves so that others could have life. Just as the grain of wheat dies so it can bear more fruit. As Jesus said, “Those who love their life lose it…Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am there will my servant be also.”

Are you willing to give up a piece of yourself so someone else can be whole; die to yourself so someone else can find life? Jesus did for you and, I imagine, others did as well. This is the way of love.

O God, may I be willing to follow you and die, so that those I love may live. In the name of the one who died for me. Amen.

MonMondayJanJanuary16th2012 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Posted Monday, January 16 2012 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

2 Timothy 4:6-8

“…I have kept the faith”

At the end of his life, Paul looks introspectively at how he lived his life in the name of Jesus. He is able to say he “fought the good fight”. It is good to stop and evaluate how well we are living the life we proclaim on Sunday mornings. It is best to do so when you still have time to make some changes. How would grade yourself on living the life of faith? Throughout this week the 10 and 10 scriptures will focus on faith and how we are living it. I invite you to join me is some introspect evaluation.

SatSaturdayDecDecember17th2011 James 5:7-10

Posted Saturday, December 17 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

James 5:7-10

“Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.”

Christmas is not a time for patience. We hurry around under the pressure of deadlines and crowds. It is difficult to see the Lord in the midst of the whirlwind. “Being patient… until the coming of the Lord” means to take a moment to breathe and open our eyes and hearts to the presence of God that surrounds us. Note that James writes grumbling and judging are barriers in our attempts in patience. In this moment, find the peace you have been looking for in this season.

FriFridayDecDecember16th2011 Colossians 3:12-17

Posted Friday, December 16 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Colossians 3:12-17

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

There are no better words for understanding our response to the gift of Christmas than these verses from Colossians. Put on compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace and thankfulness. Put on the attributes of the one born in the stable for us all.

ThuThursdayDecDecember15th2011 Colossians 1:15-16

Posted Thursday, December 15 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Colossians 1:15-16

“He is the image of the invisible God…”

Jesus is God made flesh; our flesh and bones understanding of who God is and how God wants us to live. He is the one God gave us, so we could know God more fully. What is it about Jesus that reveals God most completely for you?

WedWednesdayDecDecember14th2011 Philippians 2:9-11

Posted Wednesday, December 14 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Philippians 2:9-11

“…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

It is one thing to read these words; it is another to life them. How is your life honoring the Lord? How is your life proclaiming his name?

TueTuesdayDecDecember13th2011 Titus 3:4-7

Posted Tuesday, December 13 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Titus 3:4-7

“…when the goodness and loving kindness of God our savior appeared…”

Paul reminds Titus that our salvation comes not from our own works, but from God’s mercy. Advent is a time of penitence. As Paul puts it, “…the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit.” As we approach Christmas, what confession do you need to make to be clean, regenerated, renewed?

MonMondayDecDecember12th2011 Titus 2:11-14

Posted Monday, December 12 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Titus 2:11-14

“For the grace of God has appeared…”

Paul left Titus in charge of the reform of a weak and corrupt church and now encourages him in his work. In these verses, he reminds him that “The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men.” He is, of course, referring to the birth of Christ. He goes on to say why Jesus was sent: to train us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions and to live sober, upright and godly lives. Paul is speaking to the specific circumstances in Titus’ church, but we can ask ourselves how we doing in these requirements in the Christian life. In what ways are you renouncing the irreligious and the worldly? How are you continuing to live a godly life?

SatSaturdayDecDecember10th2011 John 1:1-18

Posted Saturday, December 10 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

John 1:1-18

“In the beginning was the Word…”

This is St. John’s Christmas story. Luke tells of shepherds and stables. Matthew writes of Wise Men and gifts. John tells us what the birth of Jesus means. What does the birth of Jesus mean to you? Pray a prayer thanking God for his greatest gift.

FriFridayDecDecember9th2011 Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Posted Friday, December 09 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

“Rejoice and exult with all your heart…”

Read this song of joy and write down the things for which you are grateful in this season. Share those with your family and/or a close friend or friends. How can your gratitude be shown in a way that would please Jesus?

ThuThursdayDecDecember8th2011 Isaiah 35:1-10

Posted Thursday, December 08 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Isaiah 35:1-10

“Be strong, do not fear!”

There are so many wonderful images in these verses I don’t know where to start. So, let me invite you spend some time in this scripture. Put yourself in the desert, become the one with feeble knees, be the one who is blind and deaf. How is life changing for you with the coming of Jesus?

WedWednesdayDecDecember7th2011 Isaiah 9:1-7

Posted Wednesday, December 07 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Isaiah 9:1-7

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…”

Words made famous by Frederick Handel in his Messiah. Spend a moment asking yourself, “In what darkness am I walking?” “In what way do I see the light of God?”

TueTuesdayDecDecember6th2011 Isaiah 7:10-25

Posted Tuesday, December 06 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Isaiah 7:10-25

“…the Lord himself will give you a sign.”

This is a scripture you don’t usually read or hear during Advent. It uses phrases that remind us of the coming messiah, but it is speaking to a specific situation in Israel. King Ahaz is looking to enter into an alliance with Assyria (their greatest enemy) to assure Israel’s safety. Isaiah believes this is a mistake and tells Ahaz he can rely on God. How many times we refuse to rely on the power of God’s presence and guidance, preferring to rely on our own plans and schemes. Immanuel means more than just God is with us…it means we accept God’s presence as our strength and path. Our lives are to be a partnership with God.

MonMondayDecDecember5th2011 Isaiah 2:1-5

Posted Monday, December 05 2011 @ 10 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Read Isaiah 2:1-5.

