But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay."
Matthew 28-5-6
Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, believed to be the mother of Joseph (not the Joseph, husband of Mary, Jesus' mother) had been at the foot of the cross when Jesus died. Today, Sunday morning, they had come to anoint the body of Jesus. All of a sudden an angel appears and rolls the stone away from the tomb. Naturally the women are terrified and so would we have been! The angel knew why they were there. He told them, "Do not be afraid." "He is not here; for he has been raised." "Come, see the place where he lay."
It has been said that in Scripture we are told not to fear 366 times. One for each day of the year and one extra! We are so quick to fear. When we read this passage in its context, we see that the angel said, "Come see." Seeing is believing! Then he told the women to go and share the Good News. We, too, are told: "Fear not, believe, and tell others." On this Easter Day, in our lives, we witness new life and we need to tell others what we have witnessed! The Tomb is empty! He is not where the dead dwell, for he is alive. Alleluia!
Bill Ticknor+
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 7, 2012 Holy Saturday
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
I Peter 4:10
First and foremost Peter is reminding us that as Christians we are tasked with being good stewards. Secondly, as good stewards to serve one another with our time, our talents, and our treasures. The good News is that St. James consists of a congregation that works hard at being good stewards and serving one another. However, to better understand Peter's message let's take a look at what a good steward is and how we can better serve one another.
First, a good steward understands that everything they have is a gift from God. This includes our lives, our health, family, friends, career, and accomplishments. These all belong to God. Second, a good steward recognizes that these gifts from God are a blessing and were given to us by God to use them as a blessing for others. If you use your gifts as a blessing to others and those who receive your blessings do likewise, God will be glorified by all who recognize these as blessings, especially those who acknowledge these truly are gifts from our Father above.
Joe Carta
I Peter 4:10
First and foremost Peter is reminding us that as Christians we are tasked with being good stewards. Secondly, as good stewards to serve one another with our time, our talents, and our treasures. The good News is that St. James consists of a congregation that works hard at being good stewards and serving one another. However, to better understand Peter's message let's take a look at what a good steward is and how we can better serve one another.
First, a good steward understands that everything they have is a gift from God. This includes our lives, our health, family, friends, career, and accomplishments. These all belong to God. Second, a good steward recognizes that these gifts from God are a blessing and were given to us by God to use them as a blessing for others. If you use your gifts as a blessing to others and those who receive your blessings do likewise, God will be glorified by all who recognize these as blessings, especially those who acknowledge these truly are gifts from our Father above.
Joe Carta
Friday, April 6, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 6, 2012 Good Friday
The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:11b-12
When our class read the entire chapter of Isaiah 53, we were struck by the prophecy. We felt as if we were reading the story of the Gospel: Jesus' life as a servant, his suffering for the sins of the World, his death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life. We had to keep reminding ourselves that this was prophesied in the Old Testament, over 700 years before Jesus walked the Earth! How awesome is it that the glory our Lord's love and sacrifice would be known so well in advance?
We will never have complete understanding of God's love to have his perfect Son suffer death. But we can begin to comprehend that God's Master Time Line certainly revealed his plan well in advance. We need to trust this and understand that God's timing is perfect.
The High School Senior Class
Isaiah 53:11b-12
When our class read the entire chapter of Isaiah 53, we were struck by the prophecy. We felt as if we were reading the story of the Gospel: Jesus' life as a servant, his suffering for the sins of the World, his death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life. We had to keep reminding ourselves that this was prophesied in the Old Testament, over 700 years before Jesus walked the Earth! How awesome is it that the glory our Lord's love and sacrifice would be known so well in advance?
We will never have complete understanding of God's love to have his perfect Son suffer death. But we can begin to comprehend that God's Master Time Line certainly revealed his plan well in advance. We need to trust this and understand that God's timing is perfect.
The High School Senior Class
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 5, 2012 Maundy Thursday
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
Isaiah 50:4
We often ask "why?" The big question. We want to know.
