I am the first surviving son of Maria del Jesus Jimenez de Valverde. And as I had mentioned to my church a couple of Sundays ago, for four glorious years I was an only child as well. I remember Mom today because this is a mile marker. It was two years ago she went to be with as her names says, with Jesus. I called my dad earlier this morning and he was in good spirits. My sister is taking half a day off to take him to the cemetery. I was the one with tears as I spoke to him, told him I loved him and hung up and a flood of tears came. My youngest, Caitlin, whom we were driving to school saw me crying in the rearview mirrow and she ducked down like she does when she sleeps. I know it wasn't to sleep. Nellie, my wife, noticed I was tearing up as well, held my hand and told me she loved me.
Life is never the same when you lose a loved one. This came home to us when I lost my grandmother and mother-in-law in the same period of time. Phone calls once taken for granted and so needed could no longer be made. Events, special to us because of accomplishments by our daughters, no longer shared. Visits to see how each was doing no longer possible.
Yet, there is a peace about these three women having died, because of the way the lived, in Christ Jesus. While not perfect, they were forgiven, washed-in-the-blood women of faith. They shared that deep-rooted conviction in Christ with me and so the peace of the promises fulfilled in Christ Jesus are with me as I write. I miss my Mom terribly. I miss Grandma Vicha terribly. I miss Momo also terribly. Yet, I know them to be rejoicing in the Lord not suffering or worried about the challenges and trials of life. I laugh as I see these three women in my women. My wife is my mother-in-law all over again. Nellie is my mom. Sarai is my me as I am my Mom. Carli is Momo. Caitlin is my Mom and the fulfillment of a dream that Grandma Vicha had of one who would perform and delight in being on stage.
Thank you God for mile markers of yesterday and today. Praise you in advance for the mile markers yet to come!
e.v.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
THE 3-D CHURCH: DISCIPLES!
Good morning dear friends.
The second aspect of a 3D church is that the church must not only discern, it must also disciple, that is, it must make new disciples. Someone one said that Christianity was only one generation away from extinction, and that is true if we stop caring enough about others to tell them about God and God's love for us all through Jesus Christ.
Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Read Matthew 28:19-20. This is the passage known as The Great Commission. In it, believers have received their marching orders. For today prayerfully reflect on what it means to disciple someone. Have you discipled your children or grandchildren? Do you know that living as a disciple is the best way to make new ones, especially those around you? Are you living your life in ways that reflect Christ’s love and leading?
Here is the passage listed above in the New Revised Standard Version:
"19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Amen"
And here is The Message:
"19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
The best sermon anyone can preach is the one they live with their lives. The best way to witness is to share with your life. The best way to disciple someone is with your life and how others see Christ in you. Jesus' Great Commission is based on that very thing. Live your life in such a way that others will want to live like you. I'm reading Bill Hybel's "Rediscovering Church" and in it he shares his story from high school. He was perceived as a "normal" kid. Not too popular, not an athlete, simply someone who blended in. One of the most popular athletes in school one day came to Bill and told him he needed to get his life straight and could he come to church with him? Bill lived his life positively enough in Christ that what he had this young man needed. The sad part about the story is that Bill was ashamed of his church, for it was not the kind of church that would attract those not born into it. His friend did come to church and like Bill believed would happen, hated the strict formal setting and wondered how a normal kid could sit through anything so not for normal people. Bill went on to become a youth director, later pastor with a passion for the lost and built one of America's biggest churches with over 20,000 members coming each Sunday to Willow Creek Community Church.
What's your passion? Is it centered on the lost? Bill's success as a youth director was to tell the kids very honestly that unless they lived for Christ they were destined for an eternity of hell. This motivated the kids to go and bring their friends, finally having 1,200 kids at weekly youth group meetings. It only takes one. It only takes you to live your life in a way that says, "Christ has saved me from hell, and taken me to a new joy in this life, would you care to come along and live like this?"
It can start at home with your family. Here is where it's very hard to disguise who you really are and what you're really about. If you're not about Christ, put Christ in your heart and you will have, as the liturgy says, "put on Christ."
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus and bring the fire of your passion for us to our hearts. Let us make disciples. Let us start today in sharing Jesus with all we meet. We pray in Your name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
The second aspect of a 3D church is that the church must not only discern, it must also disciple, that is, it must make new disciples. Someone one said that Christianity was only one generation away from extinction, and that is true if we stop caring enough about others to tell them about God and God's love for us all through Jesus Christ.
Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Read Matthew 28:19-20. This is the passage known as The Great Commission. In it, believers have received their marching orders. For today prayerfully reflect on what it means to disciple someone. Have you discipled your children or grandchildren? Do you know that living as a disciple is the best way to make new ones, especially those around you? Are you living your life in ways that reflect Christ’s love and leading?
Here is the passage listed above in the New Revised Standard Version:
"19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Amen"
And here is The Message:
"19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
The best sermon anyone can preach is the one they live with their lives. The best way to witness is to share with your life. The best way to disciple someone is with your life and how others see Christ in you. Jesus' Great Commission is based on that very thing. Live your life in such a way that others will want to live like you. I'm reading Bill Hybel's "Rediscovering Church" and in it he shares his story from high school. He was perceived as a "normal" kid. Not too popular, not an athlete, simply someone who blended in. One of the most popular athletes in school one day came to Bill and told him he needed to get his life straight and could he come to church with him? Bill lived his life positively enough in Christ that what he had this young man needed. The sad part about the story is that Bill was ashamed of his church, for it was not the kind of church that would attract those not born into it. His friend did come to church and like Bill believed would happen, hated the strict formal setting and wondered how a normal kid could sit through anything so not for normal people. Bill went on to become a youth director, later pastor with a passion for the lost and built one of America's biggest churches with over 20,000 members coming each Sunday to Willow Creek Community Church.
What's your passion? Is it centered on the lost? Bill's success as a youth director was to tell the kids very honestly that unless they lived for Christ they were destined for an eternity of hell. This motivated the kids to go and bring their friends, finally having 1,200 kids at weekly youth group meetings. It only takes one. It only takes you to live your life in a way that says, "Christ has saved me from hell, and taken me to a new joy in this life, would you care to come along and live like this?"
It can start at home with your family. Here is where it's very hard to disguise who you really are and what you're really about. If you're not about Christ, put Christ in your heart and you will have, as the liturgy says, "put on Christ."
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus and bring the fire of your passion for us to our hearts. Let us make disciples. Let us start today in sharing Jesus with all we meet. We pray in Your name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
WHAT IS YOUR STATEMENT OF FAITH?
Good day dear friends. We arrived safely home last night, thanks to our gracious God. We had a wonderful time at this conference; we learned a lot and we were blessed a lot. One of the unexpected blessings of the conference was musical. Each of the sessions would begin with a time of praise and worship with the house band of Willow Creek. This is a very gifted band. But at one session in hearing the opening of a guitar and seeing the person on stage I told Paul Mayhew, "that guy is Glenn Kaiser or I think it is." "Who's Glenn Kaiser?" Good question. Glenn was the lead singer and guitarist for an early 70s Christian rock band by the name of Resurrection Band (my favorite!) who is now a pastor of a communal housing project for the homeless, drug addicts and prostitutes in Chicago. He switched from rock and roll music to the blues and he led the two afternoon sessions in our musical worship. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. After one of the sessions I went backstage to meet this man who had been only on my CDs and vinyl records up until that moment. He was as loving and gracious in person as he presented himself in his music. He knew San Marcos because one of his early influences in music lives in this area and is a musician with one of our area churches. Small world. Small world filled with blessings!
Here is our study guide for today.
Thursday: Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Underline the last verse! What is this verse saying to you about your life? What needs to change in your life to allow this to truly be a real statement of faith for you?
