tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58056276955161391902024-03-19T00:49:28.537-04:00Confessions of a Fused PastorAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-68983126749223700002017-07-24T09:01:00.003-04:002017-07-24T09:01:38.912-04:00Christmas in July?Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas in July in our congregation. Some people may wonder why we did. The answer is simple--God's abiding love came down at the birth of Jesus, but it is STILL here! God's abiding love should be evident in our lives every day, not just during the season of Advent and Christmas. Even one of the Names of Jesus (Emmanuel) means "God with us."
God IS with us. yesterday, today and forever. In the good times and in the troubled times. God's love is with us--guiding us, helping us, healing us. One of the poems that has always meant so much to me is "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
God's abiding love is with us always. Share it with someone today!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-49842513028665186972016-09-12T18:03:00.001-04:002016-09-12T18:10:49.234-04:00We all need to be committed!When I was in the process of becoming ordained in the PC(USA), one of the steps was a move form the Inquirer stage to the Candidate stage. At this time people were allowed to ask you various questions to help them discern whether or not you were truly headed on the right path. The first Question came from my own church's minister. Dr. John knew of my previous ministry in a non-denominational church so he asked, "Knowing what you do about the heartaches and pain of ministry, why would you want to put yourself through this again?"
My answer was simple, I didn't WANT to, but God had made it obvious to me that that is where He wanted me. I told the assembled people there that I tried doing many other things, but God wasn't through with me in a pastoral position, so I was simply giving up fighting God and following His leading.
Sometimes I feel that I need to be "committed" for making that choice! Well, since I am currently NOT in an facility because of my mental health, I guess I am right where God wants me at this time.
Commitment that I will be talking about for the next four weeks is a different type of commitment. As children of God we are called to various areas of commitment in our lives. What areas? Come out on Sunday and find out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-79033531559751512042012-06-04T11:46:00.001-04:002012-06-04T11:47:10.612-04:00Live Happy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnaAGeWrCrMnWc-CuCQZ2baDU9r1yQgcucbRE9IAjy2Cofnpig0ysBAcqzaSM57dAcBDFNPJeeuFe-dSPhfyfseSccUpMYNQVccKQStcY0ap4myrEzkyB2cxDHzdk-YINPOGu9gwi7JIU/s1600/live+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnaAGeWrCrMnWc-CuCQZ2baDU9r1yQgcucbRE9IAjy2Cofnpig0ysBAcqzaSM57dAcBDFNPJeeuFe-dSPhfyfseSccUpMYNQVccKQStcY0ap4myrEzkyB2cxDHzdk-YINPOGu9gwi7JIU/s320/live+happy.jpg" /></a>
Wouldn't be great if we could all live as happy as the dog in that picture! The good news is that we can. Our God wants us to live happy and successful lives. We are the ones who get in the way. Freedom that comes from God through Christ should make us the happiest people on the planet. Unfortunately, that is often NOT the case.
have you been to a church service where it looked like everyone present had swallowed a dill pickle sideways? I have! The thing is, it shouldn't be this way. As children of God we should LOVE being in worship. We should LOVE singing His praises. And we should LOVE being in the company of fellow believers. Way tool often, this is not the the way it is. Instead, we see people who are there to fulfill an "obligation" to God. They come to church, not to worship, but to appease God by their presence.
That is not what God wants or expects from us. What God wants and expects is for us to JOYFULLY come into His presence and TRULY worship Him. We talked in church yesterday about "living as Jesus lived." Jesus had a lot of responsibilities while He was on earth, but that didn't keep Him from enjoying God and the people He interacted with. I believe Jesus laughed loud and often. He enjoyed spending time with others (even children!) and with God.
We, too, should enjoy spending time with people and with God. We were created that way. We were made to be in fellowship with others. How can I be sure? The Bible tells us we were created in God's own image. God, who is in community with Himself--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So if we are created in God's image (and we are) and if God is in community (and God is) then we too should be in community AND LIKE IT!
