Good day dear friends. As we begin our day, let us begin it with prayer. Prayer for God to use us to be a blessing to others and for a blessing to come to those for whom we've been praying. Sunday we heard that a young man from our congregation Zane Childress was wounded in Iraq and his dad informs us that he is now in a US hospital in Germany and is headed to North Carolina soon. David and Jae will be flying to NC to be with their son. Zane was wounded as he tried to help his buddies hit by an assault on their Humvee. We don't know the extent of his wounds but we're thankful he's alive and coming home soon. We believe at least two of his group were killed during this assault. Pray for peace in every corner of the earth.
Here is today's study guide:
Tuesday: Read Exodus 12:1-14. Here we find the story of the Passover. Notice the instructions from God for this sacrifice. Notice the importance of the lamb, and the “condition” of the lamb that was to be used. Could you be a “lamb?”
Here is that text:
12:1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. 11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.
Your years of suffering can come to an end with the killing of an unblemished lamb. That is essence is what God was telling the people of Israel. For over four hundred years you have been suffering under this oppressive government, you want your own land, you want your freedom, do as I say and you will be free. This act of obedience would protect the people from the greater deaths that were to occur that night of the first passover. A brutal thought, but again in that context, the context of an oppressive Pharoah who had ordered the death of all male children to keep the Hebrews from multiplying out of control, the context of hard slave labor, the death of a lamb will free you from that.
I asked a question that has another answer. We don't have to be sacrificial lambs. The Lamb who gave His life for our sake was the final sacrifice. We should be obedient lambs as we find mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46, those who care for one another and do the will of God. Read that passage when you have time and you'll see, at that great judgment, that God will separate between the sheep and the goats. Guess who the goats are; they're the ones who cared only for themselves and did not help others in any way.
PRAYER: We thank you Gracious Father for Jesus being our lamb. For His having been without sin or blemish. We pray that in our actions, our thoughts and words, we can be like Him, caring for others and giving of ourselves to help make the world a better place. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Monday, May 09, 2005
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!
Good day dear friends. Yesterday we heard sermon two of a small series on Encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John. We spoke of Jesus being the "Lamb of God," as identified with John the Baptist. We heard that this language was three things: reassuring, prophetic, and brutal. Reassuring because God always provides, and we'll read the classic story mentioned in the sermon this morning from Genesis; prophetic because John the Baptist knew that God had a purpose for Jesus; and brutal because something or someone had to die for our sin, and that would be Jesus.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Read Genesis 22:1-19. This is a very troubling story for fathers and mothers. Abraham was indeed tested. Read it knowing that he was surrounded by cults that routinely sacrificed children as payment to gods to take away their sin. God “tests” Abraham by bringing him right into that mindset of the false religions all around him. What would you have done? Would you have gone on that fateful journey with your child knowing you might have to sacrifice your only child?
22:1 After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you." 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac said to his father Abraham, "Father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" 8 Abraham said, "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together. 9 When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 12 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." 13 And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place "The Lord will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided." 15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, "By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, 18 and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham lived at Beer-sheba.
Most men have their favorite father-son story. I have several, but my most memorable was when my dad flew down to Mission to surprise me for my twenty-fifth birthday. I was serving as intern at a church, trying to date the woman who would later be my wife, but not even the thought of my being alone for my birthday motivated her to sympathy. Instead I got invited by the United Methodist Men to a meeting. Woah, that's a super birthday gift! When I walked in, I was grabbed by my dad and realized it was a surprise party given by UMM for me. My dad spent a day with me and then he flew back. This story is memorable because I never knew Dad had the money to fly or that he would fly down to do something as special as this for me. Do you think Isaac ever forgot this father-son story?
Isaac's father was also the father of the faith. Abraham had been the first to say yes to God in an undertaking of great faith, according to our Jewish brothers and sisters. Abraham had been promised a great lineage of children and when we meet up with him in Genesis 19 he had Isaac as his "true" son from Sarah, and life gets interesting when God visits him again. The ultimate test is required of him. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. Remember we mentioned that sacrifice was an atonement for sin. Something or someone had to die for your sins. The people around Abraham had child sacrifices and so this idea while brutal was not necessarily unknown. Yet, it must have been the most difficult three days in Abraham's life. When he reached the place selected for worship, he leaves his servants behind and he and his son climb to the spot where Abraham believes he has to kill his son in order to appease God and pay for the sins of the family. The boy had been to worship before. He knew the purpose of the wood and flame traveling with them, but he noticed there was no lamb and asks his dad. His dad replies, "God will provide." Yet when the reach the place, the altar is set up, and Abraham binds his son as the sacrifice and is prepared to kill him as God ordered, but just in the nick of time, God provides. A ram stuck in the thicket is used instead. Wow.
Above I asked, "What would you have done?" I can think of no one that would actually do this. We thank God we live in the era blessed by the sacrifice of God's own son, but just to think that we would have to offer our own children as sacrifices brings us sadness and pain. And yet, God did not withhold his own begotten son from us. God was willing to pay the price of our sins by sending His only Son, Jesus our Lord.
PRAYER: Father, forgive our selfcenteredness in all things. You loved us so much that you gave your only son to die in our place. Many are the times we should be placed on an altar or cross and sacrifices for our sinfulness, but You acted on our behalf by sending Jesus. Thank you. Forgive us our sins. Allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.th
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Read Genesis 22:1-19. This is a very troubling story for fathers and mothers. Abraham was indeed tested. Read it knowing that he was surrounded by cults that routinely sacrificed children as payment to gods to take away their sin. God “tests” Abraham by bringing him right into that mindset of the false religions all around him. What would you have done? Would you have gone on that fateful journey with your child knowing you might have to sacrifice your only child?
22:1 After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you." 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac said to his father Abraham, "Father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" 8 Abraham said, "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together. 9 When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 12 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." 13 And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place "The Lord will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided." 15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, "By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, 18 and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham lived at Beer-sheba.
Most men have their favorite father-son story. I have several, but my most memorable was when my dad flew down to Mission to surprise me for my twenty-fifth birthday. I was serving as intern at a church, trying to date the woman who would later be my wife, but not even the thought of my being alone for my birthday motivated her to sympathy. Instead I got invited by the United Methodist Men to a meeting. Woah, that's a super birthday gift! When I walked in, I was grabbed by my dad and realized it was a surprise party given by UMM for me. My dad spent a day with me and then he flew back. This story is memorable because I never knew Dad had the money to fly or that he would fly down to do something as special as this for me. Do you think Isaac ever forgot this father-son story?
