Jesus said to her, "...go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and to your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord."
John 20:17-18
As I am writing this reflection, the ground is frozen and covered with ice and snow and my mind keeps holding on to the words of the song, The Rose: "When the night has been too lonely, And the road has been too long, And you think that love is only, For the lucky and the strong, Just remember in the winter, Far beneath the bitter snows, Lies the seed that with the sun's love, In the spring becomes the rose." For me it is "with the" Son's love, that we, like Jesus, are enabled to rise up like the rose.
To Mary Magdalene belongs the glory of being the first person to see the Risen Christ. What joy must have filled her heart – the man whom she loved and worshiped had died, and now has been raised. The Son's Love filled her heart and she announced, "I have seen the Lord." For us Christianity does not mean knowing about Jesus; it means knowing Jesus. It does not mean talking about Jesus; it means encountering Jesus. With the certainty of the experience that Jesus is alive, you and I are called also to proclaim: "I have seen the Lord." Jesus has been raised from the dead! Alleluia! Alleluia!
William H. C. Ticknor+
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Lenten Reflection - April 3, 2010 Holy Saturday
Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:17
The verse of the day, John 3:17 is the lesser known of that portion of John Chapter 3. The verse prior to John 3:17 is the well known and beloved verse also known as “the Bible in a nutshell”:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
In my study Bible, it says that “John 3:17 continues the message of John 3:16 which “links Jesus’ death with God’s love for the world. God gives Jesus in love to all people and whoever believes in this gift will receive eternal life. Verses 17 and 18 reinforce that the incarnation is about the possibility of new life, not judgment.” (The New Interpreter’s Study Bible New Revised Standard Version).
The Easter message of God’s own Son’s suffering and death on the cross and then His resurrection is explained in full in these verses and the reassurance we have in God’s perfect love for us is made evident.
John U. Leventry, Jr.
John 3:17
The verse of the day, John 3:17 is the lesser known of that portion of John Chapter 3. The verse prior to John 3:17 is the well known and beloved verse also known as “the Bible in a nutshell”:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
In my study Bible, it says that “John 3:17 continues the message of John 3:16 which “links Jesus’ death with God’s love for the world. God gives Jesus in love to all people and whoever believes in this gift will receive eternal life. Verses 17 and 18 reinforce that the incarnation is about the possibility of new life, not judgment.” (The New Interpreter’s Study Bible New Revised Standard Version).
The Easter message of God’s own Son’s suffering and death on the cross and then His resurrection is explained in full in these verses and the reassurance we have in God’s perfect love for us is made evident.
John U. Leventry, Jr.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Lenten Reflection - April 2, 2010 Good Friday
Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body.
John 19:38
When reading the above passage I am struck with complete awe at the courage and love that Joseph of Arimathea had for his Lord and Savior. Not much is known about this character Joseph, other than he was known as an honorable counselor, who waited for the kingdom of God. We know that fear captivated him as he watched his Lord being arrested, beaten, and murdered. Honestly, I think we all would be scared at such a sight. However, what amazes me about this passage is Joseph’s desire to give his Lord a proper burial, no matter how difficult it may be.
And so, he approaches Pontius Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body. Upon permission from Pilate, Joseph finds himself at the foot of the cross where his Lord and Savior hang lifeless. What a powerful moment for Joseph. If there is one person in the world that truly understood the reality of Jesus’ death I think it is Joseph as he carries the dead weight of Christ to the tomb. Every step that Joseph took must have been encompassed with guilt, fear, and a feeling of loss. Yet, with every step Joseph finds his heart being transformed from disbelief to belief. As Christians we know that in three days Jesus will be raised from the dead and that death will no longer have the final word. Yet, for now we, like Joseph, wait.
The Rev. Amanda Knouse
John 19:38
When reading the above passage I am struck with complete awe at the courage and love that Joseph of Arimathea had for his Lord and Savior. Not much is known about this character Joseph, other than he was known as an honorable counselor, who waited for the kingdom of God. We know that fear captivated him as he watched his Lord being arrested, beaten, and murdered. Honestly, I think we all would be scared at such a sight. However, what amazes me about this passage is Joseph’s desire to give his Lord a proper burial, no matter how difficult it may be.
And so, he approaches Pontius Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body. Upon permission from Pilate, Joseph finds himself at the foot of the cross where his Lord and Savior hang lifeless. What a powerful moment for Joseph. If there is one person in the world that truly understood the reality of Jesus’ death I think it is Joseph as he carries the dead weight of Christ to the tomb. Every step that Joseph took must have been encompassed with guilt, fear, and a feeling of loss. Yet, with every step Joseph finds his heart being transformed from disbelief to belief. As Christians we know that in three days Jesus will be raised from the dead and that death will no longer have the final word. Yet, for now we, like Joseph, wait.
The Rev. Amanda Knouse
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Lenten Reflection - April 1, 2010 Maundy Thursday
I give you a new commandment, to love one another.
John 13:34
At the dinner table, Satan had entered into the body of Judas Iscariot. Jesus asks Satan what he is doing at their feast, and as soon as Judas takes the bread, he is gone.
Jesus then said to his disciples, “I give you a new command, to love one another.” He tells them that if they do this, He will know that they are His disciples.
This commandment not only applied to Jesus’ disciples. It now applies to us Christians. Jesus will know that we are His followers if we love one another. Some of us, however, are unable to love one another, due to conflict, racism, etc. However, if we take time to realize that all Jesus wants is for us to love one another, then we can make simple changes to our lives and be one with Christ.
After Jesus has spoken to his disciples, he informs them that he will be leaving, and they cannot follow. Peter asks, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
We all know that next, Jesus tells Peter that before the rooster crows three times, he will deny Jesus. We all wonder, how could someone who loved Jesus so much, deny him? But, this passage made us think, are we any different than Peter? Haven’t we all been in a situation where our faith has been brought into question? Are we willing to lay down our lives for Jesus?
Will and Caroline Pickart
John 13:34
At the dinner table, Satan had entered into the body of Judas Iscariot. Jesus asks Satan what he is doing at their feast, and as soon as Judas takes the bread, he is gone.
Jesus then said to his disciples, “I give you a new command, to love one another.” He tells them that if they do this, He will know that they are His disciples.
This commandment not only applied to Jesus’ disciples. It now applies to us Christians. Jesus will know that we are His followers if we love one another. Some of us, however, are unable to love one another, due to conflict, racism, etc. However, if we take time to realize that all Jesus wants is for us to love one another, then we can make simple changes to our lives and be one with Christ.
After Jesus has spoken to his disciples, he informs them that he will be leaving, and they cannot follow. Peter asks, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
We all know that next, Jesus tells Peter that before the rooster crows three times, he will deny Jesus. We all wonder, how could someone who loved Jesus so much, deny him? But, this passage made us think, are we any different than Peter? Haven’t we all been in a situation where our faith has been brought into question? Are we willing to lay down our lives for Jesus?
Will and Caroline Pickart
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 31, 2010 Wednesday, Holy Week
So, after receiving the piece of bread, [Judas] immediately went out. And it was night.
John 13:30
We all know that what happens all around this verse, before and after, inevitably leads to the capture, crucifixion, and death of our lord, Jesus Christ. Knowing this, it is easy to see in the scripture before this verse Jesus is predicting his own fate to his disciples, and singles out his betrayer. What we don’t know is how, after being singled out as the one to be responsible for such betrayal, Judas Iscariot must have felt when he was handed a piece of bread by the man he was about to sell-out, and sent on his way.
Judas was a follower, a believer, and a friend of Jesus for some time, so to jump to conclusions that he was such a deceitful person that this was and easy decision for him to make would be strongly opposed by many. So the question rises up before us, what was Judas thinking? Was his conscience going from side to side, was he constantly questioning what he wanted to do, or did he just go on with it with no remorse?
In life we are constantly faced with choices, no matter how big or small. Should I do this even though my parents would strongly disagree, or even, do I want to eat the cake or the ice cream? Nonetheless Judas was faced with a decision that was inevitable, and sometimes so are we. We just need to take our time, slow down and ask the question, what is at stake?
Journey to Adulthood (J2A, grades 8-9)
John 13:30
We all know that what happens all around this verse, before and after, inevitably leads to the capture, crucifixion, and death of our lord, Jesus Christ. Knowing this, it is easy to see in the scripture before this verse Jesus is predicting his own fate to his disciples, and singles out his betrayer. What we don’t know is how, after being singled out as the one to be responsible for such betrayal, Judas Iscariot must have felt when he was handed a piece of bread by the man he was about to sell-out, and sent on his way.
Judas was a follower, a believer, and a friend of Jesus for some time, so to jump to conclusions that he was such a deceitful person that this was and easy decision for him to make would be strongly opposed by many. So the question rises up before us, what was Judas thinking? Was his conscience going from side to side, was he constantly questioning what he wanted to do, or did he just go on with it with no remorse?
In life we are constantly faced with choices, no matter how big or small. Should I do this even though my parents would strongly disagree, or even, do I want to eat the cake or the ice cream? Nonetheless Judas was faced with a decision that was inevitable, and sometimes so are we. We just need to take our time, slow down and ask the question, what is at stake?
Journey to Adulthood (J2A, grades 8-9)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 30, 2010 Tuesday, Holy Week
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip... and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
John 12:20-21
The Greeks were not the only people who needed to see Jesus, there were many others. Believing for most of us would be so much easier if we could witness the presence of Jesus as those who saw Him that day at the festival. The need to have real evidence in the here and now is part of our twenty-first century culture, maybe even more than in Jesus' life time.
When my children started learning about Jesus in Sunday school and the books read to them at home, I worried that they were not as interested in those stories as they were in the Winnie the Pooh books. My concern continued through college and into their married lives. As it turned out, I was the one of little faith like those in Jesus' time who insisted upon seeing and hearing Jesus in order to believe.
It was the community of St. James' and our family that taught them about God's love. Now both daughters are teaching others what they learned and believe.
Nancy McClunin
John 12:20-21
The Greeks were not the only people who needed to see Jesus, there were many others. Believing for most of us would be so much easier if we could witness the presence of Jesus as those who saw Him that day at the festival. The need to have real evidence in the here and now is part of our twenty-first century culture, maybe even more than in Jesus' life time.
When my children started learning about Jesus in Sunday school and the books read to them at home, I worried that they were not as interested in those stories as they were in the Winnie the Pooh books. My concern continued through college and into their married lives. As it turned out, I was the one of little faith like those in Jesus' time who insisted upon seeing and hearing Jesus in order to believe.
It was the community of St. James' and our family that taught them about God's love. Now both daughters are teaching others what they learned and believe.
Nancy McClunin
Monday, March 29, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 29, 2010 Monday, Holy Week
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.”
John 12:7
Before the triumphant entry that led to Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus dined in Bethany, with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. After dinner, Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair, which filled the house with the perfumed scent.
Judas (many of us can relate to him in this passage, his practicality and also selfishness ring out) argued that the expensive perfume was worth a year’s wages—it should have been sold and the money should have gone to the poor.