So, the next time you head out to church make sure you check you frown at the door and instead enter with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. You'll be amazed at the difference you will experience in worship that day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-44781924069642979602012-05-29T12:13:00.000-04:002012-05-29T12:13:02.585-04:00Things happen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NNFjEEBAfghfklo5HziBJ5csQC-XV44nLLD_A7VH1vV5bXizyfdZA69DcagExHAo34ySxR79ud3np8D1wgBUV8QYzAt9dH_rOFS9FrCVyKSo4s1BawAvIlljHJ4ZpFz-H_V290wU015M/s1600/kite+flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NNFjEEBAfghfklo5HziBJ5csQC-XV44nLLD_A7VH1vV5bXizyfdZA69DcagExHAo34ySxR79ud3np8D1wgBUV8QYzAt9dH_rOFS9FrCVyKSo4s1BawAvIlljHJ4ZpFz-H_V290wU015M/s320/kite+flying.jpg" /></a></div>
Like the people watching the kite-flyer in the picture, that is how I felt recently at church! I had just finished the sermon and was taking "praises and thanksgivings" from the congregation when there was a flash of light outside and an accompanying sound that came through the sound system. It seems that one of the power lines running into a transformer just outside the window decided at that time to catch on fire and not only provide a sound and light show, but to also eliminate any power from the building!
People were headed to the window to see what was going on. I didn't blame them! As it was, we were able to conclude the service and enjoy our fellowship time even with the lack of power. I did have one congregant tell me that my sermon did have him "see the light" for the first time!
Things happen. We adjust. That is just how it is. In all of our lives there will be those times where interruptions happen. How we handle them says more about us that most things we will ever say. So, how are you at handling life little interruptions? Are you able to move on, or do you let them get you down? Let's all do our best to work though those hiccups in our plans and move on!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-21125759811551194772012-05-10T07:22:00.002-04:002012-05-10T07:22:50.793-04:00I Can Only Imagine<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bfWwtsWC44g?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Mercy Me says it best--I can only imagine what heaven will be like. I can only imagine how I will respond to being surrounded by the glory of God. The good news is that while we can only imagine what it will be like, it will happen! As Christians that is one of the amazing promises we have from God.
As God's children we have a heavenly hope. And not just hope, but the assurance that we will one day come before God's presence. That day could be today or tomorrow or a long time coming, but it WILL happen. So, knowing that God has so much in store for us, what are we doing TODAY for Him? Are we walking in the light, working to reach those who do not know God? Or are we content to sit back and let others do the work?
We have been called into service by God. We are all have a job to do in the Kingdom. Are you doing your part?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-16433342632190308152012-05-08T11:48:00.002-04:002012-05-08T11:48:58.958-04:00WIIFM?WIIFM or rather "What's in it for me?" seems to be how most people approach most everything these days. Why should I help out at a soup kitchen? Why should I be kind to others? Why should I go to church? What's in it for me?
While some might think that is a selfish question to ask, I don't. Seriously, Why should we do any or all of those things I mentioned in the first paragraph? The simple answer is that as Children of God we should feel the pull to help those in need and to be a part of the gathering of God's children. But nothing is ever that simple. Americans especially want to know what benefit they will receive for investing their time, talent and money into anything. While that seems on the service to be a bit shallow, it still rings true.
So why should we do these things? Because God tells us to do them! We are repeated told in Scripture to help the needy, to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. We are also encourage not to forsake the meeting together of fellow Christians. It is at these times of worship and fellowship that we "recharge" our spiritual batteries in order to continue to do the things God expects us to do.
I could give you a long list of Scripture to back this up, but I will settle for one from the Old Testament. Micah 6:8 tells us, "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." If we follow that one verse, we can rest assured that we are doing what God expects of us. More importantly in our American culture, we will find what is "in it for me." What we will find is God's blessings poured out. Does that mean that we will never have troubles? Of course not! But it does mean that God will be with us through all those troubling times and never forsake us.
Let us all do our best to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God, and experience what God will do for us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-41750358802553125282012-05-07T14:05:00.002-04:002012-05-07T14:05:09.645-04:00OrdinationYesterday was a big day in our household. Amy was ordained as a Teaching Elder (formerly Minister of Word and Sacrament) in the PC(USA). Ordination is a "setting apart" for ministry. for Amy, that means she can now preside over the Lord's Supper and administer Baptisms as well as conducting weddings.
But, in reality, it is so much more. Before ordination, Amy (and all who choose this path in the PCUSA) must first go through a long process of discernment (personally, by her home churches Session, and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.) The is also the process of going before the Presbytery--to move from Inquirer to Candidate and to move from Candidate to being approved to receive a call and be ordained. While all that is going on, Seminary is required (for a Masters of Divinity Degree)as well as passing five written ordination exams. As you can see, it is a long process that was finally completed with her actual ordination yesterday!