Isaac's father was also the father of the faith. Abraham had been the first to say yes to God in an undertaking of great faith, according to our Jewish brothers and sisters. Abraham had been promised a great lineage of children and when we meet up with him in Genesis 19 he had Isaac as his "true" son from Sarah, and life gets interesting when God visits him again. The ultimate test is required of him. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. Remember we mentioned that sacrifice was an atonement for sin. Something or someone had to die for your sins. The people around Abraham had child sacrifices and so this idea while brutal was not necessarily unknown. Yet, it must have been the most difficult three days in Abraham's life. When he reached the place selected for worship, he leaves his servants behind and he and his son climb to the spot where Abraham believes he has to kill his son in order to appease God and pay for the sins of the family. The boy had been to worship before. He knew the purpose of the wood and flame traveling with them, but he noticed there was no lamb and asks his dad. His dad replies, "God will provide." Yet when the reach the place, the altar is set up, and Abraham binds his son as the sacrifice and is prepared to kill him as God ordered, but just in the nick of time, God provides. A ram stuck in the thicket is used instead. Wow.
Above I asked, "What would you have done?" I can think of no one that would actually do this. We thank God we live in the era blessed by the sacrifice of God's own son, but just to think that we would have to offer our own children as sacrifices brings us sadness and pain. And yet, God did not withhold his own begotten son from us. God was willing to pay the price of our sins by sending His only Son, Jesus our Lord.
PRAYER: Father, forgive our selfcenteredness in all things. You loved us so much that you gave your only son to die in our place. Many are the times we should be placed on an altar or cross and sacrifices for our sinfulness, but You acted on our behalf by sending Jesus. Thank you. Forgive us our sins. Allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.th
Thursday, May 05, 2005
A PLACE OF DARKNESS?
Good day dear friends,
As we continue our study of John's gospel, it is good to see what the other gospels have Jesus saying about light and darkness. Here then for today is our study guide:
Thursday: Read Matthew 8:5-13. What are your thoughts about this “outer darkness” that Jesus mentions in this passage? Can you imagine an eternity without light? Some would say that is exactly what Hell is; a place of complete darkness and complete separation from God and our righteous loved ones.
Here is that passage from NRSV:
5 When he entered Caper'naum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him 6 and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress." 7 And he said to him, "I will come and cure him." 8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, "Go,' and he goes, and to another, "Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, "Do this,' and the slave does it." 10 When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, "Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you according to your faith." And the servant was healed in that hour.
The story is straightforward. Jesus comes into the town of Capernaum, and a Roman officer, one in charge of 100 men, comes to Jesus and asks for healing for his servant. This illness was severe and had paralyzed the man. The Roman officer knew of Jesus' fame and power and so asks for healing from Jesus. Jesus replies that he would go home with the man, but the officer realizing the holiness of our Lord said, "I'm not worthy to have you come under my roof..." We're not sure of the reasons behind his saying this other than he knew of Jesus' holiness being what it was, that all Jesus had to do was to give the order and the man would be healed. This was an awesome testimony of his faith and Jesus spoke to his disciples about it. He said that no one in Israel had such faith. He then prophesies about those from outside the Jewish people who would come and eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while those who had no such faith would "be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
We can sit here and argue about how hot Hell really is or whether there really is a hell. All I know is that Jesus spoke of it as a real place and uses several illustrations, such as this one to describe it, and so I believe there really is a place where we can be eternally separated from God and those we love who die in the faith. Did God send these folks there? Is God that sort of God to do that? No, my friends, we choose to go there by rejecting faith. We are responsible for the consequences of our lack of faith.
The question I asked for today asks us to imagine such a place. I'd rather you imagine the fullness of life lived in the light of Jesus, which is what is available to us right now. Don't worry about that day of death when our fate is sealed, right now is the day of decision. Decide to live in the fullness of Christ's love!
In a few days I'm sending out a Leadership Letter to the officers and leaders of the church. In it I'm challenging the members of FUMC-SM to have a new passion for the days and months ahead. And that passion is precisely for the lost; for those lost in sin, living apart from God. That's why we have a church. We seek to bring to the lost the saving message of Jesus Christ. We can start today by praying for them, for asking God to use all of us to be the light of the world, not hidden but shining brightly for those we know need Jesus like never before.
PRAYER: God of love and light, shine brightly on our situation. We pray for the lost, that they might be rescued from their sins and lifted to the fullness of life. Use us, use all that we have to be instruments of that grace. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
As we continue our study of John's gospel, it is good to see what the other gospels have Jesus saying about light and darkness. Here then for today is our study guide:
Thursday: Read Matthew 8:5-13. What are your thoughts about this “outer darkness” that Jesus mentions in this passage? Can you imagine an eternity without light? Some would say that is exactly what Hell is; a place of complete darkness and complete separation from God and our righteous loved ones.
Here is that passage from NRSV:
5 When he entered Caper'naum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him 6 and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress." 7 And he said to him, "I will come and cure him." 8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, "Go,' and he goes, and to another, "Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, "Do this,' and the slave does it." 10 When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, "Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you according to your faith." And the servant was healed in that hour.
The story is straightforward. Jesus comes into the town of Capernaum, and a Roman officer, one in charge of 100 men, comes to Jesus and asks for healing for his servant. This illness was severe and had paralyzed the man. The Roman officer knew of Jesus' fame and power and so asks for healing from Jesus. Jesus replies that he would go home with the man, but the officer realizing the holiness of our Lord said, "I'm not worthy to have you come under my roof..." We're not sure of the reasons behind his saying this other than he knew of Jesus' holiness being what it was, that all Jesus had to do was to give the order and the man would be healed. This was an awesome testimony of his faith and Jesus spoke to his disciples about it. He said that no one in Israel had such faith. He then prophesies about those from outside the Jewish people who would come and eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while those who had no such faith would "be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
We can sit here and argue about how hot Hell really is or whether there really is a hell. All I know is that Jesus spoke of it as a real place and uses several illustrations, such as this one to describe it, and so I believe there really is a place where we can be eternally separated from God and those we love who die in the faith. Did God send these folks there? Is God that sort of God to do that? No, my friends, we choose to go there by rejecting faith. We are responsible for the consequences of our lack of faith.
The question I asked for today asks us to imagine such a place. I'd rather you imagine the fullness of life lived in the light of Jesus, which is what is available to us right now. Don't worry about that day of death when our fate is sealed, right now is the day of decision. Decide to live in the fullness of Christ's love!
In a few days I'm sending out a Leadership Letter to the officers and leaders of the church. In it I'm challenging the members of FUMC-SM to have a new passion for the days and months ahead. And that passion is precisely for the lost; for those lost in sin, living apart from God. That's why we have a church. We seek to bring to the lost the saving message of Jesus Christ. We can start today by praying for them, for asking God to use all of us to be the light of the world, not hidden but shining brightly for those we know need Jesus like never before.
