Psalms 39
Oh the sheer anguish of this psalmist cry. Did you sense the agony and pain that he was expressing?
Sometimes the pain cuts so deep that all we can do is to cry out to God. Whether the pain is caused by our sins or other sufferings, it still hurts. As I reflect on this psalm, I too am reminded how short life really is. As the psalmist wrote in verse 5 & 12, "How short you have made my life...I am only your guest for a little while." (Today's English Version)
I celebrate that God is indeed the maker of creation and the giver of life. I know if there is any hope at all, it is in the Lord God that we love and serve. So, as short as this life really is, it behoves us to make this journey with joy. Joy that comes from a loving God who does not immune us from suffering but walks with us in those difficult times.
Embrace your journey sisters and brothers and live life to the fullest.
igniting,
Pastor Dawn
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009
Luke 24:28-35
Sitting at table really is a revealing experience. In my family, it's at table where we discuss politics, church, school, and many other issues of the 'day.' It's at table as the fork meets the plate to gather another scrumptious bite, our voices elevate and speak what is on our mind.
When Jesus revealed himself to the two people it was at table. As he broke the bread and gave it to them, then they knew it was Jesus. Of course, it was. They could not wait to go tell about their experience.
When was the last time you had a revealing experience with Jesus? I hope you shared it with someone.
igniting,
Pastor Dawn
Sitting at table really is a revealing experience. In my family, it's at table where we discuss politics, church, school, and many other issues of the 'day.' It's at table as the fork meets the plate to gather another scrumptious bite, our voices elevate and speak what is on our mind.
When Jesus revealed himself to the two people it was at table. As he broke the bread and gave it to them, then they knew it was Jesus. Of course, it was. They could not wait to go tell about their experience.
When was the last time you had a revealing experience with Jesus? I hope you shared it with someone.
igniting,
Pastor Dawn
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009
Luke 24:13-27
What a wonderful passage to read. It comes on the heels on the resurrection of Jesus. We commonly refer to it as the walk to Emmaus. I have read this story many times. I have heard this story referenced in sermons many times. The intriguing thing for is to place myself in this narrative and ask myself these questions. Would I have known that it was Jesus accompanying my companion and me? Would I have sensed his awesome presence particularly after being an eyewitness to the miracles that he had performed? I think to myself, surely so. Yeah, right. I’m no different than the two people on the road to Emmaus.
Jesus in all of his splendor and glory reveals himself to me time and time again. I just need to open the eyes of my heart and be thankful.
Here's to the start of a great week.
igniting,
Pastor Dawn
What a wonderful passage to read. It comes on the heels on the resurrection of Jesus. We commonly refer to it as the walk to Emmaus. I have read this story many times. I have heard this story referenced in sermons many times. The intriguing thing for is to place myself in this narrative and ask myself these questions. Would I have known that it was Jesus accompanying my companion and me? Would I have sensed his awesome presence particularly after being an eyewitness to the miracles that he had performed? I think to myself, surely so. Yeah, right. I’m no different than the two people on the road to Emmaus.
Jesus in all of his splendor and glory reveals himself to me time and time again. I just need to open the eyes of my heart and be thankful.
Here's to the start of a great week.
igniting,
Pastor Dawn
Friday, April 10, 2009
Luke 22: 1-71
Today I want us to focus on Peter and his actions in this passage. As is so often the case when I look at Peter and what he does I see myself in him. In this account he is so confident that he would never abandon Jesus, that his faith would never fail. So much so that he declares, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (v.31-33). But, Jesus knows otherwise. Jesus informs Peter that before the rooster crows he will deny him three times….and he does.
I am grateful that Scripture informs us of folk like Peter who enable us to put ourselves in the story, because they are so easy to relate to. In this occasion I see myself in Peter in that there have been times when I thought it impossible of me ever doing something and then I do it. Thankfully as we learn later on in the story Jesus indeed forgives Peter through his grace. Friends, we will at times make mistakes that surprise us, but God’s grace is there to forgive and to empower us to not make the same mistake again. If we were sinless and perfect then the events of this “Good Friday” would have been unnecessary. So as you come to the cross tonight join with Peter in telling Jesus how grateful you are!