"Why do bad things happen to good people?" "Why am I suffering?" "Why am I going through this?"
People often say that God does things for a reason. The New Testament tells us that the Spirit gives gifts, like speaking in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, etc. Why do we have these gifts?
In Isaiah, we’re told a why. Here, God gives the prophet the "tongue of a teacher." But not to teach. Isaiah knows why God has given him this gift, to "know how to sustain the weary with a word."
This chapter of Isaiah is understood to date from the exilic period, after Israel and Judah have been sundered, Jerusalem taken, and the majority of its citizens shipped off to Babylon. The weary are not tired workers. They are a people defeated, seized, and removed from their life. People with no hope for themselves or their future as a people. Weary not in body, but in spirit.
Isaiah speaks not to merely strengthen them for the day; Isaiah speaks to give them hope for the future. He foreshadows Christ’s giving hope and comfort for a future beyond the here and now, beyond even the grave.
But Isaiah shows both sides of the coin. Besides using his tongue, he uses his ears. He acts not only as a teacher, but as a student. He listens, every day, for the word of God. And every day, God wakens his ear "to listen as those who are taught."
Why do you have your gift?
Greg Davis
Isaiah 50:4
We often ask "why?" The big question. We want to know.
"Why do bad things happen to good people?" "Why am I suffering?" "Why am I going through this?"
People often say that God does things for a reason. The New Testament tells us that the Spirit gives gifts, like speaking in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, etc. Why do we have these gifts?
In Isaiah, we’re told a why. Here, God gives the prophet the "tongue of a teacher." But not to teach. Isaiah knows why God has given him this gift, to "know how to sustain the weary with a word."
This chapter of Isaiah is understood to date from the exilic period, after Israel and Judah have been sundered, Jerusalem taken, and the majority of its citizens shipped off to Babylon. The weary are not tired workers. They are a people defeated, seized, and removed from their life. People with no hope for themselves or their future as a people. Weary not in body, but in spirit.
Isaiah speaks not to merely strengthen them for the day; Isaiah speaks to give them hope for the future. He foreshadows Christ’s giving hope and comfort for a future beyond the here and now, beyond even the grave.
But Isaiah shows both sides of the coin. Besides using his tongue, he uses his ears. He acts not only as a teacher, but as a student. He listens, every day, for the word of God. And every day, God wakens his ear "to listen as those who are taught."
Why do you have your gift?
Greg Davis
Lenten Reflection - April 5, 2012 Maundy Thursday
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens – wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
Isaiah 50:4
The first half of Isaiah is a strong condemnation of the sins of Judah and Israel. But the later chapters recount the hope of salvation as Isaiah describes God's promise through the coming Messiah. In this passage 'the servant' acknowledges God's gift of teaching and his mandate to sustain the 'weary' by sharing God's promise. Who are the 'weary'? Are they the sick, the lonely? Are they those in desperate need of a word of encouragement and support, or those on the margins of society who are neglected and in danger of being forgotten. What does a 'servant' look like today in 2012? Are you a servant, spreading hope to the 'weary' of today?
Do you know someone or maybe you have seen someone you recognized was in need of a consoling word, a friendly smile or the assurance that God loves them? Did you reach out and provide that comfort, that smile, that assurance? As we remember God's son giving his life for us, can each of us give a word, a hug, a promise of God's love to another in need?
Taylor Milbradt
Isaiah 50:4
The first half of Isaiah is a strong condemnation of the sins of Judah and Israel. But the later chapters recount the hope of salvation as Isaiah describes God's promise through the coming Messiah. In this passage 'the servant' acknowledges God's gift of teaching and his mandate to sustain the 'weary' by sharing God's promise. Who are the 'weary'? Are they the sick, the lonely? Are they those in desperate need of a word of encouragement and support, or those on the margins of society who are neglected and in danger of being forgotten. What does a 'servant' look like today in 2012? Are you a servant, spreading hope to the 'weary' of today?