PRAYER: God of love and light, shine brightly on our situation. We pray for the lost, that they might be rescued from their sins and lifted to the fullness of life. Use us, use all that we have to be instruments of that grace. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John: Light or Dark? Your choice
Yesterday we started a series on the Gospel of John. This is the gospel known as the spiritual gospel. John stresses the spiritual side of Jesus' ministry by drawing sharp contrasts between light and dark, and good and evil. In the first chapter he recaps God's creative and involved power in humanity and shares how Jesus' coming brought the fullness of light to the world. Jesus is the light of the world for Christians. Reread John 1:1-18 to see the verses covered in that first sermon. In these few introductory verses we see some of the sadness John feels for not all received Jesus, but joy in the fullness of life that is ours when we do receive.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Read Psalm 18:18-28. Note the Psalmist’s love for God and how in that last verse gives God credit for the light in his life. How would you describe the brightness or dullness of light in your life? What is keeping your from receiving the fullness of God’s light into your life?
Here is the passage in NRSV:
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity; but the LORD was my support. 19 He brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. 20 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all his ordinances were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. 23 I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt. 24 Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. 25 With the loyal you show yourself loyal; with the blameless you show yourself blameless; 26 with the pure you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you show yourself perverse. 27 For you deliver a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. 28 It is you who light my lamp; the LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
Here is The Message:
18 They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me. 19 He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved - surprised to be loved! 20 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. 21 Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. 22 Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. 23 I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. 24 God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. 25 The good people taste your goodness, The whole people taste your health, 26 The true people taste your truth, The bad ones can't figure you out. 27 You take the side of the down-and-out, But the stuck-up you take down a peg. 28 Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
This version sometimes hits the nail right on the head. It does today. The Psalmist is probably chuckling in this particular translation, but it's a good chuckle in that this version is in modern applicable language for most. It's almost as if the writer had been in church. I borrowed two HUGE lightbulbs from an electrician in the congregation. I had them in a box and I asked children who sit near the front row if they had a flashlight what kind of bulb would they need to replace it? I then pulled out the huge bulbs and asked if they would work. The eyes of most in the congregation got as large as the bulbs. These were from our stadium and folks realized the power of light John was trying to convey he felt through Jesus. Verse 28 above in The Message says it correctly, "Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life: I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!" Amen.
Such is the power of God to take us out of darkness and into the fullness of God's light. And the other illustration I used was when we travel and we find ourselves in a strange hotel room; I'm writing from one. In darkness as I don't want to wake the wife. But these bruises will heal nicely. To come into the knowledge of God's love through Christ for us is to take us into the fullness of light. No longer will we stumble along in life. Christ shows us the way. The better way to live.
What's holding you back? Do you not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you not entered into personal relationship with Him? It's life-changing and it's easy. Here's how: Simply pray a prayer of confession. Confess you are a sinner. You've lived a life that hasn't always been pleasing to God and now you realize wasn't really pleasing to you. Then invite Jesus to come into your heart as your Lord. He will. Ask Him to direct your life in ways that will blaze you with God's glory. He will.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into those hearts inviting you in. Establish a loving relationship with us once again. Guide us to your glory. Let our very lives reflect we've been in Your presence. Let people be blessed by our lives. Let us bring others to this blessing. For we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great day! May it be filled with blessings! And greetings from Orlando where I'm attending the Asbury Theological Seminary board meeting.
e.v.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Read Psalm 18:18-28. Note the Psalmist’s love for God and how in that last verse gives God credit for the light in his life. How would you describe the brightness or dullness of light in your life? What is keeping your from receiving the fullness of God’s light into your life?
Here is the passage in NRSV:
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity; but the LORD was my support. 19 He brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. 20 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all his ordinances were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. 23 I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt. 24 Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. 25 With the loyal you show yourself loyal; with the blameless you show yourself blameless; 26 with the pure you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you show yourself perverse. 27 For you deliver a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. 28 It is you who light my lamp; the LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
Here is The Message:
18 They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me. 19 He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved - surprised to be loved! 20 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. 21 Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. 22 Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. 23 I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. 24 God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. 25 The good people taste your goodness, The whole people taste your health, 26 The true people taste your truth, The bad ones can't figure you out. 27 You take the side of the down-and-out, But the stuck-up you take down a peg. 28 Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
This version sometimes hits the nail right on the head. It does today. The Psalmist is probably chuckling in this particular translation, but it's a good chuckle in that this version is in modern applicable language for most. It's almost as if the writer had been in church. I borrowed two HUGE lightbulbs from an electrician in the congregation. I had them in a box and I asked children who sit near the front row if they had a flashlight what kind of bulb would they need to replace it? I then pulled out the huge bulbs and asked if they would work. The eyes of most in the congregation got as large as the bulbs. These were from our stadium and folks realized the power of light John was trying to convey he felt through Jesus. Verse 28 above in The Message says it correctly, "Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life: I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!" Amen.
Such is the power of God to take us out of darkness and into the fullness of God's light. And the other illustration I used was when we travel and we find ourselves in a strange hotel room; I'm writing from one. In darkness as I don't want to wake the wife. But these bruises will heal nicely. To come into the knowledge of God's love through Christ for us is to take us into the fullness of light. No longer will we stumble along in life. Christ shows us the way. The better way to live.
What's holding you back? Do you not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you not entered into personal relationship with Him? It's life-changing and it's easy. Here's how: Simply pray a prayer of confession. Confess you are a sinner. You've lived a life that hasn't always been pleasing to God and now you realize wasn't really pleasing to you. Then invite Jesus to come into your heart as your Lord. He will. Ask Him to direct your life in ways that will blaze you with God's glory. He will.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into those hearts inviting you in. Establish a loving relationship with us once again. Guide us to your glory. Let our very lives reflect we've been in Your presence. Let people be blessed by our lives. Let us bring others to this blessing. For we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great day! May it be filled with blessings! And greetings from Orlando where I'm attending the Asbury Theological Seminary board meeting.
e.v.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Mile Markers
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE GREAT LOVE OF GOD!!
Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: Read Romans 8:37-39. Hear each powerful word of faith speak to your soul about the NOTHING that can separate you from the love of God through Christ Jesus. Reflect on what that means to you now and what it should mean.
8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hear it also through The Message version:
8:37 None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. 38 I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, 39 high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Here I'm old-school in that the NRSV reads a bit more powerful especially in verse 37, for Paul declares whatever we go through, it matters not, for "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." To conquer sounds pretty sufficient to most. Just to win for many is enough. But Paul says in life we go beyond just winning, we go to all that victory brings because of God's love. And if we reflect again on those things that might keep us from enjoying all things, and the list is impressive in the NRSV, remember that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let that be our word for today: NOTHING. Not that we DO nothing, but that we see that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
PRAYER: Center our hearts on the EVERYTHING that your love is. Center our minds on the NOTHING that can separate us from your great love. Let this be a day that goes beyond victory, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: Read Romans 8:37-39. Hear each powerful word of faith speak to your soul about the NOTHING that can separate you from the love of God through Christ Jesus. Reflect on what that means to you now and what it should mean.
