Christian Reflections and Prayer

THE NEAREST CHURCH

2012-01-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

"Everybody is looking for you" Mark 1:37

There's the amusing story about a convicted criminal --
a rough-looking character nicknamed "Brutus," who
was about to be paroled after serving a lengthy
sentence. Before walking through the prison gates
to his long-awaited freedom, he was paid a visit by
the prison chaplain. "You have paid your debt to
society," the chaplain said, "so I encourage you
to hold your head up high when you walk out of
here. Live a good life and, by all means, join the
nearest Church as soon as possible."

It so happened that Brutus found an apartment
on the edge of the poorest section of town, yet
close to the richest section. It so happened also
that the nearest Church was located on the edge
of the rich area. Old Brutus lost no time going to
see the pastor of that Church and telling him of
his desire to become a member. "My good man,"
said the pastor, "I don't think you would be happy
here, although I appreciate your good intentions.
Really, I think you would be most uncomfortable
among my people and I'm afraid it would be quite
embarrassing to you. I suggest you think it over,
and pray that God will give you some direction."

Several days later, when Brutus happened to see
the pastor on the street, he stopped and said to him,
"Reverend, I took your advice and prayed to God for
direction. And God told me to stop trying to join your
Church. He said that He Himself had been trying to
get in there for years without success!"

(Sunday Sermons on Line)

ON LEVEL GROUND

2012-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient
to God have now received mercy as a result of
their disobedience, 31 so they too have now
become disobedient in order that they too may
now[a] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy
to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to
disobedience so that he may have mercy on them
all.
(Romans 11: 29-32) NIV

Reflections:

I had a friend who grew up in the church with
me. His life was very destructive, and was often
in serious trouble. Even from a young age he
was in and out of juvenile detention. As he grew
older, he was in and out of jail. His parents were
disappointed, sad, and ashamed.

I grew up in the church and had a great record
in high school, college, and graduate school.
I ended up becoming a peace organizer, a
police officer, an ordained minister, and I was
filled with pride and presumption. My folks were
so proud. His parents were sad with a
heavy, heavy heart. The folks in heaven, well
they don't see any difference between us.
WHY?

My destructive friend cried for mercy and
forgiveness from our God and found his slate
clean. My own destruction was that of pride
and presumption and I turned to God for
mercy and forgiveness and my slate was
made clean. Now there is not one iota of
difference in our standing before God.

I find, in my life, that I need to remember this
truth more and more. You know it is really
contrary to my ever instinct, yet it is God's truth.
"For God has bound everyone over to
disobedience so that he may have mercy on
them all."

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please keep reminding me, that
before your we are all on level ground.
AMEN

PRACTICAL IDEALIST

2012-01-26T16:55:00.001-08:00

I am not a visionary. I claim to
be a practical idealist. The religion
of nonviolence is not meant merely
for the rishis and saints. It is meant
for the common people as well.
Nonviolence is the law of our species
as violence is the law of the brute.
The spirit lies dormant in the brute
and he knows no law but that of
physical might. The dignity of man
requires obedience to a higher law-to
the strength of the spirit...

The rishis who discovered the law of
nonviolence in the midst of violence
were greater geniuses than Newton.
They were themselves known the use
of arms, they realized their uselessness,
and taught a weary world that its
salvation lay not through violence but
through nonviolence.

By M. K. Gandhi.

RADICAL STUFF

2012-01-23T15:18:00.001-08:00

Scripture:

“Whatever you do to the least of these,
you do to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

(The following is a portion taken from a
sermon given by Tony Campolo titled
"The Gospel of King Jesus".
What do think about what he said?)

How many of us take the words of Jesus
seriously? Sell what you have. Give to the
poor. Show mercy. Do you really think we
should love our enemies? Jesus said,
“Love your enemies,” didn’t He?

You think that this is radical stuff, that it’s
dangerous stuff. It’s about time we face the
fact that Jesus never played it safe. It’s
about time that we realize that they didn’t
put Him on the cross because He said nice
things, but because He said dangerous
things. Dangerous things include loving your
enemies, forgiving those who have hurt you,
forgiving those who made life hard for you.
Are you ready to take the words of Jesus,
the teachings of Jesus seriously? A people
that would do that are kingdom people.

The second thing is that they are people
who will be able to find Jesus in those who
are called the least of these. In the twenty
fifth chapter of Matthew, He says, “Whatever
you do to the least of these, you do to Me.
” Are you able to find Jesus in the least of
these?

A friend of mine is a pastor of a church in
the Midwest. It’s an inner city church, and
they run a soup kitchen every day of the week.
The people in the soup kitchen started coming
to worship on Sunday. It’s a very a wealthy
and prestigious church, and one of the deacons
of the church said, “Pastor, I think we need to
have a separate service for those people. You
know, they are dirty and smelly and I think we
need a separate service for them.”

And my friend said, “I don’t think so, because
I believe everybody should have a chance to
meet Jesus face to face.”

The deacon said, “I believe that, too, but can’t
we have a separate service?”

He said, “I’m not talking about them, I’m
talking about you.”

When you look into the face of those who are
in need, if you are filled with the presence of
Christ, if you have surrendered to Christ, if
Christ is a living presence in you, when you look
into their faces, you will see Jesus staring back
at you, and you won’t be saying in the depths of
your being, whatever I do to this person, I do to
Him.

Andrew Young, the onetime mayor of Atlanta,
Georgia, decided to dress up in raggedy clothes,
go out on the streets, and be homeless for three
days to see and experience what the homeless
experience. The people on his staff said, “It’ll
never work. They’ll recognize you. You’re so well
known they’ll recognize you. It won’t work.
” Three days later, he came back and they asked
him, “Well, how did it go? Did people recognize
you?”

And with great sadness, Andrew Young said,
“Nobody recognized me because nobody looks
into the faces of the homeless.”

I look at my own life and I think of how I also
turned the other way. I don’t want to see them,
I don’t want to confront them, I don’t want to meet
them, and Jesus encourages us that, if you don’t
want to meet them and love them and minister to
them, don’t think you can have a relationship with
Me. “Whatever you do to the least of these, you
do to Me.”

REAL LOVE

2012-01-18T13:34:00.001-08:00

The famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright,
designed some unusual buildings. On a
university campus in Florida stands a library
designed by Wright with an extremely low
ceiling, so low that if you are six feet tall and
not careful, you keep bumping your head. A
man who was having this trouble asked why
Frank Lloyd Wright had designed such a
building. "This was a characteristic of his
architecture because he hated tall people,"
A teacher explained.

Reflection:

How typical this is.
You try to cut the other fellow down to your
size. You make him fit into your mold.
Husbands and wives, parents and children
and friends, remaking each other. This is
the kind of love we express by taking the
other and using him and carving him and
shaping him into what we think he ought to
be. But this is not the kind of love which the
New Testament calls agape love: The
unconditional love that is for the other, the
love that affirms the life of the other, the
love that rejoices in the difference in the other.

GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE!

2012-01-15T14:21:00.001-08:00

Do you sense that God is on your side?
On the very day I call to you for help, my
enemies will retreat. This I know: God is
on my side.O God, I praise your word.
Yes, Lord, I praise your word. I trust in
God, so why should I be afraid? What
can mere mortals do to me? I will fulfill
my vows to you, O God, and offer a
sacrifice of thanks for your help. For
you have rescued me from death; you
have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence,
O God, in your life-giving light.
(Psalm 56:9-13 NLT)

PLAYING GOD

2012-01-11T12:09:00.001-08:00

Scripture:

1 Samuel 31-2 Samuel 2:7

Reflection:

Do you try to play God?
"Of course not" , you reply, "I know my place,
And besides, what little I know of God shows me
I'm not up to His job."
But take a minute and think again. Do you look
at another person, perhaps a person in your family,
and try to manipulate that person into the shape
he or she should become?
Do you set a goal for yourself even one that you
believe is God's will and go towards that goal with
full force and purpose closing your eyes to
people who might brush you aside in your wake?
Do you view someone else actions through
your very narrow eyes and say, " I know that;s sin",
and then purposely avoid that person?

You see I have come to believe that there is a
very fine line between using the abilities that God
has given us to bring structure in our lives and
rushing ahead trying to do what only God should
do. I have come to learn in my life that it is hard
enough to learn to be myself let alone trying to
play God.

OVERFLOWING JOY

2012-01-04T03:50:00.001-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture

Read Matthew 2:9-11.

And going into the house they saw the child
with Mary His mother, and they fell down and
worshiped Him... (Matthew 2:11a)

Reflection

Few people enjoy Christmas more than children.
Simply recall their unbridled enthusiasm and the
wonder and jubilation beaming from their faces
as they rush down the stairs on Christmas
morning. The joy of the wise men might have
actually topped theirs. Matthew says, "When
they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly
with great joy."

The Magi travelled a long way to see Jesus.
They heard God's Word telling them where His
Son would be born. They saw the star go ahead
of them until it stood over the house, and they
saw the King of Israel-probably only a toddler at
the time. They fell before Him and presented Him
their precious gifts.

What an amazing picture! These weren't children
running down the hall to see the presents waiting
for them under the tree. These were grown men-
important, dignified, well-educated men. Yet they
were gripped by an incredible joy impossible for
them to contain.

We know so many things they didn't know. We
know this was God's eternal Son. We know He
came to live the perfect life we can't. We know He
grew up to heal the blind, deaf and lame, to drive
out demons and raise the dead. We know He died
on the cross and rose again to give us eternal life.
But with all of that, do we share their overwhelming
joy at our Savior's birth, life, death and resurrection
for us?

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, fill me with joy at Your first coming to
save us from our sins. Then on the Day You return
to judge the living and the dead fill me with
overwhelming joy to worship and praise You forever.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

IMPORTANT VISITORS

2012-01-02T12:33:00.001-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture:

Read Matthew 2:1-2.

... behold, wise men from the east came to
Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1b)

Reflection:

During these last days of the Christmas season
we turn to the wise men. We mentioned briefly
last week that these men were counselors and
advisors to their king. They were considered
experts in nature, astrology and medicine. While
studying the heavens, they spotted a special light
that announced the birth of a great king. God had
placed it in the sky to guide them to His Son.

There are many mysterious things about the wise
men. We aren't sure what country they came from;
though they certainly didn't come from the Far East-
the Orient. We don't know how many there were;
we only know they presented three gifts to Jesus.
We don't even have enough information to know the
nature of this "star." The Greek word can refer to a
comet, a conjunction of planets or a special
miraculous light God placed in the heavens. But
one thing is clear: the star convinced them the great
King had been born.

As they arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel,
one great mystery remains for them. They ask King
Herod "Where is He who has been born king of the
Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have
come to worship Him."

Throughout this Christmas season God has shown
you the certain fact that He sent His Son Jesus into
our world to save you from your sins. Will you be
like the wise men, leaving everything behind to
worship your Savior and learn more about Him?

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, give me the certainty You gave
the wise men, that Your Son was born King of the
Jews and my King. Move me to worship Him and
want to know more about Him. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A NEW YEAR, A NEW CREATION

2012-01-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation
has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Reflection:

Today is the first day of 2012. You have an
opportunity to make this the first day of the
rest of your life. I would like to make a
suggestion, BELIEVE IN CHRIST! not simply
of Christ, or about Christ, but IN CHRIST!.
Bring Him into your life, make Him a psrt of
your life. I guarantee your life will change.
When you give your life to Christ, the old
passes away and the new begins.
Remember God Loves You, believe in that
love, give that love to others. believe in
Jesus Christ.

BE HAPPY IN JESUS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Year's Prayer

Lord, this year I want to change,
and I've said that in the past.
but now my prayer is different
'cause I understand at last.

I wanted my own way before,
I ignored your loving plans.
But now I'm putting everything
into your nail-scarred hands.

I promise to obey you
out of gratitude and love.
I won't be giving orders
to my Father up above.

I finally realize the truth
and so I've changed my prayer.
The safest place for me to be
is in your gentle care.

(by Jack Zavada)

INCREDIBLE POWER

2011-12-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture:

Read Matthew 8:23-27.

...and His Name shall be called ...
Mighty God .... (Isaiah 9:6b)

Reflection:

Last June tow truck driver Pedro Arzola
was working under a 1990 Cadillac Seville
when the car lurched forward. The front
right tire ran over his torso and dragged
him about 10 feet before he was finally
pinned under the rear tire. He yelled to his
wife to help him. Even when she was joined
by two strangers they were unable to lift
the car.

That's when Danous Estenor, an offensive
lineman for the USF football team walked by.
Hearing the screams he joined them but was
also unable to budge the car at first. Then he
backed up, felt energy come into him and tried
again. This time he was able to lift the 3,500
pound car and save Arzola's life.

At one point or another in our life we will all face
troubles larger than we are, situations from
which we can't save ourselves. We will
experience that helplessness when our last hour
on earth comes. No one on earth will be able to
save us-no doctor, lawyer, celebrity-not even a
football player.

Isaiah wrote, "To us a Son is given ... and His
Name shall be called Mighty God." No situation
we face is too difficult for the Baby of Bethlehem.
The devil and all his fellow, fallen angels tried every
trick in the book but were unable to overpower Him.
Even as He was dying on the cross the mighty Son
of God was able to crush the devil's head while
paying for our sins. By His resurrection He has
defeated death and opened for us the doors of
heaven.

PRAYER:

Savior of the world, thank You for Your great might.
You have crushed all my enemies and promise to be
at my side always. Protect me through this life and
bring me to heaven when You return.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE MORNING AFTER

2011-12-28T14:03:00.001-08:00

This is our "morning after," so to speak: a
time to treasure all the Christmas events.
A time to ponder them in our heart. A time
to begin pondering what we want in the New
Year. How do we deal with the Christmas
story? What's it all about? How do we make
sense of it? What does it mean for our life?

A man who was feeling this kind of pain
decided to go to his doctor for a physical
checkup. After hearing the man's complaints
and conducting the examination, the doctor
said, "You have to remember that after fifty,
it's just patch, patch, patch." A woman who
heard this story said that there is a much
better way to tell that you've reached the
"patch, patch, patch" stage in life. She said,
"It's when you wake up every morning with a
terrible hangover -- and you haven't been
anywhere the night before."

Jesus is not offering us a "patch, patch, patch"
existence. He wants to lead us into a style of
life that will make us whole. And we don't have
to wait until we're having those terrible hangovers.
He wants us to experience genuine living now if
only we will say "Yes!" to God by embracing a
style of life in which we place our trust in the
power of love in every situation. Accept your
assigned role as God's dependent child and, in
new and beautiful ways, the power of love will be
released in your life, and you will begin to
experience the joy and wonder of becoming the
kind of person you were created to be.