“…that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”

Again this week, we will be reading prophetic verses of Israel’s hope for a messiah. In Isaiah 2, we read some of the prophet’s most famous words. Their hope is that God will send them a messiah, so that they can know his ways and follow in his paths. They want a closer relationship with God in order for them to know what God expects of them and what ways of living will make their lives better. Notice that God will be judging them on these teachings and that following the Lord’s instructions will lead them to peace. What teachings of Jesus can lead you into a more peaceful life with your neighbor? How would God judge you on your peaceful living?

SatSaturdayDecDecember3rd2011

Micah 5:2-5a

Posted Saturday, December 03 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Micah Prophecies 0 comments Add comment

Micah 5:2-5a

“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel…”

Why Bethlehem? It was David’s birthplace. Jerusalem is under siege, Judah will soon be defeated and the people will be exiled from their homeland. Their only hope was a return to the strength of the days when David was king. They believed God would lift up a new king from the city of David – a messiah who would lead them back into the hands of God. We believe Jesus was that messiah. We believe Jesus is still the one who will lead us back into the hands of God. How is Jesus leading you? How will following in his footsteps take you back into the hands of God?

FriFridayDecDecember2nd2011

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Posted Friday, December 02 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Jeremiah Prophecies 1 comments Add comment

Jeremiah 33:14-16

“And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”

Righteousness is a relationship word. It means being connected to someone and faithfully doing the things demanded by that relationship. As in any relationship, righteousness is a two-way street. The promise this prophecy refers to in verse 14 is God will always be present with us. In return, we promise to faithfully serve the Lord in all we do. It is this covenant relationship God reestablished in the birth of his son. Recommit yourself to a righteous relationship with God.

ThuThursdayDecDecember1st2011

Isaiah 63:16-64:8

Posted Thursday, December 01 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Isaiah Prophecies 0 comments Add comment

Isaiah 63:16-64:8

“We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name.”

Advent is a time for confession. We confess so that we can become the clay that God is able to mold for God’s purposes. Today is your day to confess your shortcomings in the hope God will “tear open the heavens and come down” and we can become putty in his hands.

WedWednesdayNovNovember30th2011

Malachi 3:1-4

Posted Wednesday, November 30 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Malachi Prophecies 0 comments Add comment

Malachi 3:1-4

“…who can endure the day of his coming…?”

The season of Advent is a time of penitence – a time to look at our lives honestly and ask ourselves how we are reflecting the love of the one God sent to be our savior. Christmas is such a joyful season the act of self-reflection often gets lost in the revelry. Spend some time today examining your live and begin the process of changing the things that need to be changed.

TueTuesdayNovNovember29th2011

Isaiah 40:1-11

Posted Tuesday, November 29 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Isaiah Prophecies 1 comments Add comment

Isaiah 40:1-11

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

The people of Israel thought the reason for their predicament was their sinfulness. Now God tells them through Isaiah that God was making an unhindered path to him. As Paul would write centuries later, “nothing can separate us from the Lord.” Paul believed John the Baptist when he repeated Isaiah’s promise as he introduced Jesus to the world. In Jesus, there is no valley low enough or mountain high enough that can keep God from us.

MonMondayNovNovember28th2011

Isaiah 11:1-10

Posted Monday, November 28 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Isaiah Prophecies 0 comments Add comment

10 and 10 for the Week of November 28, 2011

This week we will be reading some of the messianic prophesies in the Old Testament. They show Israel’s deep desire for God’s intervention in their lives. Most of these scriptures find Israel and Judah in a time of exile from the Promised Land. The people felt far from the Lord’s presence and a sense of hopelessness had overshadowed their lives. Listen to the emotion in these verses and ask yourself how it is you long for the presence and hope of the Lord.

Isaiah 11:1-10

“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.”

How we long for this kind of peace. Peace in the world. Peace in our families. Peace within our own soul. The scripture begins by stating the messiah will be an offspring of Jesse, David’s father, and his reign will be one of justice and righteousness. In verse 11, Isaiah writes, “…the Lord will extend his hand….” How is the Lord reaching out to you? How are you attempting to grab a hold of the Lord’s hand?

SatSaturdayNovNovember26th2011

Psalm 105:1-45

Posted Saturday, November 26 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms Thanksgiving 0 comments Add comment

For our Ten and Ten this week, I invite you into a week of Thanksgiving using the Psalms as our guide. I suggest you read though the Psalm once just to hear and identify with the author’s emotions. Read the Psalm a second time finding a verse or a phase that seems to speak to you. Now close your eyes, get comfortable and spend a few moments in the mood of prayer repeating the words of the verse you have selected. Repeat the words over and over. Allow them to guide your thinking and your feelings. When it seems appropriate stop and write down your thoughts, asking yourself if God has spoken to you in this time.

I hope this enables you to be thankful in this week of abundance.

Today's reading: Psalm 105:1-45

FriFridayNovNovember25th2011

Psalm 100:1-5

Posted Friday, November 25 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms Thanksgiving 0 comments Add comment

I hope this enables you to be thankful in this week of abundance.

Today's reading: Psalm 100:1-5

ThuThursdayNovNovember24th2011

Psalm 97:1-12

Posted Thursday, November 24 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms Thanksgiving 0 comments Add comment

I hope this enables you to be thankful in this week of abundance.

Today's reading: Psalm 97:1-12

WedWednesdayNovNovember23rd2011

Psalm 92:1-15

Posted Wednesday, November 23 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms Thanksgiving 1 comments Add comment

I hope this enables you to be thankful in this week of abundance.

Today's reading: Psalm 92:1-15

TueTuesdayNovNovember22nd2011

Psalm 50:1-23

Posted Tuesday, November 22 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms Thanksgiving 0 comments Add comment

I hope this enables you to be thankful in this week of abundance.

