Psalm 6
Jeremiah 15: 10-21
Philippians 3: 15-21
John 12: 20-26
From the passage in Jeremiah, I am struck by the fact that Jeremiah complains to God, which many of us do, but that he also received reassurance. Don’t we all wish that we received reassurance? Though when we actually read the reassurance he is offered, I’m not sure I would take it either. God doesn't promise Jeremiah that no one will come after him or attack him, God promises Jeremiah
that he would not lose. God will be with him, protect him, and hold him.
From the Gospel passage, we hear Jesus using another agricultural metaphor to explain what has to happen to him. The disciples do not want to understand, but this one is fairly easy to understand in retrospect. When we plant seeds, they have to die, have to be broken open to be able to grow into plants. I would think that as a seed, that must hurt! To give up life for a plant you have never seen. Yet, the potential is of great proportions. From one seed can come bounteous grain. Think about how many tomatoes come from one plant. Or zucchini. We almost hope they won’t be too plentiful each year or we won’t have anyone else to whom to give them.
As we walk this week towards the cross, we each need the reassurance that God is with us, yet, we need to remember what the cross does for us. Jesus died so that we may grow in bounty. We must let our sins die with Christ, so that we may with him in glory.
The Reverend Elizabeth Yale
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Psalm 51
Jeremiah 12: 1-16
Philippians 3: 1-14
John 12: 9-19
Regret is a powerful thing, a cloud that can hang over our lives for years and years, long after forgiveness has been asked for and received. I often ask myself “how can Jesus love me when he knows the sins I have committed?” And he knows them all, not just the ones others have seen. This is a crisis of trust and shame; even though His forgiveness is part of our covenant with Him I am judging myself unworthy and therefore questioning His promise. This questioning can send us spiraling down even further, for now we are not just sinners; we are also weak in our Faith. It takes calm, patience, and discipline to cast aside our selfish misery. If we are asking for forgiveness, for peace from the torment caused by our sins, then we must be ready and willing to accept grace when it is offered. We must trust in Him that we are worthy and allow Him to bear that which we cannot.
Gardner Headrick
Jeremiah 12: 1-16
Philippians 3: 1-14
John 12: 9-19
Regret is a powerful thing, a cloud that can hang over our lives for years and years, long after forgiveness has been asked for and received. I often ask myself “how can Jesus love me when he knows the sins I have committed?” And he knows them all, not just the ones others have seen. This is a crisis of trust and shame; even though His forgiveness is part of our covenant with Him I am judging myself unworthy and therefore questioning His promise. This questioning can send us spiraling down even further, for now we are not just sinners; we are also weak in our Faith. It takes calm, patience, and discipline to cast aside our selfish misery. If we are asking for forgiveness, for peace from the torment caused by our sins, then we must be ready and willing to accept grace when it is offered. We must trust in Him that we are worthy and allow Him to bear that which we cannot.
Gardner Headrick
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Psalm 24, 29
Zechariah 9: 9-12
1 Timothy 6: 12-16
Matthew 21: 12-17
The Covenant Prayer of John Wesley (1703–1791)
Zechariah 9: 9-12
1 Timothy 6: 12-16
Matthew 21: 12-17
The Covenant Prayer of John Wesley (1703–1791)
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Psalm 137, 144
Jeremiah 31: 27-34
Romans 11: 25-36
John 11: 28-44 or 12: 37-50
Lenten Communion by Katharine Tynan
Rest in a friend’s house, Dear, I pray:
The way is long to Good Friday,
And very chill and grey the way.
No crocus with its shining cup,
Nor the gold daffodil is up, –
Nothing is here save the snowdrop.
Sit down with me and taste good cheer:
Too soon, too soon, Thy Passion’s here;
The wind is keen and the skies drear.
Sit by my fire and break my bread.
Yea, from Thy dish may I be fed,
And under Thy feet my hair spread!
Lord, in the quiet, chill and sweet,
Let me pour water for Thy feet,
While the crowd goes by in the Street.
Why wouldst Thou dream of spear or sword,
Or of the ingrate rabble, Lord?
There is no sound save the song of a bird.
Let us sit down and talk at ease
About Thy Father’s business.
(What shouts were those borne on the breeze?)
Nay, Lord, it cannot be for Thee
They raise the tallest cross of the three
On yon dark Mount of Calvary!
So soon, so soon, the hour’s flown!
The glory’s dying: Thou art gone
Out on Thy lonely way, alone.
Jeremiah 31: 27-34
Romans 11: 25-36
John 11: 28-44 or 12: 37-50
Lenten Communion by Katharine Tynan
Rest in a friend’s house, Dear, I pray:
The way is long to Good Friday,
And very chill and grey the way.
No crocus with its shining cup,
Nor the gold daffodil is up, –
Nothing is here save the snowdrop.
Sit down with me and taste good cheer:
Too soon, too soon, Thy Passion’s here;
The wind is keen and the skies drear.
Sit by my fire and break my bread.
Yea, from Thy dish may I be fed,
And under Thy feet my hair spread!
Lord, in the quiet, chill and sweet,
Let me pour water for Thy feet,
While the crowd goes by in the Street.
Why wouldst Thou dream of spear or sword,
Or of the ingrate rabble, Lord?
There is no sound save the song of a bird.
Let us sit down and talk at ease
About Thy Father’s business.
(What shouts were those borne on the breeze?)
Nay, Lord, it cannot be for Thee
They raise the tallest cross of the three
On yon dark Mount of Calvary!
So soon, so soon, the hour’s flown!
The glory’s dying: Thou art gone
Out on Thy lonely way, alone.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Psalm 22
Jeremiah 29: 1, 4-13
Romans 11: 13-24
John 11: 1-27 or 12: 1-10
The finality of death is a wall, as frightening as it is impenetrable. Each of us lives with the knowledge that some day will be our last, and that death will come. We all have different ways of dealing with this fact, but the common denominator is a sense of unintentional denial. We push it out of our minds, and in this way rob death of its power over us. And while it would be unhealthy to deny its eventuality, it is perfectly healthy to not dwell upon it. Doing otherwise would be morbid. We are blessed with the ability to live most of our days without fear of death. This is God’s gift to us and it is by His grace that we move through the world with smiles on our faces and laughter in our hearts.
We are faced with joy and tragedy alike, but God has destroyed death forever. He has exposed its power as a pretender and presented us instead with an eternity of life.
Mark E. Ramey, Jr.
Jeremiah 29: 1, 4-13
Romans 11: 13-24
John 11: 1-27 or 12: 1-10
The finality of death is a wall, as frightening as it is impenetrable. Each of us lives with the knowledge that some day will be our last, and that death will come. We all have different ways of dealing with this fact, but the common denominator is a sense of unintentional denial. We push it out of our minds, and in this way rob death of its power over us. And while it would be unhealthy to deny its eventuality, it is perfectly healthy to not dwell upon it. Doing otherwise would be morbid. We are blessed with the ability to live most of our days without fear of death. This is God’s gift to us and it is by His grace that we move through the world with smiles on our faces and laughter in our hearts.
We are faced with joy and tragedy alike, but God has destroyed death forever. He has exposed its power as a pretender and presented us instead with an eternity of life.
Mark E. Ramey, Jr.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Psalm 131, 132, 133
Jeremiah 26: 1-16
Romans 11: 1-12
John 10: 19-42
In the 10th chapter of John, we again find people questioning who Jesus is and refusing to listen to what he tells them. They say, “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly”, but they are looking for the answer they want. They want THEIR kind of messiah – not the Messiah that Jesus was. He responds: I have told you ... I have shown you ... but you do not believe.
It is tempting (and easy) to put God and Jesus into our own box. God punishes sinners (at least the sins WE don’t like). God hates ______ (fill in the blank with whoever WE hate). Or on the other hand (and just as simple-mindedly), God just wants you to be happy (or wealthy, or whatever). There are examples all around us – Westboro Baptist “Church” and the noted institution on the Southwest Freeway in our own city are two obvious examples – but we all do it. It is human nature to hear what we want to hear, and what could be better than having a God who agrees with us completely?
We do not get to decide who God is – that is not what we are called to do. It is our task to listen to the Word and to show that in our lives.
Stephen Morris
Jeremiah 26: 1-16
Romans 11: 1-12
John 10: 19-42
In the 10th chapter of John, we again find people questioning who Jesus is and refusing to listen to what he tells them. They say, “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly”, but they are looking for the answer they want. They want THEIR kind of messiah – not the Messiah that Jesus was. He responds: I have told you ... I have shown you ... but you do not believe.