If, on this morning after, you're going around
feeling as though everything is patch, path, patch
then you have missed the overwhelming
statement of the Christmas Event: The virgin will
conceive and give birth to a son and they will call
Him Emmanuel, a Name that means 'God is with
us'" (Mt. 1:23).

GOD IS WITH US

(from Sunday Sermons Online)

FACE TO FACE

2011-12-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture:

Read John 1:1-14.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among
us, and we have seen His glory .... (John 1:14a)

Reflection:

One of the greatest things about Christmas is
getting together with family and friends. How
wonderful to actually see them face to face,
instead of only hearing their voice on the phone,
seeing them on Skype or reading their words
in an e-mail.

That's what made the first Christmas so special.
For the first time, people could look into God's
eyes and see Him face to face. And it wasn't the
terrifying face of a powerful and angry God they
saw. Rather, it was the face of a tiny, newborn
Baby. This chubby face will one day be the face
of a man, and it will show His great compassion
for the sick and needy, comfort for the grieving
and concern for the lost.

These tiny fingers that curl around the fingers of
Mary and Joseph will later touch the blind and
the deaf and heal them. They will stretch out to
take a dead girl by the hand and raise her to life
again. These little hands will be stretched out
and pierced with nails to pay the full price for all
our sins. And finally they will be pried off of a
cross and laid in a tomb.

Three days later those lifeless hands will move
once more, as the Lord rises from the dead. That
night and in the coming days He will hold them
out to show His followers the nail marks that
prove it is Him-risen and alive forever! One day
we will stand before Him face to face, looking
into His eyes, and touching His glorious, nail-
scarred hands.

PRAYER:

Son of God, thank You for taking Your place as
a man among us, and laying down Your life to
save us. Fill us with joy as we wait for the day
when we too will see you face to face.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE REASON FOR COMING TOGETHER

2011-12-24T13:54:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day

Scripture:

"All that came to be had life in him and
that life was the light of men" (John. 1:4).

Have we forgotten the reason for coming
together to celebrate the birth of the Christ
Child? Has our devotion to the cause of the
Prince of Peace come down to the level of
our "just going through the motions?"

We look into the manger and we see a
Baby. We see a Cross. We see danger.
We see risk. We see the clash between
what we are and who we are to become.
We see the struggle for redemption. We
see mercy. We see love. We see hope
for enduring peace...

..CHRISTMAS......" HE IS BORN!"

Please remember this:

The birth of Christ brought God to man;
the cross of Christ brings man to God.

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY BIRTHDAY
JESUS!

CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES

2011-12-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scriptures:

Read Romans 16:25-27.

...the mystery that was kept secret
for long ages has now been disclosed
(Romans 16:25b-26a)

Reflection:

Over our lifetime Christmas is a series
of ever-changing mysteries. Our childhood
mystery "What's inside the wrapping
paper?" becomes "Where did they hide the
presents?" becomes "Is this Christmas the
right time to give her an engagement ring?"
becomes "How will we be able to afford
presents for the kids?" becomes "What can
I buy someone who already has everything?"

Is there any Christmas mystery left for you?
Is there anything about the season that
makes you smile in wonder? Does anything
still thrill you and a send a shiver down your
spine?

There is a mystery-a mystery greater and
more wonderful than all the others combined.
And that mystery isn't wrapped in colorful
paper; it's wrapped in swaddling clothes. It
isn't laid under the tree; it's laid to sleep in a
manger. It's the Baby born in Bethlehem.

What's so mysterious about that? It's the
fact that this Baby is the almighty Son of
God, stooping down to become one of His
creatures: a mere human. Why would He
want to expose Himself to all the hurt and
suffering in our crazy world? Why would God
be willing to become our substitute and earn
our way to heaven by His perfect life, and to
suffer and die in our place on the cross?

That is the greatest mystery, a mystery God
has revealed to the world. It sends a shiver
down your spine to ponder what kind of love
moved Him to do all of this for you.

PRAYER:

Son of God, Your willingness to be born of a
virgin, to share our life and to be our Substitute
is an incredible mystery to me. Fill me with
wonder, joy and gratitude for Your amazing
grace and love. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE INNKEEPER

2011-12-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

Nine-year-old Wally was a hopeful boy, a
natural defender of the underdog, and
well-liked by his fellow classmates. His
parents encouraged him to audition for the
annual Church Christmas play and Wally
wanted to be a shepherd. Instead, he was
given the role of the innkeeper. The director
reasoned that Wally's size would lend extra
force to the innkeeper's refusal of lodging to
Joseph. During rehearsals, Wally was
instructed to be firm with Joseph. When the
play opened, no one was more caught up in
the action than Wally. And when Joseph
knocked on the door of the inn, Wally was
ready. He flung the door open and asked
menacingly, "What do you want?" "We
seek lodging," Joseph replied. "Seek it
elsewhere," Wally said in a firm voice.
"There's no room in the inn." "Please, good
innkeeper," Joseph pleaded, "this is my wife,
Mary. She is with child and is very tired. She
needs a place to rest." There was a long
pause as Wally looked down at Mary. The
prompter whispered Wally's next line:
"No! Be gone!" Wally remained silent. Then
the forlorn couple turned and began to slowly
move away. Seeing this, Wally's brow
creased with concern. Tears welled up in his
eyes. Suddenly, he called out, "Don't go! You
can have my room."

APPEARANCES ARE DECEIVING

2011-12-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture

Read John 1:19-28.

"Make straight the way of the Lord" .
(John 1:23b)

It's easy to pass by the manger scene
without giving it any thought. All we see
is a small human baby lying in a manger.
But this Baby is the mighty God who
created all the heavens and the earth.
His mother feeds Him and changes His
diapers, but He provides food for all His
creatures and holds all the stars in place.
His foster-father Joseph guards His life,
but He commands the wind and the
waves.

As this small Baby grows to manhood
this same wonder continues. He who
formed the mountains and valleys learns
to be a carpenter in Joseph's shop. He,
who spread out the galaxies in the
universe, walks from place to place
teaching and proclaiming God's Kingdom
to all. He, who commands all the forces
of nature, surrenders Himself to be
arrested, beaten, whipped and nailed to
a cross. And it is through His bitter
suffering and death He wins our pardon,
forgiveness and peace.

Why did He do it all? Why did He set
aside His majesty, glory and power and
come to live in our world? He did it
because of His intense dedication to His
Father, who loved the world so much
He gave His only-begotten Son to save
us, and because of His own undying love
for you and for all people.

Our Savior still comes to us in the same
quiet, mysterious way today. He invites
you to His Church where you
will hear His ancient Word and learn more
about Him who gave His all for you. There
He will prepare you to celebrate His birth
with a profound joy, peace and hope.

Prayer:

Son of God, Your birth is a profound
mystery: God became human to live with
us. Open my mind to hear Your Word of
salvation and to believe You are God's Son,
my only Savior. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?

2011-12-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture:

Read John 1:6-8.

There was a man sent from God, whose
name was John. ... He was not the light,
but came to bear witness about the light.
(John 1:6, 8)

Reflection:

Have you ever taken a close look at a
manger scene? There are a bunch of
figures all gathered together: Mary and
Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men,
perhaps even some sheep, camels and a
donkey. Usually they aren't placed in little
groups talking among themselves. Instead,
they're focused on that Baby whose birth
brought them all together in that place.

What if you were one of the characters in
that manger scene this Christmas? Would
you be focused on the Christ Child like the
others, or would your attention be somewhere
else? Would you be gazing out to the side,
staring at the Christmas tree and all the
presents lying under it? Would you be
scanning the kitchen and dining room thinking
about Christmas dinner? Would you be staring
into the family room where friends are gathered
for a Christmas party?

All those things are great parts of Christmas,
but only one thing belongs in the center as the
focus of our Christmas celebrations. That is
God's Son, born on Christmas day. The mighty
God became one of us and came into our world
to share our life, to suffer and die in our place,
and to rise to life again to guarantee our eternal
future.

His birth brings joy, hope, comfort and peace
to all our Christmas celebrations. He is always
with us to provide our needs and protect us from
all harm until the Last Day when He will come in
glory to bring us to our everlasting home.

PRAYER:

Son of God, Christmas holds so
many distractions. Please focus my mind and
heart on Your birth so every part of my Christmas
celebration will be more meaningful. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

SHINES FOR EVERYONE

2011-12-18T20:54:00.001-08:00

Fourth Sunday Sunday of Advent

[Light the first three candles of the
Advent wreath.]

After the angel came to Mary and told
her that she would conceive the child
in her womb and would call him Jesus,
Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the
Lord; let it be with me according to your
word." (Luke 1:38)

And Mary sings her Song of Praise:

…My soul magnifies the Lord…he has
scattered the proud

…He has brought down the powerful
from their thrones

…He has lifted up the lowly

…He has filled the hungry

…He has provided for the poor
(Luke 1:46-55).

We marvel at Mary, the mother of the Messiah,
herself a single, teenage mother, herself poor
and powerless. But she understood that the
baby she would call Jesus was sent, not just
to her, but to the world…
…To the hungry
…To the weak
…To the very young and the very old
…To those who suffer or are in pain.

[Light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath.]

We light this fourth candle to remember Mary,
the mother of Jesus. May the light of this candle
also remind us that the light of Jesus shines
for everyone.

COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

2011-12-17T04:30:00.001-08:00

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scritpture:

Read John 1:6-8.

There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John. ... He was
not the light, but came to bear
witness about the light. (John 1:6, 8)

Reflection:

Have you ever taken a close look at
a manger scene? There are a bunch
of figures all gathered together: Mary
and Joseph, the shepherds and the
wise men, perhaps even some sheep,
camels and a donkey. Usually they
aren't placed in little groups talking
among themselves. Instead, they're
focused on that Baby whose birth
brought them all together in that place.

What if you were one of the characters
in that manger scene this Christmas?
Would you be focused on the Christ
Child like the others, or would your
attention be somewhere else? Would
you be gazing out to the side, staring
at the Christmas tree and all the
presents lying under it? Would you be
scanning the kitchen and dining room
thinking about Christmas dinner?
Would you be staring into the family
room where friends are gathered for
a Christmas party?

All those things are great parts of
Christmas, but only one thing belongs
in the center as the focus of our
Christmas celebrations. That is God's
Son, born on Christmas day. The
mighty God became one of us and
came into our world to share our life,
to suffer and die in our place, and to
rise to life again to guarantee our eternal
future.

His birth brings joy, hope, comfort and
peace to all our Christmas celebrations.
He is always with us to provide our needs
and protect us from all harm until the Last
Day when He will come in glory to bring
us to our everlasting home.

PRAYER:

Son of God, Christmas holds so many
distractions. Please focus my mind and
heart on Your birth so every part of my
Christmas celebration will be more
meaningful. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A CHRISTMAS GIFT

2011-12-16T12:40:00.001-08:00

The parents of three grown children would
divide their Christmases among their children’s
families. But with the difficulties involved in
holiday preparation and extensive travel,
sometimes they were tempted to throw up their
hands and say, “It’s too much! It’s just not
worth the effort.” Whenever either of the parents
got that feeling of exasperation, they would give
the other a wink and say, “Long walk, dear, long
walk,” and they would laugh and get back to
work.” “Long walk” was one of their code signals.
They began using it years ago earlier after
reading a story about an African boy who gave
his missionary teacher an exquisite seashell as
a Christmas gift. The lad had walked miles for it,
to a special bay, the only place where such
shells were found. “How wonderful of you to have
traveled so far for this present,” said the teacher.
The boy’s eyes shone as he replied, “Long walk
part of gift.”

FEELING IMPORTANT

2011-12-14T18:39:00.001-08:00

Scripture:

Read Mark 11:1-7.

... "The Lord has need of it ...."
(Mark 11:3b)

Reflection:

How do you like Christmas shopping?
Are you looking forward to playing
"chicken" for that elusive parking spot?
Are you excited about your chance to
push your way through the crowded
aisles? Do you get a thrill out of arm
wrestling for that last box on the shelf?

Wouldn't it be great just once to be an
important person? Imagine walking
down an aisle and watching people
step aside to let you pass, or standing
in front of an empty shelf and having
someone hand you that must-have
present you want to give your kids.
Best of all, imagine everyone motioning
you to the front of the line at the checkout!

On that first Christmas when God chose
to send His Son into our world as a tiny
baby, we might have expected Him to
choose an important family. Perhaps it
would be the Jewish high priest, the ruler
of the Jews, or even the Roman Emperor
himself. Instead, the most important
person ever born lived as the obscure
Son of Joseph and Mary-two very
ordinary and unimportant parents.

That's how Christmas can transform us.
God's only Son became unimportant in
the world's eyes to make you and me
important in God's eyes. He credits His
perfect life to us as if we were the perfect
ones. Then He took all our failures, faults
and sins on Himself and suffered and died
in our place on the cross to free us from
God's wrath.

The hustle and bustle of Christmas
shopping may make you feel unimportant,
but this Christmas the birth of the Christ
Child shows just how important you are
to God.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for becoming unimportant
in the world's eyes to make me important
in God's eyes. Transform my view of You
and of myself this Christmas. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

I HAVE ROOM

2011-12-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no guest
room available for them.
(Luke 2:7) TNIV

Reflection:

Nine-year-old Wally was a hopeful boy, a
natural defender of the underdog, and
well-liked by his fellow classmates. His
parents encouraged him to audition for
the annual Church Christmas play and
Wally wanted to be a shepherd. Instead,
he was given the role of the innkeeper.
The director reasoned that Wally's size
would lend extra force to the innkeeper's
refusal of lodging to Joseph. During
rehearsals, Wally was instructed to be
firm with Joseph. When the play opened,
no one was more caught up in the action
than Wally. And when Joseph knocked
on the door of the inn, Wally was ready.
He flung the door open and asked
menacingly, "What do you want?"
"We seek lodging," Joseph replied.
"Seek it elsewhere," Wally said in a firm
voice. "There's no room in the inn."
"Please, good innkeeper," Joseph pleaded,
"this is my wife, Mary. She is with child
and is very tired. She needs a place to rest.
" There was a long pause as Wally looked
down at Mary. The prompter whispered
Wally's next line: "No! Be gone!" Wally
remained silent. Then the forlorn couple
turned and began to slowly move away.
Seeing this, Wally's brow creased with
concern. Tears welled up in his eyes.
Suddenly, he called out, "Don't go! You
can have my room."