I am so very proud of Amy. She has come a long way on her journey, but in reality, it is just beginning. There will be many highs and lows that come from being in the ministry. Amy is more than ready to face them all head on.
Anyone who knows Amy, knows that she has the heart of a servant. What more can you ask of any minister? So, the next time you see her, feel free to congratulate her, but in the mean time, pray for her as she begins this great adventure!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-25272365234231616522012-04-26T10:39:00.000-04:002012-04-26T10:39:10.359-04:00Unforeseen Circumstances?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjByCHl8xAnehag7HCCHKUPg6lNgrw7dGkY35_K61Kjv-ujNFPh6c-kozSocH0b7IThA_V-VOTPA8IaDkWaAToHMSKmRqm1xHHknR-l5YhkQnLgmz_3SznmvZkoaewJqDoaDNohwiT8so/s1600/psychic+cancelled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjByCHl8xAnehag7HCCHKUPg6lNgrw7dGkY35_K61Kjv-ujNFPh6c-kozSocH0b7IThA_V-VOTPA8IaDkWaAToHMSKmRqm1xHHknR-l5YhkQnLgmz_3SznmvZkoaewJqDoaDNohwiT8so/s320/psychic+cancelled.jpg" /></a></div>
The picture above is funny. How can a psychic have an unforeseen circumstance? Maybe it is because the psychic isn't really a psychic! I find it very interesting that I never hear of a "psychic" winning a huge lottery prize. It seems to me that it would be something that they both could do and would want to do.
The bottom line is that there is only one Person who knows what tomorrow (and the days after that) hold, and that is God. We live in troubled times, but that isn't new, there have been many troubled times in the history of mankind. The children of Israel give is a portrait of what can happen when we take our eyes off of the One who holds the future. Through the Old Testament we see them lose focus and God allows other cultures to come in and dominate them. When they realize their mistake, they return to God and He rescues them out of there situation.
What about today? If God's people will listen to His voice and pray, don't you believe that He can still help us out of our situation? Of course He can! Christians, we need to get serious about what God is calling us to do, and do it. I have know idea how long the Lord may tarry before He returns, but I do know this--we are called to be faithful. It is time for ALL of us to stop whining about our circumstances (whatever they may be) and start praying. Let us return to the One who made us, loves us, died for us, and rose again to give us hope!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-495771641783812192012-04-11T13:58:00.003-04:002012-04-11T14:10:49.383-04:00LabyrinthWell, today was the day. The weather cooperated and I walked my first labyrinth. I wasn't really sure what to expect or how I would react. I went with an open mind to see if this was a way that God would choose to communicate with me. As many people already know, silence is not one of my strong suits. Adding to the silence was walking the labyrinth--alone and without guidance. But I did it and I'm glad I did.<br /><br />Now, I didn't find any great inspiration in my walk. I didn't have what many might call a mountaintop experience. But that doesn't mean I received no benefit from the 45 minutes I spent. As I entered, I was trying to block out distractions and focus. I have to admit, I didn't do a great job of that! The good news is that God had something for me anyway.<br /><br />As I walked, one step after the other, content to follow the path as it made its many turns, I realized how much this is a metaphor for our walk with God. As we walk, sometimes we feel closer to Him than at other times (much like the many times I neared the inner part of the labyrinth before I was led back away from the center.) What the labyrinth reminded me was that as long as we put one foot in front of the other on God's path, we will eventually end up where He is leading us!<br /><br />I may choose to walk the labyrinth again before I leave and maybe something else will b e triggered. If not, I will be content to know that as long as I let God lead, no matter how many twists and turns are in the path, I WILL make it to my proper destination!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-2224954183896595962012-04-10T15:42:00.002-04:002012-04-10T15:54:38.473-04:00Read, Rest, and Plan!Well, that is my goal for this week! I am at the Silver Bay YMCA camp on Lake George, in NY state. It is colder than I was planning, but rest is an indoor activity, so that part is ok. I have my kindle, so the reading works. But without Amy's help the planning part (as well as my health) might not have happened. I left my netbook at the house and while I could have probably struggled to use my iphone for my study (yes i have an app for that!), my medications were unfortunately in the case with the netbook! Amy was wonderful and got it shipped overnight to me and I received it around 9:30 this morning, so I was only about 13 hours late with my meds.<br /><br />Now I can work on being productive. Along with sermon planning and lesson planning and some "how can we work together with that church in Andover" planning, I am also going to walk a labyrinth for the first time. I keep hoping for a warm, less-wet day, but if I have to, I'll just do it in the cold and rain! I taught a Lenten Lesson about labyrinths, so I am going to practice what I teach!