Then, in 12:7, Jesus defends Mary. He responded to Judas by telling him to leave Mary alone; she brought the perfume for the day of his burial.
When our class read the passage, the following themes occurred in our discussion:
• Mary had complete faith in Jesus, the Christ. She had reverence, respect, and honored him.
• Following Jesus has nothing to do with your level of society; people in different economic situations can still be faithful followers.
• Mary using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet is a humbling gesture.
• People showed their love to Christ in different ways- this was Mary’s gift to Jesus.
• Mary made Jesus a priority,
• Are we too practical for faith?
• Do we understand what extensive sacrifice is?
At a time before Jesus’ death and resurrection, Mary proved her love and devotion to Jesus, despite criticism. What a role model she is to us!
Young Adults in Church (YAC, grades 10-12)
John 12:7
Before the triumphant entry that led to Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus dined in Bethany, with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. After dinner, Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair, which filled the house with the perfumed scent.
Judas (many of us can relate to him in this passage, his practicality and also selfishness ring out) argued that the expensive perfume was worth a year’s wages—it should have been sold and the money should have gone to the poor.
Then, in 12:7, Jesus defends Mary. He responded to Judas by telling him to leave Mary alone; she brought the perfume for the day of his burial.
When our class read the passage, the following themes occurred in our discussion:
• Mary had complete faith in Jesus, the Christ. She had reverence, respect, and honored him.
• Following Jesus has nothing to do with your level of society; people in different economic situations can still be faithful followers.
• Mary using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet is a humbling gesture.
• People showed their love to Christ in different ways- this was Mary’s gift to Jesus.
• Mary made Jesus a priority,
• Are we too practical for faith?
• Do we understand what extensive sacrifice is?
At a time before Jesus’ death and resurrection, Mary proved her love and devotion to Jesus, despite criticism. What a role model she is to us!
Young Adults in Church (YAC, grades 10-12)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 28, 2010 Palm Sunday
He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.
Mark 15:31-32
This Sunday we enter Holy Week which could easily be described as the most disorienting time of the year. Scripture tells us that in one week’s time, Jesus’ followers go from welcoming and worshipping Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, to mocking and torturing him as he hangs on the cross. What began as a grand triumphant entry into Jerusalem, with the waving of palms and the throwing down of coats on the street of Jesus’ path, quickly turned into a time of ridicule and doubt. In less than seven days, the crowd does a complete 180 in regards to how they treat their Lord and Savior. Mark 15:31-32 shows just how fickle we as human beings can be.
The crowd, consisting of high priests, scholars, and townspeople, insisted that Jesus save himself in order for them to believe. Forget the fact that Jesus spent his entire life healing the sick, feeding the hungry, casting out demons, and loving the unlovable! They still wanted more! Today’s scripture can be very difficult to swallow, yet despite our fickleness, our desire for more, and our crises of faith, Jesus still loves us and believes in us. The true joy of Palm Sunday lies in the fact that Jesus never turns his back on us. As we begin Holy Week this year, I pray that we all remember and accept the love and the sacrifice that Christ has made for each one of us.
The Rev. Amanda Knouse
Mark 15:31-32
This Sunday we enter Holy Week which could easily be described as the most disorienting time of the year. Scripture tells us that in one week’s time, Jesus’ followers go from welcoming and worshipping Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, to mocking and torturing him as he hangs on the cross. What began as a grand triumphant entry into Jerusalem, with the waving of palms and the throwing down of coats on the street of Jesus’ path, quickly turned into a time of ridicule and doubt. In less than seven days, the crowd does a complete 180 in regards to how they treat their Lord and Savior. Mark 15:31-32 shows just how fickle we as human beings can be.
The crowd, consisting of high priests, scholars, and townspeople, insisted that Jesus save himself in order for them to believe. Forget the fact that Jesus spent his entire life healing the sick, feeding the hungry, casting out demons, and loving the unlovable! They still wanted more! Today’s scripture can be very difficult to swallow, yet despite our fickleness, our desire for more, and our crises of faith, Jesus still loves us and believes in us. The true joy of Palm Sunday lies in the fact that Jesus never turns his back on us. As we begin Holy Week this year, I pray that we all remember and accept the love and the sacrifice that Christ has made for each one of us.
The Rev. Amanda Knouse
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 27, 2010
I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
Jeremiah 31:33-34
He is our God and we are his people. The new covenant is written in our hearts and minds; while the old covenant was written on stone tablets. Everyone is his and knows him. Our sins are forgiven. The Holy Spirit lives in every Christian to teach, guide and unite us. Hebrews 8:6-13 teaches that Christians are under this new covenant. Live as children of the new covenant, members of Christ's body, united by one Holy Spirit, guided by the law of God that is written on your hearts and minds.
Ron Zseltvay
Jeremiah 31:33-34
He is our God and we are his people. The new covenant is written in our hearts and minds; while the old covenant was written on stone tablets. Everyone is his and knows him. Our sins are forgiven. The Holy Spirit lives in every Christian to teach, guide and unite us. Hebrews 8:6-13 teaches that Christians are under this new covenant. Live as children of the new covenant, members of Christ's body, united by one Holy Spirit, guided by the law of God that is written on your hearts and minds.
Ron Zseltvay
Friday, March 26, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 26, 2010
Though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
John 11:5-6
The passage is taken from the story about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. When Jesus heard of Lazarus's sickness he waited two days before going to Bethany. He already knew Lazarus would be dead and he would perform a miracle there for the glory of God.
Often times in life, we wonder why God does not act more rapidly in helping us. We often ask "Why me?" or "Where are you when I need you?" or "Why didn't you help?" Sometimes it seems that we go from bad to worse before something more powerful or wonderful happens. It is through the bearing of these burdens that we grow and become more fully aware of life, reality, and life's abundance.
When we truly have faith and trust in Christ, we know all is possible. To this end, He has a purpose to bring greater glory to God.
Jim and Linda Brown
John 11:5-6
The passage is taken from the story about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. When Jesus heard of Lazarus's sickness he waited two days before going to Bethany. He already knew Lazarus would be dead and he would perform a miracle there for the glory of God.
Often times in life, we wonder why God does not act more rapidly in helping us. We often ask "Why me?" or "Where are you when I need you?" or "Why didn't you help?" Sometimes it seems that we go from bad to worse before something more powerful or wonderful happens. It is through the bearing of these burdens that we grow and become more fully aware of life, reality, and life's abundance.
When we truly have faith and trust in Christ, we know all is possible. To this end, He has a purpose to bring greater glory to God.
Jim and Linda Brown
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 25, 2010
It may be that they will listen, all of them, and will turn from their evil way, that I may change my mind about the disaster that I intend to bring on them because of their evil doings.
Jeremiah 26:3
This passage is part of Jeremiah’s temple sermon - instructions by God to Jeremiah just before he is given a dire warning to the people of Jerusalem about their impending destruction, unless they change their ways. Judah is under the control of Babylon, with a puppet king in place, though the people continue to believe that YHWH will always protect Jerusalem since His temple is in the city. They believe the temple is their trump card, never mind how they are living their lives.
For me, this passage reinforces the absolute importance of grace. I look at this passage, and, while it appears God is being an optimist and giving the people another chance, an image that comes to mind is Mike Myers’ character in Wayne’s World sarcastically saying “yeah… it could happen.” God already knows that the people will not change – that they could not change even if they wanted to. 600+ years after Jeremiah, Paul would sum this up in Romans 7, stating that “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing... Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
With all the human experience since then how different are we from the people of Jerusalem? We still face the same problems, but we know we have options the people of Jerusalem could not have known or understood then: we can decide whether or not to use our freewill to surrender our freewill to God and whether or not to accept the grace necessary to carry out His will that God so freely offers us.
Richard Downs
Jeremiah 26:3
This passage is part of Jeremiah’s temple sermon - instructions by God to Jeremiah just before he is given a dire warning to the people of Jerusalem about their impending destruction, unless they change their ways. Judah is under the control of Babylon, with a puppet king in place, though the people continue to believe that YHWH will always protect Jerusalem since His temple is in the city. They believe the temple is their trump card, never mind how they are living their lives.
For me, this passage reinforces the absolute importance of grace. I look at this passage, and, while it appears God is being an optimist and giving the people another chance, an image that comes to mind is Mike Myers’ character in Wayne’s World sarcastically saying “yeah… it could happen.” God already knows that the people will not change – that they could not change even if they wanted to. 600+ years after Jeremiah, Paul would sum this up in Romans 7, stating that “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing... Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
With all the human experience since then how different are we from the people of Jerusalem? We still face the same problems, but we know we have options the people of Jerusalem could not have known or understood then: we can decide whether or not to use our freewill to surrender our freewill to God and whether or not to accept the grace necessary to carry out His will that God so freely offers us.
Richard Downs
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 24, 2010
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Jesus came so that we can have life abundantly....
At the beginning of this verse it says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy:" Thieves come creeping in trying to take what is not theirs, just as Satan tries to creep into our hearts and take what is not his.
Jesus is the security we have to keep what is ours, the abundant life that was promised to us.
Life abundantly sounds so far out of reach. However, Romans 5:17 says, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." So our abundant life is within our reach, as long as we remember that Christ came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.
Jeanie Zseltvay
John 10:10
Jesus came so that we can have life abundantly....
At the beginning of this verse it says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy:" Thieves come creeping in trying to take what is not theirs, just as Satan tries to creep into our hearts and take what is not his.
Jesus is the security we have to keep what is ours, the abundant life that was promised to us.
Life abundantly sounds so far out of reach. However, Romans 5:17 says, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." So our abundant life is within our reach, as long as we remember that Christ came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.
Jeanie Zseltvay
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 23, 2010
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
When I read this verse, a strange thing happened. I could only think of when the clergy presents the Gospel and I make the sign of the cross on my forehead, on my lips and over my heart. I wasn’t getting anything else from the verse other than that image. The verse is to the point, re-reading only served to frustrate me.
Then I took out the Bible that Eileen (House) gave us during Confirmation class years ago. It is a contemporary English version and things finally started to click. It says," So you will be saved, if you honestly say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death.’” Not so very different in wording, but it started to untangle for me.
Maybe, just maybe, my first image wasn’t so far off. We are to take the Word placed in our minds, to speak them with our lips, and believe them in our hearts. We are called to share the words that Jesus is Lord, who was raised from the dead to save us with full belief and conviction. We are commissioned to do so with everyone, not just the folks at church or in our social circle. That means often times going outside our comfort zone to proclaim the Lord’s word.
As a child I openly spoke of Jesus, but as I grew older, was afraid of offending others. Now I am back to being childlike in proclaiming Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Sharon McGlaughlin
Romans 10:9
When I read this verse, a strange thing happened. I could only think of when the clergy presents the Gospel and I make the sign of the cross on my forehead, on my lips and over my heart. I wasn’t getting anything else from the verse other than that image. The verse is to the point, re-reading only served to frustrate me.