Today's reading: Psalm 50:1-23

MonMondayNovNovember21st2011

Psalm 9:1-20

Posted Monday, November 21 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms Thanksgiving 0 comments Add comment

It is Thanksgiving time! Not only the time to think about turkey, your mother’s dressing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, but time to focus on the blessings of life and the gratitude we have for them. Of course, giving thanks should never be thought of as a season. It should be a way of life. As the scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice…Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.”

So, for our Ten and Ten this week, I invite you into a week of Thanksgiving using the Psalms as our guide. This week you will find six “Thanksgiving” Psalms, one for each day to read and on which to meditate. I suggest you read though the Psalm once just to hear and identify with the author’s emotions. Read the Psalm a second time finding a verse or a phase that seems to speak to you. Now close your eyes, get comfortable and spend a few moments in the mood of prayer repeating the words of the verse you have selected. Repeat the words over and over. Allow them to guide your thinking and your feelings. When it seems appropriate stop and write down your thoughts, asking yourself if God has spoken to you in this time.

I hope this enables you to be thankful in this week of abundance.

Today's reading: Psalm 9:1-20

SatSaturdayNovNovember19th2011

Luke 18:18-30

Posted Saturday, November 19 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Luke 1 comments Add comment

Luke 18:18-30

“…what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Again, the rich man asks the wrong question. It is not how do I inherit eternal life; it is how do I live faithfully in this life? It not how can I live with God forever, but how can I live in the unending presence of God that is with me now? Is it possible that the Rich Young Ruler has been looking so hard at the future that he hasn’t been able to see the God that walks with him now?

FriFridayNovNovember18th2011

1 John 4:7-21

Posted Friday, November 18 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 John 0 comments Add comment

1 John 4:7-21

“Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars…”

The words of the Bible don’t get any stronger, plainer or more direct than these. Our actions either show our love or our hatred for our brothers and sisters. We would all do well to examine ourselves in the light of John’s words.

ThuThursdayNovNovember17th2011

James 1:19-27

Posted Thursday, November 17 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

James 1:19-27

“…be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.”

The booklet “Volunteer Connection” our church has provided you, is an aide to help you be a doer of the word and not just a hearer of it. Remember, as John tells us in the first chapter of his gospel, Jesus is the Word. Being a doer of the word is to be the presence of Christ in the world today. Have you turned in your “Volunteer Connection” yet? You can bring your form to the altar on Sunday, or volunteer any time online at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/volunteer.

WedWednesdayNovNovember16th2011 Luke 16:19-31

Posted Wednesday, November 16 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Luke 16:19-31

“…father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house…that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.”

As I said Sunday, we ought to spend more time concerning ourselves with this life than with the afterlife. If the rich man had seen each day as a gift from God, how would he lived his life differently? What might Lazarus’ warning been to the rich man’s brothers?

TueTuesdayNovNovember15th2011

Colossians 4:2-6

Posted Tuesday, November 15 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Colossians 0 comments Add comment

Colossians 4:2-6

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”

As we continue to commit ourselves to the work of Christ through the ministries of this church, it is good to ask ourselves what it means to conduct ourselves wisely toward others and to season our speech with salt. How can you do these things for the sake of Christ?

MonMondayNovNovember14th2011

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Posted Monday, November 14 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Timothy 0 comments Add comment

1 Timothy 6:17-19

“…be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share…”

Susan Green passed this on to me from Max Lucado’s weekly email. It seemed to fit these words of Paul to Timothy.

Why Did Jesus go to the Wedding?

Why would Jesus, on his first journey, take his followers to a party? Didn’t they have work to do? Didn’t he have principles to teach? Wasn’t his time limited? How could a wedding fit with his purpose on earth?

Why did Jesus go to the wedding?

The answer? It’s found in the second verse of John 2. “Jesus and his followers were also invited to the wedding.”

Jesus wasn’t invited because he was a celebrity. He wasn’t one yet. The invitation wasn’t motivated by his miracles. He’d yet to perform any. Why did they invite him?

I suppose they liked him.

Big deal? I think so. I think it’s significant that common folk in a little town enjoyed being with Jesus. I think it’s noteworthy that the Almighty didn’t act high and mighty. The Holy One wasn’t holier-than-thou. The One who knew it all wasn’t a know-it-all. The One who made the stars didn’t keep his head in them. The One who owns all the stuff of earth never strutted it.

Jesus could have been all of these, but he wasn’t. His purpose was not to show off but to show up. He went to great pains to be as human as the guy down the street. He didn’t need to study, but still went to the synagogue. He had no need for income, but still worked in the workshop. He had known the fellowship of angels and heard the harps of heaven, yet still went to parties thrown by tax collectors. And upon his shoulders rested the challenge of redeeming creation, but he still took time to walk ninety miles from Jericho to Cana to go to a wedding.

As a result, people liked him. Oh, there were those who chaffed at his claims. They called him a blasphemer, but they never called him a braggart. They accused him of heresy, but never arrogance. He was branded as a radical, but never called unapproachable.

His faith made him likable, not detestable. Would that ours would do the same!

SatSaturdayOctOctober22nd2011

Matthew 7:24-27

Posted Saturday, October 22 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Matthew Stewardship 0 comments Add comment

Matthew 7:24-27

“…a wise man…built his house upon the rock…”

How are you building your house (life) on a foundation of rock and how are you building it on sand? How are you building a firm foundation for others to build their lives? Jesus says to those listening to his Sermon on the Mount, it is those who hear his words and do them that are building their houses on a firm foundation.