It is tempting (and easy) to put God and Jesus into our own box. God punishes sinners (at least the sins WE don’t like). God hates ______ (fill in the blank with whoever WE hate). Or on the other hand (and just as simple-mindedly), God just wants you to be happy (or wealthy, or whatever). There are examples all around us – Westboro Baptist “Church” and the noted institution on the Southwest Freeway in our own city are two obvious examples – but we all do it. It is human nature to hear what we want to hear, and what could be better than having a God who agrees with us completely?
We do not get to decide who God is – that is not what we are called to do. It is our task to listen to the Word and to show that in our lives.
Stephen Morris
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Psalm 119: 145-176
Jeremiah 25: 30-38
Romans 10: 14-21
John 10: 1-18
A baby's ears begin developing around 6 weeks gestation, and by 16 weeks the inner ear has connected to neurons in the brain responsible for processing sound, allowing baby to hear what is happening around it. By 24 weeks gestation, a baby begins turning its head when it hears familiar voices and studies show its heart rate increases when it hears its mother's voice. Some doctors
even encourage mothers to sing to their babies during pregnancy. Evidently, baby will learn the tune and take comfort in it after birth.
A baby learns to recognize the sound of its mother's voice before it is even born- without ever seeing her face or meeting her in person. A baby takes comfort in the sound of her voice, and even more so, can tell it apart from any other. I believe this is the same type of voice our Lord speaks about in John 10: 1-18 (vs 4-5 spec).
It is a voice we learn, and while we wait for His return, we develop in ways that allow us to hear Him. Without seeing Him, we find solace in His voice. It is a voice that brings us comfort when we are distressed, and it is a voice that brings us joy. We can tell it apart from any other voice and we recognize it when we hear it.
It brings us the same comfort and safety we feel when we are with those we love. It is a voice that is ingrained in us and is unmistakable. Although we cannot see Him and we haven't met Him yet, we know Him and we know His voice. Just as a baby develops trust in its mother through her voice, we trust in Him and we know He is the way.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We praise you and thank you for our many blessings, among them your voice we know through scripture and one another. We ask you to open our hearts, minds and ears to your guidance through the riches of your voice. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Clair Silliman
Jeremiah 25: 30-38
Romans 10: 14-21
John 10: 1-18
A baby's ears begin developing around 6 weeks gestation, and by 16 weeks the inner ear has connected to neurons in the brain responsible for processing sound, allowing baby to hear what is happening around it. By 24 weeks gestation, a baby begins turning its head when it hears familiar voices and studies show its heart rate increases when it hears its mother's voice. Some doctors
even encourage mothers to sing to their babies during pregnancy. Evidently, baby will learn the tune and take comfort in it after birth.
A baby learns to recognize the sound of its mother's voice before it is even born- without ever seeing her face or meeting her in person. A baby takes comfort in the sound of her voice, and even more so, can tell it apart from any other. I believe this is the same type of voice our Lord speaks about in John 10: 1-18 (vs 4-5 spec).
It is a voice we learn, and while we wait for His return, we develop in ways that allow us to hear Him. Without seeing Him, we find solace in His voice. It is a voice that brings us comfort when we are distressed, and it is a voice that brings us joy. We can tell it apart from any other voice and we recognize it when we hear it.
It brings us the same comfort and safety we feel when we are with those we love. It is a voice that is ingrained in us and is unmistakable. Although we cannot see Him and we haven't met Him yet, we know Him and we know His voice. Just as a baby develops trust in its mother through her voice, we trust in Him and we know He is the way.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We praise you and thank you for our many blessings, among them your voice we know through scripture and one another. We ask you to open our hearts, minds and ears to your guidance through the riches of your voice. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Clair Silliman
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Psalm 121, 122, 123
Jeremiah 25: 8-17
Romans 10: 1-13
John 9: 18-41
The Ledge of Light by Jessica Powers
I have climbed up out of a narrow darkness on to a ledge of light. I am of God; I was not made for night. Here there is room to lift my arms and sing. Oh, God is vast! With Him all space can come to hole or corner or cubiculum. Though once I prayed, “O closed Hand holding me...” I know Love, not a vise. I see aright, set free in morning on this ledge of light. Yet not all truth I see. Since I am not yet one of God’s partakers, I visualize Him now: a thousand acres. God is a thousand acres to me now of high sweet-smelling April and the flow of windy light across a wide plateau. Ah, but when love grows unitive I know joy will upsoar, my heart sing, far more free, having come home to God’s infinity.
“The Ledge of Light” from The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers, edited by Regina Siegfried and Robert F. Morneau. Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1989.
Jeremiah 25: 8-17
Romans 10: 1-13
John 9: 18-41
The Ledge of Light by Jessica Powers
I have climbed up out of a narrow darkness on to a ledge of light. I am of God; I was not made for night. Here there is room to lift my arms and sing. Oh, God is vast! With Him all space can come to hole or corner or cubiculum. Though once I prayed, “O closed Hand holding me...” I know Love, not a vise. I see aright, set free in morning on this ledge of light. Yet not all truth I see. Since I am not yet one of God’s partakers, I visualize Him now: a thousand acres. God is a thousand acres to me now of high sweet-smelling April and the flow of windy light across a wide plateau. Ah, but when love grows unitive I know joy will upsoar, my heart sing, far more free, having come home to God’s infinity.
“The Ledge of Light” from The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers, edited by Regina Siegfried and Robert F. Morneau. Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1989.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Psalm 31
Jeremiah 24: 1-10
Romans 9: 19-33
John 9: 1-17
There is a love for sinners like me
There is a love for all of us
There is a love that teaches us to be full of compassion for others
Instead self-concerns
There is a love
A feast of gratitude
Not discontent
There is a love that teaches us patience instead of anger
Faith instead of fear
Have you woke up in the middle night
And found yourself praying?
There is a love that can’t be bought
There is a love that won’t forsake us
One that no good deeds can buy
Don’t “bite your tongue purple”
Speak the words God like Mark did
Speak the holy word like brother Jeremiah
Speak like Mathew, Luke or John
Speak like the Romans did for the good news
Jeremy Jjemba
Jeremiah 24: 1-10
Romans 9: 19-33
John 9: 1-17
There is a love for sinners like me
There is a love for all of us
There is a love that teaches us to be full of compassion for others
Instead self-concerns
There is a love
A feast of gratitude
Not discontent
There is a love that teaches us patience instead of anger
Faith instead of fear
Have you woke up in the middle night
And found yourself praying?
There is a love that can’t be bought
There is a love that won’t forsake us
One that no good deeds can buy
Don’t “bite your tongue purple”
Speak the words God like Mark did
Speak the holy word like brother Jeremiah
Speak like Mathew, Luke or John
Speak like the Romans did for the good news
Jeremy Jjemba
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Psalm 118
Jeremiah 23: 16-32
1 Corinthians 9: 19-27
Mark 8:31-9:1
“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?”
The work of Lent is a real thing that we are doing together. We aren’t just observing something that happened long ago or thinking theoretically about our lives or who God is. We haven’t given up something or taken on a spiritual practice because it is fun. This is real life and we are talking about how our understanding of what God did on the cross for us informs who we are in Christ. This is about who we are and who God is. This is about turning ourselves back to God (the literal meaning of the word repent).
What do you need to lay at the foot of the cross? What is interfering with your relationships and keeping you from loving the people whom God has given you? What are you doing to yourself that is not good for you? What is keeping you from life? Isn't true life that is so freely offered to us by the grace of God worth giving up all the things that come between us?
Pray with me: “Dear God, I want to know you more fully. I want to follow you in all that I do. I know I will make mistakes in that quest, but I also know you are already prepared to forgive those mistakes. Lord, make your home in me. Let my life be your life and may your cross save me and your resurrection be my hope.”
The Reverend Joshua Condon
Jeremiah 23: 16-32
1 Corinthians 9: 19-27
Mark 8:31-9:1
“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?”
The work of Lent is a real thing that we are doing together. We aren’t just observing something that happened long ago or thinking theoretically about our lives or who God is. We haven’t given up something or taken on a spiritual practice because it is fun. This is real life and we are talking about how our understanding of what God did on the cross for us informs who we are in Christ. This is about who we are and who God is. This is about turning ourselves back to God (the literal meaning of the word repent).
What do you need to lay at the foot of the cross? What is interfering with your relationships and keeping you from loving the people whom God has given you? What are you doing to yourself that is not good for you? What is keeping you from life? Isn't true life that is so freely offered to us by the grace of God worth giving up all the things that come between us?
Pray with me: “Dear God, I want to know you more fully. I want to follow you in all that I do. I know I will make mistakes in that quest, but I also know you are already prepared to forgive those mistakes. Lord, make your home in me. Let my life be your life and may your cross save me and your resurrection be my hope.”