Do you know someone or maybe you have seen someone you recognized was in need of a consoling word, a friendly smile or the assurance that God loves them? Did you reach out and provide that comfort, that smile, that assurance? As we remember God's son giving his life for us, can each of us give a word, a hug, a promise of God's love to another in need?
Taylor Milbradt
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 4, 2012
...He was not guilty, but He suffered for those who are...to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:18
Another translation of this verse says (in part) "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God." (NSV)
Immediately before this verse, Peter sets up the context, noting that it is better to suffer for doing good (if that suffering is God's will) than to suffer for doing evil.
Peter presents us with Christ making that better choice. And more, since Jesus is not merely suffering for doing good, he's suffering for all who are guilty of sin to bring "you" (us) to God. Christ suffered as one of us, with us and for us, that we would have the opportunity to know God as part of Christ's new covenant.
Peter's words echo down the ages. As his listeners were then, we are torn between the world as it is and we in our earthly lives; not in sync with the godly thoughts, words, and deeds that we should be, and are thereby sinners.
Hrm, it seems pretty simple. If you're suffering (and won't you concede that most of us suffer some times?), why not suffer for a good reason?
Greg Davis
1 Peter 3:18
Another translation of this verse says (in part) "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God." (NSV)
Immediately before this verse, Peter sets up the context, noting that it is better to suffer for doing good (if that suffering is God's will) than to suffer for doing evil.
Peter presents us with Christ making that better choice. And more, since Jesus is not merely suffering for doing good, he's suffering for all who are guilty of sin to bring "you" (us) to God. Christ suffered as one of us, with us and for us, that we would have the opportunity to know God as part of Christ's new covenant.
Peter's words echo down the ages. As his listeners were then, we are torn between the world as it is and we in our earthly lives; not in sync with the godly thoughts, words, and deeds that we should be, and are thereby sinners.
Hrm, it seems pretty simple. If you're suffering (and won't you concede that most of us suffer some times?), why not suffer for a good reason?
Greg Davis
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 3, 2012
And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God."
Isaiah 49:3-4
The Book of Isaiah, a great prophet in Jerusalem, was written a long time ago, but the strong words in this servant song also resonate with me today. How often do I feel as if I am working hard, yet spinning my wheels and not accomplishing anything worthwhile? How often do I get discouraged because I don't see immediate results from my work? How often do I rely on other people to let me know what they think I should do, rather than spending time in prayer to discern what God would have me do? How often do I wish that someone would notice the hard work I do and think it is important?
I have to remember that just as God chose Israel to be his servant so long ago, God has also chosen us to serve him today. When I remember that all my focus belongs on God, I can put aside my feelings of inadequacy at not accomplishing what I consider great or important things. I can make sure that I pray and listen to God for the work he has for me to do. I can make sure that I look to God to see whether he is pleased with me.
Sometimes it is hard for me to imagine how my seemingly small works could be pleasing to Almighty God. All I have to do is remember that if I serve God faithfully, he will be glorified through me and my reward will come from him.
Marjie Mack
Isaiah 49:3-4
The Book of Isaiah, a great prophet in Jerusalem, was written a long time ago, but the strong words in this servant song also resonate with me today. How often do I feel as if I am working hard, yet spinning my wheels and not accomplishing anything worthwhile? How often do I get discouraged because I don't see immediate results from my work? How often do I rely on other people to let me know what they think I should do, rather than spending time in prayer to discern what God would have me do? How often do I wish that someone would notice the hard work I do and think it is important?
I have to remember that just as God chose Israel to be his servant so long ago, God has also chosen us to serve him today. When I remember that all my focus belongs on God, I can put aside my feelings of inadequacy at not accomplishing what I consider great or important things. I can make sure that I pray and listen to God for the work he has for me to do. I can make sure that I look to God to see whether he is pleased with me.