<br /><br />The setting here is so peaceful, that study and rest seem to go hand in hand. While I realize that my mind and my body need this time to recuperate, I still have to remind myself that I am here to rest as I tend to get caught up in wanting to "do" rather than to let God heal me.<br /><br />While I realize that it may not be practical for everyone to take a full week to let God recharge them, I do know that God gave us a Sabbath for a reason. I encourage all who read this to make it a practice to find time each week to rest and just let God love them! <br /><br />Shalom!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-8239442727449777142012-04-05T10:37:00.002-04:002012-04-05T10:50:19.550-04:00Maundy ThursdayToday's Scriptures: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15<br /><br />Do you know what the "Maundy" in Maundy Thursday really means? It is about the foot washing that Jesus preformed at the last supper He had with His disciples. It comes from the Middle English maunde ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday, from Anglo-French mandet, from Latin mandatum command; from Jesus' words in John 13:34. I find it interesting that most mainline denominations (that includes us Presbyterians) seem to forget that point! Communion is obviously important, but the very title we give to the day focuses on something else entirely!<br /><br />The it all too common in much that we do as Christians. We say one thing and do another! We say we want to follow God, but then we "do our own thing." God wants us to love Him, our neighbors, our enemies, and ourselves, yet we only want to love the lovable. Anyone can do that, the real test is in loving the unlovable.<br /><br />God wants us to feed the hungry, cloth the naked and visit the sick and those in prison. We, if it fits our schedules and if the "deserve it" the we MIGHT do it. This is NOT what God wants. Jesus gave us the example to follow and we seem to have decided that it is only up to certain people to actually do it. That is SO wrong. It is ALL of our responsibility to do what God has shared with us to do.<br /><br />Jesus gave himself completely for us. Isn't it reasonable for Him to expect us to give Him back ourselves and to do as he commanded? Love for God is a verb. It needs to be the same with us. Love one another. Love and don't do it because the people you love deserve it, do it because God told you to do it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-69562513365809818822012-04-03T08:47:00.002-04:002012-04-03T08:56:00.547-04:00Lenten Lesson April 3Today's Scriptures: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38<br /><br />The life and mission of Jesus were not some last minute idea on God's part. Right from the beginning, after the sin of Adam and Eve, God promised to overcome the forces of evil (Genesis 3:15). Then God called Abraham to father a people who would be ready to accept the divine gift of salvation. God freed them from their exile in Egypt and sent prophets to keep them aware of His divine plans for them. Everything that happened to them was somehow connected with the ultimate Servant, the One who was to come, the prophet like Moses. Even their rejection of the Servant when He came couldn't frustrate God's plans. Out of the Servant's suffering and death God brought about salvation for the whole world.<br /><br />Our life is not some sort of chance happening either. God has plans for each of us and has had them since long before we were born. These plans may include suffering and uncertainty, but they are still God's plans. Like Jesus, each of us has a role to play and a cross to carry, but each of us is called to ultimate success. The Servant of the songs of Isaiah is Jesus but, because we are in Jesus, the Songs are also about us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-64264644425574724162012-04-02T07:19:00.002-04:002012-04-02T07:32:02.355-04:00Lenten lesson April 2Today's Scriptures: Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11<br /><br />The Isaiah passage is one of the Suffering Servant Songs from Isaiah. From the earliest New Testament times, believers have seen Jesus as the embodiment of Isaiah's Servant of God. During these last days of Jesus' life the Church offers us the Servant Songs as kind of poetic meditation on the person and mission of Jesus.<br /><br />In today's Song we hear that the Servant in endowed with the power of God. he will not be a revolution political leader, but will work quietly, with compassion for the weak, the sightless, the oppressed. His mission is to bring the justice of God to every part of God's creation.<br /><br />That's how Christ has dealt with us. He has been patient with our weakness. He has given us a new kind of vision. He has brought us into a new Kingdom that stretches to all the earth and extends even into heaven.<br /><br />Today we thank our heavenly Father for his Servant. Today we thank Jesus for his self-sacrificing faithfulness to His mission!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-39955957406453091132012-03-29T07:18:00.002-04:002012-03-29T07:27:50.268-04:00Lenten Lesson March 29Today's Scriptures: Genesis 17:3-9; John 8:51-59<br /><br />Abraham was a hero to the Jewish people. He was the man whom God promised everything: land, prosperity, to be the father of the nation of Israel. We see this promise in the Genesis passage.