Here is that text in the New Revised Standard Version:
17 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Here is that text in modern day translation from The Message:
6:17 Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage - 18 to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. 19 If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
God created us for life and for relationship with Him. This in and of itself is riches beyond our wildest comprehension. But it takes faith to arrive at that viewpoint. Until we come face to face with that grace of God we can easily be led astray by the promise of wealth and riches that are "here today and gone tomorrow." Driving to the airport we saw the sign for the lottery that is now over $200 million. That used to excite me in thinking, like millions of people, what could I do with all that money? I know now that quite honestly it would ruin my life. I can now enjoy the home version of the lottery if I get tempted, which is to take my dollar bill, straighten it out nicely, then wad it up and flush it down my toilet. Same results given the odds. All that excessive wealth could ruin any person. Your phone that now rings with telemarketers or your kids asking for money, would ring with relatives you didn't know you had, not to mention the ones you did know about. And you would get calls from folks you don't even know asking for handouts or for funding for the next best schemes, etc. And as much as I've heard folks promising to give the tithe to the church, I'd have to find you first.
Friends, true riches live in our relationship with God. And we allow God to bless us through those, those riches carry over to our relationship with ourselves, and then if that's done correctly, to the relationship we need to have with others. Paul's instructions to Timothy were for him to preach the message of truth to all people, especially those in love and possessed by their possessions. Tell them to put their love and trust in God, Paul wrote. Tell them now to do good things for others and to realize that being rich comes in doing for others, and by giving beyond what you think you can afford.
One of the presenters said that he loves to give. He's a tither and beyond, but he loves doing and giving things to others. He confessed he's obsessed with clothing and loves shirts. (I think his pant choice is limited to jeans). He bought a shirt that he kept bragging about to his staff and how this shirt was so nice and on and on, and he was bragging to one staff member in particular about this shirt and then he heard God telling him, "Give away your shirt to this man." He got angry and said, "You didn't just tell me that did you, Lord?" "Yes, I did, give that shirt away." And he did and the blessing he received was greater than having possession of the shirt in the first place.
When it somes to your statement of faith, what does it say about your attitude towards material goods? Are you hoarding money and things? Are you still looking for money to make you rich and happy? Reread today's lesson. Happiness comes from God. And beyond happiness, fulfillment, meaning and purpose for your life is found in He who shares that which really matters and lasts forever.
PRAYER: God, continue to rain on us your riches. Pile them up! But open our spirits, our hearts, minds, and eyes to see that we have what truly counts for happiness, meaning and purpose already, and that's Your love. Let us love you back. Let us love ourselves. Let us love each other. We pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Here is our study guide for today.
Thursday: Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Underline the last verse! What is this verse saying to you about your life? What needs to change in your life to allow this to truly be a real statement of faith for you?
Here is that text in the New Revised Standard Version:
17 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Here is that text in modern day translation from The Message:
6:17 Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage - 18 to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. 19 If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
God created us for life and for relationship with Him. This in and of itself is riches beyond our wildest comprehension. But it takes faith to arrive at that viewpoint. Until we come face to face with that grace of God we can easily be led astray by the promise of wealth and riches that are "here today and gone tomorrow." Driving to the airport we saw the sign for the lottery that is now over $200 million. That used to excite me in thinking, like millions of people, what could I do with all that money? I know now that quite honestly it would ruin my life. I can now enjoy the home version of the lottery if I get tempted, which is to take my dollar bill, straighten it out nicely, then wad it up and flush it down my toilet. Same results given the odds. All that excessive wealth could ruin any person. Your phone that now rings with telemarketers or your kids asking for money, would ring with relatives you didn't know you had, not to mention the ones you did know about. And you would get calls from folks you don't even know asking for handouts or for funding for the next best schemes, etc. And as much as I've heard folks promising to give the tithe to the church, I'd have to find you first.
Friends, true riches live in our relationship with God. And we allow God to bless us through those, those riches carry over to our relationship with ourselves, and then if that's done correctly, to the relationship we need to have with others. Paul's instructions to Timothy were for him to preach the message of truth to all people, especially those in love and possessed by their possessions. Tell them to put their love and trust in God, Paul wrote. Tell them now to do good things for others and to realize that being rich comes in doing for others, and by giving beyond what you think you can afford.
One of the presenters said that he loves to give. He's a tither and beyond, but he loves doing and giving things to others. He confessed he's obsessed with clothing and loves shirts. (I think his pant choice is limited to jeans). He bought a shirt that he kept bragging about to his staff and how this shirt was so nice and on and on, and he was bragging to one staff member in particular about this shirt and then he heard God telling him, "Give away your shirt to this man." He got angry and said, "You didn't just tell me that did you, Lord?" "Yes, I did, give that shirt away." And he did and the blessing he received was greater than having possession of the shirt in the first place.
When it somes to your statement of faith, what does it say about your attitude towards material goods? Are you hoarding money and things? Are you still looking for money to make you rich and happy? Reread today's lesson. Happiness comes from God. And beyond happiness, fulfillment, meaning and purpose for your life is found in He who shares that which really matters and lasts forever.
PRAYER: God, continue to rain on us your riches. Pile them up! But open our spirits, our hearts, minds, and eyes to see that we have what truly counts for happiness, meaning and purpose already, and that's Your love. Let us love you back. Let us love ourselves. Let us love each other. We pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
GREETINGS FROM CHICAGO!
Dear friends, greetings from tropical Chicago! It's been unusually warm here though as we leave this afternoon it's set to go back down to the 30s! Pastor Rob, Erwin Janek, Paul Mayhew and I are at a stewardship conference at Willow Creek Community Church and we're having a great time learning and fellowshiping together.
We stayed in a motel with no internet access thus no ConCafes yesterday and I'll try to quickly share both Tuesdays and todays.
Here are our study guides:
Tuesday: Read Acts 26:4-18. In this retelling of his testimony, St. Paul shares how the Lord Jesus called him out of a successful life into a life of meaning and purpose. Consider what Paul had before and after Christ. In worldly thinking, which made more sense? What’s making sense for you right now? Is Christ guiding that thinking?
Wednesday: For our day of purpose and action, visit someone you consider to be of great faith and ask them about what really matters in their life and why?
4 "All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Phar'isee. 6 And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, 7 a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? 9 "Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. 11 By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities. 12 "With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. 14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' 15 I asked, "Who are you, Lord?' The Lord answered, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
One of the things that gets mentioned over and over again in this stewardship conference is that the things of God don't make sense in our worldly thinking. Take the example of the Apostle Paul. Successful in what he considered to be his calling, and very happy in it, but it took the Damascus Road experience to call him to where God wanted him. Paul thought he was serving God by arresting Christians. Paul thought he was serving God in helping put an end to those who would proclaim Christ. But God had other plans for him. Read carefully the above passage again and answer for yourself the questions posed to us.
Please pray for our safe travel home later this afternoon.
PRAYER: God of truth, reveal to us what Your plans are for our lives. We may be happy and set in ways that we think are of You but You have the last word and You speak truth. Help us to recognize it and receive it for ourselves. We pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
We stayed in a motel with no internet access thus no ConCafes yesterday and I'll try to quickly share both Tuesdays and todays.
Here are our study guides:
Tuesday: Read Acts 26:4-18. In this retelling of his testimony, St. Paul shares how the Lord Jesus called him out of a successful life into a life of meaning and purpose. Consider what Paul had before and after Christ. In worldly thinking, which made more sense? What’s making sense for you right now? Is Christ guiding that thinking?
Wednesday: For our day of purpose and action, visit someone you consider to be of great faith and ask them about what really matters in their life and why?
4 "All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Phar'isee. 6 And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, 7 a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? 9 "Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. 11 By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities. 12 "With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. 14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' 15 I asked, "Who are you, Lord?' The Lord answered, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
One of the things that gets mentioned over and over again in this stewardship conference is that the things of God don't make sense in our worldly thinking. Take the example of the Apostle Paul. Successful in what he considered to be his calling, and very happy in it, but it took the Damascus Road experience to call him to where God wanted him. Paul thought he was serving God by arresting Christians. Paul thought he was serving God in helping put an end to those who would proclaim Christ. But God had other plans for him. Read carefully the above passage again and answer for yourself the questions posed to us.