The Reverend Joshua Condon
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Psalm 102, 108
Jeremiah 23: 9-15
Romans 9: 1-18
John 6: 60-71
Jesus told his followers he was the bread that came down from heaven, that he was sent by the Father to offer unending life. The nationalistic God described in today’s Psalms and Jeremiah readings exhibits uncontrolled anger and vengeance. He is a God who sees our shortcomings and desires retribution. By contrast, the Father of Jesus is forgiving and offers joy and eternal life. It was with much confusion that the crowd reacted to the bread metaphor, something familiar and comprehensible to modern Christians, and told Jesus his teaching was unclear. Many were angered and stopped following after him because he said he had come down from heaven. They knew his parents and they knew where he grew up. The disciples did not understand, but they believed
Jesus when he told them that spirit, not flesh gives life. Jesus offered a spiritual message of salvation, which was grounded in the real world for real people, with hope for the next. He did not pander to the crowd; he did not speak down to them. He offered a message that required only belief for spiritual rebirth. He spoke with authority and appealed to those burdened with guilt. His plea was for real religion, a plea to the spirit within, a plea for a relationship with the Father of all. He is a Father who unfailingly loves us, who wants us to recognize his love, and by acknowledging Him as Father of all, acknowledge all in the world as neighbors to be loved, even as He loves us.
Mark Ramey, Sr.
Jeremiah 23: 9-15
Romans 9: 1-18
John 6: 60-71
Jesus told his followers he was the bread that came down from heaven, that he was sent by the Father to offer unending life. The nationalistic God described in today’s Psalms and Jeremiah readings exhibits uncontrolled anger and vengeance. He is a God who sees our shortcomings and desires retribution. By contrast, the Father of Jesus is forgiving and offers joy and eternal life. It was with much confusion that the crowd reacted to the bread metaphor, something familiar and comprehensible to modern Christians, and told Jesus his teaching was unclear. Many were angered and stopped following after him because he said he had come down from heaven. They knew his parents and they knew where he grew up. The disciples did not understand, but they believed
Jesus when he told them that spirit, not flesh gives life. Jesus offered a spiritual message of salvation, which was grounded in the real world for real people, with hope for the next. He did not pander to the crowd; he did not speak down to them. He offered a message that required only belief for spiritual rebirth. He spoke with authority and appealed to those burdened with guilt. His plea was for real religion, a plea to the spirit within, a plea for a relationship with the Father of all. He is a Father who unfailingly loves us, who wants us to recognize his love, and by acknowledging Him as Father of all, acknowledge all in the world as neighbors to be loved, even as He loves us.
Mark Ramey, Sr.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Psalm 107: 1-32
Jeremiah 23: 1-8
Romans 8: 28-39
John 6: 52-59
O God, you have given us the Good News of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our hope is confidently founded on the days that are surely coming. We hope every time we go to church for the coming of Jesus again, for the Messiah. We hope for the resurrection when loved ones die. We hope for grace in the difficult moments of each day. “The days are surely coming says the Lord” in Jeremiah. The Israelites had been waiting for so long, it is not surprising that they needed some reassurance. We also need some reassurance in our times of waiting and Jeremiah gives us hope. Our faith does not cast out our doubts, it allows us to work through them. As we move closer and closer to the end of Lent, we strain forward, we cannot wait for those days that are surely coming, for the Eastertide, when we can joyfully shout with the angels again. We wait to share the good news of God that we have encountered in love. We marinate, steep, in this waiting and it informs and infuses our traditions and religious language. “The days are surely coming.” And when they do, we will rejoice with all the hosts of heaven.
The Reverend Elizabeth Yale
Jeremiah 23: 1-8
Romans 8: 28-39
John 6: 52-59
O God, you have given us the Good News of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our hope is confidently founded on the days that are surely coming. We hope every time we go to church for the coming of Jesus again, for the Messiah. We hope for the resurrection when loved ones die. We hope for grace in the difficult moments of each day. “The days are surely coming says the Lord” in Jeremiah. The Israelites had been waiting for so long, it is not surprising that they needed some reassurance. We also need some reassurance in our times of waiting and Jeremiah gives us hope. Our faith does not cast out our doubts, it allows us to work through them. As we move closer and closer to the end of Lent, we strain forward, we cannot wait for those days that are surely coming, for the Eastertide, when we can joyfully shout with the angels again. We wait to share the good news of God that we have encountered in love. We marinate, steep, in this waiting and it informs and infuses our traditions and religious language. “The days are surely coming.” And when they do, we will rejoice with all the hosts of heaven.
The Reverend Elizabeth Yale
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thursday, March 19
Psalm 69
Jeremiah 22: 12-23
Romans 8: 12-27
John 6: 41-51
In John 8:58, Jesus says, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I AM." (emphasis mine) Declaring himself to be transcendent - eternal God - beyond all that our minds can contain.
These "I AM" statements are peppered throughout John's gospel and we find one today in John 6:41-51 "I AM the bread of life".
There are others:
"I AM the light of the world" (John 8:12)
"I AM the door" (John 10:9-16)
"I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:11-18)
"I AM the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25)
"I AM the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6)
"I AM the vine" (John 15:5)
May we eat the bread, see the light, enter the door, follow the good shepherd, take part in the resurrection, embrace the way and abide in the vine. And find IN HIM we are enough.
Kari Ann Lessner
Jeremiah 22: 12-23
Romans 8: 12-27
John 6: 41-51
In John 8:58, Jesus says, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I AM." (emphasis mine) Declaring himself to be transcendent - eternal God - beyond all that our minds can contain.
These "I AM" statements are peppered throughout John's gospel and we find one today in John 6:41-51 "I AM the bread of life".
There are others:
"I AM the light of the world" (John 8:12)
"I AM the door" (John 10:9-16)
"I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:11-18)
"I AM the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25)
"I AM the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6)
"I AM the vine" (John 15:5)
May we eat the bread, see the light, enter the door, follow the good shepherd, take part in the resurrection, embrace the way and abide in the vine. And find IN HIM we are enough.
Kari Ann Lessner
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Psalm 101, 109
Jeremiah 18: 1-11
Romans 8: 1 –11
John 6: 27-40
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever
believes in me will never be thirsty.” - John 6:35
The other week, Fr. Josh said something at the start of his sermon that really hit home. “We all want and need to be known.” This hit home because I often feel like I am five different people and that no one, but God, my husband and kids, truly knows who I am. I looked around the church that morning and thought I am likely no different from anyone else there. I show one type of person in client meetings, another type to the parents at the bus stop, another to my gym buddies and don’t even get me started on who I am on Facebook. At the end of the day, I can feel segmented and not very well understood.
I blame age. Mistakes and missteps in my earlier years have taught me to rein it in. You don’t say certain things in meetings or clients will think you’re not the consummate professional. You don’t let fly your frustration with the latest political brouhaha when talking with the other parents at school functions. And you don’t post overly sarcastic comments on Facebook because people will think you’re too dark. Stick with cute kid pics. Always a crowd pleaser.
It goes beyond self-censorship. We do it to others. All. The. Time. We “know” that Miley Cyrus is an attention-seeking, sex-obsessed lunatic. We “know” the Kardashians are capable of nothing more than what’s written for them on their scripted reality show. We “know” if you’re a Democrat, you hate oil and want to outlaw guns, and we “know” that if you’re a Republican, you hate the poor and are out to destroy the environment.
We don’t cut people slack, and we don’t think people are capable of anything more than our assumptions. We draw lines in the sand around ourselves and we draw them around others. Once, at a team-training session, I had to take the dreaded Myers Briggs test, and I scored the exact same as someone who I could not be more different from. One of the exercises was to draw a poster of what was important in my life. And in my classic pretentious style, one of the things I drew was a box with the words “don’t box me in.” I hate being defined. Yet I do it to myself and I do it to others.
So I mentioned at the beginning of this diatribe that I felt known by God, my husband and kids. And, I add to that that I feel known by the good people of Holy Spirit. I don’t feel like I have to censor myself or put on my game face. Holy Spirit is a soft, forgiving place to land on Sundays. It’s filled with people who share common struggles and who are striving to better know themselves, others and Christ. And for that, thanks be to God.
Susan Diemont-Conwell
Jeremiah 18: 1-11
Romans 8: 1 –11
John 6: 27-40
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever
believes in me will never be thirsty.” - John 6:35
The other week, Fr. Josh said something at the start of his sermon that really hit home. “We all want and need to be known.” This hit home because I often feel like I am five different people and that no one, but God, my husband and kids, truly knows who I am. I looked around the church that morning and thought I am likely no different from anyone else there. I show one type of person in client meetings, another type to the parents at the bus stop, another to my gym buddies and don’t even get me started on who I am on Facebook. At the end of the day, I can feel segmented and not very well understood.