<br /><br />Now, here comes Jesus claiming that He can offer even more than was given to Abraham. Not only that, but Jesus claims that Abraham looked up to Him. He goes as far as to refer to Himself by God's own name, "I AM." The people who heard Him thought he was a blasphemer. They even prepared to stone Him as the Law prescribed.<br /><br />We, on the other hand, KNOW that Jesus was God. We take Him at His word. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.<br /><br />These passages help us to understand why Jesus ended up on the cross. And they call us to renew our hearts and minds at the deepest level of our relationship with God--the level of faith. everything we are and do is determined by how we stand with Christ. These last days of Lent are a great time to renew our determination to be true to Him and to His word!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-36559476145108548732012-03-28T06:40:00.003-04:002012-03-28T18:32:16.896-04:00Lenten Lesson March 28Today's Scriptures: Daniel 3:14-30; John 8:31-42<br /><br />Today we look at liberation. In Daniel, three men are cast into a fiery furnace by the most powerful king on earth and nothing could save them...nothing that is, except God. God rescues them. <br /><br />In the John passage Jesus tells his listeners (and us!) that the Truth will set us free. Jesus also tells us in this gospel that He is the Way, the Life, and the TRUTH. It is Jesus who is the great liberator. Now Jesus' audience didn't feel like they needed any liberation because they were descendants of Abraham. They had a promise from God through Abraham that no political oppression could take away from them. Jesus lets them know that they are slaves to sin no matter who their father is. The people then claim that only God is their Father and Jesus simply replies that God can't possibly be their Father if they don't accept the One (Jesus) that God has sent to free them.<br /><br />Jesus still liberates us today. It's not just that Jesus forgives our sins (even though He does that.) But Jesus down so much more, He offers us new values, new goals, new purpose, new energy in our life. We are no longer subject to earthly powers. He frees us form that. You see, we no longer live just our own life anymore, but His life, which will never end.<br /><br />That doesn't make everything easy. We still have to struggle with our chains. But our struggle is not to achieve liberation, only to accept it. Jesus has chosen and saved us and therefore nothing can enslave us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-67303683883420420922012-03-27T06:57:00.004-04:002012-03-27T07:07:35.769-04:00Back to Lenten Lessons!Today's Scriptures: Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30<br /><br />In today's gospel passage Jesus says that he really belongs to another world. He calls himself by God's Name, I AM, and then compares himself to the bronze snake that Moses lifted up to cure the people of their wounds. He will be the source of salvation because He comes from the Father.<br /><br />Most of us haven't been bitten by snakes, but we are wounded nonetheless. We are wounded by the sinfulness we have in our lives. We are wounded by the pain our own sinfulness has inflicted on us. There is only one cure. Jesus, who forgives and heals with the power of God. Today, we need to look up to Christ, lifted up on the cross, and acknowledge our sinfulness and renew our trust and hope in Him.<br /><br />Lent is almost over. As we continue to work on changing our hearts, it is time to ask ourselves how far have we come and what do we still have left to accomplish? Are you prepared for Easter? If not, there is still time to get ready!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-60906311489843878752012-03-22T09:12:00.003-04:002012-03-24T13:07:34.499-04:00Sorry :(Well, this has been a week and it is only Thursday! I apologize for not keeping up with the Lenten Lessons this week but life has intervened. <br /><br />Monday morning I conducted a funeral for a 3 month old boy who was accidentally killed by his own father. Tough. I am still waiting to see if I will be invited to visit with the dad who is currently in the Sussex County correctional facility. The loss of one so young is hard enough without the added troubles brought about due to the circumstances. Please pray for this family--you don't need to know their names--God knows who you are praying for in this situation.<br /><br />Dealing with loss is always hard, but this has been very hard for me. As a father (and now a grandfather) it is so difficult to imagine life without a child (or grandchild.) These are wounds that will scar for a lifetime. <br /><br />If you are a parent or a grandparent, please take time to tell your kids (and grand-kids) that you love them and more than that SHOW them! We live in a fallen world and therefore we will always have pain and suffering to show for it. make it your goal, your passion, to make the part of the world you live in a better, more loving place.<br /><br />So, I will try to get back on track with the Lessons, but please realize that sometimes, life interrupts, and does it in a most unpleasant way.