FriFridayOctOctober21st2011

1 Peter 4:8-11

Posted Friday, October 21 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Peter Service Stewardship 0 comments Add comment

1 Peter 4:8-11

“As each has received a gift, employ it for one another…”

These are beautiful words to the church. God gives us gifts to share and we share them with others to the glory of God. Over the next few weeks, you are going to be given a number of opportunities by the church to share your gifts with others. I hope you will be thinking of what gifts God has given you, so you can decide to share them to his glory.

ThuThursdayOctOctober20th2011

Galatians 6:7-10

Posted Thursday, October 20 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Galatians Generosity Stewardship 1 comments Add comment

Galatians 6:7-10

“…let us not grow weary in well-doing…”

On Sunday I said we reap how we sow. The more we plant the great possibility of a bountiful harvest. If we “grow weary of well-doing”, it is the kingdom of God that will suffer.

WedWednesdayOctOctober19th2011

Proverbs 11:24

Posted Wednesday, October 19 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Generosity Proverbs Stewardship 1 comments Add comment

Proverbs 11:24

“One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”

I have found I only feel fulfilled when I am generous to others. That is when I become richer.

TueTuesdayOctOctober18th2011

Colossians 3:12-17

Posted Tuesday, October 18 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Colossians Stewardship 0 comments Add comment

Colossians 3:12-17

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

When it comes to your finances, what would it look like to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus”? How would you spend your money? Who would be the recipients of your generosity? Often we think we will be generous when we hit the lottery (if we are crazy enough to buy a ticket) or when our ship comes in. If we wait to be generous it will never happen. As it has been said, if you are not generous in your little, you will not be generous in your much.

MonMondayOctOctober17th2011

Luke 16:1-13

Posted Monday, October 17 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Luke Stewardship 0 comments Add comment

Luke 16:1-13

“No servant can serve two masters…”

The Parable of the Unjust Steward is the most difficult of all of Jesus’ stories to understand. Some have said there is nothing edifying in the parable at all. Just remember while reading it, the dishonesty of the steward is not being honored, the merciful nature of the master is amazing, and there is urgency to the steward’s response to his predicament. It also might help to know there is a connection between this parable and the one that precedes it, the Prodigal Son. As we contemplate making a pledge to the ministry of Christ through our church this Sunday, I encourage you to remember that we cannot serve two masters and that there is urgency to sharing Christ’s message to our community and the world.

SatSaturdayOctOctober15th2011

Matthew 4:18-22

Posted Saturday, October 15 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged God's Calling Matthew 1 comments Add comment

Matthew 4:18-22

“Follow me…”

This is another one of the biblical call stories and the inspiration behind one of our two new stained-glass windows. Look at what these four men gave up to follow Jesus – their means of making money, the tools of the only trade they knew, their security, their families. What have you been willing to give up to follow the Lord’s invitation to discipleship? I have often found my path to be much more in my comfort zone, yet when I have had the courage to follow Jesus, I have discovered it to be much more enjoyable and profitable.

FriFridayOctOctober14th2011

Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 2:4b-7

Posted Friday, October 14 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Creation Genesis Love Spirit 1 comments Add comment

Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 2:4b-7

“So God created man in his own image…”

These are the two stories in the Bible of God’s creation of human beings. Both are so insightful. I love them both for different reasons. The first tells us we are created in the image of God. We would later find out, in John’s first letter, that image is love. The second tells us that we come alive when given the breath (spirit) of God. It is the spirit of God that makes us living beings. These verses ingeniously show us the paradox of being human. As Jesus said, it is the last that will be first and the first last and it is the one who is willing to lose his life who will find it. Whenever we live counter to God’s life-giving love, we are, as my mother used to say, “...cutting off our nose to spite our face.”

ThuThursdayOctOctober13th2011

Psalm 5

Posted Thursday, October 13 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms The Way 1 comments Add comment

Psalm 5:1-12

“Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness…make thy way straight before me.”

The Bible is full of references to God making a way for us. God makes a way through the wilderness for God’s people to find the Promised Land. God makes a way for the Israelites to return from exile. John the Baptist makes the path straight for the coming messiah. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The church in its infancy was known as “The Way.” Our faith is about finding the way of God and helping others do the same. This psalm is written by one searching for the way. How does it speak to where you are in your journey?

WedWednesdayOctOctober12th2011

John 14:15-21

Posted Wednesday, October 12 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged God's Presence John 0 comments Add comment

John 14:15-21

“…the Spirit of truth…dwells with you and will be in you.”

I like the Where's Waldo books. It is fun, challenging and frustrating at times to search for the hidden Waldo. When you find him, he was in plain sight all the time. So it is with the spirit. John reminds us the spirit is always with us; even in us. The spirit can be seen when we realize we present it to the world through our living and our loving. Looking for the presence of God? Don’t look too far. Look inside you and in the love of others.

TueTuesdayOctOctober11th2011

Isaiah 6:1-8

Posted Tuesday, October 11 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged God's Calling Isaiah 1 comments Add comment

Isaiah 6:1-8

“Here am I! Send me.”

I enjoy reading the calling events of those in the Bible. In that moment of conviction and certainty they are ready to do anything for the Lord. Of course, in just a few verses, we will find their spirit has waned and they are struggling with faith. This is the rhythm of faith and we all experience it. That is why it is so important to respond to the Lord’s calling in those moments of certainty. The opportunity will be fleeting.

MonMondayOctOctober10th2011

Genesis 3:1-13

Posted Monday, October 10 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Genesis 0 comments Add comment

Genesis 3:1-13

“[Eve] took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband…”

I think it is good to read this story every once in a while to remember how vulnerable we are to our own desires. The biblical storyteller sums up our human frailty in just a few verses. What wants and desires are getting in your way of being, as Sunday’s scripture said, “children of your father in heaven.”