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Today I want us to focus on Peter and his actions in this passage. As is so often the case when I look at Peter and what he does I see myself in him. In this account he is so confident that he would never abandon Jesus, that his faith would never fail. So much so that he declares, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (v.31-33). But, Jesus knows otherwise. Jesus informs Peter that before the rooster crows he will deny him three times….and he does.
I am grateful that Scripture informs us of folk like Peter who enable us to put ourselves in the story, because they are so easy to relate to. In this occasion I see myself in Peter in that there have been times when I thought it impossible of me ever doing something and then I do it. Thankfully as we learn later on in the story Jesus indeed forgives Peter through his grace. Friends, we will at times make mistakes that surprise us, but God’s grace is there to forgive and to empower us to not make the same mistake again. If we were sinless and perfect then the events of this “Good Friday” would have been unnecessary. So as you come to the cross tonight join with Peter in telling Jesus how grateful you are!
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Luke 21: 1-38
Today is Maunday Thursday. Tonight we begin the Holy Triduum, the final three days of the season of Lent. It is a time for us to deeply consider all that Jesus Christ went through for us. We join with the disciples around the table as Jesus serves them in ways unimaginable, teaches and announces the new covenant. We discover that Jesus withholds nothing from them or from us. He is fully divine and has all authority yet stoops to wash the disciples feet. Friends this is the one we worship. He is the one who deserves our praise and the fullest measure of our gifts.
May we give in the same way that this poor widow gave. May we, like this woman, give out of our poverty. Friends Jesus gave us all he had to give, he held nothing back. This Holy Triduum let us consider how we can give of ourselves in ways that honor him.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Today is Maunday Thursday. Tonight we begin the Holy Triduum, the final three days of the season of Lent. It is a time for us to deeply consider all that Jesus Christ went through for us. We join with the disciples around the table as Jesus serves them in ways unimaginable, teaches and announces the new covenant. We discover that Jesus withholds nothing from them or from us. He is fully divine and has all authority yet stoops to wash the disciples feet. Friends this is the one we worship. He is the one who deserves our praise and the fullest measure of our gifts.
May we give in the same way that this poor widow gave. May we, like this woman, give out of our poverty. Friends Jesus gave us all he had to give, he held nothing back. This Holy Triduum let us consider how we can give of ourselves in ways that honor him.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Luke 20: 27-47
It’s amazing all that happened to Jesus that last week that He walked this earth. Around every corner he had people challenging him and his teaching. We learn that Jesus was fully human so it’s hard to imagine the patience needed to deal with all that was thrown at him. Here we have the Sadducees in their arrogance challenging Jesus’ belief in the resurrection and the teachers of the law attempting to butter Jesus up. Jesus yet again responds in the most appropriate way filled with patience and the right amount of confrontation.
Friends, this Holy Week lets take the needed time to examine how Jesus interacts with those who confront him. Lets take time to pray asking for the wisdom on how we might reflect His actions in our own points of conflict. My hope is that we might receive the needed discernment to respond in ways that honor Jesus.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
It’s amazing all that happened to Jesus that last week that He walked this earth. Around every corner he had people challenging him and his teaching. We learn that Jesus was fully human so it’s hard to imagine the patience needed to deal with all that was thrown at him. Here we have the Sadducees in their arrogance challenging Jesus’ belief in the resurrection and the teachers of the law attempting to butter Jesus up. Jesus yet again responds in the most appropriate way filled with patience and the right amount of confrontation.
Friends, this Holy Week lets take the needed time to examine how Jesus interacts with those who confront him. Lets take time to pray asking for the wisdom on how we might reflect His actions in our own points of conflict. My hope is that we might receive the needed discernment to respond in ways that honor Jesus.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Luke 20: 1-26
In today’s narrative we read of occasions where the chief priests, the elders and teachers of the law attempt to trap and challenge Jesus. They aim to fool Jesus into making a mistake so that they might arrest and even kill him. In each case they fail. They question where his authority comes from and if he submits to the “laws” of the land. Jesus responds by asking them a question, by telling them a parable, and by answering in such an astonishing way that they are left speechless.