Then I took out the Bible that Eileen (House) gave us during Confirmation class years ago. It is a contemporary English version and things finally started to click. It says," So you will be saved, if you honestly say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death.’” Not so very different in wording, but it started to untangle for me.
Maybe, just maybe, my first image wasn’t so far off. We are to take the Word placed in our minds, to speak them with our lips, and believe them in our hearts. We are called to share the words that Jesus is Lord, who was raised from the dead to save us with full belief and conviction. We are commissioned to do so with everyone, not just the folks at church or in our social circle. That means often times going outside our comfort zone to proclaim the Lord’s word.
As a child I openly spoke of Jesus, but as I grew older, was afraid of offending others. Now I am back to being childlike in proclaiming Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Sharon McGlaughlin
Monday, March 22, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 22, 2010
I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God for they shall return to me with their whole heart.
Jeremiah 24:7
Poor Jeremiah had soul-destroying news for the people – the judgment of the nations and Judah, AND the foretelling of the Babylonian captivity. But, his actual mission was to get them to turn back to their all-sufficient God who desired relationship, who loved them, and wanted their love for him to be real, tenacious – nothing half hearted!
This hope is developed (spiritually and physically) in Ezekiel 36 vs 26 (NIV):
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.”
This is beautifully referenced in Hebrews 10 in THE MESSAGE:
“The new plan I’m making with Israel isn’t going to be written on paper, isn’t going to be chiseled in stone; this time I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.”
Thankfully we, now through Jesus Christ, have the promise of a new spirit-filled heart to truly know, love and find the forgiveness of God.
May we, this Lenten season, find that heart-felt HOPE in the redeeming love and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Nan Lewis
Jeremiah 24:7
Poor Jeremiah had soul-destroying news for the people – the judgment of the nations and Judah, AND the foretelling of the Babylonian captivity. But, his actual mission was to get them to turn back to their all-sufficient God who desired relationship, who loved them, and wanted their love for him to be real, tenacious – nothing half hearted!
This hope is developed (spiritually and physically) in Ezekiel 36 vs 26 (NIV):
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.”
This is beautifully referenced in Hebrews 10 in THE MESSAGE:
“The new plan I’m making with Israel isn’t going to be written on paper, isn’t going to be chiseled in stone; this time I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.”
Thankfully we, now through Jesus Christ, have the promise of a new spirit-filled heart to truly know, love and find the forgiveness of God.
May we, this Lenten season, find that heart-felt HOPE in the redeeming love and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Nan Lewis
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 21, 2010 The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:25
Question: Is Jesus really telling us to hate this wonderful life that God, who created all that is, seen and unseen, has given to us?
Answer: No.
In our day-to-day lives, we experience many holy, beautiful things that help us to understand the sanctity of our earthly, human lives and draw us closer to God. Think of the love of a child. The re-emerging beauty that greets us every spring. Think of Mother Teresa and her life of service to the unfortunate souls in Calcutta.
The danger that Jesus is warning us about is loving our own, individual lives to the extent that we lose sight of our ultimate goal: eternal life in heaven. As we travel through our earthly lives, we frequently find ourselves overly occupied by a number of things, including:
· The need for comfort, safety and security
· Selfishness
With these things in mind, doesn’t it make sense that if we give in to the perceived “needs” of our earthly lives, that we will put our eternal lives in jeopardy?
So, we must do our best to keep the things of the world in their proper perspective. Hate the pressures of our daily lives that put too much emphasis on temporal things so we can properly prepare ourselves for the unimaginable glory that awaits us in the life to come.
The Rev. Bob McCoy
John 12:25
Question: Is Jesus really telling us to hate this wonderful life that God, who created all that is, seen and unseen, has given to us?
Answer: No.
In our day-to-day lives, we experience many holy, beautiful things that help us to understand the sanctity of our earthly, human lives and draw us closer to God. Think of the love of a child. The re-emerging beauty that greets us every spring. Think of Mother Teresa and her life of service to the unfortunate souls in Calcutta.
The danger that Jesus is warning us about is loving our own, individual lives to the extent that we lose sight of our ultimate goal: eternal life in heaven. As we travel through our earthly lives, we frequently find ourselves overly occupied by a number of things, including:
· The need for comfort, safety and security
· Selfishness
With these things in mind, doesn’t it make sense that if we give in to the perceived “needs” of our earthly lives, that we will put our eternal lives in jeopardy?
So, we must do our best to keep the things of the world in their proper perspective. Hate the pressures of our daily lives that put too much emphasis on temporal things so we can properly prepare ourselves for the unimaginable glory that awaits us in the life to come.
The Rev. Bob McCoy
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 20, 2010
So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
John 6:67-68
In the verses that precede these lines, Jesus has been preaching to his disciples and to the crowds that have come to hear him. Some in the crowd do not understand what Jesus is saying, and they turn their backs and “walked no more with him.” Jesus asks the disciples who remain, “Will you leave me also?” But Peter, the Rock upon whom Jesus will build his church, the apostle to whom He will hand the Keys to the Kingdom, understands directly, immediately, and answers with great simplicity: “Lord to whom can we go?” Peter knows that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
This is the same Peter who will walk upon the waves to Jesus -- but, when his fears overwhelm him, he loses his faith and begins to sink into the stormy sea. It is Peter who will deny Jesus three times during Jesus’ last hours on earth. Peter is far from perfect; he is like us: he has moments when he ceases to believe and there are times when he abandons Jesus. But in these verses he sees to the heart of the matter, and so we can, like him, do the same: we can answer Jesus when he asks us, “Lord to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Diana Doswell
John 6:67-68
In the verses that precede these lines, Jesus has been preaching to his disciples and to the crowds that have come to hear him. Some in the crowd do not understand what Jesus is saying, and they turn their backs and “walked no more with him.” Jesus asks the disciples who remain, “Will you leave me also?” But Peter, the Rock upon whom Jesus will build his church, the apostle to whom He will hand the Keys to the Kingdom, understands directly, immediately, and answers with great simplicity: “Lord to whom can we go?” Peter knows that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
This is the same Peter who will walk upon the waves to Jesus -- but, when his fears overwhelm him, he loses his faith and begins to sink into the stormy sea. It is Peter who will deny Jesus three times during Jesus’ last hours on earth. Peter is far from perfect; he is like us: he has moments when he ceases to believe and there are times when he abandons Jesus. But in these verses he sees to the heart of the matter, and so we can, like him, do the same: we can answer Jesus when he asks us, “Lord to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Diana Doswell
Friday, March 19, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 19, 2010
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
As I began to read this passage by Paul to the Romans, I realized how this passage relates to me, and not just me, but everyone—”..nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Those few words mean so much. In everything we all do, from day to day, we need to remember how our Lord is there to lead us in the correct direction. Many people might say how they need something or want something, but in reality, they don’t need anything but the love from their God. He will always be there for you. Separating us from God’s love is impossible, for He will always love everyone of us equally. The poor, the wealthy, the things we have, the things we may not have, how high in power we are, whether we are living or deceased—does not mean anything in the eyes of our Lord. Keep in mind that we all are God’s children, and no matter what, the love he has for us will always be there.
Julie Crawford
Romans 8:37-39
As I began to read this passage by Paul to the Romans, I realized how this passage relates to me, and not just me, but everyone—”..nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Those few words mean so much. In everything we all do, from day to day, we need to remember how our Lord is there to lead us in the correct direction. Many people might say how they need something or want something, but in reality, they don’t need anything but the love from their God. He will always be there for you. Separating us from God’s love is impossible, for He will always love everyone of us equally. The poor, the wealthy, the things we have, the things we may not have, how high in power we are, whether we are living or deceased—does not mean anything in the eyes of our Lord. Keep in mind that we all are God’s children, and no matter what, the love he has for us will always be there.
Julie Crawford
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 18, 2010
If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – if, in fact, we suffer with him.
Jeremiah 18:6
This scripture comes to us from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. It is believed that he wrote this letter prior to his visit to the Church of Rome, to the people of this church. The Church of Rome consisted primarily of Gentiles, but there was also a minority of Jews. The primary theme in this book, or the message that is believed that Paul was trying to convey, is God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind. Jesus taught us that each of us is a child of God. This means that we are brothers and sisters. Through our faith we are taught that we are the children of the one true God. Also, this means that the Lord Jesus is our brother.
If we are brothers and sisters to our Savior, then we are to also suffer with him. Both Lent and Easter provide us with the opportunity to suffer with our Lord and then to be risen with him on Easter. We suffer with him when we are baptized into his death. We suffer with him through his Crucifixion. We must always be ready to bear the cross. If we do all of these things then we also shall be glorified together with him. What an awesome concept. As children of God we are also his heirs. Through this inheritance we inherit all of God’s grace, his love and all that he offers to us.
Joe Carta
Jeremiah 18:6
This scripture comes to us from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. It is believed that he wrote this letter prior to his visit to the Church of Rome, to the people of this church. The Church of Rome consisted primarily of Gentiles, but there was also a minority of Jews. The primary theme in this book, or the message that is believed that Paul was trying to convey, is God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind. Jesus taught us that each of us is a child of God. This means that we are brothers and sisters. Through our faith we are taught that we are the children of the one true God. Also, this means that the Lord Jesus is our brother.
If we are brothers and sisters to our Savior, then we are to also suffer with him. Both Lent and Easter provide us with the opportunity to suffer with our Lord and then to be risen with him on Easter. We suffer with him when we are baptized into his death. We suffer with him through his Crucifixion. We must always be ready to bear the cross. If we do all of these things then we also shall be glorified together with him. What an awesome concept. As children of God we are also his heirs. Through this inheritance we inherit all of God’s grace, his love and all that he offers to us.
Joe Carta
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 17, 2010
Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.
Jeremiah 18:6
Just as the potter can make something new out of marred clay, so does God have the power to recreate us. I think this passage talks to us about submitting to God and trusting in God's plan. It gives us the confidence that when we follow God that he will shape us and lead us in the way that we should go. It also gives me a sense of hope. No matter what out attitude is about ourselves, we can be encouraged that God can still use us. We may be marred but God can turn us into a new creation.
Curtis Miller
Jeremiah 18:6
Just as the potter can make something new out of marred clay, so does God have the power to recreate us. I think this passage talks to us about submitting to God and trusting in God's plan. It gives us the confidence that when we follow God that he will shape us and lead us in the way that we should go. It also gives me a sense of hope. No matter what out attitude is about ourselves, we can be encouraged that God can still use us. We may be marred but God can turn us into a new creation.
Curtis Miller
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 16, 2010
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
John 6:27a
Well, this a pretty straightforward metaphor concerning our relationship with our own future. Nothing we haven’t heard before— don’t get so caught up in the now that you forget the really longrange planning that needs to be done to make sure we have earned our way to be with Christ forever. This is great advice, and like most great advice, hard to take on board.