8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hear it also through The Message version:
8:37 None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. 38 I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, 39 high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Here I'm old-school in that the NRSV reads a bit more powerful especially in verse 37, for Paul declares whatever we go through, it matters not, for "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." To conquer sounds pretty sufficient to most. Just to win for many is enough. But Paul says in life we go beyond just winning, we go to all that victory brings because of God's love. And if we reflect again on those things that might keep us from enjoying all things, and the list is impressive in the NRSV, remember that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let that be our word for today: NOTHING. Not that we DO nothing, but that we see that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
PRAYER: Center our hearts on the EVERYTHING that your love is. Center our minds on the NOTHING that can separate us from your great love. Let this be a day that goes beyond victory, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
WHAT IS DEATH?
Good day everyone.
We continue our discussion on resurrection and God's power to comfort and strengthen us.
Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: God used His own Son to show His power over death. And if you think about it, wouldn’t He who created all things, even death, not be able to control it? Read 1 Cor 15:20-51 and reflect on what Paul says about death to those early Christians who were losing loved ones to death by the government.
Eugene Peterson's "The Message" version says it like this:
15:20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries. 21 There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. 22 Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ. 23 But we have to wait our turn: Christ is first, then those with him at his Coming, 24 the grand consummation when, after crushing the opposition, he hands over his kingdom to God the Father. 25 He won't let up until the last enemy is down - 26 and the very last enemy is death! 27 As the psalmist said, "He laid them low, one and all; he walked all over them." When Scripture says that "he walked all over them," it's obvious that he couldn't at the same time be walked on. 28 When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive - a perfect ending! 29 Why do you think people offer themselves to be baptized for those already in the grave? If there's no chance of resurrection for a corpse, if God's power stops at the cemetery gates, why do we keep doing things that suggest he's going to clean the place out someday, pulling everyone up on their feet alive? 30 And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? 31 I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? 32 Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn't be the end of me? Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. 33 But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners." 34 Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these. Aren't you embarrassed that you've let this kind of thing go on as long as you have? 35 Some skeptic is sure to ask, "Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this 'resurrection body' look like?" 36 If you look at this question closely, you realize how absurd it is. There are no diagrams for this kind of thing. 37 We do have a parallel experience in gardening. You plant a "dead" seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. 38 You could never guess what a tomato would look like by looking at a tomato seed. What we plant in the soil and what grows out of it don't look anything alike. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different. 39 You will notice that the variety of bodies is stunning. Just as there are different kinds of seeds, there are different kinds of bodies - humans, animals, birds, fish - each unprecedented in its form. 40 You get a hint at the diversity of resurrection glory by looking at the diversity of bodies not only on earth but in the skies - 40 sun, moon, stars - all these varieties of beauty and brightness. And we're only looking at pre-resurrection "seeds" - who can imagine what the resurrection "plants" will be like! 42 This image of planting a dead seed and raising a live plant is a mere sketch at best, but perhaps it will help in approaching the mystery of the resurrection body - but only if you keep in mind that when we're raised, we're raised for good, alive forever! 43 The corpse that's planted is no beauty, but when it's raised, it's glorious. Put in the ground weak, it comes up powerful. 44 The seed sown is natural; the seed grown is supernatural - same seed, same body, but what a difference from when it goes down in physical mortality to when it is raised up in spiritual immortality! 45 We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. 46 Physical life comes first, then spiritual - 47 a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. 48 The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. 49 In the same way that we've worked from our earthy origins, let's embrace our heavenly ends. 50 I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don't in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very "nature" is to die, so how could they "naturally" end up in the Life kingdom? 51 But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die - but we are all going to be changed.
Paul calls it truth. The truth about what has happened in Christ to bring Him up from the dead and what will happen in us who believe.
What are your fears or doubts about your own mortality? Reread the above passage as if Paul had written that letter just to you.
PRAYER: God of life, we praise You and thank You for all You have shared with us during this Easter season. We especially thank You for the truth as You revealed it to Paul and as Paul has shared it with us. Let us live in that truth, that we might overcome all things. In Christ Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
We continue our discussion on resurrection and God's power to comfort and strengthen us.
Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: God used His own Son to show His power over death. And if you think about it, wouldn’t He who created all things, even death, not be able to control it? Read 1 Cor 15:20-51 and reflect on what Paul says about death to those early Christians who were losing loved ones to death by the government.
Eugene Peterson's "The Message" version says it like this:
15:20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries. 21 There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. 22 Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ. 23 But we have to wait our turn: Christ is first, then those with him at his Coming, 24 the grand consummation when, after crushing the opposition, he hands over his kingdom to God the Father. 25 He won't let up until the last enemy is down - 26 and the very last enemy is death! 27 As the psalmist said, "He laid them low, one and all; he walked all over them." When Scripture says that "he walked all over them," it's obvious that he couldn't at the same time be walked on. 28 When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive - a perfect ending! 29 Why do you think people offer themselves to be baptized for those already in the grave? If there's no chance of resurrection for a corpse, if God's power stops at the cemetery gates, why do we keep doing things that suggest he's going to clean the place out someday, pulling everyone up on their feet alive? 30 And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? 31 I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? 32 Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn't be the end of me? Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. 33 But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners." 34 Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these. Aren't you embarrassed that you've let this kind of thing go on as long as you have? 35 Some skeptic is sure to ask, "Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this 'resurrection body' look like?" 36 If you look at this question closely, you realize how absurd it is. There are no diagrams for this kind of thing. 37 We do have a parallel experience in gardening. You plant a "dead" seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. 38 You could never guess what a tomato would look like by looking at a tomato seed. What we plant in the soil and what grows out of it don't look anything alike. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different. 39 You will notice that the variety of bodies is stunning. Just as there are different kinds of seeds, there are different kinds of bodies - humans, animals, birds, fish - each unprecedented in its form. 40 You get a hint at the diversity of resurrection glory by looking at the diversity of bodies not only on earth but in the skies - 40 sun, moon, stars - all these varieties of beauty and brightness. And we're only looking at pre-resurrection "seeds" - who can imagine what the resurrection "plants" will be like! 42 This image of planting a dead seed and raising a live plant is a mere sketch at best, but perhaps it will help in approaching the mystery of the resurrection body - but only if you keep in mind that when we're raised, we're raised for good, alive forever! 43 The corpse that's planted is no beauty, but when it's raised, it's glorious. Put in the ground weak, it comes up powerful. 44 The seed sown is natural; the seed grown is supernatural - same seed, same body, but what a difference from when it goes down in physical mortality to when it is raised up in spiritual immortality! 45 We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. 46 Physical life comes first, then spiritual - 47 a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. 48 The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. 49 In the same way that we've worked from our earthy origins, let's embrace our heavenly ends. 50 I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don't in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very "nature" is to die, so how could they "naturally" end up in the Life kingdom? 51 But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die - but we are all going to be changed.