Please pray for our safe travel home later this afternoon.
PRAYER: God of truth, reveal to us what Your plans are for our lives. We may be happy and set in ways that we think are of You but You have the last word and You speak truth. Help us to recognize it and receive it for ourselves. We pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, April 18, 2005
GOD CREATED YOU FOR A PURPOSE! DISCOVER IT AND LIVE FULLY!
Good day dear friends. I hear the rain coming down on a cool Monday in San Marcos. I love rain except when I have to travel and so I ask your prayers for Pastor Rob, Paul Mayhew, Erwin Janek, and myself as we board a plane in a few hours to head to Chicago for a conference on church stewardship. Pray the Lord bless us with knowledge and arms us with that which we need to bring back.
Yesterday our sermon was on "Why Did God Make Me?" and we wrestled with the reality about purpose and meaning and how the suicide rate among older adults is almost twice that of adolescents. We as US citizen find meaning and purpose in what we do rather than who we are. Our kids go through the phase of finding meaning in what they have, including friends, rather than in what they will someday be for the sake of God.
We stressed that made us in love, created us to have a relationship with us, and for us to serve Him. Once we discover these simple truths we're on our way to finding fulfillment and happiness for our lives.
For today here is our study guide as we seek to get deeper in the Word:
Monday: Read Luke 4:1-13. In this passage Jesus addresses several issues about purpose and life. Jesus was, in a way, considering his own life and mission in life. He began his ministry by this period of prayer and fasting. His answers to the devil as the devil tempts Jesus address this: God provides, Purpose comes through worship of God, and trust, don’t test God! Where are you in your life’s faith journey? Are you aware of the provisions God has shared with you? Are you worshiping God 24/7 or Just 60/1? And does your walk reflect a trust or a test of God?
Here is that text in the New International Version (NIV):
Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.'{[4] Deut. 8:3}" 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'{[8] Deut. 6:13}" 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: "`He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'{[11] Psalm 91:11,12}" 12 Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'{[12] Deut. 6:16}" 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
One of the ways we can discover God's purpose for our lives is to be in a spiritual frame of mind. Jesus knew this and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him to a place where he could pray and fast. For forty days Jesus was in the wildnerness in that paradise relationship between himself and His Father to discover all that God wanted from him. It was after his preparation that the devil came to pay a visit. Notice how the devil hit all the key ares of one's life. He begins on the physical plane: After forty days of not eating, one is a mite hungry! What the devil is really saying, "If you really have all that power, and I know you do, turn these stones that look like bread to begin with, into real bread and eat to your heart's content!" Jesus responds with His Father's word, "Man does not live by bread alone." The reference was to an Old Testament passage on the people of God being reminded that God provided for them during the forty years in the wilderness and that most of the provision in the wilderness was spiritual to show that we need both, the physical and the spiritual.
The next area of texting was to test his loyalty. If you worship me I will give you all the kingdoms of the world, the devil says. What he was really tempting Jesus about was his loyalty. How loyal are you to God? And what has that gotten you so far? Forty days in this heat with nothing to eat? Solitude in this god-forsaken area? If you switch your loyalty to me, see what you can get! Jesus replied with the Good Answer: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
The last area was of trust and faith. How much do you trust God? Are you sure you can trust a God who might not answer you immediately? Throw yourself down from here and you'll see angels come to your rescue immediately! Don't you trust God that much? Isn't your faith that strong? And you have to notice that the devil used the scripture to tempt Jesus, as some might just as easily do for us. I once saw, when at Perkins at SMU, Madelyn Murray O'Hare debate the chaplain of Bourbon Street, Bob Harrington, who upon meeting her presented her with a red Bible and the quip, "Because all Bibles should be read!" I was amazed at how much she knew about the Bible, probably more than most ministers and lay folk who haven't taken Disciple Bible! She knew her Bible to counter what we as Christians believe. We should know our Bible to rest upon what we should believe. Jesus knows the Word and was Himself the Word and he answers: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
His answers to the devil as the devil tempts Jesus address this: God provides, Purpose comes through worship of God, and trust, don’t test God!
Where are you in your life’s faith journey? Are you aware of the provisions God has shared with you? Are you worshiping God 24/7 or Just 60/1?
And does your walk reflect a trust or a test of God?
PRAYER: Gracious God of love and purpose, speak to us right now with loving words about our lives. Let us be open to what You might share. We pray especially for those who might not yet know for what they were created. We pray that You might reveal the need for a deeper relationship with You, so that in being in a paradise relationship with you we might find meaning for our lives. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Yesterday our sermon was on "Why Did God Make Me?" and we wrestled with the reality about purpose and meaning and how the suicide rate among older adults is almost twice that of adolescents. We as US citizen find meaning and purpose in what we do rather than who we are. Our kids go through the phase of finding meaning in what they have, including friends, rather than in what they will someday be for the sake of God.
We stressed that made us in love, created us to have a relationship with us, and for us to serve Him. Once we discover these simple truths we're on our way to finding fulfillment and happiness for our lives.
For today here is our study guide as we seek to get deeper in the Word:
Monday: Read Luke 4:1-13. In this passage Jesus addresses several issues about purpose and life. Jesus was, in a way, considering his own life and mission in life. He began his ministry by this period of prayer and fasting. His answers to the devil as the devil tempts Jesus address this: God provides, Purpose comes through worship of God, and trust, don’t test God! Where are you in your life’s faith journey? Are you aware of the provisions God has shared with you? Are you worshiping God 24/7 or Just 60/1? And does your walk reflect a trust or a test of God?
Here is that text in the New International Version (NIV):
Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.'{[4] Deut. 8:3}" 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'{[8] Deut. 6:13}" 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: "`He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'{[11] Psalm 91:11,12}" 12 Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'{[12] Deut. 6:16}" 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
One of the ways we can discover God's purpose for our lives is to be in a spiritual frame of mind. Jesus knew this and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him to a place where he could pray and fast. For forty days Jesus was in the wildnerness in that paradise relationship between himself and His Father to discover all that God wanted from him. It was after his preparation that the devil came to pay a visit. Notice how the devil hit all the key ares of one's life. He begins on the physical plane: After forty days of not eating, one is a mite hungry! What the devil is really saying, "If you really have all that power, and I know you do, turn these stones that look like bread to begin with, into real bread and eat to your heart's content!" Jesus responds with His Father's word, "Man does not live by bread alone." The reference was to an Old Testament passage on the people of God being reminded that God provided for them during the forty years in the wilderness and that most of the provision in the wilderness was spiritual to show that we need both, the physical and the spiritual.
The next area of texting was to test his loyalty. If you worship me I will give you all the kingdoms of the world, the devil says. What he was really tempting Jesus about was his loyalty. How loyal are you to God? And what has that gotten you so far? Forty days in this heat with nothing to eat? Solitude in this god-forsaken area? If you switch your loyalty to me, see what you can get! Jesus replied with the Good Answer: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
The last area was of trust and faith. How much do you trust God? Are you sure you can trust a God who might not answer you immediately? Throw yourself down from here and you'll see angels come to your rescue immediately! Don't you trust God that much? Isn't your faith that strong? And you have to notice that the devil used the scripture to tempt Jesus, as some might just as easily do for us. I once saw, when at Perkins at SMU, Madelyn Murray O'Hare debate the chaplain of Bourbon Street, Bob Harrington, who upon meeting her presented her with a red Bible and the quip, "Because all Bibles should be read!" I was amazed at how much she knew about the Bible, probably more than most ministers and lay folk who haven't taken Disciple Bible! She knew her Bible to counter what we as Christians believe. We should know our Bible to rest upon what we should believe. Jesus knows the Word and was Himself the Word and he answers: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
His answers to the devil as the devil tempts Jesus address this: God provides, Purpose comes through worship of God, and trust, don’t test God!