John, Chapter 6, is one of the chapters in the Bible you can read over and over again and see something illuminating and new each time. It is chock full of mystery (can two measly fish and five loaves of barley bread really feed the gathered crowd?) and adventure (Jesus walks on the water!) and answers many questions the Jews have been struggling with (Who are you EXACTLY?) It is also filled with beautiful language — “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)” The language Jesus uses in this chapter of John is compelling and, if you are ever in the throes of doubt, I would recommend that you read John 6 in the King James Version.
In the end, this straightforward metaphor challenges us to keep moving forward through our lives always aware that the greatest sustenance we can take is available for each and every one of us right now—the knowledge that Christ loves us, sacrificed his body for us, and waits for us.
JoEllen Kelly
John 6:27a
Well, this a pretty straightforward metaphor concerning our relationship with our own future. Nothing we haven’t heard before— don’t get so caught up in the now that you forget the really longrange planning that needs to be done to make sure we have earned our way to be with Christ forever. This is great advice, and like most great advice, hard to take on board.
John, Chapter 6, is one of the chapters in the Bible you can read over and over again and see something illuminating and new each time. It is chock full of mystery (can two measly fish and five loaves of barley bread really feed the gathered crowd?) and adventure (Jesus walks on the water!) and answers many questions the Jews have been struggling with (Who are you EXACTLY?) It is also filled with beautiful language — “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)” The language Jesus uses in this chapter of John is compelling and, if you are ever in the throes of doubt, I would recommend that you read John 6 in the King James Version.
In the end, this straightforward metaphor challenges us to keep moving forward through our lives always aware that the greatest sustenance we can take is available for each and every one of us right now—the knowledge that Christ loves us, sacrificed his body for us, and waits for us.
JoEllen Kelly
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 15, 2010
Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do.
John 6:5-6
What catches my attention most about this passage is that among the many miracles Jesus displayed to crowds of people and his disciples, there might not be one that matches the multitude of this story. This verse stands at the heart of what Jesus’ time as a man on earth stood for, and how he fed those who were hungry for something more than just physical food. In those times, much like ours, people were starving, but this isn’t your typical hunger. Unlike most starvation, this particular type of hunger needed something special not just the loaves of barley bread and fish that this scripture mentions.
As Christians we hunger for more, whether it is to be more accepting of others, or just to be accepted, to be more helpful, or even if we are hungering for the help of others. This verse opens itself up and allows us to see clearly that God not only sent his Son for our salvation, but to feed us, both spiritually and emotionally. There is a bit of irony in my reflection as when we kneel at the altar every Sunday morning, which is in fact the sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Christ that we feed upon. Lent is indeed a time of reflection, and as you reflect this Lenten season, whatever it is you hunger for, the Lord our God shall provide.
John Knouse
John 6:5-6
What catches my attention most about this passage is that among the many miracles Jesus displayed to crowds of people and his disciples, there might not be one that matches the multitude of this story. This verse stands at the heart of what Jesus’ time as a man on earth stood for, and how he fed those who were hungry for something more than just physical food. In those times, much like ours, people were starving, but this isn’t your typical hunger. Unlike most starvation, this particular type of hunger needed something special not just the loaves of barley bread and fish that this scripture mentions.
As Christians we hunger for more, whether it is to be more accepting of others, or just to be accepted, to be more helpful, or even if we are hungering for the help of others. This verse opens itself up and allows us to see clearly that God not only sent his Son for our salvation, but to feed us, both spiritually and emotionally. There is a bit of irony in my reflection as when we kneel at the altar every Sunday morning, which is in fact the sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Christ that we feed upon. Lent is indeed a time of reflection, and as you reflect this Lenten season, whatever it is you hunger for, the Lord our God shall provide.
John Knouse
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 14, 2010 The Fourth Sunday in Lent
But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds are done in God.
John 3:21
I love the light! I feel uplifted on a sunny day. I always have more energy and more optimism, and I get more done. I gravitate toward the light, just as my plants do. I love to sit by a window when I have a choice of seats. As I get older, I find that I even see better when I am in the light. Light makes it easier to see everything on the surface of things— both good and bad. Flaws show up even more when something is exposed to the light. But how easy is it to see what is inside of us? How could I get that light to shine inside to see my strengths and my flaws? Do I even want to? When Jesus said the words in our passage for today, he was teaching a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Jesus was trying to get Nicodemus, a teacher himself, to go deeper than the surface so he could understand how important it was not just to follow the letter of the law, but to believe in Jesus and have God’s Spirit in his heart.
From other passages in John, we know Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) When we follow Jesus, we are in the truth and the light. We are in God’s will. As Jesus moves, we need to make sure we follow him in order to stay in the light.
Marjie Mack
John 3:21
I love the light! I feel uplifted on a sunny day. I always have more energy and more optimism, and I get more done. I gravitate toward the light, just as my plants do. I love to sit by a window when I have a choice of seats. As I get older, I find that I even see better when I am in the light. Light makes it easier to see everything on the surface of things— both good and bad. Flaws show up even more when something is exposed to the light. But how easy is it to see what is inside of us? How could I get that light to shine inside to see my strengths and my flaws? Do I even want to? When Jesus said the words in our passage for today, he was teaching a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Jesus was trying to get Nicodemus, a teacher himself, to go deeper than the surface so he could understand how important it was not just to follow the letter of the law, but to believe in Jesus and have God’s Spirit in his heart.
From other passages in John, we know Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) When we follow Jesus, we are in the truth and the light. We are in God’s will. As Jesus moves, we need to make sure we follow him in order to stay in the light.
Marjie Mack
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 13, 2010
Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad... before Abraham was, I am.
John 8:56-59
In the context of John’s Gospel, chapters 7-10 describe the encounters Jesus has with the religious leaders and the conflicts that arose because of His teaching and His claims. Jesus’ authority as God is recorded by eye-witness accounts in this Gospel as forgiving sins (the adulterous woman), His equality with God, His being sent by God, and here, in this passage, His pre-existence and His use of God’s Holy Name “I AM” from Exodus 3:14. For the sake of clarity, Jesus made sure His claims were understood by the Jewish leaders in His audience.
And so it is for us. When I first heard these claims clearly I was left in no doubt that, as C.S. Lewis would write, “I had three choices as to how I should regard Jesus, either as liar, a lunatic or Lord.” The notion that Jesus was just a “good man” is not an option because His claims do not allow for that. So we are forced to make the biggest decision of our lives—to decide for ourselves who Jesus is. If He is Lord of All, then we must surrender our independence completely and follow Him. And our freedom comes from our surrender.
Dean Lewis
John 8:56-59
In the context of John’s Gospel, chapters 7-10 describe the encounters Jesus has with the religious leaders and the conflicts that arose because of His teaching and His claims. Jesus’ authority as God is recorded by eye-witness accounts in this Gospel as forgiving sins (the adulterous woman), His equality with God, His being sent by God, and here, in this passage, His pre-existence and His use of God’s Holy Name “I AM” from Exodus 3:14. For the sake of clarity, Jesus made sure His claims were understood by the Jewish leaders in His audience.
And so it is for us. When I first heard these claims clearly I was left in no doubt that, as C.S. Lewis would write, “I had three choices as to how I should regard Jesus, either as liar, a lunatic or Lord.” The notion that Jesus was just a “good man” is not an option because His claims do not allow for that. So we are forced to make the biggest decision of our lives—to decide for ourselves who Jesus is. If He is Lord of All, then we must surrender our independence completely and follow Him. And our freedom comes from our surrender.
Dean Lewis
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 12, 2010
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53.7
This passage is uncomfortable to read because of the imagery of an innocent lamb suffering a brutal death. Slaughter is the ugly word that sets the tone in this verse, but it is essential to understand this image in the context of Israel’s history.
Exodus 12 details the instructions from the Lord to Moses on how the Israelites will slaughter their unblemished lambs in order to use the blood to mark themselves as protected from God’s Angel of Death at the first Passover and eat of the lamb to give them strength for their coming journey.
After that, it was required to regularly sacrifice an animal for man’s sins. Blood gives life to the animal, and it was that “life” that would protect man from a death in sin. Leviticus 1 details graphically how the lamb is to be slaughtered as a burnt offering for the sins of man. These sacrifices had to continue, because none was perfect enough to redeem all of our sins.
But the sacrificed lamb in Isaiah 53:7 is indeed the perfect analogy for our Lord Jesus Christ. Obeying his Father’s will, Christ, the unblemished lamb, took our sins upon himself and was silently led to the slaughter- oppressed and afflicted in a brutal and painful crucifixion. But through his perfect sacrifice he accomplished what no animal sacrifice could. By our faith in Christ and through his blood, he has redeemed our sins, delivering us from death and giving us life with Christ forever.
Woody Wooddell
Isaiah 53.7
This passage is uncomfortable to read because of the imagery of an innocent lamb suffering a brutal death. Slaughter is the ugly word that sets the tone in this verse, but it is essential to understand this image in the context of Israel’s history.
Exodus 12 details the instructions from the Lord to Moses on how the Israelites will slaughter their unblemished lambs in order to use the blood to mark themselves as protected from God’s Angel of Death at the first Passover and eat of the lamb to give them strength for their coming journey.
After that, it was required to regularly sacrifice an animal for man’s sins. Blood gives life to the animal, and it was that “life” that would protect man from a death in sin. Leviticus 1 details graphically how the lamb is to be slaughtered as a burnt offering for the sins of man. These sacrifices had to continue, because none was perfect enough to redeem all of our sins.
But the sacrificed lamb in Isaiah 53:7 is indeed the perfect analogy for our Lord Jesus Christ. Obeying his Father’s will, Christ, the unblemished lamb, took our sins upon himself and was silently led to the slaughter- oppressed and afflicted in a brutal and painful crucifixion. But through his perfect sacrifice he accomplished what no animal sacrifice could. By our faith in Christ and through his blood, he has redeemed our sins, delivering us from death and giving us life with Christ forever.
Woody Wooddell
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 11, 2010
You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
John 8:32
When I think of this verse I always think of confession. Often times we get so wrapped up into our day to day tasks we often forget about the life we are leading. There are times when we do not even realize we have sinned because our minds rationalize what we are doing is for the best. When we sit down and really contemplate over our actions we see things differently. It may have been something we have said to someone else, something we did to someone, or an action that has changed our path. Whatever the case may be we truly have to have an open heart and look deep inside. If we see something we could have done differently we should speak up to anyone affected by it. This is freedom. It feels so good when you do this. The other form of freedom I see with this is confessing to God in what we have done. Having the conversation that we messed up are truly sorry and we will try better next time gives your heart a dose of love – God’s love. With God’s love in our hearts it is hard to turn away from truth. He wants us all to love one another and come to him when we have sinned. It sounds easy, but not always. It is so worth it though.