Paul calls it truth. The truth about what has happened in Christ to bring Him up from the dead and what will happen in us who believe.
What are your fears or doubts about your own mortality? Reread the above passage as if Paul had written that letter just to you.
PRAYER: God of life, we praise You and thank You for all You have shared with us during this Easter season. We especially thank You for the truth as You revealed it to Paul and as Paul has shared it with us. Let us live in that truth, that we might overcome all things. In Christ Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Matthew 16:28 THOUGHTS ON LIFE!
Good Monday after Easter everyone! It was a wonderful, if not overly chilly day in San Marcos! Our youth did a superb job of leading and acting out the drama of the Resurrection during our sunrise service, held indoors in our Activities Building. Our other four services were equally well-attended and we praise God for the awesomeness of the day.
The sermon was on God's victory over death and how God's resurrection power is still ours to help lead us away from a spiritually dying faith into a faith that goes to work! So, this week we'll be talking about death and views surrounding it.
There is a correction in the study guide as my fingers misstyped the correct verse for today. It should be Matthew 16:28, not 18 as printed on the hard copy.
Monday: Read Matthew 16:28. Escaping death was something that spoke to the first converts to our faith. Then came the persecution against Christians and many were put to death. What are your thoughts on this situation?
"Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
On Good Friday we buried a 98 year old woman from Austin. She was one I did not know personally but what her family shared about her, she was just like most of us would like to be if we live that long. She drove until she was 88, and until she was 89 she mowed her own lawn with a push mower! She did her own shopping and was fiercely independent. She was also a charter member of First UMC in Austin for fifty years. I spoke at her graveside about the kind of faith that says yes to a pastor with a vision of starting a new church. Death for her was just a part of life.
In the news the Schiavo pending death makes us uneasy and has polarized some about what is the correct action to take. The sad news of the little girl in Florida snatched from her room and murdered also bring us thoughts about death that we shouldn't have to have. Thoughts about what the culprit of that action make us wonder if death for him wouldn't be right or not.
It is our death that makes us wonder. Some of us don't like to even think about it. For many years I told my family I'd rather be surprised than to linger on knowing that life was slipping away. It took Nellie and I years before we could talk about it to them in terms of our wishes for cremation and where we wanted our ashes scattered. Fear of any kind is no longer welcome in those discussions.
Jesus came with a stronger message: Death has been conquered! Easter is our way of celebrating that for our loved ones now in Glory and for ourselves as well. Early Christians readily accepted the Christian faith as that which brought them hope given how relatively short lives were being lived during the time. Jesus' message was that we have a God of life who has planned for those who are God's to live their eternity with Him.
For many of us thankfully the worse persecution we face may be of the social kind. We may not run in circles that is opposed to the Christian way of life as a result of being "outcasts." But that should not serve as an excuse to abandon our faith and our way of life. For our earlier brothers and sister in the faith, persecution meant death.
We serve a God of life. Our days on the earth should be like those of Paul, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." Let each day of life serve as a way to share Him who came to die for us. And when our day comes to leave this earth, we'll gain the full knowledge and love of Christ.
PRAYER: God of life, bring us to resurrection faith. Let us quit our slumber and lingering; ignite our hearts to leap with joy at each day's challenge to share Jesus! We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
The sermon was on God's victory over death and how God's resurrection power is still ours to help lead us away from a spiritually dying faith into a faith that goes to work! So, this week we'll be talking about death and views surrounding it.
There is a correction in the study guide as my fingers misstyped the correct verse for today. It should be Matthew 16:28, not 18 as printed on the hard copy.
Monday: Read Matthew 16:28. Escaping death was something that spoke to the first converts to our faith. Then came the persecution against Christians and many were put to death. What are your thoughts on this situation?
"Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
On Good Friday we buried a 98 year old woman from Austin. She was one I did not know personally but what her family shared about her, she was just like most of us would like to be if we live that long. She drove until she was 88, and until she was 89 she mowed her own lawn with a push mower! She did her own shopping and was fiercely independent. She was also a charter member of First UMC in Austin for fifty years. I spoke at her graveside about the kind of faith that says yes to a pastor with a vision of starting a new church. Death for her was just a part of life.
In the news the Schiavo pending death makes us uneasy and has polarized some about what is the correct action to take. The sad news of the little girl in Florida snatched from her room and murdered also bring us thoughts about death that we shouldn't have to have. Thoughts about what the culprit of that action make us wonder if death for him wouldn't be right or not.
It is our death that makes us wonder. Some of us don't like to even think about it. For many years I told my family I'd rather be surprised than to linger on knowing that life was slipping away. It took Nellie and I years before we could talk about it to them in terms of our wishes for cremation and where we wanted our ashes scattered. Fear of any kind is no longer welcome in those discussions.
Jesus came with a stronger message: Death has been conquered! Easter is our way of celebrating that for our loved ones now in Glory and for ourselves as well. Early Christians readily accepted the Christian faith as that which brought them hope given how relatively short lives were being lived during the time. Jesus' message was that we have a God of life who has planned for those who are God's to live their eternity with Him.
For many of us thankfully the worse persecution we face may be of the social kind. We may not run in circles that is opposed to the Christian way of life as a result of being "outcasts." But that should not serve as an excuse to abandon our faith and our way of life. For our earlier brothers and sister in the faith, persecution meant death.
We serve a God of life. Our days on the earth should be like those of Paul, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." Let each day of life serve as a way to share Him who came to die for us. And when our day comes to leave this earth, we'll gain the full knowledge and love of Christ.
PRAYER: God of life, bring us to resurrection faith. Let us quit our slumber and lingering; ignite our hearts to leap with joy at each day's challenge to share Jesus! We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Friday, March 25, 2005
A GOOD FRIDAY
Good Good Friday to everyone.
We had a very powerful worship experience last night as we sat at the table together, 12 at a time. Those of us serving noticed that whenever the chalice was jostled and the juice spilled it was very much like what we imagined the Lord's blood falling on that day.
This is a day of bloodshed. Our Lord knew it was coming for He talked about it on that Thursday at the table with the twelve. The question is, what are we going to do about it?
Those in the San Marcos area are invited to our church at 7 p.m. to take part in what we are praying is a moving service. Bring someone with you.