Where are you in your life’s faith journey? Are you aware of the provisions God has shared with you? Are you worshiping God 24/7 or Just 60/1?
And does your walk reflect a trust or a test of God?
PRAYER: Gracious God of love and purpose, speak to us right now with loving words about our lives. Let us be open to what You might share. We pray especially for those who might not yet know for what they were created. We pray that You might reveal the need for a deeper relationship with You, so that in being in a paradise relationship with you we might find meaning for our lives. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE?
Good day dear friends.
Dean Virgil Matthews was my first religion professor. He was the
Dean of Students at Lon Morris College, and he enjoyed teaching
religion to first time Bible students such as myself. Dean Matthews
was also the one who would gather the hardy group of minister-
wannabes on Sunday nights to chat. I'll never forget the first
meeting where about thirty of us were in a big circle on that campus
and Dean Matthews said, "Look around boys (yes, sadly, we were all
boys), and out of this group of about thirty, only two of you will
be ministers." Everyone looked around with that question the
disciples felt when Jesus said one of them would betray Him. The
verse, "Many are called, few are chosen" came to mind. And Dean
Matthews was right, only about two of us in that circle that
night became ministers.
But the greatest lesson Dean Matthews taught was when he asked our
religion class, "What is the opposite of love?" Oh, man, that's an
easy one, all hands in the air, some just shouted out the
answer, "Hate!" No. No? How could it not be hate? That was the
word of choice growing up when we were angry with our brothers or
sister, "I hate you!" We didn't mean it, but it sure sounded
great. "No," the dean calmly replied, "the opposite of love is
indifference." Huh? That's no fun! You can't say, I indifferent
you! Well, you can, I just did, but folks would just think we were
crazy and walk away.
We thought about it during the silence and then he began to explain
and we began to understand. Love and hate both have passion and
both recognize that the other is still alive. To be indifferent is
to not care one way or the other; no passion, no emotion, no nothing.
As pastor reviewing our financial standing, I wonder how many of us
are indifferent to Christ's ministry here among us? There seems to
be no passion or emotion in our giving. We seem to care little if
at all, if there is life in our ministry at church or not. We may
pay lip service, but that seems to be all we're willing to pay.
I'll share with you parts of a letter from a pastor in Houston
facing a big decision for his church. It's from another
denomination and they have to decide if they're going to keep their
doors open or not. Yes, friends, that's what does happen when folks
are indifferent to God's work among us, we close the doors. What
other choice do we have? Apparently, the church had frozen salaries
for some three years now. And now, utilities are not being paid,
etc. Here is part of that letter,
"This has been a tremendous burden for me for 14 years, weekly
wondering if we would have enough to make it just one more month.
Trusting God. Have you ever heard me complain about this burden? No.
So now for the first time some folks are just beginning to feel the
heat and they're saying, "It's too much. I can't handle it. All we
ever do is worry about survival. We can't do ministry when we're so
worried. We're tired of fighting. Let's just close!" Somehow I
thought you had more backbone than that.
"Only worried about survival? In 14 years, we added 265 names/souls
in the parish register, some of which have passed on or moved on in
normal attrition. We have baptized 84 of that number. We have
celebrated 69 weddings and 69 funerals. We have partied and
potlucked. We have provided underwear and clothes for people from
the Philippines to Africa. We have hosted and supported three other
worshiping congregations. We have celebrated 1500 worships and
communions. Let's not forget the real stuff of church life.
"Meanwhile, how many people do you know that have voluntarily
refused even a cost of living raise for 3 years in a row? Maybe your
congressman did. Or maybe your doctor or lawyer said to you, "You
know times are tough so just pay me two-thirds of your bill, no
problem." Maybe your favorite TV preacher said, "If you send me any
money, I'll send it right back!"
"How many people do you know that have voluntarily refused even a
cost of living raise for 3 years in a row, and that while being paid
$26,000 less than the required minimum for their profession? I find
it ironic."
Why do some churches get to this point? Indifference. The letter
continues:
"This church's next miracle is YOU, when you decide to really give.
The church's next miracle is YOU when you quit tellin' new members
they'll never hold leadership positions, so quit suckin' up by
volunteering. The church's next miracle is YOU when you start
bringing your friends to church instead of sayin' you're gonna
someday. The church's next miracle is YOU when you quit
sayin', "Everyone's already giving as much as they possibly can
afford."
"That's bull! Do you think on his worst day that Sam Walton thinks
you're already giving as much to Wal-Mart and Sam's as you can
possibly afford? Not on your life. They want your last buck and will
go to any length to get it. Gee I went to Foley's the other day and
there was a sign there that said, "Don't shop here today. You've
already given us as much as you can afford." Not likely. Try not to
compliment yourself on your K-Mart giving when you think you're
knockin' down heaven's doors with left-overs after the credit card
bills.
"This church's next miracle is YOU when you decide that this church
is an important force of good in this community, and that it ought
to be here and that people will suffer terribly without it. This
church's next miracle is YOU when you decide to show up regularly to
sing and worship and praise God. This church's next miracle is YOU
when you decide that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is THE most
important thing, and that people really do need to hear more about
GRACE in a religious culture that damns you to hell every time you
turn on the TV or pick up a fiction religious novel and you're
paying good money to consume bad droppings."
That pastor is anything but indifferent in his plea to the
congregation.
Where are you in your relationship with Christ in your church? The
Lord Jesus in the last book of the Bible, that some folks now think
is only a new drama series on NBC, Revelation, said, "So, because
you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you
out of my mouth." That was from Rev. 3:16 and it was a prophetic
word to the church about being indifferent.
Let's get passion back in our worship and that includes our giving!
PRAYER: Gracious God of passion. We thank You for your passion for
us. We celebrate the fullness of life that you share with us and we
pray that we might receive from you that spark which will motivate
us to imitate that passion in our lives to give of ourselves, our
prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service, to making You
shine in us. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious name. Amen.
Have a blessed day! See you in church!
e.v.
Dean Virgil Matthews was my first religion professor. He was the
Dean of Students at Lon Morris College, and he enjoyed teaching
religion to first time Bible students such as myself. Dean Matthews
was also the one who would gather the hardy group of minister-
wannabes on Sunday nights to chat. I'll never forget the first
meeting where about thirty of us were in a big circle on that campus
and Dean Matthews said, "Look around boys (yes, sadly, we were all
boys), and out of this group of about thirty, only two of you will
be ministers." Everyone looked around with that question the
disciples felt when Jesus said one of them would betray Him. The
verse, "Many are called, few are chosen" came to mind. And Dean
Matthews was right, only about two of us in that circle that
night became ministers.
But the greatest lesson Dean Matthews taught was when he asked our
religion class, "What is the opposite of love?" Oh, man, that's an
easy one, all hands in the air, some just shouted out the
answer, "Hate!" No. No? How could it not be hate? That was the
word of choice growing up when we were angry with our brothers or
sister, "I hate you!" We didn't mean it, but it sure sounded
great. "No," the dean calmly replied, "the opposite of love is
indifference." Huh? That's no fun! You can't say, I indifferent
you! Well, you can, I just did, but folks would just think we were
crazy and walk away.
We thought about it during the silence and then he began to explain
and we began to understand. Love and hate both have passion and
both recognize that the other is still alive. To be indifferent is
to not care one way or the other; no passion, no emotion, no nothing.
As pastor reviewing our financial standing, I wonder how many of us
are indifferent to Christ's ministry here among us? There seems to
be no passion or emotion in our giving. We seem to care little if
at all, if there is life in our ministry at church or not. We may
pay lip service, but that seems to be all we're willing to pay.
I'll share with you parts of a letter from a pastor in Houston
facing a big decision for his church. It's from another
denomination and they have to decide if they're going to keep their
doors open or not. Yes, friends, that's what does happen when folks
are indifferent to God's work among us, we close the doors. What
other choice do we have? Apparently, the church had frozen salaries
for some three years now. And now, utilities are not being paid,
etc. Here is part of that letter,
"This has been a tremendous burden for me for 14 years, weekly
wondering if we would have enough to make it just one more month.