I blame age. Mistakes and missteps in my earlier years have taught me to rein it in. You don’t say certain things in meetings or clients will think you’re not the consummate professional. You don’t let fly your frustration with the latest political brouhaha when talking with the other parents at school functions. And you don’t post overly sarcastic comments on Facebook because people will think you’re too dark. Stick with cute kid pics. Always a crowd pleaser.
It goes beyond self-censorship. We do it to others. All. The. Time. We “know” that Miley Cyrus is an attention-seeking, sex-obsessed lunatic. We “know” the Kardashians are capable of nothing more than what’s written for them on their scripted reality show. We “know” if you’re a Democrat, you hate oil and want to outlaw guns, and we “know” that if you’re a Republican, you hate the poor and are out to destroy the environment.
We don’t cut people slack, and we don’t think people are capable of anything more than our assumptions. We draw lines in the sand around ourselves and we draw them around others. Once, at a team-training session, I had to take the dreaded Myers Briggs test, and I scored the exact same as someone who I could not be more different from. One of the exercises was to draw a poster of what was important in my life. And in my classic pretentious style, one of the things I drew was a box with the words “don’t box me in.” I hate being defined. Yet I do it to myself and I do it to others.
So I mentioned at the beginning of this diatribe that I felt known by God, my husband and kids. And, I add to that that I feel known by the good people of Holy Spirit. I don’t feel like I have to censor myself or put on my game face. Holy Spirit is a soft, forgiving place to land on Sundays. It’s filled with people who share common struggles and who are striving to better know themselves, others and Christ. And for that, thanks be to God.
Susan Diemont-Conwell
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Psalm 97, 99, 100
Jeremiah 17: 19– 27
Romans 7: 13-25
John 6: 16-27
Psalm 97: 7 “Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in falsegods!
Bow down before him, all you gods."
Well, today is St. Patrick’s Day and since I am steeped in Patrick culture, being Irish, I could not miss the opportunity to pass on his legend as it relates to verse 7 of Psalm 97. Patrick’s success in converting the Celtic Irish to Christianity hinges on Patrick’s confrontation with the High King of Ireland. Legend has it that Patrick lighted a fire to celebrate Easter during the Celtic springtime fire festival known as Beltane. The ritual commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the High King's fire, from which all the other fires in the land would be lit. The High King sent nine chariots to vanquish Patrick and put out his fire. Circling counter to the sun's path, the chariots attacked, but were unable to prevail against the holy fire. The High King is said to have accepted Patrick’s faith as superior to pagan ritual and so began the rest of the story.
So, what carved images and rituals need Christ’s help to see thrown down? Lent is the time to “clean house” and Spring clean. It is too much self and not enough others? Is it too much time talking and not talking to God? Too much doing and not enough reflecting? Too much taking and not enough giving. I’m talking about me and not about you!
Well, that’s enough about what I need to do and I’ll leave you to draw up your own strategy. I hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day and success with your plan.
John McGarvey
Jeremiah 17: 19– 27
Romans 7: 13-25
John 6: 16-27
Psalm 97: 7 “Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in falsegods!
Bow down before him, all you gods."
Well, today is St. Patrick’s Day and since I am steeped in Patrick culture, being Irish, I could not miss the opportunity to pass on his legend as it relates to verse 7 of Psalm 97. Patrick’s success in converting the Celtic Irish to Christianity hinges on Patrick’s confrontation with the High King of Ireland. Legend has it that Patrick lighted a fire to celebrate Easter during the Celtic springtime fire festival known as Beltane. The ritual commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the High King's fire, from which all the other fires in the land would be lit. The High King sent nine chariots to vanquish Patrick and put out his fire. Circling counter to the sun's path, the chariots attacked, but were unable to prevail against the holy fire. The High King is said to have accepted Patrick’s faith as superior to pagan ritual and so began the rest of the story.
So, what carved images and rituals need Christ’s help to see thrown down? Lent is the time to “clean house” and Spring clean. It is too much self and not enough others? Is it too much time talking and not talking to God? Too much doing and not enough reflecting? Too much taking and not enough giving. I’m talking about me and not about you!
Well, that’s enough about what I need to do and I’ll leave you to draw up your own strategy. I hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day and success with your plan.
John McGarvey
Monday, March 16, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
Psalm 89: 1-18
Jeremiah 16: 10-21
Romans 7: 1-12
John 6: 1-15
The Feeding of the 5,000 is also known as the "miracle of the five loaves and two fish" given
that the Gospel of John reports that five barley loaves and two small fish supplied by a little boy
were used by Jesus to feed a multitude. According to the Gospels, when Jesus heard that John
the Baptist had been killed, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. The crowds followed Jesus on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. The day quickly passed. It got to be later, long into the day, and one of the disciples said: “Lord, the hour is late and the people don’t have any food and we are a long way from any villages. Maybe you should send them home now.” Jesus said, “Look around the crowd and see what you can find.” Andrew found a young boy with five loaves of bread and two fish, and brought the boy, fish and bread to Jesus. Jesus invited everyone to be seated on the green grass. Jesus took the bread...looked up into heaven...gave thanks...broke it...gave it to his disciples...who gave it to the crowds. And they all ate and were all satisfied ...and... there were twelve baskets of bread left over.
The number who ate were five thousand men, plus women and children. The miracle of the five
loaves and two fish is the only Gospel miracle which is told in its fullness in all four Gospels. But what does it mean?
I like the perspective from Pastor Edward F. Markquart of Seattle: "Now, why is this story told over and over again? I believe it is because this story captures the truth, the essence of all the people
involved; the essential truth about Jesus and the essential truth about the disciples and the essential
truth about God." That’s why it was told over and over again. This story captures the very essence of Jesus as the wondrous Son of God. It captures the very essence of God, in God’s abundant and extravagant generosity and grace, twelve and seven baskets full of bread left over. And it captures the very essence of us his disciples, who don’t get it, even after we have seen first-hand, God’s miraculous work in our lives. Jesus can work miracles with five loaves and two fish. That is at the heart of the story, that the little boy brought his meager gifts to Jesus, his five loaves and two fish, and look what mighty miracles God did with them. And God wants to do the same with us; that we bring our meager gifts to God, our five loaves and two fish, our meager and ordinary talents and gifts, we bring the simplicity of who we are to God, and look what mighty miracles God can do with our little lives. The key for me is that the little boy surrendered his meager gifts to Christ, and at the heart of the story today is the implied invitation for us to surrender our little gifts, the gift of our little lives to Christ, and then see what mighty miracles God can do in and through us. That’s what God wants from you and me, to surrender, to give the gifts of our little lives to him. God can use your inadequacies and mine and work mighty miracles through them. Implied in the story is this question: Have you surrendered your five loaves and two fish to Christ? Have you surrendered the meagerness of who you are to Christ? You would be amazed at what mighty miracles God can do with your meager self when you have surrendered who you are to Christ."
Cory Canon
Jeremiah 16: 10-21
Romans 7: 1-12
John 6: 1-15
The Feeding of the 5,000 is also known as the "miracle of the five loaves and two fish" given
that the Gospel of John reports that five barley loaves and two small fish supplied by a little boy
were used by Jesus to feed a multitude. According to the Gospels, when Jesus heard that John
the Baptist had been killed, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. The crowds followed Jesus on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. The day quickly passed. It got to be later, long into the day, and one of the disciples said: “Lord, the hour is late and the people don’t have any food and we are a long way from any villages. Maybe you should send them home now.” Jesus said, “Look around the crowd and see what you can find.” Andrew found a young boy with five loaves of bread and two fish, and brought the boy, fish and bread to Jesus. Jesus invited everyone to be seated on the green grass. Jesus took the bread...looked up into heaven...gave thanks...broke it...gave it to his disciples...who gave it to the crowds. And they all ate and were all satisfied ...and... there were twelve baskets of bread left over.
The number who ate were five thousand men, plus women and children. The miracle of the five
loaves and two fish is the only Gospel miracle which is told in its fullness in all four Gospels. But what does it mean?
