Jesus also said, "this is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, wherever he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know why. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
Mark 4:26-28
In Biblical times, the preferred method of planting seeds was to walk through a field scattering seed by hand and letting them fall where they may. Some landed on rich, fertile soil and some on rocky, dry ground. Some grew, and some didn't. The farmer tended to his fields as best he could, but he really didn't understand the science of plant growth, nor did he have much control over what happened. So he prayed and waited for the grain to ripen, and when it did, he reaped the harvest and gave thanks for all that God had given him.
So it is with the seeds of the Gospel. We scatter the seeds far and wide and wait for them to grow. Like the farmer, we don't understand how this happens—why some respond to the Gospel message and others do not. It isn't for us to know. God is sovereign, and we accept that his plan for us is in place. So we pray, and we wait. And when it is time, we rejoice for the harvest, those people whose lives are transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, and give thanks and praise to Almighty God. And then, just as the farmer feeds his family, we go forth into the world to feed others through our words and actions.
Michelle Doran+ (2008)
Monday, April 7, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Lenten Reflection - April 6, 2014 The Fifth Sunday of Lent
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-22
The calling of the first Disciples marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, following his baptism by John the Baptist, and the time of testing by Satan in the desert.
It is interesting to contemplate how we might have reacted had we lived during that time and been asked to leave everything and follow Jesus. But this was a time chosen by God, and people chosen by God for a specific purpose. Even though the Disciples got to walk and talk with Jesus directly, ask him questions and learn from him, it does not appear that they had an easy time understanding. In fact, it seems like it wasn't until all the facts were in, the life and teaching of Jesus, His death, and witness of His resurrection and ascension that they truly understood. Their willingness to move from denial to a belief so strong that they were themselves crucified, offers compelling proof that all these events occurred.
Sometimes we are so busy looking for proof that we don't see it all around us. Most often it is only by the grace of God that we can a see the truth. Even though we did not live during the time of Jesus, it is true that we are being, called just as the Disciples were called, to follow Jesus. Are we listening? Are we responding?
Warren Harper (2011)
Matthew 4:18-22
The calling of the first Disciples marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, following his baptism by John the Baptist, and the time of testing by Satan in the desert.
It is interesting to contemplate how we might have reacted had we lived during that time and been asked to leave everything and follow Jesus. But this was a time chosen by God, and people chosen by God for a specific purpose. Even though the Disciples got to walk and talk with Jesus directly, ask him questions and learn from him, it does not appear that they had an easy time understanding. In fact, it seems like it wasn't until all the facts were in, the life and teaching of Jesus, His death, and witness of His resurrection and ascension that they truly understood. Their willingness to move from denial to a belief so strong that they were themselves crucified, offers compelling proof that all these events occurred.
Sometimes we are so busy looking for proof that we don't see it all around us. Most often it is only by the grace of God that we can a see the truth. Even though we did not live during the time of Jesus, it is true that we are being, called just as the Disciples were called, to follow Jesus. Are we listening? Are we responding?
Warren Harper (2011)
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Lenten Reflection - April 5, 2014
Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is in the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
This passage from Jeremiah has strong meaning in my life! I have tried to live knowing that our LORD is an extremely important part of my life. This passage concerns the keeping of faith even in difficult personal times. Thinking of the passage's meaning - In good times - (we are well watered and feel the warm sunshine) - emotionally happy times, our relationships are all going well, and financially we prosper - these are the times when it is easy to feel our LORD's blessings and spread our LORD's message in a positive, confident and encouraging manner to all around us. When all is well in our lives, our Lord's blessings seem uncomplicated and undemanding. However, when times of "heat and drought" come into our lives, how will we deal with them? Will we curse our LORD and ask why? Or will we draw on our faith? Knowing confidently that Christ is in us and He will help us struggle through the times of "heat and drought." At difficult times it is often hard to remember that our LORD does not give us more then we can cope with. As Christians and members of a faithful community, we must also support others in their time of "heat and drought." Many of the Church's ministries are designed to provide the framework of care and assistance in times of trouble but still it is the members of the faithful community that can demonstrate to one another Christ's message of love and the peace that comes from trusting in the LORD.