SatSaturdayOctOctober8th2011

Matthew 15:10-20

Posted Saturday, October 08 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Matthew Words 1 comments Add comment

Matthew 15:10-20

“…if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Jesus’ argument with the Pharisees regarding eating Kosher was: What comes out of our mouths is more important than what goes into them. What a wise man. Jesus says, “…what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart…” To know where and how your heart is, you might want to listen to the words and the tone of what is coming out of your mouth.

FriFridayOctOctober7th2011

Philippians 2:1-12

Posted Friday, October 07 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Philippians Service 1 comments Add comment

Philippians 2:1-12

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”

The mind and heart of Jesus were those of a servant. The greatest example of being a creature of God that Jesus gave us was that of being in service to others. How are you following the example of Christ? How are you being a servant? How are you, like Jesus, “...emptying yourself and taking the form of a servant?”

ThuThursdayOctOctober6th2011

Isaiah 43:15-21

Posted Thursday, October 06 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Control Isaiah 0 comments Add comment

Isaiah 43:15-21

“Behold I am doing a new thing…”

You are probably getting the hint by now that this is one of my favorite scriptures. We tend to try to box God up in a pretty little package. We figure if we can contain God, we are better able control the way God is in our lives. Aren’t we a silly part of God’s creation? As Isaiah realized, God is always creating, always doing a new thing. Watch for the new things God is doing in your life and, whenever you think you’ve got God all figured out, you might just want to think again.

WedWednesdayOctOctober5th2011

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Posted Wednesday, October 05 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Corinthians God's Spirit 1 comments Add comment

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.”

It is so difficult for us to understand God out of our humanness. We are hampered by our finite abilities and human limitations. We should rather work at understanding ourselves as God’s creatures. Instead of trying to define God from our humanity, let us redefine ourselves from God’s Spirit. It is from God’s Spirit we learn the truths of life.

TueTuesdayOctOctober4th2011

Ephesians 2:1-10

Posted Tuesday, October 04 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Ephesians Grace 0 comments Add comment

Ephesians 2:1-10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith…”

How difficult it is for us to realize God’s forgiving love. God lifts us up above every sin we can produce. Not because we are worth it, but because God’s love is that great. There is no notion in the Bible more difficult for us to comprehend.

MonMondayOctOctober3rd2011

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

Posted Monday, October 03 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Ecclesiastes God's Presence 1 comments Add comment

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

“For man does not know his time.”

The author of Ecclesiastes is often called the “realistic theologian,” which means he deals with the realities life brings and how God’s work fits in to them. It can be very depressing reading. But the author’s conclusions are that no matter what the situation, God is present – even in the everyday events of life.

SatSaturdayOctOctober1st2011

1 Peter 5:6-11

Posted Saturday, October 01 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Peter Faith Worry 0 comments Add comment

1 Peter 5:6-11

“Cast all your anxieties on God, for he cares about you.”

Peter is writing to a people who are being persecuted. They worry how they can keep the faith knowing, that by doing so, they are risking their lives. Peter suggests there will be a time when all their worries will be over and their faith will be rewarded in heaven. He also tells them, in the meantime, “...cast all your anxieties on God,” because God cares for them and they can find relief form their worries in the Lord now. This is a good formula for living in our faith.

FriFridaySepSeptember30th2011

Romans 12:3-8

Posted Friday, September 30 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Body of Christ Romans 1 comments Add comment

Romans 12:3-8

“…we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

Casting Crowns sing, "But if we are the Body, Why aren’t His arms reaching, Why aren’t His hands healing, Why aren’t His words teaching? And if we are the Body, Why aren’t His feet going, Why is His love not showing them there is a way?" There is a way. How are you being a part of the Body of Christ?

ThuThursdaySepSeptember29th2011

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Posted Thursday, September 29 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Hopes Jeremiah Plans 1 comments Add comment

Jeremiah 1:4-10

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”

In God’s hopes for us, He wants us to partner with Him to work on His hopes for all creation. Jeremiah has all sorts of excuses as to why the Lord should not use him. What excuses have you been using to keep the Lord at bay?

WedWednesdaySepSeptember28th2011

Matthew 6:25-34 and 10:26-33

Posted Wednesday, September 28 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Matthew Provision 0 comments Add comment

Matthew 6:25-34 and Matthew 10:26-33

“…you are of more value than many sparrows.”

I love the hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” “‘Let not your heart be troubled,’ His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Tho’ by the path He leadeth, But one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.” Today may you feel the watchful eye of the Lord looking down on you.

TueTuesdaySepSeptember27th2011

Proverbs 3:5-6 and 16:9

Posted Tuesday, September 27 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Guidance Proverbs 0 comments Add comment

Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”

We human beings have a great talent to rationalize our actions in virtually every situation. In making decisions, we are often unwilling to look at all options, even the obvious ones, because they don’t fit into what we want. That is why it is so important not to rely only on our own insight, but to look to the Lord and trusted friends in making important decisions in our lives. In your prayers this week, spend more time listening to God than talking to him. Allow God to lead you.

MonMondaySepSeptember26th2011

Jeremiah 29:10-14

Posted Monday, September 26 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Dreams Hope Jeremiah 0 comments Add comment

Jeremiah 29:10-14

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

These words come from Jeremiah to God’s people in exile. They remind the people that God has not forgotten them and loves them deeply. As I said last Sunday, I believe God, like a loving parent, has hopes and dreams for us. What do you believe God’s hope is for you? How can you work with God to make that dream become a reality?