I like the perspective from Pastor Edward F. Markquart of Seattle: "Now, why is this story told over and over again? I believe it is because this story captures the truth, the essence of all the people
involved; the essential truth about Jesus and the essential truth about the disciples and the essential
truth about God." That’s why it was told over and over again. This story captures the very essence of Jesus as the wondrous Son of God. It captures the very essence of God, in God’s abundant and extravagant generosity and grace, twelve and seven baskets full of bread left over. And it captures the very essence of us his disciples, who don’t get it, even after we have seen first-hand, God’s miraculous work in our lives. Jesus can work miracles with five loaves and two fish. That is at the heart of the story, that the little boy brought his meager gifts to Jesus, his five loaves and two fish, and look what mighty miracles God did with them. And God wants to do the same with us; that we bring our meager gifts to God, our five loaves and two fish, our meager and ordinary talents and gifts, we bring the simplicity of who we are to God, and look what mighty miracles God can do with our little lives. The key for me is that the little boy surrendered his meager gifts to Christ, and at the heart of the story today is the implied invitation for us to surrender our little gifts, the gift of our little lives to Christ, and then see what mighty miracles God can do in and through us. That’s what God wants from you and me, to surrender, to give the gifts of our little lives to him. God can use your inadequacies and mine and work mighty miracles through them. Implied in the story is this question: Have you surrendered your five loaves and two fish to Christ? Have you surrendered the meagerness of who you are to Christ? You would be amazed at what mighty miracles God can do with your meager self when you have surrendered who you are to Christ."
Cory Canon
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Psalm 66, 67
Jeremiah 14: 1-9 17-22
Galatians 4: 21– 5: 1
Mark 8: 11
Let us come together this minute
Let us join with everything in existence
Let you and I join together and recite the words of the our Lord
Let us pray, Meditate and Worship
Let us sing songs, and shout joy to God
Come; let us rejoice in Him,
Let us feast on the words of the ancient Psalms
Tell me what the Lord has done for you
Tell me that when you cried out with your mouth open
The Lord our God answered your cry
And for me, I will tell you
The Lord our God took me from pessimism to optimism
From criticism into praise
From self-pity to joy
From bitterness to forgiveness
From idle gossip to love
I was discouraged He gave me hope
Let us come together this minute
Let us remember that we children of the most high
Like Isaac,
We “are children of promise”
We are born of the Holy Spirit
Born not of a slave woman
But of a free woman
Let us come together and recite the words of the our Lord
Jeremy Jjemba
Jeremiah 14: 1-9 17-22
Galatians 4: 21– 5: 1
Mark 8: 11
Let us come together this minute
Let us join with everything in existence
Let you and I join together and recite the words of the our Lord
Let us pray, Meditate and Worship
Let us sing songs, and shout joy to God
Come; let us rejoice in Him,
Let us feast on the words of the ancient Psalms
Tell me what the Lord has done for you
Tell me that when you cried out with your mouth open
The Lord our God answered your cry
And for me, I will tell you
The Lord our God took me from pessimism to optimism
From criticism into praise
From self-pity to joy
From bitterness to forgiveness
From idle gossip to love
I was discouraged He gave me hope
Let us come together this minute
Let us remember that we children of the most high
Like Isaac,
We “are children of promise”
We are born of the Holy Spirit
Born not of a slave woman
But of a free woman
Let us come together and recite the words of the our Lord
Jeremy Jjemba
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Psalm 40, 54
Deuteronomy 10: 12-22
Hebrews 4: 11-16
John 3: 22-36
Today’s reading from Romans 6: 12-23 reminds me that God gives the gift of free will to everyone. We may freely choose to live by our own desires or to follow Christ. Even if we choose to live by God’s laws, not all days are filled with sunshine and roses. However, peace within is present regardless of circumstances when I look to Jesus. This has reinforced my choice to continue to look for God’s guidance and maintain that quiet confidence within my heart. It is this partnership with the Creator that I appreciate.
“Take Up Your Life and Walk” by China Galland expresses this beautifully:
Eleanor Sheldon
Deuteronomy 10: 12-22
Hebrews 4: 11-16
John 3: 22-36
Today’s reading from Romans 6: 12-23 reminds me that God gives the gift of free will to everyone. We may freely choose to live by our own desires or to follow Christ. Even if we choose to live by God’s laws, not all days are filled with sunshine and roses. However, peace within is present regardless of circumstances when I look to Jesus. This has reinforced my choice to continue to look for God’s guidance and maintain that quiet confidence within my heart. It is this partnership with the Creator that I appreciate.
“Take Up Your Life and Walk” by China Galland expresses this beautifully:
into flowering, into fragrance, fruit and song,
into the wild winds dancing, sun shimmering
but that comes back to life, time and time again,
Eleanor Sheldon
Friday, March 13, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
Psalm 88
Jeremiah 11: 1-8, 14-20
Romans 6: 1-11
John 8: 33-47
Where do you turn when you are at the lowest of lows? Sometimes it’s a friend, sometimes it’s a thing, sometimes it’s hiding, but hopefully it’s God. In Psalm 88 the author cries out to the Lord daily he says. He cries for help, lifts up his prayer and yet still wonders if the Lord is rejecting him.
The good news is, we can ALWAYS pray, and God will always hear us. We may not always feel His presence, but we continue to pray. This particular psalm doesn't seem to offer hope, but this author didn't know what we know.
We know Jesus came and died on the cross for us. We know we have God’s grace when we have Jesus in our hearts. We confess, we believe, and we have hope.
But how do we feel His presence especially in the midst of tragic times? Maybe it’s in forgiveness. One of my absolute favorite songs is Matthew West’s Forgiveness.
I pray you do feel His presence and the peace that only comes from Jesus. Practicing forgiveness is hard, but that’s exactly what God did for us. Thank you, Jesus, that my sins are washed away with your crucifixion and resurrection. Thank you for your grace, your mercy, and your forgiveness. We praise your name! And we continually ask for your help during times of trouble.
Angie Foster
Jeremiah 11: 1-8, 14-20
Romans 6: 1-11
John 8: 33-47
Where do you turn when you are at the lowest of lows? Sometimes it’s a friend, sometimes it’s a thing, sometimes it’s hiding, but hopefully it’s God. In Psalm 88 the author cries out to the Lord daily he says. He cries for help, lifts up his prayer and yet still wonders if the Lord is rejecting him.
The good news is, we can ALWAYS pray, and God will always hear us. We may not always feel His presence, but we continue to pray. This particular psalm doesn't seem to offer hope, but this author didn't know what we know.
We know Jesus came and died on the cross for us. We know we have God’s grace when we have Jesus in our hearts. We confess, we believe, and we have hope.
But how do we feel His presence especially in the midst of tragic times? Maybe it’s in forgiveness. One of my absolute favorite songs is Matthew West’s Forgiveness.
It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just too real
It takes everything you have just to say the word
Forgiveness
...
It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
So, let it go and be amazed
Forgiveness
I pray you do feel His presence and the peace that only comes from Jesus. Practicing forgiveness is hard, but that’s exactly what God did for us. Thank you, Jesus, that my sins are washed away with your crucifixion and resurrection. Thank you for your grace, your mercy, and your forgiveness. We praise your name! And we continually ask for your help during times of trouble.
Angie Foster
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Psalm 42, 43
Jeremiah 10: 11-24
Romans 5: 12-21
John 8: 21-32
I've never been a Psalms “fan” – so many are convoluted, hard to understand, and, finally, most psalms seem to be authored by moaners and groaners – “Oh, poor me”, “Nobody understands me”, etc. etc.
However, these two psalms are about long for God’s presence – and who hasn't been there? I think everyone of us wants to feel closer to God or, better yet, God closer to us.
These two psalms share the same theme and the same refrain. The psalmist is in exile in the north, surrounded by godless men who mock his faith. Feeling very downhearted, he thinks of past joys when he led the pilgrim crown to the sanctuary:
“42.4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul – how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.”
Remembering this happy event, the psalmist regrets his sadness and says with his new outlook, “Put your hope in God; I will praise him, my Savior and my God.”
What a complete turn-around in his attitude simply by recalling a wonderful time in his life when his faith was strong.
Haven’t all of us had like times in our lives when we've temporarily forgotten how much we have to be thankful for and, like the psalmist, experience a renewed and refreshed faith in God and have the wonderful feeling of His presence in our lives. Hallelujah!!
Virginia McGarvey
Jeremiah 10: 11-24
Romans 5: 12-21
John 8: 21-32
I've never been a Psalms “fan” – so many are convoluted, hard to understand, and, finally, most psalms seem to be authored by moaners and groaners – “Oh, poor me”, “Nobody understands me”, etc. etc.
However, these two psalms are about long for God’s presence – and who hasn't been there? I think everyone of us wants to feel closer to God or, better yet, God closer to us.
These two psalms share the same theme and the same refrain. The psalmist is in exile in the north, surrounded by godless men who mock his faith. Feeling very downhearted, he thinks of past joys when he led the pilgrim crown to the sanctuary:
“42.4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul – how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.”
Remembering this happy event, the psalmist regrets his sadness and says with his new outlook, “Put your hope in God; I will praise him, my Savior and my God.”
What a complete turn-around in his attitude simply by recalling a wonderful time in his life when his faith was strong.