Here is our study guide:
Friday: For our day of prayer, praise God for the victory Jesus has even today in so many lives. Pray for those who have not yet made Jesus the Lord of their lives and pray for this church to be a part of that ministry that may bring fullness of life to them. Make this a day of commitment and reflection. Commit yourself to doing all that God may ask of you. Commit yourself to be the example of Christ that may bring someone in your family to fullness of life. Pray for the upcoming Easter Sunday services that each may speak the truth about God’s love for your life.
Have a blessed day!
PS: Sunday we have several services: 7 Sunrise, 8:30, 9:30, two 11 o'clock services, contemporary and traditional.
e.v.
We had a very powerful worship experience last night as we sat at the table together, 12 at a time. Those of us serving noticed that whenever the chalice was jostled and the juice spilled it was very much like what we imagined the Lord's blood falling on that day.
This is a day of bloodshed. Our Lord knew it was coming for He talked about it on that Thursday at the table with the twelve. The question is, what are we going to do about it?
Those in the San Marcos area are invited to our church at 7 p.m. to take part in what we are praying is a moving service. Bring someone with you.
Here is our study guide:
Friday: For our day of prayer, praise God for the victory Jesus has even today in so many lives. Pray for those who have not yet made Jesus the Lord of their lives and pray for this church to be a part of that ministry that may bring fullness of life to them. Make this a day of commitment and reflection. Commit yourself to doing all that God may ask of you. Commit yourself to be the example of Christ that may bring someone in your family to fullness of life. Pray for the upcoming Easter Sunday services that each may speak the truth about God’s love for your life.
Have a blessed day!
PS: Sunday we have several services: 7 Sunrise, 8:30, 9:30, two 11 o'clock services, contemporary and traditional.
e.v.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
THE CONVERSATIONS BEHIND THE SCENES
Good day dear friends. Today is Maundy Thursday and you're invited to attend your church. We will be having a service at 7 which will feature our commemoration of the first Lord's Supper. Everyone is invited and welcome. And tomorrow night also at 7 we'll have a service featuring the Seven Last Words of Jesus. Please make plans to be in worship for this Holy Week.
As we pray this morning please lift up Robin Brown again. She underwent a successful procedure and biopsy and results will not be known for about five or six days. She was in ICU last night and should be moved to a room sometime this morning. She is at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Our prayers for her husband, The Rev. Del Brown, and their children. This has been a difficult time for them.
Thursday: It took great faith on the part of the disciples to go and “borrow” a colt. Some may think back to times when our dads or moms asked us to do something we just knew we couldn’t or shouldn’t do, yet it turned out okay. How is it with your faith and Jesus? Has the Lord asked you to do something you just KNOW won’t turn out okay (or so you think right now?)
Yesterday in our Emmaus reunion group we spent a good time sharing and laughing. We laughed more than our share yesterday and it is one of the things I hold dear about this group. We share openly and honestly and sometimes that comes across quite humorously. But we were talking about the conversations between the disciples when they thought they were out of earshot from Jesus. The conversation recorded in the Bible are funny enough but we can only imagine some of what they shared when they thought the Lord couldn't hear them. One such conversation could have been the one early Palm Sunday when Jesus sends the disciples to borrow the donkey and colt. I remember the times I had a homework assignment and lamented I didn't have an encyclopedia set in our home and my dad would send me to borrow the volume I needed from our nextdoor neighbor. I hated trudging the ten or fifteen feet between our house and theirs and knocking on the door and asking very politely if I could borrow the "M" volume of their encyclopedia. I swore then and there that if ever I had children I would buy them a set! The only one we ever bought growing up was the A volume that Kroger had on sale for 99 cents. The rest cost more so ask me anything about subjects that start with A and I'll tell you! Nellie and I invested in a very expensive HUGE hate-to-move set that our girls NEVER used!
Here is where the disciples' faith came into action. They knew something important was up and it could only be accomplished in this possibly embarrassing task. To have faith to walk to the house, knock on the door and ask, might mean that the Lord would have a successful mission. To not have faith and not do this would mean that Jesus might send some other two disciples and we're already aware of the competition between them.
What has God asked of us? And what have we said? We have excuses for not doing them, but God provides reasons for doing exactly what needs to be done. And for as many times as we're sure we're going to be rejected or unsuccessful, we're amazed that God did have something special for us and it turned out just as we thought it wouldn't.
Don't put God off today. Ask for wisdom, strength and courage and do what you know God wants you to do. See the vision of you being successful in tackling whatever it is that stands before you. The victory is the Lord's!
PRAYER: God of victory, speak to us again with tasks and visions that are Yours for us. Let us seek from You that which we need to be more than victors in all things. Let all we do be for Your honor and glory. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a victorious day!! See you in church!
Blessings!
e.v.
As we pray this morning please lift up Robin Brown again. She underwent a successful procedure and biopsy and results will not be known for about five or six days. She was in ICU last night and should be moved to a room sometime this morning. She is at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Our prayers for her husband, The Rev. Del Brown, and their children. This has been a difficult time for them.
Thursday: It took great faith on the part of the disciples to go and “borrow” a colt. Some may think back to times when our dads or moms asked us to do something we just knew we couldn’t or shouldn’t do, yet it turned out okay. How is it with your faith and Jesus? Has the Lord asked you to do something you just KNOW won’t turn out okay (or so you think right now?)
Yesterday in our Emmaus reunion group we spent a good time sharing and laughing. We laughed more than our share yesterday and it is one of the things I hold dear about this group. We share openly and honestly and sometimes that comes across quite humorously. But we were talking about the conversations between the disciples when they thought they were out of earshot from Jesus. The conversation recorded in the Bible are funny enough but we can only imagine some of what they shared when they thought the Lord couldn't hear them. One such conversation could have been the one early Palm Sunday when Jesus sends the disciples to borrow the donkey and colt. I remember the times I had a homework assignment and lamented I didn't have an encyclopedia set in our home and my dad would send me to borrow the volume I needed from our nextdoor neighbor. I hated trudging the ten or fifteen feet between our house and theirs and knocking on the door and asking very politely if I could borrow the "M" volume of their encyclopedia. I swore then and there that if ever I had children I would buy them a set! The only one we ever bought growing up was the A volume that Kroger had on sale for 99 cents. The rest cost more so ask me anything about subjects that start with A and I'll tell you! Nellie and I invested in a very expensive HUGE hate-to-move set that our girls NEVER used!
Here is where the disciples' faith came into action. They knew something important was up and it could only be accomplished in this possibly embarrassing task. To have faith to walk to the house, knock on the door and ask, might mean that the Lord would have a successful mission. To not have faith and not do this would mean that Jesus might send some other two disciples and we're already aware of the competition between them.
What has God asked of us? And what have we said? We have excuses for not doing them, but God provides reasons for doing exactly what needs to be done. And for as many times as we're sure we're going to be rejected or unsuccessful, we're amazed that God did have something special for us and it turned out just as we thought it wouldn't.