<br /><br />Grace and peace to you all and may the God of Love guide you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-68752839883043370782012-03-15T05:32:00.002-04:002012-03-15T05:42:54.378-04:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 23Today's Scriptures: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23<br /><br />Jeremiah rebukes the people because they won't listen to God--Jesus deals with people who refuse to believe that His miracles are from God and instead say He is in a partnership with the Devil!<br /><br />Most of us don't deliberately reject what God wants us to hear. As children of God, we strive to understand and respond to what the Lord tells us in His Word. But sometimes are attention level is not what it ought to be.<br /><br />There are lots of distractions in this world: families, jobs, worries--even all the background noise that our culture provides for us. On top of all of that is the fear that if we pay too much attention to the Lord, we may hear Him saying things we might not want to hear; an invitation to be less dependent on what the world provides, a call to come to grips with the fact we aren't perfect, or a reminder that we have some more forgiveness to dole out.<br /><br />This is why we pray. More than just words, prayer is a quiet attentiveness to the Lord. It is where we let God in our lives to work through us. A renewed sense of the necessity of prayer is a big part of the Lenten discipline. God is speaking--are you listening?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-30113035142438774902012-03-14T05:45:00.000-04:002012-03-14T05:45:00.553-04:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 22Today's Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Matthew 5:17-19<br /><br />Today's lesson is simple. Obey the commandments! Jesus doesn't remove this system, He takes it to another level. <br /><br />The Commandments are a gift, not a burden. They are simply a way for God to test us to see if we are faithful. They are directions from God on how to live most productively with how we were created. If we follow them, we are wise. If we don't, well, we aren't wise!<br /><br />But then Jesus takes it to a whole new level. We are to live as an extension of God's love for all. Nor only do we avoid murder, we avoid the hateful thoughts that lead to murder. Not only do we not commit adultery, we avoid the lustful thoughts that lead to adultery.<br /><br />The questions for today are simple: How well do I observe the Commandments? and Why do I observe them at all?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-32149982917716169062012-03-13T06:28:00.002-04:002012-03-13T06:45:30.790-04:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 21Today's Scriptures: Daniel 3:25-28; Matthew 18:21-35<br /><br />In the Daniel passage we see how a miraculous intervention on God's part leads Nebuchadnezzar to a change of heart. In the Matthew passage we see that God's mercy is always available, but only to those what themselves are merciful and forgiving.<br /><br />Forgiveness is hard. It involves loving other people in spite of any wrongs they have done against us. When we forgive, we don't deny the hurt we have received. We don't deny that it was wrong. We don't pretend nothing happened. But we do acknowledge that there is more to the offender than the offense. We love them in spite of the offense.<br /><br />Why forgive them? Because God has forgiven us and God has created us in His own image. If God forgives (and we are created in His image) it is necessary for us to forgive as well. We are called to love and forgive. Not once, not twice, but as many times as it takes! This is not easy, but it IS what we are called to be and to do. Who do you need to forgive today?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-10088193013510042812012-03-12T09:43:00.002-04:002012-03-12T09:53:24.673-04:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 20Today's Scriptures: 2 Kings 5:1-15; Luke 4:24-30<br /><br />Jesus mentions that "no prophet is welcome in the prophet’s hometown." People had heard about His miracles and wanted a show. Jesus wasn't and isn't a showman; he had His own agenda. Just like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus' agenda was wider than the local people expected.<br /><br />In 2 Kings we read the story of Naaman. Jesus Mentions Naaman in the Luke passage. We see here that Jesus met hostility from the very beginning of His ministry. Even so, we see God's mercy is unconditional and universal. God cares even for "outsiders."<br /><br />The point for us is that God's forgiveness and mercy are offered to us not because we desire it, but because God is God. None of us deserve it. We are all sinners and as such we are all "outsiders" when it comes to being what God wants us to be. yet God loves us anyway. During this Lenten season, it is important to remember that and share that with all we come into contact. You see, we all fall short and needs God's mercy. And yes, God's grace is there for EVERYONE!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-24027699047802805612012-03-08T04:59:00.000-05:002012-03-08T04:59:01.143-05:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 16Today's Scriptures: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31<br /><br />What do we trust in? Jeremiah says that if our trust is in anything other than God we will end up like a barren bush in the desert. Jesus says that if we find our consolation only in what we have here and now we will end up in torment.