These men have already made up their mind about how they view Jesus. They see him as a threat and as someone who will destroy their way of life. Through their clouded agenda they are unable to see the life changing power of the Son of God. My hope is that we are not guilty of making the same mistake by allowing a clouded agenda to prevent us from seeing what God has for us.
On Palm Sunday we began the most significant of weeks in the Christian year. Don’t allow any thing to distract you from what God might reveal to you this Holy week. Realize that in Jesus all authority resides and that in Jesus alone will we find our way.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
In today’s narrative we read of occasions where the chief priests, the elders and teachers of the law attempt to trap and challenge Jesus. They aim to fool Jesus into making a mistake so that they might arrest and even kill him. In each case they fail. They question where his authority comes from and if he submits to the “laws” of the land. Jesus responds by asking them a question, by telling them a parable, and by answering in such an astonishing way that they are left speechless.
These men have already made up their mind about how they view Jesus. They see him as a threat and as someone who will destroy their way of life. Through their clouded agenda they are unable to see the life changing power of the Son of God. My hope is that we are not guilty of making the same mistake by allowing a clouded agenda to prevent us from seeing what God has for us.
On Palm Sunday we began the most significant of weeks in the Christian year. Don’t allow any thing to distract you from what God might reveal to you this Holy week. Realize that in Jesus all authority resides and that in Jesus alone will we find our way.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Monday, April 6, 2009
Luke 19: 41-48
This passage of Jesus driving out those selling in the temple has always appealed to me as a believer. In fact it is one of those passages that highlight the humanity of Jesus. In this section we observe the “righteous anger” the “passionate zeal” of Jesus when he encounters the defilement of the temple of God. In John’s gospel we read that he made a whip out of chords to drive them out, scattered their coins and overturned the tables (John 2: 12-17).
We observe in this section that Jesus, just like us, is disgusted when faced with things that are not the way they should be. He will not allow the unholy to profane the holy. This image of Jesus challenges the false understanding that Jesus is only and always meek and mild, instead inserting a fuller understanding that he will defend the holiness of God with passionate zeal.
Friends when and how do you, do we defend the holiness of God? Do we too frequently sit on the sidelines when orphans, widows, the homeless and the alien are oppressed? What do you think?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
This passage of Jesus driving out those selling in the temple has always appealed to me as a believer. In fact it is one of those passages that highlight the humanity of Jesus. In this section we observe the “righteous anger” the “passionate zeal” of Jesus when he encounters the defilement of the temple of God. In John’s gospel we read that he made a whip out of chords to drive them out, scattered their coins and overturned the tables (John 2: 12-17).
We observe in this section that Jesus, just like us, is disgusted when faced with things that are not the way they should be. He will not allow the unholy to profane the holy. This image of Jesus challenges the false understanding that Jesus is only and always meek and mild, instead inserting a fuller understanding that he will defend the holiness of God with passionate zeal.
Friends when and how do you, do we defend the holiness of God? Do we too frequently sit on the sidelines when orphans, widows, the homeless and the alien are oppressed? What do you think?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brad
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday, April 4
Luke 19:28-44
Jesus is nearing the end of His earthly ministry. He is still teaching, still engaging with His disciples, still sharing His truth with all who will hear. When He enters Jerusalem, the people rejoice! They shout His praises and blessings, reveling in the miracles they have seen.
But after all this, Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem, because He knows the true hearts of the people.
Here we are at the end of our Lenten season, preparing to enter into Holy Week, and this weekend in worship we will be the ones shouting praises and blessings, reveling in the miracles we have seen and heard of.
But I wonder...will Jesus be weeping over us because He knows our rue hearts? What do our true hearts tell us? Do we recognize that God has come to us?
I hope you will ponder, and pray, and know that God HAS come to us...and for us.
peace,
Pastor Judi Hunt
Jesus is nearing the end of His earthly ministry. He is still teaching, still engaging with His disciples, still sharing His truth with all who will hear. When He enters Jerusalem, the people rejoice! They shout His praises and blessings, reveling in the miracles they have seen.
But after all this, Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem, because He knows the true hearts of the people.
Here we are at the end of our Lenten season, preparing to enter into Holy Week, and this weekend in worship we will be the ones shouting praises and blessings, reveling in the miracles we have seen and heard of.