Jesus Christ came into the world to open
up for us the door to eternal life; to invite
us to share in his life of intimate union
with the Father. In and through Jesus Christ,
God invites us into His space, the place
where He lives. God is calling us into the
Kingdom prepared for us "from the foundation
of the world," where there is always room for
one more -- always room for you....

(Sunday Sermons Online)

HIS WILL

2011-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Third Sunday Sunday of Advent

[Light the first and second candles
of the Advent wreath.]

If Jesus comes to us again at Christmas this
year, and if Jesus dwells within each of us,
shouldn't that make a difference in who we
are and how we live our lives? Hear these
words from 1st Thessalonians:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise
the words of the prophets, but test everything;
hold fast to what is good; abstain from every
form of evil."

"May the God of peace himself sanctify
you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and
body be kept sound and blameless at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"The one who calls you is faithful, and he will
do this." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

If we seek Jesus, who is born in the manger,
shouldn’t we:

…be at peace among ourselves?
…help the weak and the poor?
…not repay evil for evil, but always do good
to one another?
…in all circumstances, give thanks?

[Light the third candle of the Advent wreath.]

As we light this third candle, let us remember that
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, who comes to us.

COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.

TOO BUSY

2011-12-05T04:34:00.001-08:00

Scripture:

Read Isaiah 40:1-5.

And the glory of the Lord
shall be revealed .... (Isaiah 40:5a)

Reflection:

It's only the fifth of December,
but many of us are in a near panic.
There are so many things to do to
get ready for Christmas: presents,
decorations, cookies, cards, parties,
and the list goes on and on. (Is it
just me, or are they speeding up the
Christmas music like the last minute
of a Mario game?) With all the hustle
and bustle where can we find the
peace and joy we most want this
Christmas?

It makes me think of that first
Christmas when Mary and Joseph
had just traveled 80 miles from their
home in Nazareth to the little town
of Bethlehem. Mary was about to give
birth and Joseph was trying to find a
place for her. I imagine he knocked on
quite a few doors, but no one could
make room for the out-of-towners.
Finally, they settled on a shelter for
animals.

How many of those people would have
gladly opened their homes if they knew
who was standing outside? Each of
them was busy with their own lives
and families-too busy to welcome God's
Son into their home.

In the brief moments of these devotions
God's Son is quietly knocking at your
door too, waiting for you to set down all
your Christmas preparations and welcome
Him inside. He has come to remove
your guilt, calm your fears, carry your
burdens and provide for your needs. He
wants to assure you God is at peace with
you because of His perfect life and
innocent suffering and death, and when
He returns you will live with Him in
unending peace and joy.

PRAYER:

Great Son of God, thank You for coming
to me in this hour. Quiet the busyness in
my mind and fill me with Your peace and
forgiveness, so that I may resume my
Christmas preparations with joy and gratitude.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A MESSENGER

2011-12-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Second Sunday Sunday of Advent

[Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.]

The prophet Isaiah wrote, "See, I am sending
my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare
your way; the voice of one crying out in the
wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight.'" (Mark 1:2-3)

And John, the messenger of God, proclaimed to
all the people who came to him in the wilderness
that they must repent of their sins and be
baptized. Many people heard his message,
repented, and were baptized in the river Jordan.

It has become our custom to prepare for the birth
of the Messiah by decorating our cities and homes,
hanging the lights inside and out, singing "Frosty
the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed
Reindeer," and measuring the quality of our
Christmas morning by the number of gifts we receive.

[Light the second candle.]

As we light this second candle in preparation for the
coming of the Messiah, perhaps we need to listen
again to John the Baptizer's message, preparing the
way of the Lord:

…make straight the paths

…repent of your sins

…be baptized

…and live holy lives devoted to God.

COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.

BROKEN FAMILIES

2011-12-01T06:57:00.001-08:00

Scripture:

Read John 1:29-42.
John 1:29-42: He first found
his own brother Simon .... (John 1:41a)

Reflection:

Some brothers and sisters get along really
well. They get along so well they can work
side by side at the same job, then gather
together for Christmas and the other holidays.
That appeared to be the case for Andrew
and his brother Simon Peter in the Bible.
They made a living by fishing together. And
when the Savior invited Andrew to follow Him,
the first thing he did was to find Simon and
bring him along. They had fished together
all their lives; now they would follow the Son
of God together.

I hope your family is that close. But that
doesn't always happen. Often get-togethers
are more like civil wars. We all know getting
together should heighten our enjoyment of
Christmas, but sometimes the only way to
have a peaceful Christmas is to stay apart.

Transforming a broken-family Christmas is
difficult, but not impossible. You just need a
peacemaker. The trouble is most brothers
and sisters end up on one side or the other.
We need someone from the outside to come
in and bring peace.

That's where God's Son stepped in. He
became human and came into our world to
be our peacemaker. First, He tackled our
most important broken relationship-the one
between God and us. He did that by taking
our place and going to the cross to suffer God's
wrath for all the wrongs we think, say and do.
Having won our pardon from God His Father,
He transforms us. He gives us a new heart
that feels true love and forgiveness toward our
enemies, even if those happen to be our own
brothers and sisters.

PRAYER:

Great Savior, if my family gathers
together this Christmas please bless our time
together. If there is any festering hurt or offense
dividing us, bring us together peacefully through
Your sacrifice on the cross. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

COME LORD JESUS ! ADVENT 1

2011-11-26T12:23:00.001-08:00

First Sunday of Advent
(November 27, 2011)

But in those days, after that suffering, the sun
will be darkened, and the moon will not give its
light, and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in
clouds with great power and glory. But about
that day or hour no one knows, neither the
angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Keep alert, for you do not know when the time
will come…in the evening, or at midnight, or at
dawn. Keep awake. (Mark 13:24-26, 32, 33, 35, 37).

Such amazing things happen in the sky to
herald the return of the Son of Man:
…Jesus, coming in the clouds
…the sun grows dark
…the moon doesn't shine
…and stars fall from the heavens

So different from that first coming more than
2000 years ago:
…with angels singing of God's glory and peace
on earth
…with the single star guiding the way to the
manger
…with shepherds and wise men -- rich and
poor -- coming to worship

And so we watch, and wait, and stay alert,
waiting again for the coming of Jesus.
And we light a single candle in preparation for
that glorious day.

[Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.]

…And even if the sun should grow dark
…even if the moon refuses to shine
…even if the stars should fall from the sky

…we will have Jesus, the Light of the World, to
shine brightly in our hearts, lighting our way.

COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.

PLEASE READ BEFORE THANKSGIVING DINNER

2011-11-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

When you celebrate Thanksgiving this year
remember this and pray:

The poor maybe thankful for:

SMALL THINGS:
Maybe it is earning 25 cents
today, or having electricity for an extra hour,
or having a pencil to take to school this morning,
the extreme poor are grateful for little things that
come their way. What we take for granted, some
poor are giving thanks to God for them.

DAILY PROVISION:
When you don’t have a refrigerator,
a bank account, or a regular paying job the fact
that there is food for you and your children to eat
is not overlooked. Waking up in the morning, We
don't give much thought about where our next meal
will be coming from, but for the poor, today’s
challenge is providing today’s meal. My Pastor
would always pray before each meal “For what
we are about to receive, may we be truly thankful”.
Amen.

STANDING BEFORE GOD:
In our society today we shun
the poor, we look down on them, and often choose
to forget about them. When we see them we look
away from them. When no one respects them
The poor are thankful for the love and respect shown
to them by God.

PROTECTION:
A slum community is one of the most dangerous
places on earth. Drunkenness, drug use, and gangs
make slums a violent and volatile place to live.
1 Peter 5:7-9 says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your
great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring
lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against
him, and be strong in your faith…”. No one feels more
vulnerable to the “enemy” than a person with no
savings, no job, and no home. God is their fortress
and their trust is in Him for protection.

HEALTH:
In a poor community a cold can easily turn into
pneumonia, a cup of water can bring dysentery,
a cut can become infected and lead to other more
serious illnesses. Doctors and medicines are hard
to come by so when you are healthy you give thanks
to God.

JESUS:
He is our Savior and friend. For the poor, faith in
Jesus gives hope for eternity. Never having to live in
a garbage dump or shanty house again, and knowing
your future house is a mansion with streets of gold
and no more illness, suffering, or death. There is a
wonderful hope.

The life of a poor person is hard; I don’t think I could ever
survive. It is awful and grotesque, but out of these horrible
conditions come some of the Godliest people. They love,
trust and thank God for simple things that we take for
granted almost every day.

Thanksgiving is about sharing food with friends and family.
But more importantly,Thanksgiving is about sharing with
those in need. It’s about helping those suffering from
hunger and poverty.
More than 46 million Americans are living in poverty today,
As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and
family, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T FORGET ABOUT
THE LESS FORTUNATE. REMEMBER THEM IN PRAYER
AND PROMISE GOD THAT YOU WILL HELP THEM
TO RELIEVE THEIR SUFFERING
AND THEN PLEASE MAKE GOOD ON YOUR PROMISE!

THANKSGIVING, SAYING THANKS

2011-11-22T14:14:00.001-08:00

Scripture:

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! . . .
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. —
Psalm 107:1-2

Unexpressed Gratitude
by Cindy Hess Kasper

The whole reason for saying thanks is
to let the giver of a gift know how much
you appreciate something. Author
G. B. Stern once said, “Silent gratitude
isn’t much use to anyone.”

When our son was young, he sometimes
needed to be reminded that avoiding eye
contact, looking down at his feet, and
mumbling some unintelligible words was
not an acceptable “thank you.” And after
many years of marriage, my husband and
I are still learning that it’s important for us
to continually express our gratitude to each
other. When one of us feels appreciative,
we try to verbalize it—even if we’ve said it
many times before about the same thing.
William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling
gratitude and not expressing it is like
wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Showing our gratitude is obviously important
in human relationships, but it’s even more
essential in our relationship with God. As
we think about the many blessings we have
received, do we express our thanks to Him
throughout the day? And when we think of
the amazing gift of His death and
resurrection for forgiveness of our sins, do
our hearts bubble over with awe and
thanksgiving? (Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 9:15).

Take the reminder in Psalm 107:1 to heart
each day: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good!”

How great should be our gratitude
To God our unseen Friend!
The volume of His gifts to us
We cannot comprehend. —Hess

GOD'S HIGHEST GIFT SHOULD
AWAKEN OUR DEEPEST
GRATITUDE.

ESPECIALLY ON THANKSGIVING
GIVE THANKS TO GOD!

(Our Daily Bread)

I TOOK HIM IN

2011-11-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the
least of these My brethren, you did it to Me"
(Matthew 25:40).

HORSE-TRADER

There is a wonderful story about a horse-trader
in the hills of West Virginia. He was a sharp
dealer but he always justified his horse-trades
by quoting the Bible. He knew just what passage
to use in each case. On one occasion, he had
a very sick horse on his hands. He tried to sell
it but everybody in the area knew the horse was
sick and they wouldn't touch it. Then a stranger
came along and it was't long before he was
riding out of town on the sick horse, as the
horse-trader counted a thick wad of bills. This
upset the horse-trader's wife very much. "Don't
tell me you sold that sick horse to someone?"
"Yeah," he said. "A preacher passed through
and I sold him the horse." "Really, a man of
the cloth! You would do this to a clergyman?"
she asked. "Oh, it's alright," he replied. "As
the Bible says, 'He was a stranger and I took
him in.'"

I hope this made you smile a little, but there
is a truth here and it is:

"As you did it to one of the
least of these My brethren, you did it to Me"

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

2011-11-14T18:45:00.001-08:00

What will be your legacy?

"I will not die, but I will live to tell
what the Lord has done."
Psalm 118:17 NLT

"John Wycliffe lay dying in Lutterworth,
England. The year was 1384, and most
of his influential friends in church and
state had deserted him. Many thought
he had gone too far.

For one thing, Wycliffe had dared to
translate the Bible into English. He also
urged a separation of church and state
in order to reform the church. He
attacked the corruption and the abuses
of power that he observed — particularly
among the friars. But most of all he
preached that the Bible should be made
available in every language.

It sounded like heresy, and since Wycliffe
was now at the point of death, some felt
he should reconsider his statements. So
four friars and four senators crowded into
his bedroom. They spoke sternly to him,
reminding him of all he had advocated.
Now was the time to confess the error of
his ways.

Wycliffe was surprisingly alert. He asked
if he could be raised in his bed so he could
speak more clearly. Then he summoned
all his remaining strength to quote
Psalm 118:17, or at least part of it:
"I will not die, but I will live, and will again
declare the evil deed of the friars."

Wycliffe died, but his message and work
lived on: the English Bible available to the
common people. People die, but what they
have begun is not halted by death. The trail
they have left behind them goes on ahead
of them."

adapted from The One Year® Book of
Psalms with devotionals by William J.
Petersen and Randy Petersen (Tyndale)
entry for October 1

(from God's Daily Promises)

ANGER

2011-11-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

And "don't sin by letting anger control you."
* Don't let the sun go down while you are still
angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT

Reflection:

The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't
feel angry, but it points out that it is important
to handle our anger properly. If vented
thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and
destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it
can cause us to become bitter and destroy
us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our
anger immediately in a way that builds
relationships rather than destroys them.
If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an
opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with
someone right now? What can you do to
resolve your differences? Don't let the day
end before you begin to work on mending
your relationship.

Life Application Daily Devotion

CHANGING YOUR ATTITUDE

2011-11-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

Jesus said: "You have learned how it was
said to our ancestors: 'You must not kill'...
But I say this to you: anyone who is
angry with his brother will answer for it
before the court" (Mt. 5:21).

"Thou shalt not kill" is not just a simple
command against murder as we normally
define it (the letter of the Law).

Reflection:

It is a call to divest us of all traces of
hatred and mercilessness (the spirit of
the Law). For all of recorded history, man
has promulgated laws against murder yet,
to this day; the crime of murder remains a
major social ill. Christ teaches us the
lesson that law in itself is not the answer.
He describes His mission as one of
bringing the law to fulfillment, that is, to
change those human attitudes, which make
laws necessary in the first place. In other
words, to change those human attitudes,
which enable evil to prevail over goodness is
to answer the question, once and for all,
"What does it mean to be good?" ...

Sunday Sermons on Line

GOD'S WORD TO THE RICH

2011-11-04T12:48:00.001-07:00

1 Timothy 6: 6-10, 17-19

6 But godliness with contentment is
great gain. 7 For we brought nothing
into the world, and we can take nothing
out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing,
we will be content with that. 9 10 For the
love of Those who want to get rich fall
into temptation and a trap and into many
foolish and harmful desires that plunge
people into ruin and destruction. money is
a root of all kinds of evil. Some people,
eager for money, have wandered from
the faith and pierced themselves with
many griefs.