Cathy Stasny (2009)
Jeremiah 17:7-8
This passage from Jeremiah has strong meaning in my life! I have tried to live knowing that our LORD is an extremely important part of my life. This passage concerns the keeping of faith even in difficult personal times. Thinking of the passage's meaning - In good times - (we are well watered and feel the warm sunshine) - emotionally happy times, our relationships are all going well, and financially we prosper - these are the times when it is easy to feel our LORD's blessings and spread our LORD's message in a positive, confident and encouraging manner to all around us. When all is well in our lives, our Lord's blessings seem uncomplicated and undemanding. However, when times of "heat and drought" come into our lives, how will we deal with them? Will we curse our LORD and ask why? Or will we draw on our faith? Knowing confidently that Christ is in us and He will help us struggle through the times of "heat and drought." At difficult times it is often hard to remember that our LORD does not give us more then we can cope with. As Christians and members of a faithful community, we must also support others in their time of "heat and drought." Many of the Church's ministries are designed to provide the framework of care and assistance in times of trouble but still it is the members of the faithful community that can demonstrate to one another Christ's message of love and the peace that comes from trusting in the LORD.
Cathy Stasny (2009)
Friday, April 4, 2014
Lenten Reflection - April 4, 2014
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5
How wonderfully comforting it is to know that the Lord is our shepherd, both protecting us and providing all we need to flourish, just as he was King David's shepherd when David wrote this psalm so many years ago. Sheep and goats were the most important domestic animals in David's time, providing meat, milk, fat, skins, wool, and horns. Shepherds, although lowly, were very important and were counted on to lead their flocks on paths to good pastures and safe water where the sheep would flourish. Shepherds were really the first "pastoral" care committee!
Just as David did, we enjoy a special bond of friendship with our Lord, and he invites us to His heavenly banquet table right in front of our enemies to show them that we are His flock. He anoints our heads with oil, treating us as honored guests were treated at banquets in David's time. He pours out His love and goodness on us so that our cup overflows and spills out on those around us, passing on his blessings to our friends and enemies alike.
How meaningful to me to be writing about this passage as I am preparing for the womens' weekend with the theme "Come to the Table"—the Lord's Table, where I am nourished in body, mind and spirit. Even today, we often honor our friends by inviting them to our table to share a meal with us to celebrate our bond of friendship. We want to shower blessings on those we love. So does God, if we will only let Him.
Marjie Mack (2009)
Psalm 23:5
How wonderfully comforting it is to know that the Lord is our shepherd, both protecting us and providing all we need to flourish, just as he was King David's shepherd when David wrote this psalm so many years ago. Sheep and goats were the most important domestic animals in David's time, providing meat, milk, fat, skins, wool, and horns. Shepherds, although lowly, were very important and were counted on to lead their flocks on paths to good pastures and safe water where the sheep would flourish. Shepherds were really the first "pastoral" care committee!
Just as David did, we enjoy a special bond of friendship with our Lord, and he invites us to His heavenly banquet table right in front of our enemies to show them that we are His flock. He anoints our heads with oil, treating us as honored guests were treated at banquets in David's time. He pours out His love and goodness on us so that our cup overflows and spills out on those around us, passing on his blessings to our friends and enemies alike.
How meaningful to me to be writing about this passage as I am preparing for the womens' weekend with the theme "Come to the Table"—the Lord's Table, where I am nourished in body, mind and spirit. Even today, we often honor our friends by inviting them to our table to share a meal with us to celebrate our bond of friendship. We want to shower blessings on those we love. So does God, if we will only let Him.
Marjie Mack (2009)
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Lenten Reflection - April 3, 2014
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Luke 6:37
We can't survive without making judgments. From our childhood, we are taught to discern which actions are appropriate and which are not, those that threaten our safety and those that keep us safe. But Jesus isn't talking about that kind of judgment here. He still expects us to distinguish right from wrong. The direction in this passage follows his instruction that his disciples should love their enemies. Now he is telling his followers to avoid judgment of all people, including their enemies. These words warn us to avoid gossip and all the subtle ways that we discount one another. Too often we are quick to label people and write them off because they are a liberal or conservative, white or black, Jew or Catholic. Too often we assume that we alone understand God's prerogatives. Jesus is making it clear that there is no place for such assumptions among his followers.