Haven’t all of us had like times in our lives when we've temporarily forgotten how much we have to be thankful for and, like the psalmist, experience a renewed and refreshed faith in God and have the wonderful feeling of His presence in our lives. Hallelujah!!
Virginia McGarvey
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Psalm 119: 97-120
Jeremiah 8: 18– 9:6
Romans 5: 1-11
John 8: 12-20
Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In the passage from Romans today, Paul writes, “We boast in our sufferings.” Right, Paul. I love to boast in my sufferings. Yet, truly how often do we boast when we make it through something very difficult. I survived! I achieved! We are proud and boast of our sufferings. Our times of survival allow us to hope and pray and carry on the next time our lives get rough. None of us survives on our own. All the rough spots in our lives are witnessed and supported by others, by our communities, by God. God is always with us through the changes on our earthly pilgrimages. Jesus is asked by the Pharisee in the Gospel passage in John, “Where is your Father?” If we know God, we know that God is with us. Jesus proclaims this good news in his teachings and in his actions. We can only boast in our sufferings because God has carried us through.
The Reverend Elizabeth Yale
Jeremiah 8: 18– 9:6
Romans 5: 1-11
John 8: 12-20
Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In the passage from Romans today, Paul writes, “We boast in our sufferings.” Right, Paul. I love to boast in my sufferings. Yet, truly how often do we boast when we make it through something very difficult. I survived! I achieved! We are proud and boast of our sufferings. Our times of survival allow us to hope and pray and carry on the next time our lives get rough. None of us survives on our own. All the rough spots in our lives are witnessed and supported by others, by our communities, by God. God is always with us through the changes on our earthly pilgrimages. Jesus is asked by the Pharisee in the Gospel passage in John, “Where is your Father?” If we know God, we know that God is with us. Jesus proclaims this good news in his teachings and in his actions. We can only boast in our sufferings because God has carried us through.
The Reverend Elizabeth Yale
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Psalm 78: 1-39
Jeremiah 7: 21-31
Romans 4: 13-25
John 7: 37-52
He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands. (Psalm 78:5-7, NIV)
But ... they didn’t. The faithful have a tendency to fail to fully trust in God. Throughout the centuries, God pours out his endless grace, but his deeds and his commandments are soon forgotten. Fear returns. In Jeremiah we hear God say, “From the time your ancestors left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.“ (Jere 7:25-26, NIV) Our listening skills didn’t improve even when Jesus was standing right there in front of us. In John, Jesus says to the crowd, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 37-38, NIV). But still, people do not put their trust in God. What more do we need?
God is ever patient with us. We cry out for help. We ask for guidance. We beg for forgiveness. And we receive grace time and time again. Then what? We neglect our relationship with God and return to a state of fear. Fear is a very powerful emotion and it can lead to all sorts of sinful, destructive behavior. This Lent, let’s practice following God’s commands and putting our trust in him. If we allow it, that “living water” flowing within us, a gift freely given by God, will drive out all fear.
Evelyn Snow
Jeremiah 7: 21-31
Romans 4: 13-25
John 7: 37-52
He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands. (Psalm 78:5-7, NIV)
But ... they didn’t. The faithful have a tendency to fail to fully trust in God. Throughout the centuries, God pours out his endless grace, but his deeds and his commandments are soon forgotten. Fear returns. In Jeremiah we hear God say, “From the time your ancestors left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.“ (Jere 7:25-26, NIV) Our listening skills didn’t improve even when Jesus was standing right there in front of us. In John, Jesus says to the crowd, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 37-38, NIV). But still, people do not put their trust in God. What more do we need?
God is ever patient with us. We cry out for help. We ask for guidance. We beg for forgiveness. And we receive grace time and time again. Then what? We neglect our relationship with God and return to a state of fear. Fear is a very powerful emotion and it can lead to all sorts of sinful, destructive behavior. This Lent, let’s practice following God’s commands and putting our trust in him. If we allow it, that “living water” flowing within us, a gift freely given by God, will drive out all fear.
Evelyn Snow
Monday, March 9, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
Psalm 80
Jeremiah 7: 1-15
Romans 4: 1-12
John 7: 14-36
Psalm 80:19 “Bring us back Lord God Almighty
Show us your mercy, and we will be saved."
This prayer was written when Israel had been defeated in war and their nation was taken from them. There is no argument that war is the worst experience of humanity. War destroys cities, pollutes land and sea, and causes thousands of human deaths. Yet very few of us have ever experienced the destruction of our homes by war.
In my lifetime there was always a war that involved our nation, but it never changed my environment. As a child during World War II we played war in our peaceful backyards and rode our bikes on quiet roads. We didn't worry about bombs falling or our homes being destroyed. We complained about ra-
tioning and food shortages. We prayed for the safety of our relatives in the armed forces. We have truly felt God’s mercy.
Lent is a time for thoughtful reflection. Let us pray for all those who live in constant danger and those who live with war all around them. Let us remember all those who have fought and died for our freedom and the freedom of others. Let us lift our voices in thanksgiving to God for our peaceful nation, and for all the mercies He has shown us. Let us bow our heads in prayer.
Susan Montgomery
Jeremiah 7: 1-15
Romans 4: 1-12
John 7: 14-36
Psalm 80:19 “Bring us back Lord God Almighty
Show us your mercy, and we will be saved."
This prayer was written when Israel had been defeated in war and their nation was taken from them. There is no argument that war is the worst experience of humanity. War destroys cities, pollutes land and sea, and causes thousands of human deaths. Yet very few of us have ever experienced the destruction of our homes by war.
In my lifetime there was always a war that involved our nation, but it never changed my environment. As a child during World War II we played war in our peaceful backyards and rode our bikes on quiet roads. We didn't worry about bombs falling or our homes being destroyed. We complained about ra-
tioning and food shortages. We prayed for the safety of our relatives in the armed forces. We have truly felt God’s mercy.
Lent is a time for thoughtful reflection. Let us pray for all those who live in constant danger and those who live with war all around them. Let us remember all those who have fought and died for our freedom and the freedom of others. Let us lift our voices in thanksgiving to God for our peaceful nation, and for all the mercies He has shown us. Let us bow our heads in prayer.
Susan Montgomery
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Psalm 93, 96
Jeremiah 6: 9-15
1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
Mark 5:1-20
Mark 5: 1-20 “Go home and tell your friends what great things the Lord has done for you.”
In chapter 4 of the gospel of Mark immediately preceding today’s reading we learn about the large crowds that have begun to follow Jesus everywhere, captured by his teaching and his healing powers. He frequently has to escape to a boat and cross the water for his own safety and that of his disciples. In chapter 5 he arrives onshore and is immediately approached by a man “with an unclean
spirit” or a demon. Jesus heals the man by casting the demons into a nearby herd of swine in what must have been one of the more remarkable incidents to witness in Jesus’ ministry.
As Jesus prepares to depart, the man who was cured begs Jesus to allow him to go also. Jesus refuses, telling the man: “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he has compression on you.” This is clearly a lesson for all of us today. I have certainly experienced God’s compassion in my life and I think that perhaps every one of us can say
the same. But how often have I told my friends about it, how often have I shared my faith with others?
Jesus makes it clear: you don’t have to physically get into the boat with him to show your gratitude for his healing and compassion. Instead he says, “tell your friends” so that they may come to know the healing power and compassion of the Lord. Something to think about this Lent as we move toward the ultimate healing of Easter and the resurrection.
Bob Lowe
Jeremiah 6: 9-15
1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
Mark 5:1-20
Mark 5: 1-20 “Go home and tell your friends what great things the Lord has done for you.”
In chapter 4 of the gospel of Mark immediately preceding today’s reading we learn about the large crowds that have begun to follow Jesus everywhere, captured by his teaching and his healing powers. He frequently has to escape to a boat and cross the water for his own safety and that of his disciples. In chapter 5 he arrives onshore and is immediately approached by a man “with an unclean
spirit” or a demon. Jesus heals the man by casting the demons into a nearby herd of swine in what must have been one of the more remarkable incidents to witness in Jesus’ ministry.
As Jesus prepares to depart, the man who was cured begs Jesus to allow him to go also. Jesus refuses, telling the man: “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he has compression on you.” This is clearly a lesson for all of us today. I have certainly experienced God’s compassion in my life and I think that perhaps every one of us can say
the same. But how often have I told my friends about it, how often have I shared my faith with others?
Jesus makes it clear: you don’t have to physically get into the boat with him to show your gratitude for his healing and compassion. Instead he says, “tell your friends” so that they may come to know the healing power and compassion of the Lord. Something to think about this Lent as we move toward the ultimate healing of Easter and the resurrection.