SatSaturdaySepSeptember24th2011

1 Corinthians 10:6-13

Posted Saturday, September 24 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Corinthians Trials 0 comments Add comment

1 Corinthians 10:6-13

As a follow-up to last Sunday’s sermon, read this blog, "God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle," by Nicole and the responses of her readers. It shows the struggle with the idea God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.

GOD WILL GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE

I don’t remember the first time I heard the phrase “God will never give you more than you can handle,” I just know that, at some point, it became a Christian-ism for me. I felt comforted knowing that God would never allow anything to happen that I could not “handle,” whatever that meant. I’d always be okay. Things would never be so terrible, as to crush me.

I remember quite a few years ago even writing those words to a Jewish friend of mine who was going through a difficult time. I felt like it was in the Bible. It seemed like it should be in the Bible. It sounded scripture-y. I didn’t actually check to see if it was in the Bible however. keep reading...

FriFridaySepSeptember23rd2011

Job 38

Posted Friday, September 23 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged God's Presence Job Love Power 0 comments Add comment

Job 38:1-41

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth. Tell me, if you have understanding.”

Sometimes to feel God’s presence and love, we have to see ourselves as greater than we than we feel. Sometimes, like Job, we must realize our smallness.

ThuThursdaySepSeptember22nd2011

Psalm 139

Posted Thursday, September 22 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms 0 comments Add comment

Psalm 139

“O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me! Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar.”

Read The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. God is like a loving mother.

WedWednesdaySepSeptember21st2011

John 14:18-21

Posted Wednesday, September 21 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Faith John 0 comments Add comment

John 14:18-21

“I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you.”

Another of my favorite Shel Silverstein poems is entitled "Nobody":

"Nobody"by Shel Silverstein

Nobody loves me,
Nobody cares,
Nobody picks me peaches and pears.
Nobody offers me candy and Cokes,
Nobody listens and laughs at my jokes.
Nobody helps when I get in a fight,
Nobody does all my homework at night.
Nobody misses me,
Nobody cries,
Nobody thinks I'm a wonderful guy.
So if you ask me who's my best friend, in a whiz,
I'll stand up and tell you that Nobody is.
But yesterday night I got quite a scare,
I woke up and Nobody just wasn't there.
I called out and reached out for Nobody's hand,
In the darkness where Nobody usually stands.
Then I poked through the house, in each cranny and nook,
But I found somebody each place that I looked.
I searched till I'm tired, and now with the dawn,
There's no doubt about it -
Nobody's gone!

Faith means nobody is gone.

TueTuesdaySepSeptember20th2011

1 Peter 1:8

Posted Tuesday, September 20 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Peter Belief Faith 0 comments Add comment

1 Peter 1:8

“Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.”

The early disciples were struggling with those who had been with and seen Jesus in ministry and those who had not. Was one who had seen and been with Jesus more able to have faith? Jesus anticipated the dilemma in his encounter with Thomas (John 20:26-29) when he said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” The truth is if you believe, you are able to see.

MonMondaySepSeptember19th2011

Hebrews 11:1

Posted Monday, September 19 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Faith Hebrews 0 comments Add comment

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith is assurance, not insurance. We are assured of the presence of God, not insured against the problems of the world. If we expect insurance rather than assurance, we can become disenchanted with God and God’s promises. But in my experience, the unseen (and sometimes seen) presence of God and the love that brings in life is enough to guide us through any difficulty.

SatSaturdaySepSeptember17th2011 1 John 4:7-21

Posted Saturday, September 17 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

1 John 4:7-21

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God…”

Whenever we love, we are being God in the world, “For God is love.” What are your challenges in loving others? What sacrifices for others are you making in the name of Christ? How are you succeeding and failing at being God in the world?

FriFridaySepSeptember16th2011

Psalm 27

Posted Friday, September 16 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Fear Psalms Wisdom 1 comments Add comment

Psalm 27

“The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?”

Is that a proclamation or a question? The truth is, it is both... and that is the brilliance of the words. It is the conversation we have with ourselves and our faith in every time of difficulty. There is a wisdom to having the conversation with yourself. There is a wisdom to the final words of the Psalm, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord.”

ThuThursdaySepSeptember15th2011

Matthew 25:31-46

Posted Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Love Matthew 0 comments Add comment

Matthew 25:31-46

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

Loving God and loving neighbor, the greatest commandments according to Jesus, are one and the same. In the loving responses we witnessed to the tragedies of 9/11, we saw the presence of the Lord.

WedWednesdaySepSeptember14th2011

Isaiah 43:13

Posted Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Fear Isaiah 1 comments Add comment

Isaiah 43:13

“I am God…there is none who can deliver from my hand.”

Singing during our service last Sunday, “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand,” sent chills down my spine. God does have me in the palm of his hand. Why do I fear?

TueTuesdaySepSeptember13th2011

James 1:19-27, 2:14-26

Posted Tuesday, September 13 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Actions Church James Missional 1 comments Add comment

James 1:19-27, 2:14-26

“…be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”

This past Saturday some of the pastors of our church went to a seminar on being a missional church. It is a topic on which our church, under the leadership of Ken Diehm, has made great strides. During the meeting, the speaker said the term “missional church” is actually redundant; the church is not a destination, it is the ministries it provides in the community. The word “church” should seldom be used as a noun and frequently used as a verb. How are you being the church as a verb? How are you being the missional church?

What is a "missional church"? Read the wikipedia definition here.

MonMondaySepSeptember12th2011

Psalm 23

Posted Monday, September 12 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Fear Peace Psalms 0 comments Add comment

Psalm 23

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...”

