Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.
I Peter 4:10-11
This passage asks four things of us. We are to use our gifts, serve one another, speak with respect and reverence and know that God will give us the strength to accomplish great things.
We have many talents. Be still and explore what gifts you have to share. The first instant may be to write a check for charity. There are simple ways to serve that don’t require much in the way of finances. Do you recycle so that the Earth we inherited can be preserved? Have you phoned a shut in or a lonely person to brighten her day? Your gift may be a smile or complimenting someone on his tie. When a person is on the prayer list; send a card. It’s heartwarming to receive a message from someone who isn’t a close friend or relative. Have you let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line? Everyone has a gift to give.
The use of profanity is prevalent in our society. Would this be acceptable to God? The tone of our voice and the words that we use to convey messages can be objectionable. The gift of speech can be a reflection of our love of Jesus.
There are difficulties in everyone’s life. Some problems are more devastating than others. Knowing that God IS and that God KNOWS and that God will give us strength, is all we need.
Lorraine Taylor
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 28, 2012
Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."
Luke 1:38
Every Christmas season, we hear the story of our Lord's birth. Year after year, as the story is repeated, it obtains a level of comforting familiarity, inspiring feelings of joy, hope, and renewal. Often overlooked, however, is the message that emerges from Mary's encounter with Gabriel, when he told her she, a virgin, would give birth to a child who would become the Lord.
In this day and age, it's hard to imagine a young woman living through such a sequence of events, being given such an awesome responsibility, and responding with such humility, grace and courage. She must have been fearful, yet did not submit to fear. Surely she had doubts, and would have wished that someone else would have been chosen. Unquestionably, she would have wondered how her husband, Joseph, would react. Yet she did not waver. "Here am I," says Mary, "let it be with me according to your word."
Every day, we are presented with opportunities to show courage – to step up, to solve a problem, to lead. These opportunities surface at home, at church, at work, and even random encounters with strangers. When confronted with these opportunities, how do we respond? Do we step up? Do we wait to see who else will volunteer? Or, do we say "here am I, the servant of the Lord…?"
George Pickart
Luke 1:38
Every Christmas season, we hear the story of our Lord's birth. Year after year, as the story is repeated, it obtains a level of comforting familiarity, inspiring feelings of joy, hope, and renewal. Often overlooked, however, is the message that emerges from Mary's encounter with Gabriel, when he told her she, a virgin, would give birth to a child who would become the Lord.
In this day and age, it's hard to imagine a young woman living through such a sequence of events, being given such an awesome responsibility, and responding with such humility, grace and courage. She must have been fearful, yet did not submit to fear. Surely she had doubts, and would have wished that someone else would have been chosen. Unquestionably, she would have wondered how her husband, Joseph, would react. Yet she did not waver. "Here am I," says Mary, "let it be with me according to your word."
Every day, we are presented with opportunities to show courage – to step up, to solve a problem, to lead. These opportunities surface at home, at church, at work, and even random encounters with strangers. When confronted with these opportunities, how do we respond? Do we step up? Do we wait to see who else will volunteer? Or, do we say "here am I, the servant of the Lord…?"
George Pickart
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 27, 2012
But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Luke 22:26-27
Upon reflecting on this passage, it appears to me that this is one of those verses that could sum up Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus used this as one of his last instructions to his disciples before he was crucified so there is no mistaking the magnitude of this discussion. It is a reminder that aside wealth or poverty, famous or ordinary, talented or challenged, we are all equal in Christ Jesus and must always serve the one in need. Whether that need is material or spiritual, we are directed to serve and not wait to be served. As we are taught that it is better to give than to receive, so it is true that the act of serving rather than being served is unmistakably one of the greatest of blessings. Let us use this season to reach out in any way possible to serve our brothers or sisters in our community. How do we do this, the possibilities are endless.
Steve Dorsey
Luke 22:26-27
Upon reflecting on this passage, it appears to me that this is one of those verses that could sum up Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus used this as one of his last instructions to his disciples before he was crucified so there is no mistaking the magnitude of this discussion. It is a reminder that aside wealth or poverty, famous or ordinary, talented or challenged, we are all equal in Christ Jesus and must always serve the one in need. Whether that need is material or spiritual, we are directed to serve and not wait to be served. As we are taught that it is better to give than to receive, so it is true that the act of serving rather than being served is unmistakably one of the greatest of blessings. Let us use this season to reach out in any way possible to serve our brothers or sisters in our community. How do we do this, the possibilities are endless.
Steve Dorsey
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 26, 2012 The First Sunday of Lent
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:24-25
When I read this passage, the qualities mentioned immediately reminded me of the perfect role model for servanthood—Jesus Christ. Although Jesus was God, he emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant. He also mentored and encouraged his disciples to be servants to each other, telling them and showing them that he "came not to be served, but to serve."