Bob Lowe
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Psalm 93, 96
Jeremiah 5:20-31
Romans 3: 19-31
John 7: 1-13
A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land...but what will you do in the end? (Jeremiah 5:30-31)
I am writing the night after the prayer service for the Ahimbisibwe family. My initial glance of the assigned readings focuses on these words: wicked; weapons of war; judgment; senseless; wicked (again); evil deeds; punish; avenge; wrath. Dark words for dark days.
Our brains crave order in this disorderly world. We try to make sense of things that are beyond nonsensical, and find explanations for things that cannot ever be explained.
I force myself to re-read, and I settle on the above verses from Jeremiah. There has been, and always will be, darkness and pain in this world. Unspeakable things happen to righteous, beautiful, beloved people. So, how do we honor the lives of a scholar and pastor and his beautiful family? How do we counteract the darkness? How do we sustain our faith?
In the end, we can be completely and utterly consumed by the awfulness, or we can persevere despite it.
What will we do in the end? We will choose light. We will choose love. We will choose hope. We will praise God. Why? Not because we sustain our faith, but because our faith will sustain us.
Joanne Polansky
Jeremiah 5:20-31
Romans 3: 19-31
John 7: 1-13
A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land...but what will you do in the end? (Jeremiah 5:30-31)
I am writing the night after the prayer service for the Ahimbisibwe family. My initial glance of the assigned readings focuses on these words: wicked; weapons of war; judgment; senseless; wicked (again); evil deeds; punish; avenge; wrath. Dark words for dark days.
Our brains crave order in this disorderly world. We try to make sense of things that are beyond nonsensical, and find explanations for things that cannot ever be explained.
I force myself to re-read, and I settle on the above verses from Jeremiah. There has been, and always will be, darkness and pain in this world. Unspeakable things happen to righteous, beautiful, beloved people. So, how do we honor the lives of a scholar and pastor and his beautiful family? How do we counteract the darkness? How do we sustain our faith?
In the end, we can be completely and utterly consumed by the awfulness, or we can persevere despite it.
What will we do in the end? We will choose light. We will choose love. We will choose hope. We will praise God. Why? Not because we sustain our faith, but because our faith will sustain us.
Joanne Polansky
Friday, March 6, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Psalm 69
Jeremiah 5: 1-9
Romans 2: 25-3:18
John 5: 30-47
The royal official asked Jesus to come with him to save his dying son. Jesus told the man that his son was well, and to return home. The man believed and went on his way.
It was a long journey home, at least two or three days. What must that trip have been like? He believed Jesus, and so he had just experienced a miracle. What a relief it must have been to know that his son would live. And yet, how could this be? Was he sure that Jesus words were true? How could his dying son be well again? How difficult it must have been to go between feeling certain of Jesus words and then doubting if it could be true. Then knowing, then doubting. His relief must have been immense when his servant rushed up and confirmed his son’s health. Yet he still had to determine the time of his son’s improvement before he was sure in his heart that it was indeed the work of Jesus. With doubt set aside, it must have been a joyous homecoming.
I imagine this royal official’s journey, because it corresponds with my journey. No matter how certain I am of Jesus’ love and gifts to me, as I walk the path, I have moments of doubt. Sometimes small, sometimes huge. I argue with myself. Then, God sends another reminder that it’s all true, and I become gratefully joyful.
Susan Bowen
Jeremiah 5: 1-9
Romans 2: 25-3:18
John 5: 30-47
The royal official asked Jesus to come with him to save his dying son. Jesus told the man that his son was well, and to return home. The man believed and went on his way.
It was a long journey home, at least two or three days. What must that trip have been like? He believed Jesus, and so he had just experienced a miracle. What a relief it must have been to know that his son would live. And yet, how could this be? Was he sure that Jesus words were true? How could his dying son be well again? How difficult it must have been to go between feeling certain of Jesus words and then doubting if it could be true. Then knowing, then doubting. His relief must have been immense when his servant rushed up and confirmed his son’s health. Yet he still had to determine the time of his son’s improvement before he was sure in his heart that it was indeed the work of Jesus. With doubt set aside, it must have been a joyous homecoming.
I imagine this royal official’s journey, because it corresponds with my journey. No matter how certain I am of Jesus’ love and gifts to me, as I walk the path, I have moments of doubt. Sometimes small, sometimes huge. I argue with myself. Then, God sends another reminder that it’s all true, and I become gratefully joyful.
Susan Bowen
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Psalm 70, 71
Jeremiah 4: 9-10
Romans 2: 12-24
John 5:19-29
“We as a parish, and as the broader Episcopalian community here in Houston, have been shaken by the tragic and seemingly senseless loss of Father Israel, his beaming wife Dorcas, and their precious son Jay. As we continue to try and grapple with this heartbreaking event, I find comfort in the messages of both Psalm 61 and 62.
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer! In despair and far from home I call to you! Take me to a safe refuge, for you are my protector, my strong defense against my enemies.” This speaks to me on many different levels, from those of us who are crying out in despair and looking for comfort and guidance to Father Israel and his family that have been taken from this mortal world to our Father’s safe refuge. Faith is not easy and not tangible, but if we listen to God and trust him, as Father Israel does, we can take solace in the fact that God is our shepherd and protector and will lead us all to his safe refuge.
David Robinson
Jeremiah 4: 9-10
Romans 2: 12-24
John 5:19-29
“We as a parish, and as the broader Episcopalian community here in Houston, have been shaken by the tragic and seemingly senseless loss of Father Israel, his beaming wife Dorcas, and their precious son Jay. As we continue to try and grapple with this heartbreaking event, I find comfort in the messages of both Psalm 61 and 62.
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer! In despair and far from home I call to you! Take me to a safe refuge, for you are my protector, my strong defense against my enemies.” This speaks to me on many different levels, from those of us who are crying out in despair and looking for comfort and guidance to Father Israel and his family that have been taken from this mortal world to our Father’s safe refuge. Faith is not easy and not tangible, but if we listen to God and trust him, as Father Israel does, we can take solace in the fact that God is our shepherd and protector and will lead us all to his safe refuge.
David Robinson
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Psalm 72
Jeremiah 3: 6-18
Romans 1: 28– 2:11
John 5: 1-18
In John 5:1-18, Jesus asks "Do you want to be healed". The question seems rhetorical, especially considering the fact that I am sitting in a hospital at the moment. I am pretty sure everyone in this building is looking for healing, my dad included.
Like those of us at the hospital today, I feel sure the man that Jesus spoke to at the pool wanted to be healed, otherwise why would he have been at the healing pool, right? But his initial reaction to the question was not an immediate “Yes!”, “You Bet”, “Of course”. Instead, he completely missed the reason for the question. Jesus had just extended him an “Invitation” to accept healing, but instead he interpreted it as a criticism or questioning of his own inability to be the first to navigate to the pool when the waters stilled so that he could receive its healing power. So the man listed his excuses and complaints as to why he had not been healed. Not because he didn't want it, but because of things he felt were beyond his control.
Lucky for him, Jesus did not listen to his protests, and places the Invitation in his hand, and tells him “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” This time, the man “gets it”, he accepts the invitation, and that is the new beginning for the man who was an invalid for 38 years.
Dear Lord, have mercy on all those who suffer and seek healing. Restore to them health of body, mind, and spirit according to their needs. Move our hearts to help those who suffer, just as Jesus was moved by the man at the pool. And help us to recognize an invitation from Jesus when we find it staring us in the face. Amen
Melonye Suarez
Jeremiah 3: 6-18
Romans 1: 28– 2:11
John 5: 1-18
In John 5:1-18, Jesus asks "Do you want to be healed". The question seems rhetorical, especially considering the fact that I am sitting in a hospital at the moment. I am pretty sure everyone in this building is looking for healing, my dad included.
Like those of us at the hospital today, I feel sure the man that Jesus spoke to at the pool wanted to be healed, otherwise why would he have been at the healing pool, right? But his initial reaction to the question was not an immediate “Yes!”, “You Bet”, “Of course”. Instead, he completely missed the reason for the question. Jesus had just extended him an “Invitation” to accept healing, but instead he interpreted it as a criticism or questioning of his own inability to be the first to navigate to the pool when the waters stilled so that he could receive its healing power. So the man listed his excuses and complaints as to why he had not been healed. Not because he didn't want it, but because of things he felt were beyond his control.
Lucky for him, Jesus did not listen to his protests, and places the Invitation in his hand, and tells him “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” This time, the man “gets it”, he accepts the invitation, and that is the new beginning for the man who was an invalid for 38 years.