Following our remembrance of the events of 9/11, we still wonder how we can live without fearing the evils of the world. The answer the psalmist gives is “for thou art with me….” I do believe being aware and feeling the presence of God is the most powerful tool we have in conquering our fears. Read the familiar words of this Psalm again. Stop and contemplate each verse. How do these words speak to you right now?

SatSaturdaySepSeptember10th2011

Philippians 4:4-7

Posted Saturday, September 10 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Kindness Philippians 1 comments Add comment

Philippians 4:4-7

“Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”

These verses are some of Paul’s most profound. Sometimes we think we must be kind and loving because the Lord is watching... like the t-shirt someone gave me that says, “The Lord is coming; look busy.” No, we are to be kind and loving because that is who God created us to be. We find peace in being truly who we are.

FriFridaySepSeptember9th2011

Mark 10:35-45

Posted Friday, September 09 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Mark Service 1 comments Add comment

Mark 10:35-45

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…”

As I said Sunday, there is a rhythm to faith and ministry the Lord teaches us. Spend time with God soaking up the Lord’s love, and then coming down from the mountaintop to share that love serving the needs of others... Being with God, then sharing the being of God. Too often people are overly concerned with how the church is serving them rather than how they can serve others. There is a balance.

ThuThursdaySepSeptember8th2011

Joshua 1:1-9

Posted Thursday, September 08 2011 @ 12 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Courage Encouragement God's Promises Joshua 1 comments Add comment

Joshua 1:1-9

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

These are words to the people of Israel before they enter into the Promised Land. Moses has died and the people are wondering if they can continue on to the Promised Land. Knowing that the Lord walks with us is encouragement to all generations.

WedWednesdaySepSeptember7th2011

Psalm 42

Posted Wednesday, September 07 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Psalms 0 comments Add comment

Psalm 42

“As the deer longs for flowing streams, so my souls longs for you, O God.”

The hymn, As the Deer, in our hymnal supplement says, “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you. You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you.”

Use the song and the psalm to feel, remember and state your desire for God.

TueTuesdaySepSeptember6th2011 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Posted Tuesday, September 06 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Thessalonians Prayer 1 comments Add comment

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…”

Paul is giving the people of Thessalonica an attitude for living. Joy is not when everything is going right; it is that feeling of peace when everything is going wrong. Praying without ceasing is not constantly talking to God; it is feeling connected to God. Being thankful is the attitude of gratitude – seeing God’s light in every darkness.

MonMondaySepSeptember5th2011

Psalm 107

Posted Monday, September 05 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Peace Psalms 0 comments Add comment

Psalm 107

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”

How has the Lord stilled the storm in your life? Jesus is the Prince of Peace - your peace. Frederick Buechner writes, “Peace has come to mean the time when there aren’t any wars or even when there aren’t any major wars. Beggars can’t be choosers; we’d most of us settle for that. But in Hebrew peace, shalom, means having everything you need to be wholly and happily yourself.” Pray for God’s peace in the storm of your life.

SatSaturdaySepSeptember3rd2011

The Book of Jonah

Posted Saturday, September 03 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Jonah 1:1-4:11

“'Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.' But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord…”

I love the Book of Jonah. You know about him being swallowed by a big fish, but there is so much more to enjoy. God tells Jonah to go and preach to the people of Nineveh, his greatest enemy, so that they can know the love of God. Jonah does everything he can to get out of it, but the Lord’s love is relentless. Finally, Jonah mumbles a few words to the Ninevites and every last person in town repents. Jonah is not at all pleased. How are you like Jonah? Selfishly holding on to the love of God.

FriFridaySepSeptember2nd2011

1 Peter 3:8-22

Posted Friday, September 02 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

1 Peter 3:8-22

“Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing.”

How difficult it is not to take the lure of revenge. It is human to want to get back at the one who hurt you. We learn that abuse can move from one generation to the next. The only way to overcome the temptation to repay evil with evil is through Christ. These words of Peter are a great challenge for us. I encourage you to take the challenge.

ThuThursdaySepSeptember1st2011 Matthew 5:17-48

Posted Thursday, September 01 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Matthew 5:17-20, 43-48

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Our lives are to be an example of the faith we proclaim.

WedWednesdayAugAugust31st2011

Romans 10:8-17

Posted Wednesday, August 31 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Faith Romans Sharing Faith 0 comments Add comment

Romans 10:8b-17

"The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart."

Is the faith you hold in your heart the faith you express with your lips? Faith is more than an issue of the heart. To be complete it must be shared with someone else.

TueTuesdayAugAugust30th2011

Hebrews 12:14-17

Posted Tuesday, August 30 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Hebrews Helping 0 comments Add comment

Hebrews 12:14-17

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God…"

Our tendency is to say, "I am responsible only for myself and my relationship with the Lord." The author of The Letter to the Hebrews would disagree. He reminds us to never do anything that gets in they way of the grace of God. Shel Silverstein wrote a poem entitled "Helping."

HELPING

Agatha Fry, she made a pie,
And Christopher John helped bake it.
Christopher John, he mowed the lawn,
And Agatha Fry helped rake it.
Zachary Zugg took out the rug,
And Jennifer Joy helped shake it.
And Jennifer Joy, she made a toy,
And Zachary Zugg helped break it.

And some kind of help
Is the kind of help
That helping's all about.
And some kind of help
Is the kind of help
We all can do without.

Does the Lord see your help as the kind that helping is all about or the kind that the Lord would just as soon do without?