Paul encouraged and mentored Timothy on how to treat the people during Timothy’s ministry to the church in Ephesus. Paul knew it was not so easy to always be “kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.” Timothy was like a son to him, and he wanted to help him serve the Lord and the people of Ephesus since he could not be there himself.
To be the Lord’s servants, we also have to empty ourselves in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then we can be God’s hands and feet, serving him with a pure heart as we serve his people.
As hard as it may be to be the Lord's servant, many times it can be even harder to let someone else act as a servant to us. If we don’t let others serve us, we may be denying them the opportunity to serve God. In the words of "The Servant Song":
Won’t you let me be your servant;
let me be, as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant, too.
Marjie Mack
2 Timothy 2:24-25
When I read this passage, the qualities mentioned immediately reminded me of the perfect role model for servanthood—Jesus Christ. Although Jesus was God, he emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant. He also mentored and encouraged his disciples to be servants to each other, telling them and showing them that he "came not to be served, but to serve."
Paul encouraged and mentored Timothy on how to treat the people during Timothy’s ministry to the church in Ephesus. Paul knew it was not so easy to always be “kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.” Timothy was like a son to him, and he wanted to help him serve the Lord and the people of Ephesus since he could not be there himself.
To be the Lord’s servants, we also have to empty ourselves in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then we can be God’s hands and feet, serving him with a pure heart as we serve his people.
As hard as it may be to be the Lord's servant, many times it can be even harder to let someone else act as a servant to us. If we don’t let others serve us, we may be denying them the opportunity to serve God. In the words of "The Servant Song":
Won’t you let me be your servant;
let me be, as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant, too.
Marjie Mack
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 25, 2012
"I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father."
John 15:15
One of Masterpiece Theatre’s recent dramatic presentations is Downton Abbey, not dissimilar from earlier series such as Upstairs, Downstairs involving wealthy British families living in large manor houses and the servants who take care of them. The story line always seem to include at least one situation in which the formal, arms length relationship between master and servant results in lack of communication or miscommunication with unintended consequences. These are the sorts of misunderstandings and lack of real communication that rarely happen between true friends.
We believe that John 15:15 suggests that we can best get to know God through a close personal relationship with his Son Jesus Christ. As a friend, He can lovingly point us in a positive direction, help us to make changes in our lives, support us in our troubled times and find joy in our happiness. This is the comfort and understanding that a master-servant relationship just cannot offer.
Paul and Janet Oakley
John 15:15
One of Masterpiece Theatre’s recent dramatic presentations is Downton Abbey, not dissimilar from earlier series such as Upstairs, Downstairs involving wealthy British families living in large manor houses and the servants who take care of them. The story line always seem to include at least one situation in which the formal, arms length relationship between master and servant results in lack of communication or miscommunication with unintended consequences. These are the sorts of misunderstandings and lack of real communication that rarely happen between true friends.
We believe that John 15:15 suggests that we can best get to know God through a close personal relationship with his Son Jesus Christ. As a friend, He can lovingly point us in a positive direction, help us to make changes in our lives, support us in our troubled times and find joy in our happiness. This is the comfort and understanding that a master-servant relationship just cannot offer.
Paul and Janet Oakley
Friday, February 24, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 24, 2012
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 12:27-30
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
Of course not!! Through this series of questions, Paul is teaching us that we all have different roles to play as members of the body of Christ, and we do this best when we use the spiritual gifts God has given us. While we differ in our gifts, abilities, and our position in the body of Christ, each of us are vital and important parts.
Do you know your part in the Body of Christ? I know which part I wish I could be—which gifts or talents I wish I had. But I have learned through prayer and study that being envious of other’s gifts or feeling dissatisfied with the gifts God gave me is not part of God’s plan. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything (The Message). One of my parts is to serve Him through the gift of music as a member of the Celebration Choir. As I was reflecting on this passage, God spoke to me through the words in one of our anthems-
We all have gifts that we can bring to offer to the King of Kings;
It matters not if it is great or small.
He only takes what we will give; we only have one life to live,
So come and offer Him your best, your all.
Bloom where you are planted and enjoy peace, unity, and success in the work of the Lord.
We are the Body of Christ, we are the Church, we are St. James’!
Nancy Horkan
1 Corinthians 12:27-30
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
Of course not!! Through this series of questions, Paul is teaching us that we all have different roles to play as members of the body of Christ, and we do this best when we use the spiritual gifts God has given us. While we differ in our gifts, abilities, and our position in the body of Christ, each of us are vital and important parts.