Later in this passage, Jesus informs his disciples that "for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Everyone has value in God's eyes. Jesus died for the sins of all, not just those whom we judge deserving. Here in Luke, Jesus is telling us that we will be measured by the same criteria that we use to measure others. Be it judgment, condemnation, forgiveness or generosity, Jesus uses his instructions in Luke to remind us that our rewards in his kingdom will be balanced against our actions.
Susan Whitehead (2009)
Luke 6:37
We can't survive without making judgments. From our childhood, we are taught to discern which actions are appropriate and which are not, those that threaten our safety and those that keep us safe. But Jesus isn't talking about that kind of judgment here. He still expects us to distinguish right from wrong. The direction in this passage follows his instruction that his disciples should love their enemies. Now he is telling his followers to avoid judgment of all people, including their enemies. These words warn us to avoid gossip and all the subtle ways that we discount one another. Too often we are quick to label people and write them off because they are a liberal or conservative, white or black, Jew or Catholic. Too often we assume that we alone understand God's prerogatives. Jesus is making it clear that there is no place for such assumptions among his followers.
Later in this passage, Jesus informs his disciples that "for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Everyone has value in God's eyes. Jesus died for the sins of all, not just those whom we judge deserving. Here in Luke, Jesus is telling us that we will be measured by the same criteria that we use to measure others. Be it judgment, condemnation, forgiveness or generosity, Jesus uses his instructions in Luke to remind us that our rewards in his kingdom will be balanced against our actions.
Susan Whitehead (2009)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Lenten Reflection - April 2, 2014
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42
This scripture came at the perfect time for me. There are certain times of the year when I must let Martha out and other times I keep her locked away. I read the passage this morning and realized she is overdue to be put away. It is so easy to not see what is right in front of you because you are too busy looking at tasks to be done. We want to have all of our ducks in a row because this is what is expected of us. In the moment of completing our tasks it becomes easy to judge and resent those who are simply "living" (like Mary was). Instead I think this is a perfect lesson for us to look inside ourselves to find what is most important. We should be focusing on the blessings we have received. Living the life God wants for us. Turning away from the daily grind and to focus on the here and now. This is what living is. Sometimes it is easier said than done - especially on Sunday mornings when we have so much to do. When we attend church we are getting what Mary sought after that afternoon - spiritual guidance. We all need to live in the moment like Mary was able to do. Let Martha come out only out of necessity.
Nola Meyers (2011)
Luke 10:38-42
This scripture came at the perfect time for me. There are certain times of the year when I must let Martha out and other times I keep her locked away. I read the passage this morning and realized she is overdue to be put away. It is so easy to not see what is right in front of you because you are too busy looking at tasks to be done. We want to have all of our ducks in a row because this is what is expected of us. In the moment of completing our tasks it becomes easy to judge and resent those who are simply "living" (like Mary was). Instead I think this is a perfect lesson for us to look inside ourselves to find what is most important. We should be focusing on the blessings we have received. Living the life God wants for us. Turning away from the daily grind and to focus on the here and now. This is what living is. Sometimes it is easier said than done - especially on Sunday mornings when we have so much to do. When we attend church we are getting what Mary sought after that afternoon - spiritual guidance. We all need to live in the moment like Mary was able to do. Let Martha come out only out of necessity.
Nola Meyers (2011)
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Lenten Reflection - April 1, 2014
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrew 13:1,2
Oh, God, for this day, just this one day, Let me live generously, kindly, in a state of grace and goodness that denies my many imperfections, And makes me more like you.
The above is the final paragraph to a prayer I keep in front of me at my desk. I try to read it daily, because if we truly work each and every day to be more like Christ, showing grace and love to those we meet, think of how different the world would be.
Molly Nussear (2011)
Hebrew 13:1,2
Oh, God, for this day, just this one day, Let me live generously, kindly, in a state of grace and goodness that denies my many imperfections, And makes me more like you.
The above is the final paragraph to a prayer I keep in front of me at my desk. I try to read it daily, because if we truly work each and every day to be more like Christ, showing grace and love to those we meet, think of how different the world would be.
Molly Nussear (2011)
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