Don't put God off today. Ask for wisdom, strength and courage and do what you know God wants you to do. See the vision of you being successful in tackling whatever it is that stands before you. The victory is the Lord's!
PRAYER: God of victory, speak to us again with tasks and visions that are Yours for us. Let us seek from You that which we need to be more than victors in all things. Let all we do be for Your honor and glory. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a victorious day!! See you in church!
Blessings!
e.v.
THE CONVERSATIONS BEHIND THE SCENES
Good day dear friends. Today is Maundy Thursday and you're invited to attend your church. We will be having a service at 7 which will feature our commemoration of the first Lord's Supper. Everyone is invited and welcome. And tomorrow night also at 7 we'll have a service featuring the Seven Last Words of Jesus. Please make plans to be in worship for this Holy Week.
As we pray this morning please lift up Robin Brown again. She underwent a successful procedure and biopsy and results will not be known for about five or six days. She was in ICU last night and should be moved to a room sometime this morning. She is at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Our prayers for her husband, The Rev. Del Brown, and their children. This has been a difficult time for them.
Thursday: It took great faith on the part of the disciples to go and “borrow” a colt. Some may think back to times when our dads or moms asked us to do something we just knew we couldn’t or shouldn’t do, yet it turned out okay. How is it with your faith and Jesus? Has the Lord asked you to do something you just KNOW won’t turn out okay (or so you think right now?)
Yesterday in our Emmaus reunion group we spent a good time sharing and laughing. We laughed more than our share yesterday and it is one of the things I hold dear about this group. We share openly and honestly and sometimes that comes across quite humorously. But we were talking about the conversations between the disciples when they thought they were out of earshot from Jesus. The conversation recorded in the Bible are funny enough but we can only imagine some of what they shared when they thought the Lord couldn't hear them. One such conversation could have been the one early Palm Sunday when Jesus sends the disciples to borrow the donkey and colt. I remember the times I had a homework assignment and lamented I didn't have an encyclopedia set in our home and my dad would send me to borrow the volume I needed from our nextdoor neighbor. I hated trudging the ten or fifteen feet between our house and theirs and knocking on the door and asking very politely if I could borrow the "M" volume of their encyclopedia. I swore then and there that if ever I had children I would buy them a set! The only one we ever bought growing up was the A volume that Kroger had on sale for 99 cents. The rest cost more so ask me anything about subjects that start with A and I'll tell you! Nellie and I invested in a very expensive HUGE hate-to-move set that our girls NEVER used!
Here is where the disciples' faith came into action. They knew something important was up and it could only be accomplished in this possibly embarrassing task. To have faith to walk to the house, knock on the door and ask, might mean that the Lord would have a successful mission. To not have faith and not do this would mean that Jesus might send some other two disciples and we're already aware of the competition between them.
What has God asked of us? And what have we said? We have excuses for not doing them, but God provides reasons for doing exactly what needs to be done. And for as many times as we're sure we're going to be rejected or unsuccessful, we're amazed that God did have something special for us and it turned out just as we thought it wouldn't.
Don't put God off today. Ask for wisdom, strength and courage and do what you know God wants you to do. See the vision of you being successful in tackling whatever it is that stands before you. The victory is the Lord's!
PRAYER: God of victory, speak to us again with tasks and visions that are Yours for us. Let us seek from You that which we need to be more than victors in all things. Let all we do be for Your honor and glory. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a victorious day!! See you in church!
Blessings!
e.v.
As we pray this morning please lift up Robin Brown again. She underwent a successful procedure and biopsy and results will not be known for about five or six days. She was in ICU last night and should be moved to a room sometime this morning. She is at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Our prayers for her husband, The Rev. Del Brown, and their children. This has been a difficult time for them.
Thursday: It took great faith on the part of the disciples to go and “borrow” a colt. Some may think back to times when our dads or moms asked us to do something we just knew we couldn’t or shouldn’t do, yet it turned out okay. How is it with your faith and Jesus? Has the Lord asked you to do something you just KNOW won’t turn out okay (or so you think right now?)
Yesterday in our Emmaus reunion group we spent a good time sharing and laughing. We laughed more than our share yesterday and it is one of the things I hold dear about this group. We share openly and honestly and sometimes that comes across quite humorously. But we were talking about the conversations between the disciples when they thought they were out of earshot from Jesus. The conversation recorded in the Bible are funny enough but we can only imagine some of what they shared when they thought the Lord couldn't hear them. One such conversation could have been the one early Palm Sunday when Jesus sends the disciples to borrow the donkey and colt. I remember the times I had a homework assignment and lamented I didn't have an encyclopedia set in our home and my dad would send me to borrow the volume I needed from our nextdoor neighbor. I hated trudging the ten or fifteen feet between our house and theirs and knocking on the door and asking very politely if I could borrow the "M" volume of their encyclopedia. I swore then and there that if ever I had children I would buy them a set! The only one we ever bought growing up was the A volume that Kroger had on sale for 99 cents. The rest cost more so ask me anything about subjects that start with A and I'll tell you! Nellie and I invested in a very expensive HUGE hate-to-move set that our girls NEVER used!
Here is where the disciples' faith came into action. They knew something important was up and it could only be accomplished in this possibly embarrassing task. To have faith to walk to the house, knock on the door and ask, might mean that the Lord would have a successful mission. To not have faith and not do this would mean that Jesus might send some other two disciples and we're already aware of the competition between them.
What has God asked of us? And what have we said? We have excuses for not doing them, but God provides reasons for doing exactly what needs to be done. And for as many times as we're sure we're going to be rejected or unsuccessful, we're amazed that God did have something special for us and it turned out just as we thought it wouldn't.
Don't put God off today. Ask for wisdom, strength and courage and do what you know God wants you to do. See the vision of you being successful in tackling whatever it is that stands before you. The victory is the Lord's!
PRAYER: God of victory, speak to us again with tasks and visions that are Yours for us. Let us seek from You that which we need to be more than victors in all things. Let all we do be for Your honor and glory. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a victorious day!! See you in church!
Blessings!
e.v.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
COME, LORD JESUS, COME!
We pray this morning for Robin Brown who will undergo an MRI and biopsy and possibly surgery later today. Robin is at BAMC in San Antonio. The procedures begin at 6:30 a.m.
Here is our study guide for today:
Wednesday: For our day of action, spend some time reflecting on the times the Lord has tried to come in triumphantly into your life. Have you allowed Him entrance as Lord and Savior? Have you made Jesus King of your life? If the answer is no, why not? Today could be the very day Jesus comes to life in your life and thus will bring fullness to you.