Nola M. Meyers
John 8:32
When I think of this verse I always think of confession. Often times we get so wrapped up into our day to day tasks we often forget about the life we are leading. There are times when we do not even realize we have sinned because our minds rationalize what we are doing is for the best. When we sit down and really contemplate over our actions we see things differently. It may have been something we have said to someone else, something we did to someone, or an action that has changed our path. Whatever the case may be we truly have to have an open heart and look deep inside. If we see something we could have done differently we should speak up to anyone affected by it. This is freedom. It feels so good when you do this. The other form of freedom I see with this is confessing to God in what we have done. Having the conversation that we messed up are truly sorry and we will try better next time gives your heart a dose of love – God’s love. With God’s love in our hearts it is hard to turn away from truth. He wants us all to love one another and come to him when we have sinned. It sounds easy, but not always. It is so worth it though.
Nola M. Meyers
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 10, 2010
Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Romans 5:2b-5
As we read this passage, we realized that God has never promised any of us a perfect life. The difficulties we encounter in life "produces character," just like our grandparents said. Our character makes it possible to deal with life's many difficulties, mainly because we know that God is with us always. Through resilience and endurance through the difficult situations, our faith is continuously strengthened and we can take on larger issues and challenges.
There are times though we are challenged to a point in which we are close to losing any and all hope. We must realize in these moments, that if we give up on hope, we are turning our back to the love God pours into us. And at the moment we realize our weakness, we are given the gift of God's love and shown His grace.
Douglas and Leah Ellmore
Romans 5:2b-5
As we read this passage, we realized that God has never promised any of us a perfect life. The difficulties we encounter in life "produces character," just like our grandparents said. Our character makes it possible to deal with life's many difficulties, mainly because we know that God is with us always. Through resilience and endurance through the difficult situations, our faith is continuously strengthened and we can take on larger issues and challenges.
There are times though we are challenged to a point in which we are close to losing any and all hope. We must realize in these moments, that if we give up on hope, we are turning our back to the love God pours into us. And at the moment we realize our weakness, we are given the gift of God's love and shown His grace.
Douglas and Leah Ellmore
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 9, 2010
I did not... command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.”
Jeremiah 7:22-23
Reading this passage, I felt that each verse had a message. Although I do not think of “burnt offerings and sacrifices” from the first verse as terms in my daily life, upon further reflection, I believe this applies to the acts I perform routinely, and without thought or consideration, simply because they are symbols of my commitment to God. How often when we are reciting the Lord’s Prayer, do we simply state the words, without the recommitment that each new recitation should bring? As a teacher of young children, I often have to stop them from considering these prayers a race to finish. In our fast-paced world, we often look for the “magic pill” that will make us richer, thinner, smarter, or a better Christian. Moving forward I hope to consider more seriously the sacrifices necessary to become a better leader and Christian, as well making the rituals more meaningful and less routine.
The second verse is much simpler in meaning, but often the most difficult for us to follow. “Obey my voice, and I will be your God…” This statement is very clear, and offers very little in the way of personal interpretation – listen to God, and follow his commands. If each of us listens to God and follows His commands, everything else will fall into place, but for many of us, myself included, the feeling that we know best for ourselves can be difficult to put aside. I must remind myself that if I obey God’s voice, all will be well for me.
Cheryl Dorr
Jeremiah 7:22-23
Reading this passage, I felt that each verse had a message. Although I do not think of “burnt offerings and sacrifices” from the first verse as terms in my daily life, upon further reflection, I believe this applies to the acts I perform routinely, and without thought or consideration, simply because they are symbols of my commitment to God. How often when we are reciting the Lord’s Prayer, do we simply state the words, without the recommitment that each new recitation should bring? As a teacher of young children, I often have to stop them from considering these prayers a race to finish. In our fast-paced world, we often look for the “magic pill” that will make us richer, thinner, smarter, or a better Christian. Moving forward I hope to consider more seriously the sacrifices necessary to become a better leader and Christian, as well making the rituals more meaningful and less routine.
The second verse is much simpler in meaning, but often the most difficult for us to follow. “Obey my voice, and I will be your God…” This statement is very clear, and offers very little in the way of personal interpretation – listen to God, and follow his commands. If each of us listens to God and follows His commands, everything else will fall into place, but for many of us, myself included, the feeling that we know best for ourselves can be difficult to put aside. I must remind myself that if I obey God’s voice, all will be well for me.
Cheryl Dorr
Monday, March 8, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 8, 2010
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness...
Romans 4:3
Paul is the author of the Epistle to the Romans. He definitely feels that there is great decadence and corruption in the people of Rome at that time. He is teaching the Roman people in this part of his letter about righteousness. He means a right relationship with God, and how their lives will show it.
The Jews regarded Abraham as the great founder of the race, and the pattern of all that a man should be. He was the man to whom God had first spoken, and Abraham heard and obeyed God. God had come to Abraham and asked him to leave home and friends and relatives and his livelihood, and had said to him, “If you make this great venture of faith, you will become the father of a great nation.” Abraham took God at his word and abandoned his life to him. Paul says that was faith, and it was Abraham’s faith which made God regard him as a good man.
We do not need to torture ourselves with a losing battle to earn God’s love. We need to accept in perfect trust the love which God offers to us. After that, any person of honor is under the life-long obligation to show himself worthy of that love.
Priscilla W. Hardesty
Romans 4:3
Paul is the author of the Epistle to the Romans. He definitely feels that there is great decadence and corruption in the people of Rome at that time. He is teaching the Roman people in this part of his letter about righteousness. He means a right relationship with God, and how their lives will show it.
The Jews regarded Abraham as the great founder of the race, and the pattern of all that a man should be. He was the man to whom God had first spoken, and Abraham heard and obeyed God. God had come to Abraham and asked him to leave home and friends and relatives and his livelihood, and had said to him, “If you make this great venture of faith, you will become the father of a great nation.” Abraham took God at his word and abandoned his life to him. Paul says that was faith, and it was Abraham’s faith which made God regard him as a good man.
We do not need to torture ourselves with a losing battle to earn God’s love. We need to accept in perfect trust the love which God offers to us. After that, any person of honor is under the life-long obligation to show himself worthy of that love.
Priscilla W. Hardesty
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 7, 2010 The Third Sunday in Lent
After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered... and they believed the scriptures and the word that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22
This scripture speaks to the heart of man. It is difficult to believe what you cannot see or touch. Not even the disciples that followed Him fully understood Jesus and His words. It took seeing the fulfillment of Jesus’ words, the PROOF, for them to truly understand Jesus and the scriptures.
In today’s world it is “Seeing is believing,” “Proof is in the pudding.” In this country there is even a state slogan “The show me state.” We as a society must learn to open our hearts and really listen to hear the word of the Lord.
For me, it is believing and trust in the intangibility of Jesus that brings me—peace of mind, joy for all things, grace of spirit, and hope for all.
Linda Dinges
John 2:22
This scripture speaks to the heart of man. It is difficult to believe what you cannot see or touch. Not even the disciples that followed Him fully understood Jesus and His words. It took seeing the fulfillment of Jesus’ words, the PROOF, for them to truly understand Jesus and the scriptures.
In today’s world it is “Seeing is believing,” “Proof is in the pudding.” In this country there is even a state slogan “The show me state.” We as a society must learn to open our hearts and really listen to hear the word of the Lord.
For me, it is believing and trust in the intangibility of Jesus that brings me—peace of mind, joy for all things, grace of spirit, and hope for all.
Linda Dinges
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 6, 2010
...since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24
When I read this passage written by Saint Paul, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” my first thought was, okay, but really now, don’t some people fall just a bit shorter? You can’t help but look at the headlines in the newspapers, or search the internet, or look on someone’s Facebook page, without reading about someone who has “fallen short”! When I look inside my heart and see my own shortcomings, okay sins, they certainly don’t seem quite as bad as other people’s. How can my sins be anywhere near as bad as the person who sinned by cheating on their spouse, or the person who murdered someone? Don’t we all tell “little white lies” when we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, or use God’s name in vain, especially when someone cuts in front of us in traffic, making us late?
But, Saint Paul reminds us that we are all sinners, not just some, but all. It seems we just can’t help it. We have a long history as sinners, and have proven that we are not capable of living the wonderful lives God wills for us. Just look in the Bible and you find plenty of stories of people who have “fallen short.”
Well, the Good News is that God loved us so much he gave us the gift of His son, Christ Jesus. A gift, pure and simple! With this gift God bestowed his Grace upon us, given freely, without any merits of our own. We did nothing to deserve it. And, what’s more, not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him! God set things right for us. We have been justified, pardoned and accepted, just as we are. We have been redeemed through Christ Jesus by the sacrifice that he made for all of us. What a Gift!
Linda M. Stewart
Romans 3:23-24
When I read this passage written by Saint Paul, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” my first thought was, okay, but really now, don’t some people fall just a bit shorter? You can’t help but look at the headlines in the newspapers, or search the internet, or look on someone’s Facebook page, without reading about someone who has “fallen short”! When I look inside my heart and see my own shortcomings, okay sins, they certainly don’t seem quite as bad as other people’s. How can my sins be anywhere near as bad as the person who sinned by cheating on their spouse, or the person who murdered someone? Don’t we all tell “little white lies” when we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, or use God’s name in vain, especially when someone cuts in front of us in traffic, making us late?
But, Saint Paul reminds us that we are all sinners, not just some, but all. It seems we just can’t help it. We have a long history as sinners, and have proven that we are not capable of living the wonderful lives God wills for us. Just look in the Bible and you find plenty of stories of people who have “fallen short.”
Well, the Good News is that God loved us so much he gave us the gift of His son, Christ Jesus. A gift, pure and simple! With this gift God bestowed his Grace upon us, given freely, without any merits of our own. We did nothing to deserve it. And, what’s more, not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him! God set things right for us. We have been justified, pardoned and accepted, just as we are. We have been redeemed through Christ Jesus by the sacrifice that he made for all of us. What a Gift!
Linda M. Stewart
Friday, March 5, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 5, 2010
...Although everyone is a liar, let God be proved true...
Romans 3:4
In this passage, Paul is telling the Romans that God is always true. This passage is preceded by a discussion as to whether you had to be a Jew in order to be a Christian. Paul’s answer was “no.” Recognition comes from God, not legalistic critics.
This passage is particularly timely for me. In the recent weeks, it has become apparent that my life priorities are not in line with my core beliefs. I had an opportunity to reconnect with some old friends, whom, I believe God used to show me that it was time to re-evaluate my priorities. The tremendous flow of emotions that came over me on my ride home was impossible to ignore. The message that I kept getting from God was “when is enough, enough”? I then attended the Women’s retreat and the theme centered around emptying our life vessel of all of the unnecessary things, filling it with God’s love, and then sharing God’s love in our daily lives.
I allowed the friends that I chose to be with influence my priorities. I felt like I could never live up to their expectations, so my life centered on activities to win their approval, instead of making God’s love my priority. I got caught up in worldly priorities that mean absolutely nothing and benefit no one, and truth be told, made me constantly feel like I wasn’t good enough.