Trusting God. Have you ever heard me complain about this burden? No.
So now for the first time some folks are just beginning to feel the
heat and they're saying, "It's too much. I can't handle it. All we
ever do is worry about survival. We can't do ministry when we're so
worried. We're tired of fighting. Let's just close!" Somehow I
thought you had more backbone than that.
"Only worried about survival? In 14 years, we added 265 names/souls
in the parish register, some of which have passed on or moved on in
normal attrition. We have baptized 84 of that number. We have
celebrated 69 weddings and 69 funerals. We have partied and
potlucked. We have provided underwear and clothes for people from
the Philippines to Africa. We have hosted and supported three other
worshiping congregations. We have celebrated 1500 worships and
communions. Let's not forget the real stuff of church life.
"Meanwhile, how many people do you know that have voluntarily
refused even a cost of living raise for 3 years in a row? Maybe your
congressman did. Or maybe your doctor or lawyer said to you, "You
know times are tough so just pay me two-thirds of your bill, no
problem." Maybe your favorite TV preacher said, "If you send me any
money, I'll send it right back!"
"How many people do you know that have voluntarily refused even a
cost of living raise for 3 years in a row, and that while being paid
$26,000 less than the required minimum for their profession? I find
it ironic."
Why do some churches get to this point? Indifference. The letter
continues:
"This church's next miracle is YOU, when you decide to really give.
The church's next miracle is YOU when you quit tellin' new members
they'll never hold leadership positions, so quit suckin' up by
volunteering. The church's next miracle is YOU when you start
bringing your friends to church instead of sayin' you're gonna
someday. The church's next miracle is YOU when you quit
sayin', "Everyone's already giving as much as they possibly can
afford."
"That's bull! Do you think on his worst day that Sam Walton thinks
you're already giving as much to Wal-Mart and Sam's as you can
possibly afford? Not on your life. They want your last buck and will
go to any length to get it. Gee I went to Foley's the other day and
there was a sign there that said, "Don't shop here today. You've
already given us as much as you can afford." Not likely. Try not to
compliment yourself on your K-Mart giving when you think you're
knockin' down heaven's doors with left-overs after the credit card
bills.
"This church's next miracle is YOU when you decide that this church
is an important force of good in this community, and that it ought
to be here and that people will suffer terribly without it. This
church's next miracle is YOU when you decide to show up regularly to
sing and worship and praise God. This church's next miracle is YOU
when you decide that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is THE most
important thing, and that people really do need to hear more about
GRACE in a religious culture that damns you to hell every time you
turn on the TV or pick up a fiction religious novel and you're
paying good money to consume bad droppings."
That pastor is anything but indifferent in his plea to the
congregation.
Where are you in your relationship with Christ in your church? The
Lord Jesus in the last book of the Bible, that some folks now think
is only a new drama series on NBC, Revelation, said, "So, because
you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you
out of my mouth." That was from Rev. 3:16 and it was a prophetic
word to the church about being indifferent.
Let's get passion back in our worship and that includes our giving!
PRAYER: Gracious God of passion. We thank You for your passion for
us. We celebrate the fullness of life that you share with us and we
pray that we might receive from you that spark which will motivate
us to imitate that passion in our lives to give of ourselves, our
prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service, to making You
shine in us. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious name. Amen.
Have a blessed day! See you in church!
e.v.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
EASTERTIDE IS ABOUT LIFE EVEN IN THE MIDST OF DEATH
Good day dear friends.
The last few weeks it seemed death was the main headline. The death of Terri Shiavo and Pope John Paul II dominated the news. Terri's death seemed to divide the country in politicized camps that either wanted her to continue to live and those who wanted her to live. And the Pope's death brought sadness to the world for all he had represented and tried to do during his lifetime. The news shared with us the reality that there were many who had known no other pope other than John Paul II.
Here is a text that speaks to us Jesus' words about death: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
This passage comes to the disciples just after Jesus reveals the plan of God where Jesus was to suffer and die. The reaction of the disciples was just the way we react to news of a loved one's illness or pending death. But the Lord speaks as always, a message of peace and hope. He speaks directly to the place where we hurt the most the heart. Jesus knew the pain of death especially so recent in his life that of his beloved friend Lazarus. Jesus tried to calm his disciples and prepare them even for their death. The promise from the Lord is that life doesn't end with death. There is a place being built even now that is for us. And the even better part of the promise is that Jesus will come to take us to be with him.
Isn't it wonderful to know the promise of relationship as first shared in Genesis is now continued through God's son? God's desire for His creation was for relationship with us and now His Son Jesus is promising the same thing.
PRAYER: God of life continue to comfort all those who still mourn the death of loved ones in their lives. Bring life to us and that in abundance so that we may live in a way that shares that life with those in need. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
The last few weeks it seemed death was the main headline. The death of Terri Shiavo and Pope John Paul II dominated the news. Terri's death seemed to divide the country in politicized camps that either wanted her to continue to live and those who wanted her to live. And the Pope's death brought sadness to the world for all he had represented and tried to do during his lifetime. The news shared with us the reality that there were many who had known no other pope other than John Paul II.
Here is a text that speaks to us Jesus' words about death: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
This passage comes to the disciples just after Jesus reveals the plan of God where Jesus was to suffer and die. The reaction of the disciples was just the way we react to news of a loved one's illness or pending death. But the Lord speaks as always, a message of peace and hope. He speaks directly to the place where we hurt the most the heart. Jesus knew the pain of death especially so recent in his life that of his beloved friend Lazarus. Jesus tried to calm his disciples and prepare them even for their death. The promise from the Lord is that life doesn't end with death. There is a place being built even now that is for us. And the even better part of the promise is that Jesus will come to take us to be with him.
Isn't it wonderful to know the promise of relationship as first shared in Genesis is now continued through God's son? God's desire for His creation was for relationship with us and now His Son Jesus is promising the same thing.
PRAYER: God of life continue to comfort all those who still mourn the death of loved ones in their lives. Bring life to us and that in abundance so that we may live in a way that shares that life with those in need. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, April 11, 2005
IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE!
Good Monday everyone!
A little humor. From my youngest brother, who is now an older man, he forwarded what is called Dick Vitale's Popalooza 2005. It's like the brackets we saw for the NCAA Final Four, but this features "The Sweet Sistine," "Ecumenical Eight," "The Flagellant Four," and of course, the "Diocese Duo." It breaks down the top contenders for the April 18th vote, featuring the top four from Italy, the top four from Latin America, four from Europe, and three from Africa-Asia with DUKE thrown in to complete those four! This was sponsored of course, by "The new low-carb communion wafers, 'I can't believe it's not Jesus!'"
Today's verse comes from Luke 6:38, "Jesus said, 'Give, and it will be given to you.'"
What a long weekend it was for this aging pastor. On Thursday a family commitment took us to Galveston, back to Houston, then to Galveston where we arrived at about 1 a.m. We, my wife and our daughter, Nellie, slept until about 8, we hit the road back to San Marcos where I needed to be before 3 so we could pick up the van that we were renting to take our university students on a service project down to Harlingen. Rev. Michael Miller of the Campus Christian Community and I were to be co-drivers and we packed in the six students that didn't chicken out at the last minute as did some. And by about five p.m. we were on the road to the Valley. We arrived in Harlingen at about 11:30, we were assigned our rooms and we dropped dead until 5:30 or so and by 7 a.m. we were at The End of the Road Ministry, the homeless shelter run by Rev. Ralph Morales, one of our newest members here at First UMC. He plans to retire at the end of May and come join his family in SM. We arrived in time to eat breakfast with the handful of the homeless folks that stayed in the shelter and chose to eat. After breakfast the guys were assigned to do the repairs to the women's dorm and the gals were asked to do kitchen duty (along with the two old men!). I was very proud of the group and all they were able to accomplish in one morning with this very important ministry.