MonMondayAugAugust29th2011

Matthew 28:16-20

Posted Monday, August 29 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Great Commission Matthew Share 1 comments Add comment

Matthew 28:16-20

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Sunday I encouraged you to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others and to invite them to your church. I am just following the example set by Jesus; he does the same with his disciples just following the resurrection. He says go "baptize," "teach," and "remember." Baptize means to welcome them into the fellowship of believers. So many in our community are looking for a place to love and be loved. Teach means more than book knowledge or learning a list of do’s and don’ts. It is to grow together in our relationships, so that ultimately we will all grow closer in relationship with Jesus. Remember means to know we are never in this alone. God is with us.

SatSaturdayAugAugust27th2011

Luke 10:25-37

Posted Saturday, August 27 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Actions Love Luke 0 comments Add comment

Luke 10:25-37

“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

The songs says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” It was the love expressed in the actions of the Samaritan that caused Jesus to highlight him as “neighbor.” It would be good for us to remember Jesus’ words of instruction, “Go and do likewise.”

FriFridayAugAugust26th2011

Mark 11:12-14

Posted Friday, August 26 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Fruit Galatians Mark Spirit 1 comments Add comment

Mark 11:12-14

“When [Jesus] came to [the fig tree], he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.”

Strangely enough, this is one of my favorite scriptures. Jesus curses a fig tree because it didn’t have any fruit on it he could eat. It sounds a little narcissistic doesn’t it? The fig tree represents the church and you and me as its members. People are looking to be fed. Are we bearing the fruit that will feed them? What fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-26 are you and our church exhibiting? What new ministry is God calling you to provide to feed those who are hungry for the Word?

ThuThursdayAugAugust25th2011

Romans 6:5-11

Posted Thursday, August 25 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Forgiveness Freedom Romans 0 comments Add comment

Romans 6:5-11

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

God has freed us from sin, but often we don’t believe in his love enough to forgive ourselves. What is it that you have asked the Lord to forgive in you, but have not let go of yourself? This would be a good time to trust the Lord enough to forgive yourself.

WedWednesdayAugAugust24th2011

Luke 15:11-32

Posted Wednesday, August 24 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Love Luke 1 comments Add comment

Luke 15:11-32

“…while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”

The unwarranted and unconditional love of God... may you feel the loving arms of the Lord around you now.

TueTuesdayAugAugust23rd2011

1 Corinthians 15:1-16

Posted Tuesday, August 23 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged 1 Corinthians Faith Fear Life 1 comments Add comment

1 Corinthians 15:1-16

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

In this chapter, Paul lays out his theology on the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. Paul is often confusing in his writing style. He can write the longest sentences of anyone I have read. But there is much in this chapter to guide us in our devotional time. Especially these words Paul quotes from Isaiah and Hosea. What a powerful faith it is that can look every threat of death (be it physical, emotional, psychological, financial, etc.) in the face and not allow it to defeat us.

MonMondayAugAugust22nd2011

John 5:25-29

Posted Monday, August 22 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged John New Life 1 comments Add comment

John 5:25-29

“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and the hour is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God.”

Throughout the New Testament, in the coming of Jesus, there is an interesting twist of the "already" and "not quite yet." Several times Jesus is recorded as saying that the kingdom of God is coming and is at hand. The coming of Christ is two-fold: God reestablishes the covenant and gives the promise of eternal life, and God also gives the world his son who gives new life now. What is it in you that Jesus can bring back to life?

SatSaturdayAugAugust20th2011

Colossians 3:17

Posted Saturday, August 20 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Authority Colossians Power Prayer 0 comments Add comment

Colossians 3:17

"…do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..."

One of the more difficult jobs of a pastor is making hospital visits. If I walk into the room by myself, all I have to offer is my sterling personality (which I think you will agree is limited at best). But if I spend time in prayer before making a visit, asking the Lord to go with me and make his presence flow through me, how much more do I have to offer!?

There have been times when a person has said to me, "John, remember when you visited me in the hospital and you said _____? Your words helped me make it through that horrible time." And, to tell you the truth, I don’t remember saying that at all. I know that was a moment God worked through me and maybe even in spite of me. That is what I believe Paul means when he writes, "…do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…"

FriFridayAugAugust19th2011

Hebrews 1:1-2

Posted Friday, August 19 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Faith Hebrews 0 comments Add comment

Hebrews 1:1-2

"Long ago God spoke to our ancestors…but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son…"

There is a time in everyone’s life of faith that we are called to become the owners of our own faith. We all have people who influenced our thinking and beliefs through sharing their faith with us – our parents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, etc. But we cannot live only on the faith they have handed to us. We must become responsible owners of our faith. It is then that faith becomes ours and not just a hand-me-down from someone else.

ThuThursdayAugAugust18th2011

Mark 1:21-27

Posted Thursday, August 18 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Authority Faith Mark 0 comments Add comment

Mark 1:21-27

“I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

These are the words of the demon living in the man with the unclean spirit. The demon might have known who Jesus was, but he didn’t believe in him. The demon gave authority in its life to the evil forces of the world. It is one thing to call Jesus “the Holy One of God”; it is another to live and act as one who believes he is “the Holy One of God.” Look at the story in Mark 8:27-38. Peter, like the demon, knew the right words to say, but he didn’t truly believe.

WedWednesdayAugAugust17th2011

John 1:1-14

Posted Wednesday, August 17 2011 @ 5 AM byJohn Mollet Tagged Authority John Power 1 comments Add comment

John 1:1-14

“…to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God…”

“…power to become children of God.” That is an interesting phrase. Even if we believe we are created by God, it is those who receive him and believe in him that have the power to become his children. Being a parent or a child has less to do with biology than it does with choice. God has decided to be our father. Will you decide to be God’s child?

TueTuesdayAugAugust16th2011

Matthew 21:23-27

Posted Tuesday,