God is the one true and constant in our life. It is only his approval that we should seek. Worldly proprieties will only cause frustration and send us into an endless cycle of thinking we are in “need.” This “need” is never satisfied if we choose to listen to legalistic critics and not stay centered in God’s love.
Molly Nussear
Romans 3:4
In this passage, Paul is telling the Romans that God is always true. This passage is preceded by a discussion as to whether you had to be a Jew in order to be a Christian. Paul’s answer was “no.” Recognition comes from God, not legalistic critics.
This passage is particularly timely for me. In the recent weeks, it has become apparent that my life priorities are not in line with my core beliefs. I had an opportunity to reconnect with some old friends, whom, I believe God used to show me that it was time to re-evaluate my priorities. The tremendous flow of emotions that came over me on my ride home was impossible to ignore. The message that I kept getting from God was “when is enough, enough”? I then attended the Women’s retreat and the theme centered around emptying our life vessel of all of the unnecessary things, filling it with God’s love, and then sharing God’s love in our daily lives.
I allowed the friends that I chose to be with influence my priorities. I felt like I could never live up to their expectations, so my life centered on activities to win their approval, instead of making God’s love my priority. I got caught up in worldly priorities that mean absolutely nothing and benefit no one, and truth be told, made me constantly feel like I wasn’t good enough.
God is the one true and constant in our life. It is only his approval that we should seek. Worldly proprieties will only cause frustration and send us into an endless cycle of thinking we are in “need.” This “need” is never satisfied if we choose to listen to legalistic critics and not stay centered in God’s love.
Molly Nussear
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 4, 2010
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified.
Romans 2:13
For me, the best version of this scripture is in The Message version of the Bible. If you are not familiar with The Message, its goal is to engage people in the reading process and help them understand what they read. It is not a study Bible, but rather "a reading Bible." The original books of the Bible were not written in formal language. The Message tries to recapture the Word in the words we use today.
This excerpt from Romans 2 in The Message made this teaching clear to me.
God Is Kind, but Not Soft
You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because He's such a nice God, He'd let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he's not soft. In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you're from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
If you sin without knowing what you're doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you're doing, that's a different story entirely. Merely hearing God's law is a waste of your time if you don't do what He commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
Linda Rines
Romans 2:13
For me, the best version of this scripture is in The Message version of the Bible. If you are not familiar with The Message, its goal is to engage people in the reading process and help them understand what they read. It is not a study Bible, but rather "a reading Bible." The original books of the Bible were not written in formal language. The Message tries to recapture the Word in the words we use today.
This excerpt from Romans 2 in The Message made this teaching clear to me.
God Is Kind, but Not Soft
You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because He's such a nice God, He'd let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he's not soft. In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you're from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
If you sin without knowing what you're doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you're doing, that's a different story entirely. Merely hearing God's law is a waste of your time if you don't do what He commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
Linda Rines
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 3, 2010
Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience?
Romans 2:4
As I read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans that was written in approximately 57AD, I can’t help but think of how in today’s society we are sometimes so super focused on who is right and who is wrong, who is the best at something and who is the worst, and “oh yeah” who are the sincere Christians, and who are not. We are told over and over we are not to judge but yet we do anyhow. We teach our children to treat each other as they would want to be treated, but yet we don’t. Paul reminds us earlier in this chapter that we have “no excuse” for judging others as we are guilty of the same things we are judging others of. I believe we are being reminded that we should rejoice with fellow Christians and not be bothered whether or not they are doing something the way we feel it should be done, but excited in what they are doing if it is for the glory of our Lord.
To sum up my thought on this passage, maybe if we can be quicker to listen and slower to speak, then just maybe the KINDNESS, TOLERANCE, and PAITENCE of Christ can shine through us, both in our actions and words.
Steven E. Dorsey
Romans 2:4
As I read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans that was written in approximately 57AD, I can’t help but think of how in today’s society we are sometimes so super focused on who is right and who is wrong, who is the best at something and who is the worst, and “oh yeah” who are the sincere Christians, and who are not. We are told over and over we are not to judge but yet we do anyhow. We teach our children to treat each other as they would want to be treated, but yet we don’t. Paul reminds us earlier in this chapter that we have “no excuse” for judging others as we are guilty of the same things we are judging others of. I believe we are being reminded that we should rejoice with fellow Christians and not be bothered whether or not they are doing something the way we feel it should be done, but excited in what they are doing if it is for the glory of our Lord.
To sum up my thought on this passage, maybe if we can be quicker to listen and slower to speak, then just maybe the KINDNESS, TOLERANCE, and PAITENCE of Christ can shine through us, both in our actions and words.
Steven E. Dorsey
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 2, 2010
Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed
the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way.
John 4:50
I found that the surrounding text provides interesting details about this situation. This story takes place in Cana of Galilee where earlier Jesus had turned water into wine. A nobleman's son was sick to the point of death at Capernaum. The nobleman heard that Jesus was there and asked him to go and heal his son. Jesus states that people won't believe unless they see signs and wonders. Jesus tells the man to return home, that his son is alive and he believed. When the nobleman returned home, his son was indeed well and he asked the servants at what hour the son's fever had left. He confirmed that it was the same time that Jesus had spoken to him. This led the whole household to believe.
When I first read this verse I thought it was ironic that I should receive it because I had a son that did die. However, I realize he received a healing also; not a physical healing like the boy in the story but a restoration of a different type. The first Easter after Benjamin's death, I found myself at one point in tears. They were both for sadness and joy at the same time. The deep sorrow over seeing what should have been my child's first Easter celebration was mingled with the fact that he had received the full "healing" of God because he is alive indeed as Christ is alive.
Jesus provided many signs to his Biblical followers and to us. Through the ultimate miracle of his own resurrection, he provides us with the encouragement we need to put our full trust in Him, whether we receive physical healing in this world like the nobleman's son, or spiritual healing in the world to come.
Laura Miller
John 4:50
I found that the surrounding text provides interesting details about this situation. This story takes place in Cana of Galilee where earlier Jesus had turned water into wine. A nobleman's son was sick to the point of death at Capernaum. The nobleman heard that Jesus was there and asked him to go and heal his son. Jesus states that people won't believe unless they see signs and wonders. Jesus tells the man to return home, that his son is alive and he believed. When the nobleman returned home, his son was indeed well and he asked the servants at what hour the son's fever had left. He confirmed that it was the same time that Jesus had spoken to him. This led the whole household to believe.
When I first read this verse I thought it was ironic that I should receive it because I had a son that did die. However, I realize he received a healing also; not a physical healing like the boy in the story but a restoration of a different type. The first Easter after Benjamin's death, I found myself at one point in tears. They were both for sadness and joy at the same time. The deep sorrow over seeing what should have been my child's first Easter celebration was mingled with the fact that he had received the full "healing" of God because he is alive indeed as Christ is alive.
Jesus provided many signs to his Biblical followers and to us. Through the ultimate miracle of his own resurrection, he provides us with the encouragement we need to put our full trust in Him, whether we receive physical healing in this world like the nobleman's son, or spiritual healing in the world to come.
Laura Miller
Monday, March 1, 2010
Lenten Reflection - March 1, 2010
... Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ...
Romans 1:5-6
Not exactly something you’d put on a bumper sticker is it? Taken from Paul’s introduction, this sets the stage for the delivery of his gospel to the churches in Rome. Tension is evident between the Jews and the Gentiles, so Paul sought to unify the church by proclaiming the glory of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The obedience of faith that Paul calls for is not simply performing a good deed, or a kind gesture, an initial faith offering, but obedience built on an on-going faith. This is a faith manifested in honoring the name of Jesus, by being living examples called to belong to Jesus Christ. By associating ourselves with His name, we provide others the opportunity to judge us based on how we live out our faith. We can honor the name and live out our transformed lives or we can take the other path. It’s our choice. Every moment of every day. It’s our choice.
For the sake of His name, may we choose to live today and every day as an Alleluia to our King.
Earl Buffaloe
Romans 1:5-6
Not exactly something you’d put on a bumper sticker is it? Taken from Paul’s introduction, this sets the stage for the delivery of his gospel to the churches in Rome. Tension is evident between the Jews and the Gentiles, so Paul sought to unify the church by proclaiming the glory of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The obedience of faith that Paul calls for is not simply performing a good deed, or a kind gesture, an initial faith offering, but obedience built on an on-going faith. This is a faith manifested in honoring the name of Jesus, by being living examples called to belong to Jesus Christ. By associating ourselves with His name, we provide others the opportunity to judge us based on how we live out our faith. We can honor the name and live out our transformed lives or we can take the other path. It’s our choice. Every moment of every day. It’s our choice.
For the sake of His name, may we choose to live today and every day as an Alleluia to our King.
Earl Buffaloe
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 28, 2010 The Second Sunday in Lent
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34
In this passage, Jesus outlines a seemingly direct path to Salvation. By denying one's self "suppressing physical needs, material desires, ego, and pride" and accepting life's burdens, it is possible to achieve true discipleship.
Upon reflection, though, this seemingly straightforward plan may not be so simple. This passage has historically been interpreted as a glorification of suffering: to deny one's self, sacrifice one's self, wipe out any sense of self, and to embrace the cross, is to elevate oneself. Discipleship, to some, is imagined as suffering in this life, presumably in return for rewards to come. If Christ is indeed elevating suffering as a virtue, then martyrdom is the route to eternal life.
However, we must question the extent to which we are to deny ourselves. Why would each of us, as children of God, be blessed with talents and abilities that could improve life for others, only to be asked to suppress those gifts? Perhaps instead, it is by suppressing only our human weaknesses that we can truly let the light of Christ into our lives, and permit us to do God's work in the world.
Tricia Hurlbutt
Mark 8:34
In this passage, Jesus outlines a seemingly direct path to Salvation. By denying one's self "suppressing physical needs, material desires, ego, and pride" and accepting life's burdens, it is possible to achieve true discipleship.
Upon reflection, though, this seemingly straightforward plan may not be so simple. This passage has historically been interpreted as a glorification of suffering: to deny one's self, sacrifice one's self, wipe out any sense of self, and to embrace the cross, is to elevate oneself. Discipleship, to some, is imagined as suffering in this life, presumably in return for rewards to come. If Christ is indeed elevating suffering as a virtue, then martyrdom is the route to eternal life.
However, we must question the extent to which we are to deny ourselves. Why would each of us, as children of God, be blessed with talents and abilities that could improve life for others, only to be asked to suppress those gifts? Perhaps instead, it is by suppressing only our human weaknesses that we can truly let the light of Christ into our lives, and permit us to do God's work in the world.