What struck me was hearing about the lives these homeless men led prior to coming to this shelter that is very much faith-based; they have Bible study and prayer time and on Sundays there is worship. Most of the men are ex-cons recently released from prison. Most have had their share of drug-related problems. At noon the man serving the drinks sat with Pastor Ralph and myself and in starting a conversation with him I discovered his wife is in prison pregnant. I asked when she would deliver and he said probably right before coming out in July. She's in for parole violations. I innocently asked, "Is this your first child?" He replied, "My tenth." "With this same woman?" "Yes." He then went on to say that he had lost his other nine kids to the state because of his drug problems. In fact, his ministry is now to talk to drug users on the street to warn them what they stand to lose if they don't give up the drugs and come to Christ. What hurt was hearing this man very emotionally say, "I've never heard the word 'daddy' from any of my nine kids and that's what hurts the most. And I'll probably lose this tenth child to the state as well."
This homeless shelter is but one of many examples of how we give to the work of Christ Jesus in the world. It is in visiting and donating time with this type of ministry that we see the faces and families that our offerings help. Too many times we wonder if we should even give "offering" at all, thinking that a small wad of bills will do the trick, never realizing that as we worship God, if we would give in proportion to our income, we would be blessing so many ministries that reach out and continue to give in ways that many of us can't.
What did we receive? That new lives are made through our offerings. This drug addict who is now in a faith-based program that makes disciples, is giving on our behalf to those who need it so desperately. This in a small South Texas town that very blindly said some fifteen years ago that there were no homeless or drug problems on its streets. Wrong.
What are you giving? We can all and should all contribute financially. But we should also give of ourselves if for nothing else than to visit those shelters and ministries where our money is at work on our behalf. But if we hold back, we're hurting others and we're hurting ourselves and limiting what could be wonderful and rich blessings for us.
PRAYER: Thank you dear God for using our offerings, tithes and gifts to further Your work. Thank you for raising up leaders and pastors willing to work among those where others are simply afraid to even visit. Open our hearts and eyes to see where You might be leading us today. We pray in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
A little humor. From my youngest brother, who is now an older man, he forwarded what is called Dick Vitale's Popalooza 2005. It's like the brackets we saw for the NCAA Final Four, but this features "The Sweet Sistine," "Ecumenical Eight," "The Flagellant Four," and of course, the "Diocese Duo." It breaks down the top contenders for the April 18th vote, featuring the top four from Italy, the top four from Latin America, four from Europe, and three from Africa-Asia with DUKE thrown in to complete those four! This was sponsored of course, by "The new low-carb communion wafers, 'I can't believe it's not Jesus!'"
Today's verse comes from Luke 6:38, "Jesus said, 'Give, and it will be given to you.'"
What a long weekend it was for this aging pastor. On Thursday a family commitment took us to Galveston, back to Houston, then to Galveston where we arrived at about 1 a.m. We, my wife and our daughter, Nellie, slept until about 8, we hit the road back to San Marcos where I needed to be before 3 so we could pick up the van that we were renting to take our university students on a service project down to Harlingen. Rev. Michael Miller of the Campus Christian Community and I were to be co-drivers and we packed in the six students that didn't chicken out at the last minute as did some. And by about five p.m. we were on the road to the Valley. We arrived in Harlingen at about 11:30, we were assigned our rooms and we dropped dead until 5:30 or so and by 7 a.m. we were at The End of the Road Ministry, the homeless shelter run by Rev. Ralph Morales, one of our newest members here at First UMC. He plans to retire at the end of May and come join his family in SM. We arrived in time to eat breakfast with the handful of the homeless folks that stayed in the shelter and chose to eat. After breakfast the guys were assigned to do the repairs to the women's dorm and the gals were asked to do kitchen duty (along with the two old men!). I was very proud of the group and all they were able to accomplish in one morning with this very important ministry.
What struck me was hearing about the lives these homeless men led prior to coming to this shelter that is very much faith-based; they have Bible study and prayer time and on Sundays there is worship. Most of the men are ex-cons recently released from prison. Most have had their share of drug-related problems. At noon the man serving the drinks sat with Pastor Ralph and myself and in starting a conversation with him I discovered his wife is in prison pregnant. I asked when she would deliver and he said probably right before coming out in July. She's in for parole violations. I innocently asked, "Is this your first child?" He replied, "My tenth." "With this same woman?" "Yes." He then went on to say that he had lost his other nine kids to the state because of his drug problems. In fact, his ministry is now to talk to drug users on the street to warn them what they stand to lose if they don't give up the drugs and come to Christ. What hurt was hearing this man very emotionally say, "I've never heard the word 'daddy' from any of my nine kids and that's what hurts the most. And I'll probably lose this tenth child to the state as well."
This homeless shelter is but one of many examples of how we give to the work of Christ Jesus in the world. It is in visiting and donating time with this type of ministry that we see the faces and families that our offerings help. Too many times we wonder if we should even give "offering" at all, thinking that a small wad of bills will do the trick, never realizing that as we worship God, if we would give in proportion to our income, we would be blessing so many ministries that reach out and continue to give in ways that many of us can't.
What did we receive? That new lives are made through our offerings. This drug addict who is now in a faith-based program that makes disciples, is giving on our behalf to those who need it so desperately. This in a small South Texas town that very blindly said some fifteen years ago that there were no homeless or drug problems on its streets. Wrong.
What are you giving? We can all and should all contribute financially. But we should also give of ourselves if for nothing else than to visit those shelters and ministries where our money is at work on our behalf. But if we hold back, we're hurting others and we're hurting ourselves and limiting what could be wonderful and rich blessings for us.
PRAYER: Thank you dear God for using our offerings, tithes and gifts to further Your work. Thank you for raising up leaders and pastors willing to work among those where others are simply afraid to even visit. Open our hearts and eyes to see where You might be leading us today. We pray in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
WHO'VE YOU BEEN WITH?
Good day everyone.
Just a reminder that our sister church, Jackson Chapel, will this coming Sunday April 10th, celebrate their anniversary. I don't how many years they've been around but we're glad to have them and at 3 pm I'll be preaching at that celebration. Everyone is invited. Please come out and show our appreciation for their ministry in San Marcos!
Just who reads ConCafe or University of The Way I ask myself a bunch of times, yet we welcome new readers! We've had three join this week!
But I'll share a special email that touched my heart:
"Hello Daddy,
I just wanted to send you this email saying I'm very proud of you and the work you do (ConCafe and other stuff)! :) I love you very much and dont know what i would do without you and mommy!
Love
Caty"
So, Caty, thank you! I know one young lady is reading! :)
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: Read Acts 4:1-13. Look for the phrase that says, “these men had been with Jesus.” How does that fit into the context of this passage? What had been happening in this story? How could it have been said about you? Can people tell you are in the presence of Jesus every day? Why or why not?
Here is that text in the Revised Standard Version:
"4:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sad'ducees came upon them, 2 annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the morrow, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 5 On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Ca'iaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, 10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus."
The old Spanish adage, "Tell me who you've been with and I'll tell you who you are," is usually true. Jesus spent his life among those whom society deemed unacceptable and most of those had their lives forever changed because they had been with Jesus. In today's passage, the disciples' big payoff was for their faith to give them what they needed in the facing of this trial. On trial for preaching Jesus and for doing good works, even miracles, the Holy Spirit gives Peter the boldness to proclaim, we're doing this in the name of the one you crucified, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the one God raised from the dead! You deemed him as someone you could throw away, but He is the cornerstone! He's holds everything up!
It was their boldness and their witness that made the council realize that "they had been with Jesus." Has Jesus rubbed off on you? And if so, have you rubbed off on someone else for the better?
Think about who you usually are with and what effect that has had on your life. Does your life reflect that you're friends with this person? And does your friend reflect that you're their friend?