Dear Lord, have mercy on all those who suffer and seek healing. Restore to them health of body, mind, and spirit according to their needs. Move our hearts to help those who suffer, just as Jesus was moved by the man at the pool. And help us to recognize an invitation from Jesus when we find it staring us in the face. Amen
Melonye Suarez
Monday, March 2, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
Psalm 56, 57, 58
Jeremiah 1: 11-19
Romans 1: 1-15
John 4: 27-42
She said to the people, “Come and see a man who has told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?”
Contrary to what the Bible tells us, we all think we have secrets about ourselves. And many of us keep these secrets hidden from people in our lives we love the most---friends, spouses, our children, God. Much of the time we keep these parts of ourselves hidden for fear that if our loved ones knew the “real” us, they would not love us anymore.
Essayist Tim Kreider calls this our “Soul Toupee.” He writes, “Each of us has a Soul Toupee. The Soul Toupee is that thing about ourselves we are most deeply embarrassed by and like to think we have cunningly concealed from the world, but which is, in fact, pitifully obvious to everybody who knows us.”
Jesus, in all his mercy, blows our Soul Toupee wide open. He exposes us for who we really are. And he tells us he loves us and came to save us from ourselves, our secrets, and our sin. The story of the woman at the well may be my favorite grace drenched story in the gospels. Because Jesus tells the woman to be honest about her life and sin. And then he does the opposite of what a “Messiah” should do. He should chastise the woman. He should turn this encounter into a “teachable” moment about divorce and fidelity. He should condemn her for withholding information. But what does he do instead? He tells her, “Lady, I know all your secrets. I came to save you from them.”
Sarah Condon
Jeremiah 1: 11-19
Romans 1: 1-15
John 4: 27-42
She said to the people, “Come and see a man who has told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?”
Contrary to what the Bible tells us, we all think we have secrets about ourselves. And many of us keep these secrets hidden from people in our lives we love the most---friends, spouses, our children, God. Much of the time we keep these parts of ourselves hidden for fear that if our loved ones knew the “real” us, they would not love us anymore.
Essayist Tim Kreider calls this our “Soul Toupee.” He writes, “Each of us has a Soul Toupee. The Soul Toupee is that thing about ourselves we are most deeply embarrassed by and like to think we have cunningly concealed from the world, but which is, in fact, pitifully obvious to everybody who knows us.”
Jesus, in all his mercy, blows our Soul Toupee wide open. He exposes us for who we really are. And he tells us he loves us and came to save us from ourselves, our secrets, and our sin. The story of the woman at the well may be my favorite grace drenched story in the gospels. Because Jesus tells the woman to be honest about her life and sin. And then he does the opposite of what a “Messiah” should do. He should chastise the woman. He should turn this encounter into a “teachable” moment about divorce and fidelity. He should condemn her for withholding information. But what does he do instead? He tells her, “Lady, I know all your secrets. I came to save you from them.”
Sarah Condon
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Psalm 24, 29
Jeremiah 1: 1-10
1 Corinthians 3: 11-23
Mark 3:31– 4:9
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Psalm 29: 10-11
In my version of Psalm 29 (NRSV), the psalm has a synopsis, “The Voice of God in a Great Storm”. The psalm describes how God’s voice essentially wrecks havoc in the world, then the last 2 verses reminds us that he is enthroned over the flood, and asks that God bless and give strength to his people.
Events in late January have added new meaning to my Lenten journey, as well as my meditation. Like so many others, I have struggled with feelings of sadness and enormous loss, the largest being for the loss of the lives of Father Israel, Dorkus and Jay, but also of his sons, both lives have been inexorably altered. I feel the pain of members of the Anglican Communion both globally and here in Houston, here in our parish, as well as the others that had close ties to the family because the world’s violence is no longer just a report on the local news, but has been thrown into our collective faces, brutally ugly and raw.
I see the similarity to Psalm 29 to our tragedy, and the violence of the storms so vividly de-scribed.
“The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars” and “The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness.”
But, despite this violence, the psalm entreats God to bless us.
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Psalm 29: 10-11
It’s easy in times of senseless tragedy to question why God allows such events to happen, especially the violent death of a man who dedicated his life in God’s service, whose wife faithfully served at his side and supported him, and a child, an innocent 5 year old child, practically a baby! Then, to learn that this may have been done by their son, just adds to our unspeakable sorrow. In our pain and grief, as we cry to god for answers and understanding. David’s Psalm 29 asks as well.
Lyn Morris
Jeremiah 1: 1-10
1 Corinthians 3: 11-23
Mark 3:31– 4:9
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Psalm 29: 10-11
In my version of Psalm 29 (NRSV), the psalm has a synopsis, “The Voice of God in a Great Storm”. The psalm describes how God’s voice essentially wrecks havoc in the world, then the last 2 verses reminds us that he is enthroned over the flood, and asks that God bless and give strength to his people.
Events in late January have added new meaning to my Lenten journey, as well as my meditation. Like so many others, I have struggled with feelings of sadness and enormous loss, the largest being for the loss of the lives of Father Israel, Dorkus and Jay, but also of his sons, both lives have been inexorably altered. I feel the pain of members of the Anglican Communion both globally and here in Houston, here in our parish, as well as the others that had close ties to the family because the world’s violence is no longer just a report on the local news, but has been thrown into our collective faces, brutally ugly and raw.
I see the similarity to Psalm 29 to our tragedy, and the violence of the storms so vividly de-scribed.
“The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars” and “The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness.”
But, despite this violence, the psalm entreats God to bless us.
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Psalm 29: 10-11
It’s easy in times of senseless tragedy to question why God allows such events to happen, especially the violent death of a man who dedicated his life in God’s service, whose wife faithfully served at his side and supported him, and a child, an innocent 5 year old child, practically a baby! Then, to learn that this may have been done by their son, just adds to our unspeakable sorrow. In our pain and grief, as we cry to god for answers and understanding. David’s Psalm 29 asks as well.
Lyn Morris
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Psalm 55
Deuteronomy 11: 18-28
Hebrews 5: 1-10
John 4: 1-26
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24 KJV)
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” (John 4:23-24 MSG)
There are many "New Years" for me. As an educator I get a new year in September and January, and as a Christian at Advent. I see my birthday in March as a new year beginning, Lent offers a time to begin again, and of course, the actual new year as well. With each of these New Years I set out to change. To be better, bigger, more fabulous than I was before. But not once have I ever felt that I succeeded, because as the next celebration rolled around, the bigger, better and more fabulous had become bigger, better and more fabulous.
The past year of New Years has been especially hard as I experienced many growing up pains, but through the battles I discovered why I could never attain the bigger, better and more fabulous. It's because I already am as big as I can be, the best that I can be and the most fabulous that I can be. I've been looking at myself through the perceived eyes of others--family, colleagues, friends, strangers on the street. When looking through those eyes I see many flaws that make me feel less than. I've discovered that when I see myself through the eyes of my Father, I am perfect. Perfect in imperfections, yes, but God doesn't hold our imperfections against us.
In reading the verses from John in the Message, I realized that God wants me to be me. To worship him as me, not as who I perceive others think I am. I am the person that God wants me to be and he loves the way my spirit worships him. God loves my Spirit. How amazing to hear that message!
Here's to living all of our "New Years" like we have already achieved the best, for we have, and focus on what's actually important, simply and honestly worshiping our Lord.
Krystal Weiss
Deuteronomy 11: 18-28
Hebrews 5: 1-10
John 4: 1-26
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24 KJV)
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” (John 4:23-24 MSG)
There are many "New Years" for me. As an educator I get a new year in September and January, and as a Christian at Advent. I see my birthday in March as a new year beginning, Lent offers a time to begin again, and of course, the actual new year as well. With each of these New Years I set out to change. To be better, bigger, more fabulous than I was before. But not once have I ever felt that I succeeded, because as the next celebration rolled around, the bigger, better and more fabulous had become bigger, better and more fabulous.
The past year of New Years has been especially hard as I experienced many growing up pains, but through the battles I discovered why I could never attain the bigger, better and more fabulous. It's because I already am as big as I can be, the best that I can be and the most fabulous that I can be. I've been looking at myself through the perceived eyes of others--family, colleagues, friends, strangers on the street. When looking through those eyes I see many flaws that make me feel less than. I've discovered that when I see myself through the eyes of my Father, I am perfect. Perfect in imperfections, yes, but God doesn't hold our imperfections against us.
In reading the verses from John in the Message, I realized that God wants me to be me. To worship him as me, not as who I perceive others think I am. I am the person that God wants me to be and he loves the way my spirit worships him. God loves my Spirit. How amazing to hear that message!
Here's to living all of our "New Years" like we have already achieved the best, for we have, and focus on what's actually important, simply and honestly worshiping our Lord.
Krystal Weiss
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