Tricia Hurlbutt
Lenten Reflection - February 28, 2010 The Second Sunday in Lent
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34
It seems I always have a song in my heart, and as I reflected on this verse, I was reminded of a song made popular by Mary Travers in the 1970’s called Follow Me. These particular words from the song kept running through my mind—
Follow me up and down all the way and all around
Take my hand and say you’ll follow me
I can relate these lyrics to my Christian walk and to Mark 8:34. Isn’t that what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross—to follow Jesus “all the way and all around”? Many of us practice self-denial during Lent by “giving up” certain foods, like chocolate or bad habits. While that is difficult to do and serves a purpose, denying ourselves in order to follow Jesus seems to be more than that. It means to deny our SELVES— to stop listening to our own voice, stop leaning on our own power, and stop trying to fulfill our own will and wishes. We take up our cross when we choose to follow the way Jesus taught us to live our lives, regardless of the cost. In today’s competitive society, we are rewarded for being leaders, not followers. But Jesus asks us to follow Him against the flow of worldly trends. Instead of relying on popular culture for how to succeed in life, let’s remind ourselves that Jesus gave us this ultimate formula for success. Won’t you take His hand and say you’ll follow, too?
Nancy Horkan
Mark 8:34
It seems I always have a song in my heart, and as I reflected on this verse, I was reminded of a song made popular by Mary Travers in the 1970’s called Follow Me. These particular words from the song kept running through my mind—
Follow me up and down all the way and all around
Take my hand and say you’ll follow me
I can relate these lyrics to my Christian walk and to Mark 8:34. Isn’t that what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross—to follow Jesus “all the way and all around”? Many of us practice self-denial during Lent by “giving up” certain foods, like chocolate or bad habits. While that is difficult to do and serves a purpose, denying ourselves in order to follow Jesus seems to be more than that. It means to deny our SELVES— to stop listening to our own voice, stop leaning on our own power, and stop trying to fulfill our own will and wishes. We take up our cross when we choose to follow the way Jesus taught us to live our lives, regardless of the cost. In today’s competitive society, we are rewarded for being leaders, not followers. But Jesus asks us to follow Him against the flow of worldly trends. Instead of relying on popular culture for how to succeed in life, let’s remind ourselves that Jesus gave us this ultimate formula for success. Won’t you take His hand and say you’ll follow, too?
Nancy Horkan
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 27, 2010
Recite [these words] to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:7
That old line about “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” “Practice, practice, practice” came to mind when I read this verse. Now, I know I can’t ‘practice’ my way into God’s heart – I am a child of God purely by his loving grace – but I can practice being a better Christian. (Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to come naturally to me). I can return God’s love by honoring, practicing, his commandments.
In Chapter 5, God gives the 10 commandments to Moses. In Chapter 6, Moses gives them to the people. Chapter 6:6: “These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts.” If I practice acting on what is in my heart, that thing becomes easier, more natural to do “when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” And the children, who seem to learn by absorption, by watching and listening, will profit.
Patti Sachs
Deuteronomy 6:7
That old line about “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” “Practice, practice, practice” came to mind when I read this verse. Now, I know I can’t ‘practice’ my way into God’s heart – I am a child of God purely by his loving grace – but I can practice being a better Christian. (Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to come naturally to me). I can return God’s love by honoring, practicing, his commandments.
In Chapter 5, God gives the 10 commandments to Moses. In Chapter 6, Moses gives them to the people. Chapter 6:6: “These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts.” If I practice acting on what is in my heart, that thing becomes easier, more natural to do “when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” And the children, who seem to learn by absorption, by watching and listening, will profit.
Patti Sachs
Friday, February 26, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 26, 2010
What does the Lord require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
This passage says it all, doesn’t it? We are here to serve the Lord and do what He has told us to do. The stories in the Bible, Moses, Job, Jonah, Jacob… they are just window dressing. Those along with Jesus’ parables are tales to help us discern the meaning of serving the Lord, loving the Lord and keeping His commandments. It is pretty clear when you look at it; if you get this then the rest is easy, or is it? It is pretty easy to “love the Lord” every day, we can pray and let Him know we are thinking about Him, we can tell Him how wonderful He is, we can ask for His guidance, help, whatever but then comes the “serving” part. How can I serve the Lord each day? Abraham, Moses, Peter, and all the saints set examples of how to serve the Lord. Some of those saints have done pretty marvelous things, maybe more than I can ever do. As I write this, the “new” year has just started and I am thinking of resolutions as many of us do at this time. How can I serve the Lord each day? How can we serve the Lord, for isn’t that how we truly ‘love’ the Lord? (see also Matthew 22:37)
Taylor F. Milbradt
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
This passage says it all, doesn’t it? We are here to serve the Lord and do what He has told us to do. The stories in the Bible, Moses, Job, Jonah, Jacob… they are just window dressing. Those along with Jesus’ parables are tales to help us discern the meaning of serving the Lord, loving the Lord and keeping His commandments. It is pretty clear when you look at it; if you get this then the rest is easy, or is it? It is pretty easy to “love the Lord” every day, we can pray and let Him know we are thinking about Him, we can tell Him how wonderful He is, we can ask for His guidance, help, whatever but then comes the “serving” part. How can I serve the Lord each day? Abraham, Moses, Peter, and all the saints set examples of how to serve the Lord. Some of those saints have done pretty marvelous things, maybe more than I can ever do. As I write this, the “new” year has just started and I am thinking of resolutions as many of us do at this time. How can I serve the Lord each day? How can we serve the Lord, for isn’t that how we truly ‘love’ the Lord? (see also Matthew 22:37)
Taylor F. Milbradt
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 25, 2010
Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
John 18:37
The setting is the Palace of the Roman governor, Pilate, after Jesus’ arrest. Jesus (is bound) before Pilate. Pilate would have given anything if he could convince the chief priests and the Jewish population that he could not condemn Jesus to death on what little evidence they presented. He found no fault in Jesus saying, “My kingdom is not of this world.” The Jews hoped Pilate would find Jesus guilty of blasphemy because he had been called “King of the Jews.” That, they felt, put him on a par with God. Jesus was the only one who knew what was going on. He really was about his father’s business, fulfilling his father’s plan. The Jews could not put him to death, by their law. So, they claimed he was a threat to Caesar so that the Roman Authority would do their dirty work. Pilate knew he was being used by the Jews. He also heard Jesus say, “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” In despair, Pilate gave the crowd a choice: Barabbas or Jesus. They cried for Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate feared the crowd.
Have you ever made a decision based on the weight of the crowd when your heart and mind told you otherwise?
Caroline Chisum
John 18:37
The setting is the Palace of the Roman governor, Pilate, after Jesus’ arrest. Jesus (is bound) before Pilate. Pilate would have given anything if he could convince the chief priests and the Jewish population that he could not condemn Jesus to death on what little evidence they presented. He found no fault in Jesus saying, “My kingdom is not of this world.” The Jews hoped Pilate would find Jesus guilty of blasphemy because he had been called “King of the Jews.” That, they felt, put him on a par with God. Jesus was the only one who knew what was going on. He really was about his father’s business, fulfilling his father’s plan. The Jews could not put him to death, by their law. So, they claimed he was a threat to Caesar so that the Roman Authority would do their dirty work. Pilate knew he was being used by the Jews. He also heard Jesus say, “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” In despair, Pilate gave the crowd a choice: Barabbas or Jesus. They cried for Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate feared the crowd.
Have you ever made a decision based on the weight of the crowd when your heart and mind told you otherwise?
Caroline Chisum
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 24, 2010
As Moses lifted up the serpent...so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
John 3:15
Jesus was talking to Nicodemus when he made this statement. Nicodemus belonged to the party of the Pharisees, but he believed that Jesus was sent by God, because of the miracles he performed.
Jesus told him he must be born again. Nicodemus could not understand this symbolism. Jesus said, "You must be born of the spirit.” In the book of Numbers 21:4, the Lord had sent poisonous snakes among his sinful, complaining people. When they asked for forgiveness, the Lord had Moses make a metal snake. Moses made a bronze snake on a pole. Anyone who had been bitten could look at it and be healed.
So Jesus must be lifted up, spiritually. We, believing, will be saved.
Beverly Fahlstrom
John 3:15
Jesus was talking to Nicodemus when he made this statement. Nicodemus belonged to the party of the Pharisees, but he believed that Jesus was sent by God, because of the miracles he performed.
Jesus told him he must be born again. Nicodemus could not understand this symbolism. Jesus said, "You must be born of the spirit.” In the book of Numbers 21:4, the Lord had sent poisonous snakes among his sinful, complaining people. When they asked for forgiveness, the Lord had Moses make a metal snake. Moses made a bronze snake on a pole. Anyone who had been bitten could look at it and be healed.
So Jesus must be lifted up, spiritually. We, believing, will be saved.
Beverly Fahlstrom
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 23, 2010
It is not because of your righteousness...that you are going in...
Deuteronomy 9:5
This passage is about provocation, corruptions, faith and promises. It is also about the Promised Land and a 400 hundred year old promise.
In spite of the Israelites’ stiff necks (an apparent reference to God’s people’s unwillingness to accept the yoke of God), in spite of the myriad provocations Moses attributes to his people, and in spite of their corruption, Moses tells his people that they will soon possess nations greater than they can possibly imagine. They will reach the Promised Land, “Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart…,” nor even because of the wickedness of the Hittites, the Amorites, Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; they will reach the Promised Land because of the promise God made to Abraham 400 years before.
Moses and his people are the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites except for one thing: their faith in God. They are not rewarded for anything about themselves, and Moses makes abundantly clear to his people that they could not possibly do anything to deserve the Promised Land.
This passage is about giving of ourselves; it’s about the differences between what we deserve and what we are given; it’s about the power of faith and the power of promises.
James Buchan
Deuteronomy 9:5
This passage is about provocation, corruptions, faith and promises. It is also about the Promised Land and a 400 hundred year old promise.
In spite of the Israelites’ stiff necks (an apparent reference to God’s people’s unwillingness to accept the yoke of God), in spite of the myriad provocations Moses attributes to his people, and in spite of their corruption, Moses tells his people that they will soon possess nations greater than they can possibly imagine. They will reach the Promised Land, “Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart…,” nor even because of the wickedness of the Hittites, the Amorites, Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; they will reach the Promised Land because of the promise God made to Abraham 400 years before.
Moses and his people are the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites except for one thing: their faith in God. They are not rewarded for anything about themselves, and Moses makes abundantly clear to his people that they could not possibly do anything to deserve the Promised Land.
This passage is about giving of ourselves; it’s about the differences between what we deserve and what we are given; it’s about the power of faith and the power of promises.
James Buchan
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 22, 2010
...to humble you and to test you and in the end to do you good.
Deuteronomy 8:16
Deuteronomy -- the “second law,” – is a reaffirmation of the covenant between God and the people of Israel -- the words of Moses in more “contemporary” words. He does not mince them. He reminds the people, "Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these 40 years in the wilderness … If you do forget the Lord your God and follow other gods to serve and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish." Among “other gods” we follow are things. We love our things, our gadgets and gizmos. We tend to believe if we work hard enough, we have earned them and we deserve them. The prophet warns, “… do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery… Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” He brought us through the “great and terrible wilderness” and made miracles of manna and water from a rock to humble and test us so that we would know Him.