Do you know your part in the Body of Christ? I know which part I wish I could be—which gifts or talents I wish I had. But I have learned through prayer and study that being envious of other’s gifts or feeling dissatisfied with the gifts God gave me is not part of God’s plan. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything (The Message). One of my parts is to serve Him through the gift of music as a member of the Celebration Choir. As I was reflecting on this passage, God spoke to me through the words in one of our anthems-
We all have gifts that we can bring to offer to the King of Kings;
It matters not if it is great or small.
He only takes what we will give; we only have one life to live,
So come and offer Him your best, your all.
Bloom where you are planted and enjoy peace, unity, and success in the work of the Lord.
We are the Body of Christ, we are the Church, we are St. James’!
Nancy Horkan
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 23, 2012
I tell you what, Master, replied the gardener; Let it alone for just this one year more. I’ll dig all around it and put on some manure. Then, if it fruits next year, well and good; and if not, you can cut it down.
Luke 13:8-9
Jesus told the people a parable (story).
The soil in this area was very poor, but the fig tree was supposed to have a good chance of growing well and producing fruit within a three-year period. On visiting the fig tree after three years, the master noticed that it had not produced any fruit. He told the gardener that he should cut the tree down. The gardener asked that the tree be given another chance by letting him dig around the tree and fertilize it. Then if it did not produce any fruit after a year, he would cut the tree down.
In this parable Jesus was reminding the people they would be judged according to the opportunities they have had in their lives. If we refuse chance after chance in our lives, the day will come not when God has shut us out, but we by choice have shut ourselves out from God.
Priscilla Hardesty
Luke 13:8-9
Jesus told the people a parable (story).
The soil in this area was very poor, but the fig tree was supposed to have a good chance of growing well and producing fruit within a three-year period. On visiting the fig tree after three years, the master noticed that it had not produced any fruit. He told the gardener that he should cut the tree down. The gardener asked that the tree be given another chance by letting him dig around the tree and fertilize it. Then if it did not produce any fruit after a year, he would cut the tree down.
In this parable Jesus was reminding the people they would be judged according to the opportunities they have had in their lives. If we refuse chance after chance in our lives, the day will come not when God has shut us out, but we by choice have shut ourselves out from God.
Priscilla Hardesty
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Lenten Reflection - February 22, 2012 Ash Wednesday
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Book of Common Prayer
Compost….
Humbling, isn’t it?….
"All flesh is as the grass… it withers and dies." Maybe if we understood better that our spirit-life is every bit as real and as much a part of us as our physical life, and that our existence is so much larger and longer (indeed, eternal) than our physical existence, we could accept the compost part better. Plant a seed in compost. Add water. (He did. Read Gen.2:5 …) A plant grows, bends towards the light. The better the compost, the more light, the stronger the plant. The plant blooms, produces fruit fulfilling its purpose, and gradually fades, " withers and dies". So with us – to a point. Our spiritual nature lives on. So we nurture our spiritual nature, bending towards the Light, while we are in our physical bodies.
"…withers and dies…" Death is never easy. We are very attached to one another (and very attached to ourselves for that matter) and death makes a gaping hole in the garden of our world. But if we think of our whole selves, physical and spiritual, then death "is just a change of clothes" (Ghandi) and "death is as nothing at all. I have slipped away into the next room…All is well." (H.S.Holland…) We grow, we bend toward the light, we bloom and fade, wither and die. Compost. Our spirit, that we nurture while we are alive, that bends towards the Light and grows strong, blooms and lives on with Christ in eternity.
Patti Sachs
Book of Common Prayer
Compost….
Humbling, isn’t it?….
"All flesh is as the grass… it withers and dies." Maybe if we understood better that our spirit-life is every bit as real and as much a part of us as our physical life, and that our existence is so much larger and longer (indeed, eternal) than our physical existence, we could accept the compost part better. Plant a seed in compost. Add water. (He did. Read Gen.2:5 …) A plant grows, bends towards the light. The better the compost, the more light, the stronger the plant. The plant blooms, produces fruit fulfilling its purpose, and gradually fades, " withers and dies". So with us – to a point. Our spiritual nature lives on. So we nurture our spiritual nature, bending towards the Light, while we are in our physical bodies.
"…withers and dies…" Death is never easy. We are very attached to one another (and very attached to ourselves for that matter) and death makes a gaping hole in the garden of our world. But if we think of our whole selves, physical and spiritual, then death "is just a change of clothes" (Ghandi) and "death is as nothing at all. I have slipped away into the next room…All is well." (H.S.Holland…) We grow, we bend toward the light, we bloom and fade, wither and die. Compost. Our spirit, that we nurture while we are alive, that bends towards the Light and grows strong, blooms and lives on with Christ in eternity.
Patti Sachs
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