But I wonder...will Jesus be weeping over us because He knows our rue hearts? What do our true hearts tell us? Do we recognize that God has come to us?
I hope you will ponder, and pray, and know that God HAS come to us...and for us.
peace,
Pastor Judi Hunt
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, 4/2
Luke 17:1-2
Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.
It's tough to realize as a Christian that on the one hand w'ell never be perfect, and on the other hand, people are watching us, expecting us to behave in a way that reflects what we say we believe.
I can think of times when someone I thought pretty highly of did something that caused me to drop that esteem a notch. In fact not too long ago during a trip out of town, I was put into a position of potential temptation. A group was heading out for the evening, and the invitation was made (by a professing Christian) to go along...to a "watering hole", where I would be encouraged to dance on the bar. (Okay, you can stop laughing now.)
I demurred politely, and was further encouraged by the 'what happens in this place stays in this place' logic. Perhaps that invitation to sin was bound to come; I'm glad I said no. But does Jesus mean that woe will come to the person who encouraged me?
Now turn that lens around. There have certainly been times when I've behaved in a way that belied my Christian faith. A rude response...a selfish desire...a disobedience...a deliberate lie. What message do I send when I cut somebody off on Independence Boulevard, and then they see the 'clergy' sticker on my back window? When Jesus says, 'watch yourselves,' I realize that others are watching also.
I don't want to let Jesus down. I don't want to be the one who causes another to sin against God. I'm going to watch a little more closely. I want nothing more than for people to see Jesus through my life. Tall order? Not with Him!
peace,
Pastor Judi
Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.
It's tough to realize as a Christian that on the one hand w'ell never be perfect, and on the other hand, people are watching us, expecting us to behave in a way that reflects what we say we believe.
I can think of times when someone I thought pretty highly of did something that caused me to drop that esteem a notch. In fact not too long ago during a trip out of town, I was put into a position of potential temptation. A group was heading out for the evening, and the invitation was made (by a professing Christian) to go along...to a "watering hole", where I would be encouraged to dance on the bar. (Okay, you can stop laughing now.)
I demurred politely, and was further encouraged by the 'what happens in this place stays in this place' logic. Perhaps that invitation to sin was bound to come; I'm glad I said no. But does Jesus mean that woe will come to the person who encouraged me?
Now turn that lens around. There have certainly been times when I've behaved in a way that belied my Christian faith. A rude response...a selfish desire...a disobedience...a deliberate lie. What message do I send when I cut somebody off on Independence Boulevard, and then they see the 'clergy' sticker on my back window? When Jesus says, 'watch yourselves,' I realize that others are watching also.
I don't want to let Jesus down. I don't want to be the one who causes another to sin against God. I'm going to watch a little more closely. I want nothing more than for people to see Jesus through my life. Tall order? Not with Him!
peace,
Pastor Judi
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday, 4/1...no kidding
Luke 16:14-15
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."
Jesus was counter-cultural then, and to follow Him now is to be counter-cultural. It's not about wealth, but it is about priority. Our culture sets up wealth and all it will bring as the gold standard. Jesus sets God as the gold standard. Here's what our current day Pharisees might be doing:
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."
Jesus was counter-cultural then, and to follow Him now is to be counter-cultural. It's not about wealth, but it is about priority. Our culture sets up wealth and all it will bring as the gold standard. Jesus sets God as the gold standard. Here's what our current day Pharisees might be doing:
- Making sure the Mercedes payment is made before the tithe.
- Watching 'Desperate Housewives' and 'The Medium' but missing daily time with God.
- Blowing off worship on Sunday because of a late ball game on Saturday night.
- Spending more time and money on the external look than on the internal integrity.
- Thinking that throwing money at a cause is the same as giving of self to said cause.
- "Going through the motions" so it "looks good," and not connecting head and heart.
- Parents expecting a different moral code to apply to children than applies to themselves.
Ouch! If we want to get real with ourselves, we might ask today, 'what in my life is allowing me to sneer at Jesus?' None of us would do this deliberately, but if we're honest we might do it thoughtlessly. So today, I'm just inviting you to think about it; then decide if you want to change anything.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Peace,
Pastor Judi
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