And all that he asks is that we love Him with all our hearts, all our souls and all our minds, and that we love our neighbors as ourselves. Is that too much to ask?
Val Hymes
Deuteronomy 8:16
Deuteronomy -- the “second law,” – is a reaffirmation of the covenant between God and the people of Israel -- the words of Moses in more “contemporary” words. He does not mince them. He reminds the people, "Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these 40 years in the wilderness … If you do forget the Lord your God and follow other gods to serve and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish." Among “other gods” we follow are things. We love our things, our gadgets and gizmos. We tend to believe if we work hard enough, we have earned them and we deserve them. The prophet warns, “… do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery… Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” He brought us through the “great and terrible wilderness” and made miracles of manna and water from a rock to humble and test us so that we would know Him.
And all that he asks is that we love Him with all our hearts, all our souls and all our minds, and that we love our neighbors as ourselves. Is that too much to ask?
Val Hymes
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 21, 2010 The First Sunday in Lent
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
Mark 1:12
Upon first reading this passage, I was struck by its brevity and power. The Gospel of Mark relates the Temptation of Christ in the first chapter, using only two sentences. Unlike the Gospel of Matthew, where the story is related in 11 verses in the fourth chapter, or Luke, who uses 13 verses in the fourth chapter, Mark notes the event and moves quickly on. Why this difference, I wondered? This passage is harsh. The use of the words “immediately,” and “drove,” are not at all as gentle as those used in Matthew or Luke’s versions. In Matthew, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. In Luke, Jesus wanders in the wilderness, led by the Spirit. The Gospel According to Mark, is widely considered to be the oldest of the gospels. Did Matthew and Luke, who must have been familiar with Mark’s work, decide he left too much to the imagination? Did they think Mark moved too quickly past this important event which introduces the conflict between Jesus and Satan? Or, were they trying to make a readable version of Jesus’ life and death? The remainder of Mark’s Gospel clearly reveals that Mark is greatly concerned about this conflict between Jesus and Satan. Life in Jesus’s time was much different than our present world. It is difficult for us to relate to that world. In his brevity, Mark coveys the stark reality of the powers of evil that so often make an appearance when we least expect them.
Mary Hoffman
Mark 1:12
Upon first reading this passage, I was struck by its brevity and power. The Gospel of Mark relates the Temptation of Christ in the first chapter, using only two sentences. Unlike the Gospel of Matthew, where the story is related in 11 verses in the fourth chapter, or Luke, who uses 13 verses in the fourth chapter, Mark notes the event and moves quickly on. Why this difference, I wondered? This passage is harsh. The use of the words “immediately,” and “drove,” are not at all as gentle as those used in Matthew or Luke’s versions. In Matthew, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. In Luke, Jesus wanders in the wilderness, led by the Spirit. The Gospel According to Mark, is widely considered to be the oldest of the gospels. Did Matthew and Luke, who must have been familiar with Mark’s work, decide he left too much to the imagination? Did they think Mark moved too quickly past this important event which introduces the conflict between Jesus and Satan? Or, were they trying to make a readable version of Jesus’ life and death? The remainder of Mark’s Gospel clearly reveals that Mark is greatly concerned about this conflict between Jesus and Satan. Life in Jesus’s time was much different than our present world. It is difficult for us to relate to that world. In his brevity, Mark coveys the stark reality of the powers of evil that so often make an appearance when we least expect them.
Mary Hoffman
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 20, 2010
. . . to be gentle and to show every courtesy to everyone.
Titus 3:2b
Titus was one of Paul’s most trusted traveling companions and devoted friend. Paul slowly developed Titus into a mature Christian leader, who eventually became the overseer of the churches in Crete. The book of Titus is a letter from Paul, emphasizing the importance of good works in the life of a Christian. The responsibilities of Christians in society is outlined in the book of Titus.
This Bible passage explains how Christians should treat all humans with kindness and respect. The passage follows descriptions of the trials and misfortunes of former unbelievers, and how Godly living is now only appropriate since God has given us the gift of eternal life. Showing courtesy to all is a quality that describes a good Christian citizen. Being gentle and courteous are distinct Christian kindnesses. Society should be able to recognize Christians as loving people of truth, as being considerate and peaceful persons, ready to do whatever is good for others. Our Godly living and kind deeds to all, including non-Christians, will exemplify the teachings we have received and hopefully bring others to faith in God.
By making all newcomers to St. James’ feel warmly welcomed, we can all practice this teaching from God.
Susan Dowling
Titus 3:2b
Titus was one of Paul’s most trusted traveling companions and devoted friend. Paul slowly developed Titus into a mature Christian leader, who eventually became the overseer of the churches in Crete. The book of Titus is a letter from Paul, emphasizing the importance of good works in the life of a Christian. The responsibilities of Christians in society is outlined in the book of Titus.
This Bible passage explains how Christians should treat all humans with kindness and respect. The passage follows descriptions of the trials and misfortunes of former unbelievers, and how Godly living is now only appropriate since God has given us the gift of eternal life. Showing courtesy to all is a quality that describes a good Christian citizen. Being gentle and courteous are distinct Christian kindnesses. Society should be able to recognize Christians as loving people of truth, as being considerate and peaceful persons, ready to do whatever is good for others. Our Godly living and kind deeds to all, including non-Christians, will exemplify the teachings we have received and hopefully bring others to faith in God.
By making all newcomers to St. James’ feel warmly welcomed, we can all practice this teaching from God.
Susan Dowling
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 19, 2010
If you heed these ordinances, the Lord your God... will love you, bless you, and multiply you.
Deuteronomy 7:12-13a
This passage is a straightforward reminder that we have a contract with God. God loves and watches over us at all times, but He is at once powerful, loving, jealous and vengeful. He expects something in return. In order to abide in His love, we must observe His commandments.
God guides us through the most difficult of challenges. Just as God brought His chosen people to the promised land and helped them defeat many more powerful nations along the way, He will be with us through our own times of strife. God’s love is truly wondrous and great, but it doesn’t come without expectations of us.
As we reflect on this passage, it helps to remind us that we must do more than ask God for His blessings. We must also ask ourselves what we have done to uphold our end of our covenant with Him.
Claire and George Pickart
Deuteronomy 7:12-13a
This passage is a straightforward reminder that we have a contract with God. God loves and watches over us at all times, but He is at once powerful, loving, jealous and vengeful. He expects something in return. In order to abide in His love, we must observe His commandments.
God guides us through the most difficult of challenges. Just as God brought His chosen people to the promised land and helped them defeat many more powerful nations along the way, He will be with us through our own times of strife. God’s love is truly wondrous and great, but it doesn’t come without expectations of us.
As we reflect on this passage, it helps to remind us that we must do more than ask God for His blessings. We must also ask ourselves what we have done to uphold our end of our covenant with Him.
Claire and George Pickart
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 18, 2010
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29
Jesus was a lamb of God like us - He was one of us! Like us, He was baptized by John (even though He had no sin) just as all of us were baptized. For all of us and for Jesus too, baptism reaffirms God's love for each of us and reminds us of our inherent worth. We need to remember this message every day!
During all baptisms, we, the congregation, promise to nurture and support the newly baptized. The Godparents promise to take special care of the person. As a Sunday school teacher of three, four, and five year olds, I take this promise very seriously. I want all my children to absolutely know that Jesus loves them and that they are marked as God's own forever! In a sense, I am their Godparent for awhile on Sundays.
Jesus is our shepherd, always taking care of us—never abandoning any of us. We can have total faith in his love and care. This is the kind of commitment I try to bring to my class each week. We learn about Jesus' life - His birth, His teaching (as shown in the Parables), the Eucharist, and His death and resurrection. We emphasize over and over that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He loves us unconditionally and forever.
It is an awesome responsibility and a wonderful privilege to be entrusted with the first church teachings these children receive. I pray I always let them know with words and actions how much Jesus loves them. In truth, they show me God's love every Sunday!
Julie Cornellier
John 1:29
Jesus was a lamb of God like us - He was one of us! Like us, He was baptized by John (even though He had no sin) just as all of us were baptized. For all of us and for Jesus too, baptism reaffirms God's love for each of us and reminds us of our inherent worth. We need to remember this message every day!
During all baptisms, we, the congregation, promise to nurture and support the newly baptized. The Godparents promise to take special care of the person. As a Sunday school teacher of three, four, and five year olds, I take this promise very seriously. I want all my children to absolutely know that Jesus loves them and that they are marked as God's own forever! In a sense, I am their Godparent for awhile on Sundays.
Jesus is our shepherd, always taking care of us—never abandoning any of us. We can have total faith in his love and care. This is the kind of commitment I try to bring to my class each week. We learn about Jesus' life - His birth, His teaching (as shown in the Parables), the Eucharist, and His death and resurrection. We emphasize over and over that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He loves us unconditionally and forever.
It is an awesome responsibility and a wonderful privilege to be entrusted with the first church teachings these children receive. I pray I always let them know with words and actions how much Jesus loves them. In truth, they show me God's love every Sunday!
Julie Cornellier
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lenten Reflection - February 17, 2010 Ash Wednesday
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
This passage is from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus has gone to speak to his disciples. He was teaching them about priorities; choosing the love of God and spiritual values rather than material ones.
As I read this passage, I thought about the things that I treasure and then I thought about the things that I treasure most. The things that I treasure the most are not “things” at all. We all know that material possessions are not what is most important to us, yet most of us struggle with keeping our priorities straight. Why do material possessions compete for our affections, especially when we know what damage comes when we misplace our priorities?
What is in our heart will determine how we respond to God’s calling to love one another and help those in need. When we spend money and/or our valuable time for charitable causes and people, we expand our hearts and make them rich. The heart must be set on eternal treasures, not on things of this Earth. This does not make it wrong for us to want the necessities of life and material possessions, but our heart should not be set on them. Possessions must be possessed; they must not possess us. If God is the treasure of our heart, our passions will be placed on things above. If our hearts are not set upon eternal treasures, we must reinvest in our values. What is your heart set upon?
Cindy Carrier
Matthew 6:21
This passage is from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus has gone to speak to his disciples. He was teaching them about priorities; choosing the love of God and spiritual values rather than material ones.
As I read this passage, I thought about the things that I treasure and then I thought about the things that I treasure most. The things that I treasure the most are not “things” at all. We all know that material possessions are not what is most important to us, yet most of us struggle with keeping our priorities straight. Why do material possessions compete for our affections, especially when we know what damage comes when we misplace our priorities?
What is in our heart will determine how we respond to God’s calling to love one another and help those in need. When we spend money and/or our valuable time for charitable causes and people, we expand our hearts and make them rich. The heart must be set on eternal treasures, not on things of this Earth. This does not make it wrong for us to want the necessities of life and material possessions, but our heart should not be set on them. Possessions must be possessed; they must not possess us. If God is the treasure of our heart, our passions will be placed on things above. If our hearts are not set upon eternal treasures, we must reinvest in our values. What is your heart set upon?
Cindy Carrier
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