17 Command those who are rich in this
present world not to be arrogant nor to put
their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in God, who richly
provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in
good deeds, and to be generous and willing
to share. 19 In this way they will lay up
treasure for themselves as a firm foundation
for the coming age, so that they may take
hold of the life that is truly life.

REMEMBER "WEALTH IS A RELATIVE
STATE"

NOT FOR A MILLION DOLLARS

2011-11-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

"The greatest among you must be your
servant" (Matthew 23:10).

"Anyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and anyone who humbles
himself with be exalted" (Mt. 23; 11-12).

A newspaper reporter had been assigned
to do a story on an unusual inner-city
Church project. A young doctor, in
gratitude to God, had decided to give two
years of his life ministering to people in
need. With the Church's help, he
established a health clinic in the inner-city.
The volunteer staff included two nurses
who had decided to join the doctor in his
ministry of service. The reporter doing the
story was in the clinic one night when a
man was wheeled in on a stretcher. The
man was a homeless alcoholic. He was
dirty and his body gave off an unbearable
stench. The man had suffered a very
serious leg injury which had gone
untreated and the infection contributed
to the terrible smell. One of the nurses
immediately knelt beside the stretcher.
She began cleaning the man's wound,
getting him ready for the doctor to examine.
The reporter watched the nurse for a few
seconds. It was all he could stand. He
began to feel sick and, as he turned away
to leave the room, he said to the nurse,
"I wouldn't do that for a million dollars!"
And the young nurse replied quietly,
"Neither would I."

Jesus symbolizes His servanthood by
stooping to wash the disciples' feet (in
those days the task of a slave). When he
comes to Peter, Jesus says, "At the
moment you do not know what I am doing,
but later you will understand." Peter replies,
"You shall never wash my feet." Jesus
answers, "If I do not wash you, you can
have nothing in common with Me"
(Jn. 13:6-8).

"IF I DO NOT SERVE YOU I DO NOT
HAVE ANYTHING IN COMMON WITH
JESUS"

( Sunday Sermons Online )

FOR ALL THE SAINTS

2011-10-30T18:01:00.001-07:00

ALL SAINTS DAY

For all the saints

"For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!"
For All the Saints
William Walsham How (1823-1897)

Scripture:

So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers
and foreigners. You are citizens along with
all of God's holy people. You are members of
God's family. We are his house, built on the
foundation of the apostles and the prophets.
And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
We who believe are carefully knit together,
becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through
him you Gentiles are also joined together as
part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22 NLT

Reflection:

A hero of the faith

"In 1864 Bishop William How wrote this hymn
for All Saints Day. He cited Hebrews 12:1 in his
original title, but he drew on all of Hebrews 11 for
inspiration. That's the famous "faith chapter,
" which praises the faithful deeds of a score of
Old Testament heroes.

The author might be considered a hero of the faith
himself. He was a man of the people, regularly
reaching out to minister to the poor and needy in
his area. Once he listed the characteristics that a
minister should have; among them was being
"wholly without thought of self." Those who knew
him said that Bishop How was like that, selflessly
caring for others."

from The One Year® Book of Hymns by Mark
Norton and Robert Brown (Tyndale) entry for
November 1

(God's Daily Promises)

IT TAKES COURAGE

2011-10-25T13:50:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

"You must love the Lord your God ...
you must love your neighbor"
(Matthew 22:37,3).

Reflection:

Christian love demands that we
show compassion toward those who
are hurting. But there are times when
Christian love demands that we speak
out in protest against those who are
doing the hurting. There are times
when we are called upon, as Christians,
to cry out "No!" against that which is
causing human hurt and human
exploitation. And often it requires great
courage to accept the consequences
when love compels us to raise our
voices in protest.

DO YOU HAVE THAT COURAGE?

(Sunday Sermon Outlines)

A MAJOR CONCERN

2011-10-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard this, he said to
him, “You still lack one thing. Sell
everything you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”
Luke 18:21-23 (in Context) Luke 18
(Whole Chapter)

Luke 11:41
But now as for what is inside you—
be generous to the poor, and
everything will be clean for you.

Luke 6:20
Looking at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for
yours is the kingdom of God.

Reflection:

If you have been reading my blog lately, you
may have discovered a central theme. That
theme is poverty and oppression. As a
follower of Jesus Christ, poverty is a major
concern.
There are over 2000 verses in Scripture that
call upon us to show love and justice to all
those who are poor and oppressed. You
cannot call yourself a Christian, you cannot
claim to be a representative of Jesus Christ
and ignore Christ's teachings on our
relationship to the poor and the oppressed.
According to the teachings of Jesus Christ, it
is our definite responsibility to share with the
poor and to be the voice for the voiceless
oppressed. It makes no difference whether
you call yourselves conservative, liberal,
radical, or middle of the road, it is a Christian
obligation and previlage to vote for
representation and promote legislation that
turns the words and deeds of Jesus Christ
into social policy. I agree
with the words of Gandhi when he says,
"Those who say religion has nothing to do
with politics do not know what religion is."

I am so tired of "Christian" leaders who
are concerned about gay marriage, or
whether mormons are Christians, and
not concerned about the following:
Over 6 million children die each year of
starvation or diseases related to
malnutrition. That presently the United
States allocates less than four tenths of
one percent (0.4%) of its federal budget
to address world poverty. That our
national budget ranks second to last
of the 22 industrialized nations for assistance
to the world poor. They don't seem to care
that poverty is an increasing reality in our
own country. They don't seem to care that
you don't have to go to a third world country
anymore to visit the third world. Third world
conditions exist in our urban neighborhoods
in cities across America and in the hills
of Appalachia. They don't seem to care that
foreclosures on house mortgages are over the
top. They don't seem to care that over 3.5
million people, 1.5 million children among
them, experience homelessness. They don't
seem to care that 20 percent of homeless
people are veterans. They don't seem to
care that every day, thousands more of our
fellow citizens become jobless and fall
below the poverty level.

After all of this what if we change the
statement, "They don't seem to care" to
"We don't seem to care".

All of us, who claim to be Christians, must
now, at this very minute, commit ourselves
to press for social policies that meet the
needs of the poor.

Prayer for the Homeless:
O God, as Naomi and Ruth journeyed from
one land to another seeking a home, we ask your
blessing upon all who are homeless in this world.
You promised to your chosen people a land flowing
with milk and honey; so inspire us to desire the
accomplishment of your will that we may work
for the settlement of those who are homeless in
a place of peace, protection, and nurture, flowing
with opportunity, blessing, and hope. Amen.

STILL HE LOVES US

2011-10-21T06:41:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus
knew that his hour had come to leave
this world and return to his Father. He
had loved his disciples during his
ministry on earth, and now he loved
them to the very end.
John 13:1, NLT

Reflection:

Jesus knew he would be betrayed by
one of his disciples, disowned by
another, and deserted by all of them
for a time. Still he "loved them to the
very end." God knows us completely,
as Jesus knew his disciples. He
knows the sins we have committed
and the ones we will yet commit. Still,
he loves us

HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THAT
KIND OF LOVE?

THE GOOD LIFE

2011-10-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every
kind of greed. Life is not measured by how
much you own." Luke 12:15, NLT

Jesus says that the good life has nothing
to do with being wealthy, so be on guard
against greed (desire for what we don't
have). This is the exact opposite of what
society usually says. Advertisers spend
millions of dollars to entice us to think
that if we buy more and more of their
products, we will be happier, more
fulfilled, more comfortable.

How do you respond to the constant
pressure to buy? Learn to tune out
expensive enticements and concentrate
instead on the truly good life--living in a
relationship with God and doing his work

(from Life Application Daily Devotion)

GREED TAKE NOTICE!

2011-10-13T16:44:00.001-07:00

It's time for you and I to talk!
Not about meaningless things,
but about something that means
everything to you and I. Let's
talk about all these people who
are demonstrating in some of the
bigger cities of this country.

LET'S TALK ABOUT GREED!
THAT'S RIGHT .....GREED!

To all of you, especially my
"Christian" brothers and sisters,
THIS IS A MORAL ISSUE!

This is a moral issue that has been
made into a political issue. The
greedy are in control. Wall Street
is ruining our lives. As Christ
threw the "money changers" out
of the temple, we need to throw
the "money changers" out of our
government, not by violence, but
buy peaceful demonstrations, and
most of all....by voting. Many of the
people who are running for political
office and control of our lives are
they themselves controlled by the
"money changers"! Not since the
Great Depression have we seen
and have been affected by such
greedy people. People who care
only for themselves and for their
self indulgent lives!

Please, Please, don't be fooled!
They will call themselves good
Americans, they will call themselves
good Christians, and they will call
themselves good and decent
people. THEY ARE NOT!! THEY
ARE FOR ONLY THEMSELVES.
This is directly opposite of the life
and teachings of the "One" of
whom they claim to have faith.
This is the very opposite of Jesus
Christ. You cannot, I repeat
cannot, care about your neighbor
and only love yourself. You cannot
make other lives better when you
only care about the betterment of
your own life. Isn't that why we go
through this process of voting, to
place control on people who care
about the betterment of all our
lives.
So please get out into the streets,
talk to your friends and neighbors,
and most of all, "VOTE FOR
PEOPLE WHO CARE!"

Pastor Kim

THE POOR

2011-10-13T14:49:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Their only suggestion was that we
keep on helping the poor, which I have
always been eager to do.
Galatians 2:10, NLT

Reflection:

The apostles were referring to the poor
of Jerusalem. While many Gentile converts
were financially comfortable, the Jerusalem
church had suffered from the effects of a
severe famine in Palestine and was
struggling. So on his journeys, Paul had
gathered funds for the Jewish Christians.
The need for believers to care for the poor
is a constant theme in Scripture. But often
we do nothing, caught up in meeting our
own needs and desires.
Perhaps we don't see enough poverty to
remember the needs of the poor. The world
is filled with poor people, here and in other
countries.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

(Life Application Daily Devotion)

A NEW YEAR'S STORY

2011-10-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

For any who feel wordless, even in their
attempt to pray, I offer this story.

A young boy, age five or six, was impressed
by the Russian Army, As he grew older, he
retained a simple cognizance of his
Jewish heritage, despite Russian urging to
forget. In his teens, the spark in his soul
ignited, filling him with the desire to
return to Jewish tradition. He found a synagogue,
in which men wrapped in prayer shawls cried
out to God even into the late afternoon.
Childhood memories returned, and reflecting over
his years of separation, the adolescent began to
weep. He entered the synagogue and opened
a prayer book, The letter seemed familiar, but he
couldn't put them together into words. Turning
his eyes toward heaven, he cried, "God, all I
remember is the Hebrew alphabet. I will read
the letters; You put them into words. And
forgive me," AND GOD DID.

Didn't St. Paul say something like this to us?

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too
deep for words". (Romans 8:26)

(C. John Weborg)

HOW ABOUT YOU

2011-10-07T17:19:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

"I was hungry and you gave Me food. I was thirsty
and you gave Me drink. I was a stranger and you
welcomed Me. I was naked and you clothed me.
I was sick and you visited Me. I was in prison and
you came to Me ... I tell you solemnly, as you did
it to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you
did it to Me" (Mt. 25:35-37,40).

Reflection:

The weak and the helpless and the lonely and the
disenchanted and the dispossessed are His brothers
Can you even imagine that? These are the people
who are his brothers and sisters? This Jesus Christ
is the person that so many claim to love and believe.
This is the Son of God! Then why DON'T WE CARE?

HOW ABOUT YOU! ARE THEY YOUR BROTHERS
AND SISTERS? .

Paul tells us "Give courage to those who are
apprehensive,care for the weak and be patient with
everyone," the Apostle Paul exhorts us (1 Thes. 5:14).

ASK YOURSELF, DO YOU CARE FOR THE WEAK?
ARE YOU PATIENT WITH EVERYONE?

Their are so many people in need. You and I need
to love them, we need to serve them, we need to
help our brothers and sisters NOW!

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.

BE STRONG!

2011-10-04T17:11:00.001-07:00

Ephesians 6: 10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his
mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of
God, so that you can take your stand
against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full
armor of God, so that when the day of evil
comes, you may be able to stand your
ground, and after you have done everything,
to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt
of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness
that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In
addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming
arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with
all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in
mind, be alert and always keep on praying for
all the Lord’s people.

BE STRONG!

REMEMBERING CHRIST

2011-10-01T17:49:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

In the same way, he took the cup
of wine after supper, saying, "This
cup is the new covenant between
God and his people--an agreement
confirmed with my blood. Do this
to remember me as often as you
drink it."
1 Corinthians 11:25, NLT

Reflection:

Jesus said, "Do this to remember
me as often as you drink it.'' How
do we remember Christ in the Lord's
Supper?
By thinking about what he did and
why he did it. If the Lord's Supper
becomes just a ritual or a pious habit,
it no longer remembers Christ, and it
loses its significance.
AND CHRIST IS SIGNIFICANT,
REMEMBER HIM!

(Life Application Daily Devotion)

WHEN THINGS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE

2011-09-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

WHEN THINGS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE

Scripture:

Jeremiah 32:17-22

17 “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made
the heavens and the earth by your great
power and outstretched arm. Nothing is
too hard for you. 18 You show love to
thousands but bring the punishment for
the parents’ sins into the laps of their
children after them. Great and mighty
God, whose name is the LORD Almighty,
19 great are your purposes and mighty
are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the
ways of all; you reward everyone according
to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.
20 You performed signs and wonders in
Egypt and have continued them to this day,
both in Israel and among all nations, and
have gained the renown that is still yours.
21 You brought your people Israel out of
Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty
hand and an outstretched arm and with
great terror. 22 You gave them this land
you had sworn to give their ancestors, a
land flowing with milk and honey.
Today's New International Version (TNIV)

Reflection:

God what are you going to do?

To ask this question and to
truly pray this prayer, you must
be willing to surrender all your plans into
His hands. Not only does He know what
to do and how to accomplish it, but He can
also make a way through any impossibility.
Your job is simply to trust Him and
obediently follow His directions.

(from In Touch "The Prayful Life")

TO FORGIVE, WHAT A GIFT

2011-09-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

"Lord, how often must I forgive my
brother if he wrongs me? As often
as seven times?" Jesus answers,
"Not seven, I tell you, but seventy
seven times" (Mt. 18:21-22).