Time spent with Jesus in prayer, Bible study, devotion, worship, thought and dialogue is time well spent. It is during that time we're with Jesus and Jesus is with us. I just read the Newsweek article on Pope John Paul II and was impressed with what one writer said about his life of prayer. It seemed he was always in prayer and even as he walked alone he could be heard speaking. Jesus was real to this pope. Jesus was this pope's friend and companion. Can the same be said about us?
Friends, let us live a life of prayer. Don't be afraid of what people might think if they hear you mumbling to yourself (if you're in prayer that is!); soon they'll know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we've been in the presence of Jesus. What a payoff!
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being as close as our lips. Thank you for letting our lips and hearts touch your heart as we try to live a life of prayer. Come be in our presence in ways that will amaze and bless others. We pray in the name of He who is with us, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Just a reminder that our sister church, Jackson Chapel, will this coming Sunday April 10th, celebrate their anniversary. I don't how many years they've been around but we're glad to have them and at 3 pm I'll be preaching at that celebration. Everyone is invited. Please come out and show our appreciation for their ministry in San Marcos!
Just who reads ConCafe or University of The Way I ask myself a bunch of times, yet we welcome new readers! We've had three join this week!
But I'll share a special email that touched my heart:
"Hello Daddy,
I just wanted to send you this email saying I'm very proud of you and the work you do (ConCafe and other stuff)! :) I love you very much and dont know what i would do without you and mommy!
Love
Caty"
So, Caty, thank you! I know one young lady is reading! :)
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: Read Acts 4:1-13. Look for the phrase that says, “these men had been with Jesus.” How does that fit into the context of this passage? What had been happening in this story? How could it have been said about you? Can people tell you are in the presence of Jesus every day? Why or why not?
Here is that text in the Revised Standard Version:
"4:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sad'ducees came upon them, 2 annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the morrow, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 5 On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Ca'iaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, 10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus."
The old Spanish adage, "Tell me who you've been with and I'll tell you who you are," is usually true. Jesus spent his life among those whom society deemed unacceptable and most of those had their lives forever changed because they had been with Jesus. In today's passage, the disciples' big payoff was for their faith to give them what they needed in the facing of this trial. On trial for preaching Jesus and for doing good works, even miracles, the Holy Spirit gives Peter the boldness to proclaim, we're doing this in the name of the one you crucified, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the one God raised from the dead! You deemed him as someone you could throw away, but He is the cornerstone! He's holds everything up!
It was their boldness and their witness that made the council realize that "they had been with Jesus." Has Jesus rubbed off on you? And if so, have you rubbed off on someone else for the better?
Think about who you usually are with and what effect that has had on your life. Does your life reflect that you're friends with this person? And does your friend reflect that you're their friend?
Time spent with Jesus in prayer, Bible study, devotion, worship, thought and dialogue is time well spent. It is during that time we're with Jesus and Jesus is with us. I just read the Newsweek article on Pope John Paul II and was impressed with what one writer said about his life of prayer. It seemed he was always in prayer and even as he walked alone he could be heard speaking. Jesus was real to this pope. Jesus was this pope's friend and companion. Can the same be said about us?
Friends, let us live a life of prayer. Don't be afraid of what people might think if they hear you mumbling to yourself (if you're in prayer that is!); soon they'll know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we've been in the presence of Jesus. What a payoff!
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being as close as our lips. Thank you for letting our lips and hearts touch your heart as we try to live a life of prayer. Come be in our presence in ways that will amaze and bless others. We pray in the name of He who is with us, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
LORD, I BELIEVE, HELP ME WITH MY DOUBTS!
Happy Wednesday friends! Today is a Wonderful Wednesday at our church. Starting at 5 we'll have a cookout on the courtyard, then at 6 we'll have a brief worship service, followed by the Wednesday night classes at 6:30. Everyone is welcome and invited!
Also, our thanks to Frank Flauto, who for many years has been our webmaster, having our webpage up and running and updated. Frank has graciously handed over the reigns to J. D. Welch who has given our web page a new look and it's up and running as well. So our thanks to you J.D. and Frank! Blessings to you both! www.fumcsm.org.
Here is our study guide for today:
Wednesday: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” are the words found in Mark 9:17-24. For our day of action today, write down the things that you don’t quite fully believe and address them to God. Ask God to help your unbelief!
Here is that text:
17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so." 19 He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me." 20 And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you are able!--All things can be done for the one who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, [with tears] "I believe; help my unbelief!"
Here's The Message version:
17 A man out of the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn't." 19 Jesus said, "What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here." 20 They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth. 21 He asked the boy's father, "How long has this been going on?" 22 Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!" 23 Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." 24 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Also, our thanks to Frank Flauto, who for many years has been our webmaster, having our webpage up and running and updated. Frank has graciously handed over the reigns to J. D. Welch who has given our web page a new look and it's up and running as well. So our thanks to you J.D. and Frank! Blessings to you both! www.fumcsm.org.
Here is our study guide for today:
Wednesday: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” are the words found in Mark 9:17-24. For our day of action today, write down the things that you don’t quite fully believe and address them to God. Ask God to help your unbelief!
Here is that text:
17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so." 19 He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me." 20 And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you are able!--All things can be done for the one who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, [with tears] "I believe; help my unbelief!"
Here's The Message version:
17 A man out of the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn't." 19 Jesus said, "What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here." 20 They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth. 21 He asked the boy's father, "How long has this been going on?" 22 Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!" 23 Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." 24 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
HOW DO WE USE OUR FAITH ON SUNDAYS?
Good day dear friends.
Let us continue in prayer for needs that have been shared with us. We know God is good and working even as we ask.
Here is our study guide:
Tuesday: Read Acts 3:1-10. If this wasn’t a “big payoff” what was? Which side would best identify you right now? The man who now could walk or the people who scoffed at such a thing even happening?
Acts 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
It was on the way to worship that Peter and John were asked to do something for someone in need. The request was one that to this day still gets asked in front of or in the churches, please give us money. The man asking for help had been born lame and this was his custom to be set in front of the entrance to the temple and he asked all who would pass by, if they would help him. This man was used to staring down at his predicament rather than at people. Peter looks at him as did John, and says to the man, "Look at us." The man does and Peter says, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you." And then instead of giving him financial assistance, he says in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, stand up and walk." Peter's faith pays off. He trusted Jesus enough to say to this man who expected money, stand up and walk. Then, not just looking at him, which the man did not expect, now Peter touches him and gives him his hand and pulls him up by the lame man's right hand and immediately the man's legs and ankles strengthened up and he was able to stand! Already, this man received three unexpected things: A look of compassion, a touch of compassion, and the gift of being able to stand, something that he had never experienced. And knowing he could stand, he did the next big thing, he jumped! Joy filled this man's heart from all that he received. The disciple feared nothing, Peter was not afraid to look at this man, which goes against what so many say, "don't make eye contact!" and not afraid to touch this man and help him up. And then, the man finally completes his journey toward God by going in the church! I love the way the song goes and this scripture reads, He went "walking and leaping and praising God," all the way inside of church. Compare that to the ones who drag in. Or worse, the ones who don't even bother going. This one received a life full of blessings. And by going in to worship, he was recognized and everyone who knew his situation were blessed by the amazement and wonder of what had happened to him.
How do we use our faith on Sundays? Do we get up excited, wanting to go to church "walking and leaping and praising God?" Or do we say, I'll go next Christmas or Easter? Or if we are regular worship attenders, how do we use our faith on Sundays? Are we aware of the needs around our church and what are we doing about them?
God gave us faith so that we could use it. "Faith without works is dead."
PRAYER: Gracious God, bring us to life in our faith. Let us not fear to do that which needs to be done to bring glory to your name. Let us look and touch and share with all who are in need. We pray in Christ Jesus. Amen
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Let us continue in prayer for needs that have been shared with us. We know God is good and working even as we ask.
Here is our study guide:
Tuesday: Read Acts 3:1-10. If this wasn’t a “big payoff” what was? Which side would best identify you right now? The man who now could walk or the people who scoffed at such a thing even happening?