Sometimes it is hard for me to imagine how my seemingly small works could be pleasing to Almighty God. All I have to do is remember that if I serve God faithfully, he will be glorified through me and my reward will come from him.
Marjie Mack
Monday, April 2, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 2, 2012
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 42:1
This portion of scripture begins what some people refer to as the "Servant Songs of Isaiah". They are passages describing the Messiah; Jesus being the servant of the Father. Prior to this verse, Isaiah speaks about the futility of idols and the foolishness of man. He is encouraging the people that a time of "justice for truth" will come. In the subsequent verses he characterizes the type of justice as compassionate, stating "a bruised reed he will not break" and he will "open the eyes of the blind."
I feel that we, living today, can benefit from this hope of seeing God's truth and spirit in an outpouring again at the second coming of our Lord, since it is easy to become discouraged by looking at the sinful world around us, just as the people of Isaiah's day were surely frustrated at the idolatry going on around them. They had the promise of Messiah's first coming and beyond that we have the promise of his return.
Laura Miller
Isaiah 42:1
This portion of scripture begins what some people refer to as the "Servant Songs of Isaiah". They are passages describing the Messiah; Jesus being the servant of the Father. Prior to this verse, Isaiah speaks about the futility of idols and the foolishness of man. He is encouraging the people that a time of "justice for truth" will come. In the subsequent verses he characterizes the type of justice as compassionate, stating "a bruised reed he will not break" and he will "open the eyes of the blind."
I feel that we, living today, can benefit from this hope of seeing God's truth and spirit in an outpouring again at the second coming of our Lord, since it is easy to become discouraged by looking at the sinful world around us, just as the people of Isaiah's day were surely frustrated at the idolatry going on around them. They had the promise of Messiah's first coming and beyond that we have the promise of his return.
Laura Miller
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Lenten Reflection - April 1, 2012 Palm Sunday
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
Philippians 2:5-7
The reading for today talks about how Jesus does not place himself as an equal to God. He took the form of a slave, lived a human life (without sinning) and we know that he only asked God to take his cup from him if it was God's will. He willingly gave of himself.
How often do we think we are above someone else or give of ourselves? Makes you squirm a little doesn't it? I know that I squirm from time to time. I try to be a good Christian woman, but fall short more than I like to admit.
There was a time at the intersection of Rtes. 2 and 450 that a man would be there asking for money. I gave to him each time until I read that a group of people came down from Baltimore on a coach bus to panhandle. I felt hurt more than angry, but I stopped giving to him. That was until one day my son Cody called me on it. He asked why I had stopped and I explained to him about the newspaper article. From the backseat my son said, "Mom you may be looking at the face of Jesus." Cody said that we really didn't know what the man's life was like. He was right. I quickly pulled out a couple of dollars to give to him.
We need to keep trying to live a Christ like life and serve God fully. Let's take the walk with Jesus.
Sharon L. McGlaughlin
Philippians 2:5-7
The reading for today talks about how Jesus does not place himself as an equal to God. He took the form of a slave, lived a human life (without sinning) and we know that he only asked God to take his cup from him if it was God's will. He willingly gave of himself.
How often do we think we are above someone else or give of ourselves? Makes you squirm a little doesn't it? I know that I squirm from time to time. I try to be a good Christian woman, but fall short more than I like to admit.
There was a time at the intersection of Rtes. 2 and 450 that a man would be there asking for money. I gave to him each time until I read that a group of people came down from Baltimore on a coach bus to panhandle. I felt hurt more than angry, but I stopped giving to him. That was until one day my son Cody called me on it. He asked why I had stopped and I explained to him about the newspaper article. From the backseat my son said, "Mom you may be looking at the face of Jesus." Cody said that we really didn't know what the man's life was like. He was right. I quickly pulled out a couple of dollars to give to him.
We need to keep trying to live a Christ like life and serve God fully. Let's take the walk with Jesus.
Sharon L. McGlaughlin
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