<br /><br />It wasn't that the rich man was completely bad. he was just shortsighted. He didn't see Lazarus just outside his gate. The rich man enjoyed all the good things of life and then discovered too late that he was the one (not Lazarus) that had been in misery.<br /><br />Lent is a good time for us to look inside ourselves to see what is truly important to us. What are our priorities? What are we willing to give up and for what? How do we make our decisions? Are we willing to suffer? What are we willing to sacrifice for?<br /><br />It is not easy, not is it always pleasant to look at our own value system. We can easily deceive ourselves. That's why we need to ask God for courage, honesty and even perseverance when we come to grips with who we are. We need to know our hearts in order to change what needs to be changed. Let us learn from this miserable rich man, so that we can avoid making the same mistakes he made. Let us use this Lenten season to change our hearts for the better!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-85986668236273289092012-03-07T06:50:00.002-05:002012-03-07T06:59:44.321-05:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 15Today's Scriptures: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28<br /><br />The Passion theme fills today as we read of the lament of the suffering Jeremiah and Jesus telling his followers about the cup of sorrow that he has to drink. But we can find ourselves in here too. These passages remind us that following Jesus can involve suffering.<br /><br />It isn't always easy to carry out what God asks of us. It's painful to get rid of our bad habits and self-serving attitudes. Sometimes it hurts to give up those things that we have become quite attached to.<br /><br />There is also the suffering of being different. As followers of Christ we are becoming increasingly outsiders in this world. If you don't believe that, just watch a few hours of prime time TV and see if those shows reflect Christian values.<br /><br />We can also suffer from being rejected or ignored. Even our best efforts are either misunderstood or misinterpreted. They are often taken for granted. Sometimes they are resented or not even noticed!<br /><br />We involve ourselves in a change of heart during Lent because we know that it is a good thing to be involved with Christ. We shouldn't be surprised then when the cross is involved.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-75029290384523846122012-03-06T04:43:00.000-05:002012-03-06T04:43:00.837-05:00Lenten Lessons -- Day 14Today's Scriptures: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12<br /><br />Humility. A tough subject for many people, but that is what today's passages are all about. Isaiah tells us that no matter how bad we have been, God will still forgive us if we are willing to admit out sins and turn back to God. In Matthew, Jesus tells us that greatness doesn't lie in special clothing or titles; it lies in our willingness to serve others.<br /><br />Humility is all about being realistic about ourselves. Understanding that what the world thinks is important is not all that important to God. Humility is all about admitting that no matter how great our human achievements are, they are full of sinfulness and not all that great anyway. That doesn't mean we are worthless. We are important to God, not for what we have done or what we can give, but for what we have received.<br /><br />And just what have we received? The call and the ability to look out for our brothers and sisters as ministers of the loving God. Everything else is secondary at best and self-destructive at worst. Greatness lies in service and humility is that willingness to serve. Nothing else matters.<br /><br />Today God call us to be realistic about our limitations and sinfulness, but also realistic about the potential for good that is in us from the gift of God. If anyone wants to become what God has intended for them to be, let them humbly serve others, especially the "least of these."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805627695516139190.post-78831886886170233442012-03-05T07:25:00.002-05:002012-03-05T07:43:30.797-05:00Lenten Lessons --Day 13Today's Scriptures Daniel 9:4-10; Luke 6:36-38<br /><br />The Scriptures for today both deal with retribution. Daniel points out that the sufferings of his people are because they have been inattentive to God. In the Luke passage, Jesus points out that we can't expect compassion and forgiveness from God if we aren't compassionate and forgiving ourselves. I we are generous in our loving, God will be generous with us. If we are not generous with our loving, God will treat us as we have treated others.<br /><br />You see, it is our own actions that determines our ability to receive what God wants to give us. If we are forgiving, we won't be able to recognize forgiveness from the Lord. If we are cruel and judgmental toward others, God's generosity to us won't make sense. We probably won't even realize that it is there!<br /><br />The Lenten change of heart is not an attempt to change God's heart. it is an attempt to change our own hearts so that we are able to receive what God wants us to have!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476140526707928631noreply@blogger.com0