Acts 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
It was on the way to worship that Peter and John were asked to do something for someone in need. The request was one that to this day still gets asked in front of or in the churches, please give us money. The man asking for help had been born lame and this was his custom to be set in front of the entrance to the temple and he asked all who would pass by, if they would help him. This man was used to staring down at his predicament rather than at people. Peter looks at him as did John, and says to the man, "Look at us." The man does and Peter says, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you." And then instead of giving him financial assistance, he says in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, stand up and walk." Peter's faith pays off. He trusted Jesus enough to say to this man who expected money, stand up and walk. Then, not just looking at him, which the man did not expect, now Peter touches him and gives him his hand and pulls him up by the lame man's right hand and immediately the man's legs and ankles strengthened up and he was able to stand! Already, this man received three unexpected things: A look of compassion, a touch of compassion, and the gift of being able to stand, something that he had never experienced. And knowing he could stand, he did the next big thing, he jumped! Joy filled this man's heart from all that he received. The disciple feared nothing, Peter was not afraid to look at this man, which goes against what so many say, "don't make eye contact!" and not afraid to touch this man and help him up. And then, the man finally completes his journey toward God by going in the church! I love the way the song goes and this scripture reads, He went "walking and leaping and praising God," all the way inside of church. Compare that to the ones who drag in. Or worse, the ones who don't even bother going. This one received a life full of blessings. And by going in to worship, he was recognized and everyone who knew his situation were blessed by the amazement and wonder of what had happened to him.
How do we use our faith on Sundays? Do we get up excited, wanting to go to church "walking and leaping and praising God?" Or do we say, I'll go next Christmas or Easter? Or if we are regular worship attenders, how do we use our faith on Sundays? Are we aware of the needs around our church and what are we doing about them?
God gave us faith so that we could use it. "Faith without works is dead."
PRAYER: Gracious God, bring us to life in our faith. Let us not fear to do that which needs to be done to bring glory to your name. Let us look and touch and share with all who are in need. We pray in Christ Jesus. Amen
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, April 04, 2005
IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF WORSHIP
Good day dear friends.
There is power in prayer. Say that with me. There is power in prayer. Prayer is that which connects our hearts with the heart of God. Evidence? By 3:30 yesterday afternoon Bill Barber was out of ER and on his way home. Doctors are not sure what caused his fainting spell during worship. But as I shared with you all, he was joking and cutting up with all those around him in the emergency room when I got there and by 3:30 he had been released. Praise God!
We have a prayer request from one of our readers: "Kim mentioned my friend at the Easter service. She is dying of a horrible cancer. Alecia Kapustka is an incredible Christian. She is a beautiful friend, mother,wife and school principal. She was my first asst. principal, and was later my principal in Houston. In between we were just good friends. My daughter became very close to her, which makes this difficult time even more of a challenge. I am ok to hurt, but do not want her to feel what I do when I am feeling pain. I would like to ask that you please pray for Aleicia and her family. She has two young children that really need her. Her husband is nice, but not very hands on and both of her parents have passed. I need prayer to help her and my daughter deal with what is happening. I also need help in prayer that they feel peace in their hearts."
Please lift up too the needs of the world as we've lost a great leader in Pope John Paul II. Also, for those mourning, those who need healing and strength, etc., that the Lord may be with them.
Here is the study guide: Monday: Reread John 20:19-31. Very honestly, it took the Disciples three years and a weekend to finally realize all the Lord had been promising them about life and life beyond death, especially His. How would you have felt had you been Thomas? Imagine if Thomas had kept walking away from the Upper Room and his co-workers in Jesus... What then does “We walk by faith, not by sight say to you?”
Here is that text: When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin {Gk [Didymus]}), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Yesterday I preached on the lectionary text of John 20:19-35, the appearance of Jesus to the 12 as they were secured in the Upper Room. Thomas was, for whatever reason, absent and missed seeing the Lord. And doesn't that hold true for us as well? Whenever we miss being in the fellowship of worship, we miss out on all the Jesus experiences. Thomas, I believe, was out trying to make sense of the events of the passion, and of the three years that he had spent with Jesus, and he must have been angry and said to himself or to whoever would listen to him, "Unless I can put my hands in his side, and my fingers in the nail wounds, I won't believe!" Jesus met his doubts, as he does ours, if we just trust.
I also mentioned that being in worship allows us to be pumped up about God and God's workings in our midst. It may be a spiritual retreat, or a Bible study, or a youth meeting, or worship service, and we hear God speaking and/or we experience God's forgiveness and peace, and we try to share that with someone at work and that person just shuts us down with "I don't have time to listen to that nonsense." Or worse. But that shouldn't extinguish the fire in us! That should just let us know we're trying to share with others what we've seen, heard, and felt from God and know that God is still with us and is blessing us. Walking by faith not by sight, is that which allows us to believe and trust even though we don't see everything (yet!).
PRAYER: God, walk with us today. Let us be about your business in all that we do. We lift up our prayers for healing and miracles in the lives of those whom we love and are praying for. Bless and restore to wholeness all who seek it today. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
There is power in prayer. Say that with me. There is power in prayer. Prayer is that which connects our hearts with the heart of God. Evidence? By 3:30 yesterday afternoon Bill Barber was out of ER and on his way home. Doctors are not sure what caused his fainting spell during worship. But as I shared with you all, he was joking and cutting up with all those around him in the emergency room when I got there and by 3:30 he had been released. Praise God!
We have a prayer request from one of our readers: "Kim mentioned my friend at the Easter service. She is dying of a horrible cancer. Alecia Kapustka is an incredible Christian. She is a beautiful friend, mother,wife and school principal. She was my first asst. principal, and was later my principal in Houston. In between we were just good friends. My daughter became very close to her, which makes this difficult time even more of a challenge. I am ok to hurt, but do not want her to feel what I do when I am feeling pain. I would like to ask that you please pray for Aleicia and her family. She has two young children that really need her. Her husband is nice, but not very hands on and both of her parents have passed. I need prayer to help her and my daughter deal with what is happening. I also need help in prayer that they feel peace in their hearts."
Please lift up too the needs of the world as we've lost a great leader in Pope John Paul II. Also, for those mourning, those who need healing and strength, etc., that the Lord may be with them.
Here is the study guide: Monday: Reread John 20:19-31. Very honestly, it took the Disciples three years and a weekend to finally realize all the Lord had been promising them about life and life beyond death, especially His. How would you have felt had you been Thomas? Imagine if Thomas had kept walking away from the Upper Room and his co-workers in Jesus... What then does “We walk by faith, not by sight say to you?”
Here is that text: When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin {Gk [Didymus]}), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Yesterday I preached on the lectionary text of John 20:19-35, the appearance of Jesus to the 12 as they were secured in the Upper Room. Thomas was, for whatever reason, absent and missed seeing the Lord. And doesn't that hold true for us as well? Whenever we miss being in the fellowship of worship, we miss out on all the Jesus experiences. Thomas, I believe, was out trying to make sense of the events of the passion, and of the three years that he had spent with Jesus, and he must have been angry and said to himself or to whoever would listen to him, "Unless I can put my hands in his side, and my fingers in the nail wounds, I won't believe!" Jesus met his doubts, as he does ours, if we just trust.
I also mentioned that being in worship allows us to be pumped up about God and God's workings in our midst. It may be a spiritual retreat, or a Bible study, or a youth meeting, or worship service, and we hear God speaking and/or we experience God's forgiveness and peace, and we try to share that with someone at work and that person just shuts us down with "I don't have time to listen to that nonsense." Or worse. But that shouldn't extinguish the fire in us! That should just let us know we're trying to share with others what we've seen, heard, and felt from God and know that God is still with us and is blessing us. Walking by faith not by sight, is that which allows us to believe and trust even though we don't see everything (yet!).
PRAYER: God, walk with us today. Let us be about your business in all that we do. We lift up our prayers for healing and miracles in the lives of those whom we love and are praying for. Bless and restore to wholeness all who seek it today. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
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