Reflection:

A certain Scripture scholar always
introduces his seminary course of
studies on the New Testament with
a story from his own life. It seems
that years and years ago he had
told a lie to his father that had caused
the parent to be deeply hurt. For years
the matter went unresolved. But the guilt
and the remorse kept gnawing away at
him until, finally, he wrote his father a
letter. Because he was not even sure
that his father would remember, he
reviewed the entire episode and asked
his father to forgive him. A few days later
he received a reply in which the father
said, "Of course I remember, and of
course I forgive you." The son said it
was like a great weight falling from his
shoulders and it made all the difference
in his life. Years later when both his
mother and father died within a short
time of each other he went to their house
and was going through their things. Up
in the attic he found a box containing
little treasures his parents had kept
through the years: treasures from their
marriage, treasures from his childhood.
As he looked through the box his eyes
welled up with tears because he felt so
close to them and the things that had
been most important to them. Then he
found the letter that he had written,
asking for forgiveness. He opened it
and began to read, and with tears
running down his cheeks, he turned
it over. And there, in his father's hand,
was one word: "Forgiven!" Underlined!
And he realized that his father had really
let go of the thing that had come between
them. He had written "Forgiven!" on the
letter, then put it aside in the box of
treasures because it was over. There
was no unfinished business.

What a great gift it was for that son to
discover that his father had relinquished
all traces of the hurt and the resentment
and the bitterness! What a gift it is when
we are able to forgive and to let go; to
forgive and forget! That is the way God
acts with us. When we are forgiven by
God it is as if we had never done what it
was that had caused our estrangement
from Him. And so we pray that God will
give us the gift of relinquishment.

(Sunday Sermon Online)

CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY

2011-09-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

When God's people are in need, be
ready to help them. Always be eager
to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13, NLT

Reflection:

Christian hospitality differs from social
entertaining. Entertaining focuses on
the host--the home must be spotless;
the food must be well prepared and
abundant; the host must appear relaxed
and good-natured. Hospitality, by contrast,
focuses on the guests. Their needs--whether
for a place to stay, nourishing food, a
listening ear, or acceptance--are the primary
concern. Hospitality can happen in a messy
home. It can happen around a dinner table
where the main dish is canned soup. It can
even happen while the host and the guest
are doing chores together.

Don't hesitate to offer hospitality just
because you are too tired, too busy, or
not wealthy enough to entertain.

(Life Application Daily Devotion)

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

2011-09-17T15:45:00.001-07:00

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

11 Since, then, we know what it is to
fear the Lord, we try to persuade people.
What we are is plain to God, and I hope
it is also plain to your conscience.
12 We are not trying to commend
ourselves to you again, but are giving you
an opportunity to take pride in us, so that
you can answer those who take pride in
what is seen rather than in what is in the
heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as
some say, it is for God; if we are in our
right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s
love compels us, because we are
convinced that one died for all, and
therefore all died. 15 And he died for all,
that those who live should no longer live
for themselves but for him who died for
them and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one
from a worldly point of view. Though we
once regarded Christ in this way, we do
so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is
in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!
18 All this is from God, who reconciled
us to himself through Christ and gave
us the ministry of reconciliation:
19 that God was reconciling the world to
himself in Christ, not counting people’s
sins against them. And he has committed
to us the message of reconciliation.
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,
as though God were making his appeal
through us. We implore you on Christ’s
behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God
made him who had no sin to be sin[a]
for us, so that in him we might become
the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 6:11-21

THE GREAT COMMISSION

2011-09-16T11:46:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said,
“All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to me. Therefore go
and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded
you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.”

Reflection:

Jesus Christ had died! He had been
executed, He had been killed on a
cross. The executioners were the
leaders of our faith and the current
ruling government. He was ridiculed
humiliated, tortured and killed.
But then the miracle happened,
He arose from His grave. That's
right, "HE IS ALIVE AND WITH OUR
FATHER!"
Before He went to His Father, before
the transformation, He left us with
these words.
" I have been given all authority in
heaven and on earth.19 Go, then,
to all peoples everywhere and make
them my disciples: baptize them in
the name of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit,20 and teach them to
obey everything I have commanded
you. And I will be with you always, to
the end of the age."

In other words, God, the creator of
the world, has given to me all power
and authority, not only over earth
but also in heaven. Therefore go into
every nation, visit all the people and
make followers of Me. And baptize,
bring them anew, into my Fathers
name, and into My name, and into
my Spirit. And teach them what
I have taught you. And if you do this,
I will with you forever and ever.

I THINK I WANT TO DO IT, HOW
ABOUT YOU?

HAVE YOU MET HIM THERE?

2011-09-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

"For where two or three meet in My Name,
I shall be there with them" (Matthew 18:20)

Reflection:.

The pastor of an inner-city Church tells
about an unexpected, but beautifully
enriching experience of Christ's Presence
in his life. He says ... When I learned that
I was to be the new pastor of this Church
located in a so-called "War Zone"
neighborhood, I regarded it as "mission"
territory. My purpose was to bring Christ
there. But, to my shame, I soon discovered,
quite unexpectedly, that Christ already was
there, in the honesty and generosity and
love of the people I had come to change.
Through them, the experience of the Christ
Presence came to me as never before.
Through them, Christ had changed me.
Through them, I realized, as never before,
that Jesus Christ makes His Presence
known to us in the most unexpected places.

Who could have expected that the
promised Messiah of God would first present
Himself to the world in a lowly stable?

It was summer. The days were long and the
heat of the desert wastes blew in on
Caesarea Philippi. Jesus turned aside from
the crowds and went away to the mountains
with a few close friends. The tall pines
swayed in the cool breeze. A clear stream
flowed at their feet, splashing against the
boulders in its path. The Apostle Peter
marveled at the beauty of the everlasting
hills as he said, "Surely God is in this place.
" But Jesus said, "If you really want to see
God working, come with Me." To Peter's
dismay they were going down from the
mountain, back to the heat, the dust, and
the sweaty crowds at Caesarea. As they
came down from the mountain, a man was
waiting with an afflicted son. Jesus touched
the boy and made him well again. And
Peter said to himself, "It's hard to get used
to the idea that we're closest to God when
we meet him in the needs of our sisters
and brothers."

HAVE YOU MET HIM THERE?

(from Sunday Sermons Online)

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?

2011-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

The following were taken from papers
written by a class of 8-year-olds:

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?

Grandparents are a lady and a man
who have no little children of their own.
They like other people's.

A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother
is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything
except be there when we come to see
them.. They are so old they shouldn't play
hard or run. It is good if they drive us to
the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow
down past things like pretty leaves and
caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the
colors of the flowers and also why we
shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not
too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny
underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like
'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come
dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip.
They don't mind if we ask for the same
story over again.

Everybody should try to have a
grandmother, especially if you don't have
television because they are the only
grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack time
before bed time, and they say prayers
with us and kiss us even when we've
acted bad.

MY GRANDMOTHER LIVE S AT THE
AIRPORT AND WHEN WE WANT HER,
WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN
WE'RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT, WE
TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.

GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN
ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD
THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM
ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

2011-09-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

A husband and wife were walking through
an arcade at a seashore resort. The
husband dropped a coin in a big scale
that not only told his weight, but also
printed out a "character reading." Then he
stepped on the scale and the machine
produced a ticket which said, "You are
the proud possessor of that keen
competitive edge that can leave the whole
world behind." The man beamed as he
handed his wife the ticket. She read the
statement with a smile, and said, "I notice,
dear, that they got your weight wrong, too."

(Sunday Sermons on Line)

YOUR THE ONE!

2011-09-06T18:33:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

"You are the Christ, the Son of the
Living God" (Matthew 16:16).

Reflection:

One of the greatest things about my
faith, the reason for my faith, is the man
I have chosen to worship and serve,
Jesus Christ.

Christ, the Son of God, came into our
world, not as a political or military leader.
Jesus came, not to conquer and destroy,
but to heal and save. Jesus came, not
as a king but as a humble servant. My
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to
to liberate, not through the power of the
sword, but through the power of love.

So what does that say to me, as one of
His followers. I am not to control but to
serve my God and those in need. In the
name of Jesus, I am to make people
free, to liberate them into the knowledge
and experience of Jesus Christ. Not
through the power of might but through
the power of love.

FEEL THE EXPERIENCE!
FEEL THE LOVE!

LABOR DAY, DIGNITY

2011-09-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

On this Labor Day try something different –
pray for the rights and justice for all who work
and the dignity and the success of all who
are seeking work.

MAY THIS BE OUR PRAYER

Creating God,
You made the heavens and the earth and
your work was Good and we praise you.
May we continue your good work through
our own labor – helping to create your
kingdom on earth as in heaven. We pray
on this Labor Day for all those who work.
Whether in the school, the factory, the
mines, the armed services, the business
office, government or on the farm may all
workers carry themselves with honor,
know the respect of their managers, be
kept safe from harm, and be well paid
for hard work so that they might provide
for their family and loved ones. God help
us not to pit workers of one nation against
those of another nation so that one must
suffer if another thrives. Rather help us to
create work in concert so that workers of
all nations might mutually prosper with
decent wages for decent work. Today
we also pray for those who are unemployed
or underemployed. May they not become
discouraged; may they continue to find ways
to learn and grow in their time out of work.
Help us as a nation to provide for those
who are suffering from unemployment
so that they do not lose hearth and home.
May those out of work experience tangible
evidence of our support and may meaningful
work come quickly.

May all the labors of our lives benefit your
creation so that we might be co-creators of
your world filled with peace and enough for all.
AMEN

(beliefnet)

THE GREATEST SERMON I HAVE EVER HEARD

2011-09-02T17:24:00.001-07:00

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the patient, they shall inherit the land.
Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Holiness,
they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful, they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, they shall see God.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, they shall be counted the children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution in the cause of right,
the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

Jesus of Nazareth
(the Christ)
Spiritual Teacher and Prince of Peace

Quote:

"The job of the peacemaker is to stop war,
to purify the world, to get it saved from poverty
and riches, to heal the sick, to comfort the sad,
to wake up those who have not yet found God."

Muriel Lester
Social Activist, Gandhian Pacifist
(1883-1968)

WHEREVER WE ARE HE'S THERE

2011-08-31T13:51:00.001-07:00

Recalling his past life, a man from
Washington, D.C. said, "I somehow
managed to become homeless for the
first time in my life"... "I was in this room
with about a hundred guys. You could
hear them coughing and turning as they
tried to get comfortable for the night. It
got a little quieter, and then, somewhere
from out of the darkness a voice said,
'Our Father who art in Heaven...' and the
entire dormitory joined in. At the end of
the prayer, another voice began, 'Now I
lay me down to sleep...' Even now, years
later, I get goosebumps thinking of it. That
minute, I realized that whoever we are, the
Lord is wherever we are. I could feel him in
the shelter, like never before. And he
replaced my fears with peace, and now I
see Him every day in my brothers and
sisters, wherever I go."

(from Sermons on Line)

Prayer:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be
thy name.Thy kingdom come, Thy will be
done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this
day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, for ever. Amen.

ACCEPTANCE

2011-08-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

"You are the Christ, the Son of the
Living God" (Matthew 16:16).

Reflection:

As a Christian, I find myself sometimes trying
to make Jesus Christ into my own preconception.
To one extent or another I often find myself
trying to mold and shape my Savior into my
own desire. I want Christ on my terms not
His I sometimes refuse to let Him come
into my life on His terms.

When I went to seminary I was fortunate
enough to have one of the leading
authorities on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as
my mentor.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the
Nazis for refusing to submit to Hitler's
tyranny. One of his close friends has written
about an experience he had with Bonhoeffer
one Sunday as they walked home from
Church together. They were talking about
the service and the sermon and so on when,
suddenly, Bonhoeffer's friend told him that
there was something about him he found
very upsetting. "There are times when you
seem distant and cold," he said. "Sometimes
it is hard to get close to you. Sometimes
you seem unresponsive, and you make
people feel uncomfortable." Suddenly,
Bonhoeffer stopped the man short by
exclaiming, "Why can't you let somebody
be who he is?" We do this, even to Jesus.
Why can't we let Him be who He is?

JESUS, WHY CAN'T WE LET HIM BE
WHO HE IS.

Christ is there to enrich our lives, He is
there to fill the emptiness. We need to
receive Him on His terms.

ACCEPT CHRIST AS CHRIST AND
YOUR LIFE WILL OH SO CHANGE.

COMING UP WITH MORE MONEY

2011-08-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

The minister was preoccupied with
thoughts of how he was going to ask
the congregation to come up with
more money than they were expecting
for repairs to the church building.
Therefore, he was annoyed to find that
the regular organist was sick and a
substitute had been brought in at the
last minute. The substitute wanted to
know what to play. Here's a copy of
the service," he said impatiently. "But,
you'll have to think of something to play
after I make the announcement about
the finances."During the service, the
minister paused and said, "Brothers
and Sisters, we are in great difficulty;
the roof repairs cost twice as much
as we expected and we need $4,000
more. Any of you who can pledge $100
or more, please stand up."
At that moment, the substitute organist
played "The Star Spangled Banner."
And that is how the substitute became
the regular organist!

MY SPOT IN LIFE

2011-08-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

Whenever I'm disappointed with my
spot in life, I stop and think about
little Jamie Scott.

Jamie was trying out for a part in the
school play. His mother told me that
he'd set his heart on being in it, though
she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded,
I went with her to collect him after
school. Jamie rushed up to her,
eyes shining with pride and excitement..
'Guess what, Mom ,' he shouted, and
then said those words that will remain
a lesson to me....'I've been chosen to
clap and cheer.'

PRAISE GOD AND CHOOSE TO CLAP
AND CHEER!

I LIKE IT BEST WHEN I'M WITH YOU

2011-08-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

A college student spent a year living with
a group of Navajo Indians as part of his
doctoral studies program. As he did his
research, he lived with the members of a
Navajo family, sleeping in their hut, eating
their food, working with them, and living as
a 20th century Indian. The old grandmother
of the family spoke no English, and the
student knew no Navajo, but a close
friendship developed between the two.
They spent a great deal of time together.
Despite the language problems, they
shared a common understanding of love
and friendship. Over the months they
learned a few phrases from each other.

Finally, the time arrived for the student
to return to the college and write his thesis,
so the tribe held a going-away celebration.
The next day as he prepared to get into his
pickup truck and leave, the grandmother
came to tell him good-bye. With tears in her
eyes, she said, "I like me best when I'm
with you."