Here is our study guide for today:
Wednesday: For our day of action, spend some time reflecting on the times the Lord has tried to come in triumphantly into your life. Have you allowed Him entrance as Lord and Savior? Have you made Jesus King of your life? If the answer is no, why not? Today could be the very day Jesus comes to life in your life and thus will bring fullness to you.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
GOD HAS SOMETHING TO SAY IN ALL THINGS IF WE'LL JUST LISTEN!
Good day dear friends.
Let us continue to be in prayer for Robin Brown and her husband
Del. Robin was taken by ambulance to BAMC for running a high fever
and this before a scheduled MRI, biopsy and surgery for a brain
tumor. It turns out the fever was caused by the "bug" that Del had
and doctors quickly got that under control. Sometime tomorrow they
will do the MRI, biopsy and surgery. Please keep this family in
your thoughts and prayers. Also for Mr. Gregg, who suffered a
stroke and is in CTMC here in town. He was in good spirits last
night when I visited with him and he was telling me he was going to
Wimberley for rehab. He also said he was going back to Merrill
Garden for rehab, so either way, please hold him in prayer.
We continue to study the events of Palm Sunday and how Jesus entered
the city of Jerusalem that day. Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Matthew calls this entrance a fulfillment of prophecy
employing the Jewish tradition of taking from one scripture a part,
then another part from another. Read Isaiah 62:11 and then read
Zechariah 9:9. What are your thoughts about prophecy in general and
this fulfillment in particular?
For the Jewish person of Jesus' day their scripture related not only
to the events occuring during the writing of the day but also seen
as perhaps sharing a clue or hint about what was to come. As
prophecies concerning the Messiah began to shape in their thought,
various scriptures from the Hebrew Bible begin to speak to them in
present, if not future terms. For Matthew to have known Jesus'
entrance was a fulfillment of prophecy meant he was familiar with
his scriptures about what was to happen. Please keep in mind that
as the events of that day and week unfolded it wouldn't be until
after Easter Sunday that Matthew would fully understand all things.
But at this writing of his gospel he was fully aware and fully
confident that these words had been fulfilled.
The Jewish scholar would know all of the coming prophecies and might
even join two together to complete a thought concerning an event.
We see this happening in Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9. Here are
those two scriptures respectively:
"Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the
daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward
is with him, and his recompense before him.'"
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of
Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is
he, humble and riding on an ass, on a colt the foal of an ass."
Both thoughts on their own are powerful enough, but put together
complete the images of that day of Jesus' entry: Jesus brought
salvation, the promise of his reward and recompense and he indeed
came in "triumphant and victorious," "humble and rising on an ass,
on a colt the foal of an ass." Jesus knew the scriptures as well
and having known the purposes of God in his own life does all that
will help the disciples remember that yes, this was the Son of God
and the Messiah, the long awaited anointed one of God.
What are your thoughts on this? Looking at this from faith some
2,000 years after the event, do you believe that God fulfilled His
promises through Jesus? Having received and being in relationship
with Jesus can you not join the throng who indeed said Sunday and
can say today on Tuesday, "Hosanna!"? If not, there's no
condemnation because of that, but you're missing out on so much.
Ultimately you will choose whether you know it or not. If you
choose not to decide or think you have, you've already chosen not to
believe. I pray that you would believe and that you would enter
into the joy of your Lord. It will make this week and all weeks so
much fuller and easier ones in which to proclaim, "Blessed is the
One who comes in the Name of the Lord!"
PRAYER: Come again, King Jesus into our hearts and lives. Let us
truly believe in You and what You've offered to us. Bring us
salvation, your reward and recompense, and let all this serve to
help us shout today and all days with Your "Hosannas!" IN Thy name
we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Let us continue to be in prayer for Robin Brown and her husband
Del. Robin was taken by ambulance to BAMC for running a high fever
and this before a scheduled MRI, biopsy and surgery for a brain
tumor. It turns out the fever was caused by the "bug" that Del had
and doctors quickly got that under control. Sometime tomorrow they
will do the MRI, biopsy and surgery. Please keep this family in
your thoughts and prayers. Also for Mr. Gregg, who suffered a
stroke and is in CTMC here in town. He was in good spirits last
night when I visited with him and he was telling me he was going to
Wimberley for rehab. He also said he was going back to Merrill
Garden for rehab, so either way, please hold him in prayer.
We continue to study the events of Palm Sunday and how Jesus entered
the city of Jerusalem that day. Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Matthew calls this entrance a fulfillment of prophecy
employing the Jewish tradition of taking from one scripture a part,
then another part from another. Read Isaiah 62:11 and then read
Zechariah 9:9. What are your thoughts about prophecy in general and
this fulfillment in particular?
For the Jewish person of Jesus' day their scripture related not only
to the events occuring during the writing of the day but also seen
as perhaps sharing a clue or hint about what was to come. As
prophecies concerning the Messiah began to shape in their thought,
various scriptures from the Hebrew Bible begin to speak to them in
present, if not future terms. For Matthew to have known Jesus'
entrance was a fulfillment of prophecy meant he was familiar with
his scriptures about what was to happen. Please keep in mind that
as the events of that day and week unfolded it wouldn't be until
after Easter Sunday that Matthew would fully understand all things.
But at this writing of his gospel he was fully aware and fully
confident that these words had been fulfilled.
The Jewish scholar would know all of the coming prophecies and might
even join two together to complete a thought concerning an event.
We see this happening in Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9. Here are
those two scriptures respectively:
"Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the
daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward
is with him, and his recompense before him.'"
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of
Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is
he, humble and riding on an ass, on a colt the foal of an ass."
Both thoughts on their own are powerful enough, but put together
complete the images of that day of Jesus' entry: Jesus brought
salvation, the promise of his reward and recompense and he indeed
came in "triumphant and victorious," "humble and rising on an ass,
on a colt the foal of an ass." Jesus knew the scriptures as well
and having known the purposes of God in his own life does all that
will help the disciples remember that yes, this was the Son of God
and the Messiah, the long awaited anointed one of God.
What are your thoughts on this? Looking at this from faith some
2,000 years after the event, do you believe that God fulfilled His
promises through Jesus? Having received and being in relationship
with Jesus can you not join the throng who indeed said Sunday and
can say today on Tuesday, "Hosanna!"? If not, there's no
condemnation because of that, but you're missing out on so much.
Ultimately you will choose whether you know it or not. If you
choose not to decide or think you have, you've already chosen not to
believe. I pray that you would believe and that you would enter
into the joy of your Lord. It will make this week and all weeks so
much fuller and easier ones in which to proclaim, "Blessed is the
One who comes in the Name of the Lord!"
PRAYER: Come again, King Jesus into our hearts and lives. Let us
truly believe in You and what You've offered to us. Bring us
salvation, your reward and recompense, and let all this serve to
help us shout today and all days with Your "Hosannas!" IN Thy name
we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)