You are with the Lord when you are doing
His Will; following His example; living
according to His teachings; devoting
yourself to His ministry of loving service.
This is what brings genuine joy into your
life. This is what makes it possible for you
to say, "Lord Jesus, I like me best when
I'm with You." And when you are with
Jesus in this way, you may even hear
your spouse or your child or your parent
or your friend say to you, "I like me best
when I'm with you!"

(from Sermons on Line)

ARE YOU GOING TOO?

2011-08-13T13:43:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked,
"Are you also going to leave?" Simon Peter
replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You
have the words that give eternal life.
John 6:67-68, NLT

Reflection:

After many of Jesus' followers had deserted
him, he asked the 12 disciples if they were
also going to leave. Peter replied, "To whom
shall we go?" In his straightforward way,
Peter answered for all of us--there is no other
way. Though there are many philosophies
and self-styled authorities, Jesus alone has
the words of eternal life.
People look everywhere for eternal life and
miss Christ, the only source. Stay with him,
especially when you are confused or feel alone.

(Life Application Daily Devotion)

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART

2011-08-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

Reflection:

One of the most difficult times in my
life is when I went through a divorce.
This was never ever suppose to happen
to me. This only happened to other
people, people who did not have
"Christian" values. I was brought up
better. Divorce was morally wrong
and contrary to the teachings of
Jesus Christ. People like me, who had
my kind of background, just never
got divorced. It was not ever spoken
of in my family.
But here I was facing the most
difficult and heart wrenching period
of my life. My wife was asking me
for a divorce. In one brief moment.
on my 5th anniversary. the person
that I loved was telling me that she no
longer loved me and wanted to end
our relationship. I felt angry, hurt and
abandoned by my wife and my God.
As I speak of it now, I feel the pain in
my heart. My eyes well up with tears
as I remember the hurt I felt and the
loneliness that I was about to experience
was overwhelming. I felt that this pain and
emptiness would never go away. That
my life was over and there was no longer
any reason to keep going.
I found myself begging my wife to stay
with me and promising I would do anything
to keep her in my life. But this was not
enough and she left me.
I know what your thinking, "Here comes
the sermon, here comes the life changing
experience that brought meaning back
into my life". Well that's not what happened.
IT WAS A LONG HEALING PROCESS NOT
AND OVERNIGHT REVELATION. It was a
process of discovery that yes indeed
eventually changed my life. The discovery
in my life was this, that even though my wife left
me, MY GOD DID NOT.
I know, to some, this sounds like some kind
of platitude that never happens. Many people
say, without meaning, that God is there for you.
But I'm telling you and asking you to believe me
when I say, "GOD NEVER ABANDONED ME".
And I know, from personal experience that HE
WILL NEVER ABANDONED YOU!

GOD LOVES YOU AND HE LOVES ME AND I
PROMISE YOU "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God". THROUGH HIS LOVE HE WILL
ALWAYS BE WITH YOU
AMEN

DO YOU HAVE FAITH?

2011-08-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

On God's Authority

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Psalms 85:9-14;
Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33

"Man of little faith, why did you doubt?"
(Matthew. 14:31).

At the age of four, I knew that God was
everywhere. I spoke to Him...But as I
grew toward manhood, the more I learned,
the less I believed in God...When I was
twenty-one, my superior intellect told me
that God was a fake. Heaven could not be
"up" and Hell could not be "down" because
in space there is no up or down. And I
knew that everything in creation dies,
including the smallest insect and the
biggest star.

These words were written by Jim Bishop,
the author of many best-selling biographies
and histories. "Then one day," he said,

I felt a new experience. I saw the miracle of
birth -- Virginia Lee, a child of my own -- and
it turned my wandering mind around. I began
to doubt my doubts. Gradually I lost faith in
my intellect. It was not supplying the needed
answers.

I could not see the air, but without it I would
die. Thus it is, I decided, with the spirit of man.
I needed something to breathe life into a soul
that had been crushed by the dominance of
the human mind.

What Jim Bishop needed was faith. "I was a
slow learner," he said, But, somehow,
somewhere, as I groped my painful way, I
found my soul...I knew it was there -- wounded,
bleeding perhaps, but alive.

I began to pray, and as faith returned to me,
I feared that it might dissolve again. So I prayed
for continuing faith.

It was only when I gave up -- when I let go and
allowed myself to be carried by God -- that I
began to really feel His Presence. He was there,
and I knew it!

I had wanted proof -- something for my eyes or
ears or hands. He wanted me to believe without
it. Faith and trust are what He required of me!
And He never rested till I found them.1

What is faith? Faith means acknowledging that
God can tell us truths beyond our human power
of reasoning. Faith means accepting truth on
God's authority.

John Greenleaf Whittier wrote...

He walked by faith and not by sight,
By love and not by law.
The presence of the wrong or right
He rather felt than saw.

DO YOU WALK BY FAITH?

(From the editors of Sunday Sermons Online)

A CHRISTIAN NATION?

2011-07-31T05:43:00.001-07:00

(In the wake of the budget "crises", I
sent this to my congressmen)

Scripture:

37 “Then the righteous will answer him,
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you something
to drink? 38 When did we see you a
stranger and invite you in, or needing
clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we
see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Mathew 25; 37-40 (Today's New International Version)

Quote:

"If this is gonna be a Christian nation that
doesn't help the poor, either we've got to
pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as
we are, or we've got to acknowledge that
he commanded us to love the poor and
serve the needy without condition! And
then admit, that we just don't wanna do
it." (Stephen Colbert)

DO WE WANNA DO IT?

YOU FEED THEM

2011-07-28T17:54:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

But Jesus said, "You feed them." "But we
have only five loaves of bread and two fish,
" they answered. "Or are you expecting us
to go and buy enough food for this whole
crowd?" For there were about 5,000 men
there. Luke 9:13-14, NLT

Reflection:

What I think is interesting about the feeding
of the 5,000, by Jesus, is not only the
miracle in itself, but the actions of the
disciples.
In the account the disciples become concerned
that there are so many hungry people and
how are they going to be fed. It's not like they
had McDonald's across the street. These
people needed to eat!
So they go to Jesus and ask Him what can
be done. And what is His response, He says,
"You feed them". And the disciples response
is that of protest because they didn't have
enough food or money. They didn't have the
resources.
There is a lesson for us here.
Do you think that God would ask you to do
something, that together you and Him
couldn't handle. I don't think so.
GOD IS TELLING YOU DON'T LET YOUR
LACK OF RESOURCES BLIND YOU TO
SEEING GOD'S POWER. HE IS THE
ONLY RESOURCE YOU NEED!!!!!

YOU FEED THEM

HIDDEN TREASURE

2011-07-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure
hidden in a field" (Matthew 13:44)

In a "Peanuts" comic strip, Lucy and Charlie
Brown are engaged in earnest conversation
about the meaning of life. Lucy feels that it's
a matter of one's perspective. She says,
"Life is like a deck chair. Some people place
it so they can see where they are going.
Some people place it so they can see where
they have been. And some people place it
so they can see where they are now.
" Charlie ponders Lucy's little discourse,
then replies, "I can't even get mine unfolded."
"
Reflection:

I remember as a young boy one of my
favorite games to play was "Pirate", and
I was always looking for the hidden
treasure.
I have found that hidden treasure, that
treasure is the meaning of my life through
God. To share in the life of God, to be in
intimate union with God is my life's greatest
treasure, now and for all eternity.
THE MOMENT IS NOW!
Jesus says you can "be glad and rejoice"
now and have your "reward in heaven," both!
Jesus' words echo those of the Old Testament
Psalmist who wrote, "This is the day the Lord
has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it"
(Ps. 118:24).
NOT YESTERDAY, NOT TOMORROW, BUT
NOW TODAY, THIS DAY LIVE YOUR
GREATEST TREASURE BE IN UNION WITH
GOD!!!!!!!

DEFINING GOD

2011-07-23T15:45:00.001-07:00

Speaking before the Council of
Athens, the Apostle Paul said:

24 “He is the God who made the
world and everything in it. Since he
is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t
live in man-made temples, 25 and
human hands can’t serve his needs—
for he has no needs. He himself gives
life and breath to everything, and he
satisfies every need. 26 From one
man he created all the nations
throughout the whole earth. He decided
beforehand when they should rise and
fall, and he determined their boundaries.

27 “His purpose was for the nations to
seek after God and perhaps feel their way
toward him and find him—though he is not
far from any one of us. 28 For in him we
live and move and exist. As some of your
own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
29 And since this is true, we shouldn’t think
of God as an idol designed by craftsmen
from gold or silver or stone.

30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance
about these things in earlier times, but now
he commands everyone everywhere to repent
of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has
set a day for judging the world with justice by
the man he has appointed, and he proved to
everyone who this is by raising him from the
dead.”

32 When they heard Paul speak about the
resurrection of the dead, some laughed in
contempt, but others said, “We want to hear
more about this later.” 33 That ended Paul’s
discussion with them, 34 but some joined him
and became believers.(Acts 17: 23-34) NLT

ARE YOU GREAT?

2011-07-19T16:34:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Then he said to them, "Anyone who
welcomes a little child like this on my
behalf* welcomes me, and anyone who
welcomes me also welcomes my Father
who sent me. Whoever is the least
among you is the greatest
Luke 9:48, NLT

Reflection:

What is greatness? Am I a great person?
I m not a well known person, I have not
done anything in life that is note worthy,
I'm not a hero, I'm not a celebrity.
I'm just me. So what makes me great!
Christ tells us caring for others is a
measure of our greatness. How much
do you care? How much concern do you
show to others? These are important
questions to accurately measure your
greatness in God's eyes.
Let me ask something when is the last
time you showed your care for someone
else, especially those who are helpless,
or needy, or poor? When is the last time
you expressed compassion and caring
to someone who can't return your love
and concern? YOUR HONEST ANSWER
TO THAT QUESTION WILL GIVE YOU A
GOOD IDEA OF YOUR REAL GREATNESS.

Psalm 12

5 “Because the poor are plundered and the
needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold[c] refined seven times.
7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
while depravity is honored by the human race.

"Go where you are least wanted, for there
you are most needed."
Abigail Kelley Foster
Pacifist Abolitionist
(1811-1877)

LIVING FOR ETERNITY

2011-07-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

In the movie Gladiator, General Maximus
Decimus Meridius seeks to stir his cavalry
to fight well in the imminent battle against
Germania. Addressing his troops, he
challenges them to give their very best.
He makes this profound statement:
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
These words from a fictional military
leader convey a powerful concept that
is of particular significance to believers
in Christ. We are not just taking up time
and space on a rock that’s floating in
the universe. We are here with the
opportunity to make an eternal difference
with our lives. Jesus Himself said, “Lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys
and where thieves do not break in and
steal” (Matt. 6:20).
HAVING THE PERSPECTIVE OF
LIVING FOR ETERNITY CAN MAKE
ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THIS
WORLD
(Bill Crowder; January 3, 2007)

RETIREMENT DINNER

2011-07-13T16:33:00.001-07:00

A PRIEST'S RETIREMENT DINNER

A Priest was being honored at his retirement
dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading
local politician and member of the congregation
was chosen to make the presentation and to
give a little speech at the dinner. However, he
was delayed, so the Priest decided to say his
own few words while they waited:

“I got my first impression of the parish from the
first confession I heard here. I thought I had been
assigned to a terrible place. The very first person
who entered my confessional told me he had stolen
a television set and, when questioned by the police,
was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen
money from his parents, embezzled from his
employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, he had
taken illegal drugs . I was appalled. But as the days
went on, I learned that my people were not all like
that and I had,indeed, come to a fine parish full of
good and loving people."

Just as the Priest finished his talk, the politician
arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately
began to make the presentation and gave his talk:
“I'll never forget the first day our parish Priest
arrived, said the politician. In fact, I had the honor of
being the first person to go to him for confession."

MORAL: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER BE LATE

TOUCH A LIFE

2011-07-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Touch a Life

by Anne Cetas

( From Our Daily Bread)

Scripture:

Read: Galatians 6:6-10

Let us not grow weary while doing good.
(Galatians 6:9)

Reflection:

My friend Dan, who was soon to graduate
from high school, was required to make a
senior presentation. He had 15 minutes to
share how he had made it to the point of
graduation and to thank those who had
helped him along the way.

I gazed around the room before he started
to talk. All kinds of people—young families,
teachers, friends, church leaders, and
coaches—were in attendance. He began to
talk about the ways each person had
touched his life. One woman had “been like
an aunt and had always been there” for him.
A 30-something man “shared Scriptures
often and gave counsel.” Another man had
“taught him discipline and hard work.” A
church friend had “taken him to football
practice every day” because his mom
couldn’t. A couple had “treated him like he
was their own son.” One commonality—
they were all just ordinary Christians who
had reached out to make a difference in
his life.

Paul called it doing “good to all, especially
to those who are of the household of faith”
(Gal. 6:10). We can help shape another
person’s life by showing an interest and
taking action. And, as happened with Dan,
we can reap a harvest (v.9).

Look around. Is there someone whose life
needs your touch?

Prayer:

Lord, grant me a heart of compassion
So burdened for others’ needs
That I will show Your kindness
In attitudes, words, and deeds. —Fitzhugh

DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN,
IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN.
FOR ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN
WHILE YOU CAN!.

HE IS FAITHFUL

2011-07-08T03:49:00.000-07:00

God is faithful to those who love him

What can you expect when you love God?

Scripture

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives,
he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22 NLT

Be faithful yourself

When big problems come, there is something
in all of us that wants to bail out, throw in the
towel, wave the white flag of surrender, and
retreat to someplace less stressful.

This explains why so many people under great
stress and strain walk away from God, a marriage,
a friendship, or a church. When the future looks
stormy or uncertain, it becomes easy to rationalize,
to jettison one's convictions, to go back on promises.

Before you succumb to panic and start to renege
on a commitment, you need to strongly consider
God's promise. It tells us that we have something
within us (Someone, actually) who desires for us
to be loyal and who gives us the courage and grit
to hang tough. The Holy Spirit will, if you ask him,
enable you to persevere — even in the face of
overwhelming trouble.

Praying God's Promise

God, you are always faithful to me. By the power
of your Spirit, help me to keep my commitments
in tough times. I want to be reliable and trustworthy.
I want to be wholly devoted to you, through thick
and thin. Fill me with your Spirit so that I have the
courage to stand firm.

From Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by
Len Woods (Tyndale House) pp 160-61

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living
Translation and other publications of Tyndale
Publishing House

HE CALLS ME FRIEND

2011-07-06T06:09:00.001-07:00

by Julie Ackerman Link

(From Our Daily Bread)

Scripture:

Read: John 15:9-17

All things that I heard from
My Father I have made known to you
. . . that you should go and bear fruit.
(John 15:15-16)
:
Reflection:

Someone has defined friendship as
“knowing the heart of another and
sharing one’s heart with another.” We
share our hearts with those we trust,
and trust those who care about us. We
confide in our friends because we have
confidence that they will use the
information to help us, not harm us.
They in turn confide in us for the same
reason.

We often refer to Jesus as our friend
because we know that He wants what
is best for us. We confide in Him
because we trust Him. But have you
ever considered that Jesus confides in
His people?

Jesus began calling His disciples friends
rather than servants because He had
entrusted them with everything He had
heard from His Father (John 15:15).
Jesus trusted the disciples to use the
information for the good of His Father’s
kingdom.

Although we know that Jesus is our
friend, can we say that we are His
friends? Do we listen to Him? Or do we
only want Him to listen to us? Do we
want to know what’s on His heart? Or
do we only want to tell Him what’s on
ours? To be a friend of Jesus, we need
to listen to what He wants us to know
and then use the information to bring
others into friendship with Him.

Sweet thought! We have a Friend above,
Our weary, faltering steps to guide,
Who follows with His eye of love
The precious child for whom He died.
—Anon.

CHRIST'S FRIENDSHIP CALLS FOR
OUR FAITHFULNESS

INDEPENDENCE DAY

2011-07-03T04:08:00.001-07:00

Let this be our prayer and our hope
on this Fourth of July

Let there be peace on Earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth,
The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father,
Brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now,
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow,

To take each moment and live each moment
In peace, eternally.
Let there be peace on Earth,
And let it begin with me

HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

REFLECTING CHRIST

2011-06-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

"…you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted
mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NLT

2 Corinthians 6:4,6

4 In everything we do, we show that we are true
ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles
and hardships and calamities of every kind.
6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding,
our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within
us,[a] and by our sincere love.(NLT)

AN ACT OF KINDNESS

Despite his busy schedule during the Civil War,
Abraham Lincoln often visited the hospitals to
cheer the wounded. On one occasion he saw
a young fellow who was near death. “Is there
anything I can do for you?” asked the
compassionate President. “Please write a
letter to my mother,” came the reply.
Unrecognized by the soldier, the Chief Executive
sat down and wrote as the youth told him
what to say.

The letter read, “My Dearest Mother, I was
badly hurt while doing my duty, and I won’t
recover. Don’t sorrow too much for me. May
God bless you and Father. Kiss Mary and
John for me.” The young man was too weak
to go on, so Lincoln signed the letter for him
and then added this postscript: “Written for
your son by Abraham Lincoln.”

Asking to see the note, the soldier was
astonished to discover who had shown him
such kindness. “Are you really our President?”
he asked. “Yes,” was the quiet answer. “Now,
is there anything else I can do?” The lad
feebly replied, “Will you please hold my hand?
I think it would help to see me through to the
end.” The tall, gaunt man granted his request,
offering warm words of encouragement until
death stole in with the dawn.

Reflection:

An act of great Kindness. Not seen very often
in this world of ours.

I am a Believer, I am a member of the "Way",
I am follower of Jesus Christ, I am a "Red
Letter" Christian.
Kindness should flow out of my life. The world
has an excuse to be angry, but I don't.
I am a sinner who is redeemed, I should be
happy to be redeemed.
This is what separates me from those who
haven't discovered the goodness of Christ.
I have a reason to rejoice, a standard to
uphold, and a Savior to pattern my life
after.

THE LIVING TRUTH

2011-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

Jesus said…"I came to bring truth to the
world. All who love the truth recognize
that what I say is true."
John 18:37 NLT

(from God's Daily Promises)

A wife prays for her husband's salvation

After a rather gentle talk [one evening]
about Christianity, [my wife Davy] went to
bed, leaving me lying upon the sofa in
front of the fire reading.…A half hour
passed. I let the book fall and switched
off the lamp. Gazing upon the glowing coals,
I wondered with a strange mixture of hope
and fear whether Christ might be in very truth
my God. Suddenly I became aware that Davy
was praying beside me—she had stolen into
the room in her nightgown and knelt down by
the sofa. I looked at the quiet figure for a few
moments. I have never seen her pray. Then
she spoke.

"When I was in bed," she said very softly,
"it seemed to me that God was telling me to
come to you. I have prayed to God to fulfill
your soul."

She paused a moment, and then she
whispered: "Oh, my dearest—please believe!"

Moved almost to tears, I whispered back—
a broken whisper, she wrote in the Journal
[the book we both kept of our searching for
God and truth]—I whispered, "Oh, I do believe.
" I was shaken by the affirmation that swept
over me."Hold to this moment," she murmured.
"Hold to it when doubts come. This is the
truth—I know it it."

(Sheldon Vanauken in A Severe Mercy
Adapted from The Prayer Bible Jean E.
Syswerda, general editor, Tyndale House
Publishers (2003), p 1657.

WHEN GOD COMES!

2011-06-21T14:15:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 2:19 (Today's
New International Version)

19 For what is our hope, our joy,
or the crown in which we will glory
in the presence of our Lord Jesus
when he comes? Is it not you?

Reflection:

When God comes will it be
day or night?
When God comes will you
be in His sight?
When God comes will you
be prepared?
When God comes will you
even care?
When God comes the two
shall be as one.
When God comes there will
be nothing left undone.
When God comes the
mystery will be revealed.
When God comes lives will
be unsealed.

COME LORD JESUS!

A DAD IS

2011-06-18T13:05:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

Psalm 103:13

As a father has compassion on his
children, so the LORD has
compassion on those who fear him;

Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs
but when things go wrong
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong.

In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.

And each year that passes
You're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad .
for listening and caring
for giving and sharing
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day
- Author Unknown

REMEMBERING YOU DAD

2011-06-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

I miss you, oh so much, I long
to feel, you're gentle touch! To
hear your voice, just once more,
is what, I'm really longing for! It's
been so very long, that you've
been gone, but this feeling, still
lingers on! Whenever I look at
your picture, I pick it up and hold
it tight. I gaze at you, with loving
eyes, be it day, or night! What a
handsome man you were,
everyone, has said so. I keep the
same picture, in my wallet and
show you off, wherever I go! The
minute they look at your picture,
then look at me, they'll remark
how much we look alike, for it's
very plain to see! I'm proud, to
say the least and honored too.
That I was very lucky, to resemble,
you!
- Audrey Heller

WHAT IS A FATHER?

2011-06-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

In honor of Father's Day this coming Sunday,
I am posting a piece by Paul Harvey.

What Is a Father?

A father is a person who is forced to endure
childbirth without an anesthetic. He growls
when he feels good and laughs very loud
when he is scared half-to-death.

A father never feels entirely worthy of the
worship in a child's eyes. He is never quite
the hero his daughter thinks. Never quite the man
his son believes him to be. And this worries him
sometimes. (So he works too hard to try to
smooth the rough places in the road of those
of his own who will follow him.)

A father is a person who goes to war sometimes
...and would run the other way, except that war
is part of an important job in his life (which is
making the world better for his child than it has
been for him).

Fathers grow older faster than other people,
because they, in other wars, have to stand at the
train station and wave goodbye to the uniform that
climbs on board. And, while mothers cry where it
shows, fathers stand and beam ... outside ...
and die inside.

Fathers are men who give daughters away to other
men who aren't nearly good enough, so that they
can have children that are smarter than anybody's.

Fathers fight dragons almost daily. They hurry
away from the breakfast table off to the arena,
which is sometimes called an office or a workshop.
There they tackle the dragon with three heads —
Weariness, Work, and Monotony. And they never
quite win the fight, but they never give up.

Knights in shining armor; fathers in shiny trousers.
There's little difference as they march away each
workday.

I trust that you will be able to honor your father,
either in person or as you share with others what's
in your memory about your dad.

I hope you dads out there will be a blessing to
your families and that you will be blessed by
your families.

REMEMBER:

By the time a man realizes that his father was
usually right, he has a son who thinks he's usually
wrong.

ASSUMPTIONS

2011-06-14T16:54:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

2 Peter 1:20 (Today's New International Version)

20 Above all, you must understand that
no prophecy of Scripture came about by
the prophet’s own interpretation of things.
2 Peter 1:20 (Today's New International
Version)

Reflection:

I have talked in the past about my
up bringing within the church. Because
of the example and influence of my
mother, the church became a vital
part of my life. Through the church I was
presented with certain facts and from
these facts I made assumptions, and
here is where my problem begins.

As a Christian and Believer of the Holy
Scriptures, I become an interpreter of
God's Word. There is a danger in my
interpretation. That danger is reading
the text to fit my assumptions, In
other words instead of my assumptions
being influenced by my reading, my
reading is influenced by my
preconceived assumptions.

There are 3 things that I have learned to
remember when I read God's Word.

1st= The Holy Scriptures are "God
Breathed" and is perfect in every way.
It is my interpretation that is not.

2nd= I read the Holy Scriptures through
the power of the Holy Spirit.

3rd= Finally when we read together as
a church, as a community, we are
promised, by the grace of God, God's
won Spirit.

"When we submit together to it's truth,
live in it's hope, and rest in the love of
God Whose presence infuses it's
pages. WITH THAT POWER, WE FIND
LIFE!

CREATION EXPLAINED

2011-06-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

On the first day, God created the dog
and said, "Sit all day by the door of your
house and bark at anyone who comes
in or walks past. For this, I will give you
a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's a long time to be
barking. How about only ten years and
I'll give you back the other ten?"
So God agreed......

On the second day, God created the
monkey and said, "Entertain people,
do tricks, and make them laugh.
For this, I'll give you a twenty-year
life span."

The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for
twenty years? That's a pretty long time
to perform. How about I give you back
ten like the dog did?"
And God agreed......

On the third day, God created the cow
and said, "You must go into the field
with the farmer all day long and suffer
under the sun, have calves and give milk
to support the farmer's family. For this,
I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life
you want me to live for sixty years. How
about twenty and I'll give back the other
forty?"
And God agreed again......

On the fourth day, God created humans
and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and
enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty
years."

But the human said, "Only twenty years?
Could you possibly give me my twenty, the
forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey
gave back, and the ten the dog gave back;
that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years, we
eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the
next forty years, we slave in the sun to
support our family.. For the next ten years,
we do monkey tricks to entertain the
grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we
sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable
information. I'm doing it as a public service.
If you are looking for me I will be on the front
porch.

THE REALITY OF GOD

2011-06-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

God is not a concept,
God is not a simple truth,
God is not a dream,
God is not simply divine.

God is a reality!
If you reject the reality of
God, your life is doomed.
If you accept the reality of
God, your life is eternal!

REJECT OR ACCEPT

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

GOING HOME

2011-06-03T15:41:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

166 I wait for your salvation, LORD,
and I follow your commands.
Psalm 119:166 (New International Version)

Romans 13:11
[ The Day Is Near ] And do this,
understanding the present time: The hour
has already come for you to wake up from
your slumber, because our salvation is
nearer now than when we first believed.

Reflection:

Jesus came to my home the other day.
He was a welcomed guest.
I said to Jesus, "I know that You are my
Lord and Savior. I know that you are my
Creator and Father. Lord when can I
come home?"
He said, "My child, My son, you may come
home when your done visiting here. You
were created to serve God and humankind
with all the love I have given you. That
service is still not done. There are still
those, around you, who are poor, hungry
and in need. Many, around you, are sad
and depressed. Many are at war within
themselves and with others. I know that
you need Me and you are anxious to to
be with Me. But remember I AM ALWAYS
WITH YOU, I AM HERE FOR YOU. This
is your house, I AM YOUR HOME.
Expand Our home to include and serve
others, in the name of God. In His time
He will call you to His House and you will
truly be home."

OUR FATHER IS WAITING, SERVE
OTHERS, AND COME HOME!

DAY IS DONE

2011-05-28T15:56:00.001-07:00

Here is something Every American should know.
Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out
and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the
haunting song, 'Taps...' It's the song that gives
us the lump in our throats and usually tears in
our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out
about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the
Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert
Elli was with his men near Harrison's Landing
in Virginia . The Confederate Army was
on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans
of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.
Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and
bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the
Captain reached the stricken soldier and began
pulling him toward his encampment..
When the Captain finally reached his own lines,
he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier,
but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught
his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim
light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his
own son. The boy had been studying music in
the South when the war broke out.. Without
telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father
asked permission of his superiors to give his
son a full military burial, despite his enemy
status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group
of Army band members play a funeral dirge
for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier
was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say
they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the
bugler to play a series of musical notes he
had found on a piece of paper in the pocket
of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps'
used at military funerals was born.
The words are:

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well..
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky
As we go..
This we know.
God is nigh

I too have felt the chills while listening to 'Taps'
but I have never seen all the words to the song until
now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse .
I also never knew the story behind the song and I
didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it
along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than
I did before.

Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.

BEING ADOPTED

2011-05-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were
discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture
had a different hair color than the other members... One of her
students suggested that he was adopted.
A little girl said, 'I know all about
Adoption, I was adopted..'

'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked
another child.

'It means', said the girl, 'that you grew
in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!'

GOD BLESS MOMMY'S HEART!

TEACH THE TRUTH

2011-05-20T13:46:00.001-07:00

(from God's Daley Promise)

Scripture:

Make them pure and holy by teaching
them your words of truth.
John 17:17 NLT

Reflection:

Truth is unchanging

"Hey, Mom, guess what we learned
in school today?" Victor took off his
raincoat and dropped it on the floor
inside the back door.

"Did you know that people used to
think the world was flat?" Victor said.

"Did they?" Mom said, dropping her
mouth in an expression of shock.
"If it's not flat, what shape is it?"

"It's round," Victor said. "You know
that."

"You're right," Mom admitted. They
sat down in a chair next to a freestanding
globe in the corner of the front room. "But
all those years people thought the world
was flat, was it flat or was it round?"

Victor thought for a moment before
answering firmly, "Round."

Mom nodded, "That's right, Victor. You
see what people thought didn't change
what was true, did it? Let me ask you one
more question, Victor. Some people say
the Word of God isn't true. What do you
think about that?"

Victor pondered his mom's question for
a long minute before answering. "What
they think doesn't matter, does it,
Mommy?" Victor answered.
"You're right, Victor," Mom said.
"BECAUSE TRUTH DOESN'T CHANGE"

Adapted from The One Year® Book of
Josh MacDowell's Family Devotions by
Bob Hostetler, Tyndale House Publishers
(1997), p 122.

FROM ALL OVER

2011-05-16T13:41:00.001-07:00

Scripture:

29 People will come from east and west
and north and south, and will take their
places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
Luke 13:29 (Today's New International Version)

Reflection:

Now wait a minute, this can't be right.

You all take a break for a minute, I'll be right
back, I've got to check my Bible about this
verse because this Just Can't Be Right!

Well I'm back and sure enough I copied
this verse correctly. I guess I might be
taking my place in heaven next to a Muslim.
Now wouldn't that be the ultimate joke on me.
I might be in heaven with a Muslim. And here
all this time I was told to hate them because
they hate me and want to see me dead. If this
is not the case, "What am I going to do?"

Well this is what I have decided to do about
Muslims.

I am going to educate myself about Muslims
and their faith. That won't be hard I have the
Internet.

I'm going to "respect" and "engage" my Muslim
neighbors.

I'm going to seek to have a relationship with
Muslims and talk with them about their faith.

I'm going to be honest with my Muslim
neighbors and learn to trust them.

My ultimate goal is to share my life and faith
with my Muslim brothers and sisters as they
share with me. The outcome, of all this, is
to love one another. I can't do this if I hate
and fear them. WOULD JESUS WANT
ANYTHING LESS?

I THINK NOT!

Quote:

"I still believe that people are really good at
heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a
foundation consisting of confusion, misery
and death....If I look up to the heavens, I
think it will all come right, that this cruelty
too will end, and that peace and tranquility
will return again."
Anne Frank Diarist, Holocaust Victim
(1929-1945)

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.
Saint Francis of Assisi

DEAD LETTER OFFICE

2011-05-09T10:56:00.001-07:00

PLEASE, READ

THIS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES!!

We don't know who replied, but there is a
beautiful soul working in the dead letter
office of the US postal service.

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month.
The day after she passed away my 4-year-old
daughter Meredith was crying and talking
about how much she missed Abbey. She
asked if we could write a letter to God so
that when Abbey got to heaven, God would
recognize her. I told her that I thought we
could so, and she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She
died yesterday and is with you in heaven.
I miss her very much. I am happy that you
let me have her as my dog even though she
got sick.I hope you will play with her. She
likes to swim and play with balls. I am
sending a picture of her so when you see
her you will know that she is my dog. I
really miss her.

Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a
picture of Abbey and Meredith and
addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our
return address on it. Then Meredith pasted
several stamps on the front of the envelope
because she said it would take lots of stamps
to get the letter all the way to heaven. That
afternoon she dropped it into the letter box
at the post office. A few days later, she
asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I
told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped
in gold paper on our front porch addressed,
'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith
opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers
called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside
front cover was the letter we had written to
God in its opened envelope. On the opposite
page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith
and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the
picture was a big help and I recognized her
right away.Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her
spirit is here with me just like it stays in
your heart. Abbey loved being your dog.
Since we don't need our bodies in heaven,
I don't have any pockets to keep your picture
in so I am sending it back to you in this little
book for you to keep and have something to
remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank
your mother for helping you write it and
sending it to me. What a wonderful mother
you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember
that I love you very much. By the way, I'm
easy to find. I AM WHEREVER THERE IS
LOVE.

Love, God

WHEN YOU PRAY

2011-05-03T18:00:00.001-07:00

Do you experienced God's presence when
you pray?

Scripture:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!… I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Philippians 4:4,12 NLT

Arise, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives.
Drive them off like smoke blown by the wind. Melt them like wax in fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God.
But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let hem be filled with joy.
Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
His name is the Lord—rejoice in his presence.
Psalm 68:1-4 NLT

Reflection:

Often times many of us approach prayer with
a great deal of reluctance. We often feel
that we are to busy to talk with God. It is
almost like we are fitting God into our
busy schedule. Many people approach
God when they are in need, and then it
seems like a one way conversation.

I really love and admire King David's attitude
of joy when he approached God in prayer.
David knew what a privilege it was to
talk to Almighty God. David was actually
astonished by the power of God, and he
was filled with joy, Why? because he was
allowed to enter in the presence of God.

How do you approach prayer? Do you ever
consider it a privilege to be talking with
almighty God. Do you ever feel that
inward joy of talking with God. You
know what? I not only feel it a privilege
to be talking with God and to feel real
joy in my spirit, I AM JUST SO
THANKFUL THAT HE CARES ABOUT
ME AND HE IS THERE FOR ME!

Prayer:

Almighty God I am so honored to
enter into Your presence and Lord I
thank You for listening to me.
Amen

IT AIN'T SHUTTIN DOWN

2011-04-28T19:02:00.001-07:00

Well the Government isn't shuttin down.

Do you feel a great sense of relief?
I know I did.
Then I began to really think how I had
let this situation become so important
in my life. I started to ask myself,
"Is it really that important?",
Then I began to remember who is our
source of supply, who is our guide in
good times as well as difficult times,
we are able to have peace because we
are trusting Him to direct us and guide
us through whatever difficulties we could
face. He is the only one we can trust.

I know there are people who have great jobs
and at the end of the month there is money
left over. But those jobs could be gone
just like that. Your health may even take
a turn for the worse, you never know what
might happen. The unexpected can show
up anytime in our lives.
I have discovered that security in my life
doesn't depend on outward circumstances.
MY SECURITY DEPENDS UPON MY
RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.
He can and does provide for me in ways that
I never expected. My Savior is my security.
ALL THINGS AROUND ME MAY FAIL BUT
JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL ME!!!!

GOD....NEVER....FAILS....US!!!!!!

WOUNDS RUN DEEP

2011-04-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Lenten Meditation

Scripture:

Read John 21:1-19.

TEXT: "When they had finished breakfast,
Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son
of John, do you love Me more than these? ..."
(John 21:15a).

We are often cut to the core by our own
sins, by the hasty words and hurtful things
we have done and by our failure to do the
good things God put it in our power to do.
The scar of our personal failings can run
very deep in us, just as the scar of Peter's
three denials ran deep.

After His resurrection our Lord went to work
right away healing that wound. Luke tells us
that Jesus made an appearance to Peter on
the afternoon of His resurrection (Luke 24:34).
And in today's reading John records another
special conversation between Jesus and Peter.

On that dark night in Jerusalem Simon denied
His Savior three times. Now, on this bright
morning at the Sea of Tiberius, Jesus leads
Peter to confess his devotion to His Savior
three times. Then Jesus gives Peter a glorious
promise. In the future, when Peter's life is in
danger for Jesus' sake, he will not weaken in
denial. Simon Peter will remain faithful in his
confession and die as a martyr of Jesus Christ.

Jesus died and rose again for your sins-each
and every one of them. They are all forgiven.
This is something He constantly reminds you
through His Word, through the waters of your
Baptism and by the body and blood He gives
you in worship-the price He willingly paid for
your eternal salvation. His Holy Spirit will keep
you strong in the confession of His Name, until
our Lord welcomes you into paradise.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, let Your light continue to shine in
this dark world, that with boldness and confidence
I may live for You, until You come again and
scatter the darkness forever. I pray in Your holy
Name. Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries

DON'T BE AFRAID!

2011-04-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

Scripture:

Mathew 28:5,6
"Do not be afraid for I know that you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified
6 He is not here: He has risen, just
as He said.

Reflection:

I am so happy today that Jesus Christ
is risen from the dead. I am excited!
Because of today I am able to experience
the Presence of the Risen Lord.
There is Power in the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ. The Resurrection Power of God is
telling us that He is here always!

You see you don't have to be afraid, you
don't have to be anxious, you don't have
to be alone. WHY! BECAUSE HE IS
RISEN! WHY! BECAUSE HE LIVES!

Prayer of Resurrection:

Gracious God, Let your resurrected life find
witness in our lives, Let us be for others what
you are for us. As you provide us with your
grace each and every day, let us become
your grace for others and true followers of your
Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

OUT FROM DARKNESS

2011-04-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

Lenten Meditations

Out from the Darkness Holy Saturday

Scripture:

Read John 19:31-42.

TEXT: "So they (Joseph and Nicodemus)
took the body of Jesus and bound it in
linen cloths with the spices, as is the
burial custom of the Jews" (John 19:40).

Good Friday is drawing to its close. With
the Passover quickly approaching, Pilate
orders the legs of the crucified men to be
broken so they will die quickly. The legs
of the two criminals hanging at Jesus'
side are broken. But since Jesus is
already dead His side is pierced with a
spear instead and out flows blood and
water-proof that the King of the Jews
is truly dead.

That's when a secret disciple of Jesus
steps forward. Joseph of Arimathea is a
prominent member of the Jewish high
court who did not agree with their
decision to put Jesus to death. He
boldly steps out of the darkness and
asks Pilate for permission to bury Jesus'
body. Pilate grants it.

Another secret disciple joins him. The
Pharisee Nicodemus who had snuck
through the darkness of night to talk to
Jesus now steps into the light and helps
Joseph lay our Lord's body to rest in
Joseph's new tomb.

But it is only a rest. Death has no hold
over Jesus' body. It cannot even touch
His body with the stain of decay. On the
third day He will rise to life and live forever.

One day you and I will be laid in our own
graves. But for all of us who trust in Jesus
Christ as our Savior, our future will be the
same as His. Our bodies will rest in the
grave until He returns; then Jesus will
raise us to share paradise with Him forever.

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for hallowing our
graves through Your rest in the grave. Fill
us with joy and confidence-even in the face
of death-so that we will see You with our
own eyes when You come to wake our
bodies from death. Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries

PAID IN FULL

2011-04-22T03:58:00.001-07:00

Paid in Full Good Friday

Scripture:

Read John 19:16-30.

TEXT: "So he delivered Him over to
them to be crucified. So they took
Jesus, and He went out, bearing His
own cross, to the place called The
Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is
called Golgotha" (John 19:16-17).

Jesus shows remarkable strength in
His first three hours on the cross.
Even while He is suffering for our sins,
His focus is not on Himself, but on the
people around Him. Seeing His
enemies He pleads, "Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do
" (Luke 23:34a). He promises the
repentant criminal at His side, "Today
You will be with Me in paradise"
(Luke 23:43b). He provides a disciple
to care for His mother after He is gone
"Woman, behold, your son!" and to the
disciple, "Behold, your mother!"
(John 19:26b, 27b).

Then at noon comes the darkness.
Luke tells us the sun stopped shining.
Jesus hangs alone in the darkness
silently suffering God's wrath at the sins
of the world. Finally, after three hours
He cries out in agony, "My God, My God,
why have You forsaken Me?"
(Matthew 27:46b).

By three in the afternoon, it is over. God
the Father has unleashed His full wrath-
not a single one of our sins has gone
unpunished. John tells us, "Jesus,
knowing that all was now finished, said,
(to fulfill the Scripture) 'I thirst'"
(John 19:28). And "When Jesus had
received the sour wine, He said,
'It is finished,' and He bowed His head
and gave up His spirit" (John 19:30).
There is nothing left for us to pay. We
are free, and the doors of heaven are
open wide to us through Jesus' life,
death and resurrection.

Jesus offers His last confident prayer:
"Father, into Your hands I commit My
spirit" (Luke 23:46b).

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, on the cross You suffered
the wrath of God for all of our sins, and
paid the price in full. Receive our thanks
and gratitude for Your amazing sacrifice
and the life that is ours because of Your
death. Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries

THE LAST SUPPER

2011-04-21T03:28:00.001-07:00

Lenten Meditation

One Last Card to Play Maundy Thursday

Scripture:

Read John 19:1-16.

TEXT: "Pilate went out again and said to them,
'See, I am bringing Him out to you that you
may know that I find no guilt in Him.' So Jesus
came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the
purple robe. Pilate said to them, 'Behold the
man!'" (John 19:4-5).

Pilate has one last, desperate trick up his
sleeve. It's a long shot, but it's his last chance
to set Jesus free. He orders our Lord to be
flogged. Many died from such a cruel scourging;
others died later from the complications of
those severe injuries. Pilate thought the
scourging might just satisfy the blood lust of
the Jewish authorities.

As Pilate had Jesus brought forward it was a
pitiful sight to behold. Jesus had been beaten
severely. A crown of bloody thorns was on His
head and a blood-soaked, purple robe was
draped around His shoulders. Clearly, the
Jewish authorities could not consider Him a
threat now.

But once they had gotten a taste of Jesus'
blood, the authorities had only one thing to
say, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!"

Tonight we gather in church to celebrate the
Lord's Supper and receive His true body and
blood. We remember Pilate pointing and saying,
"Behold the man!" We remember John the
Baptist pointing and saying, "Behold the Lamb
of God who takes away the sins of the world.
" We remember this body was beaten and
nailed to the cross for us. This blood was
shed by the scourge and nails for us. And
because Jesus offered His body and poured
out His blood in our place-as our Substitute-
WE ARE FORGIVEN AND FREE!.

"Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19b).

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You freely offered Your body and
blood for our salvation. Move me to receive it
in gratitude and joy, and to serve You
throughout my days.
Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries

THE GAMBLER

2011-04-20T06:11:00.001-07:00

Lenten Meditation

Pilate's Gamble

Scripture:

Read John 18:38-40.

"But you have a custom that I should
release one man for you at the Passover.
So do you want me to release to you the
King of the Jews?" (John 18:39).

Pilate won't listen to Jesus; he is too
busy trying to work this out himself. How
can he force the Jewish authorities to
accept his decision to set Jesus free?
Maybe one of the local customs might do
the trick. It was implemented to improve
Roman-Jewish relations. At the Passover
feast, the Roman governors released a
prisoner the Jewish crowds requested.
Normally it was a popular person who had
been imprisoned for speaking against the
Roman government. This time Pilate would
offer the choice between Jesus and the
most dangerous criminal in the prison:
Barabbas.

This was a stroke of genius! Jesus offered
no true threat to public safety and clearly
Barabbas was as dangerous to the Jewish
leaders as he was to the Romans. But Pilate
misjudges the Jewish leaders, who are
convinced Jesus is a much greater threat to
them and to the Jewish nation than Barabbas.

When the leaders convince the crowd to
demanded Barabbas' release and crucify
Jesus, Pilate finds himself in a far worse
position than if he had simply set Jesus free
and lived with the consequences.

Whenever we shun the responsibilities God
gives us-to speak up for those who are
defenseless, to bring up our children in the
fear and knowledge of God or those in any
other area of life-we are just like Pontius
Pilate.

Jesus didn't step away from His responsibility
but freely took the punishment of our sins upon
Himself.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for paying the price for all the
times I walk away from the responsibilities You
give me. Give me courage and commitment to
step forward and do what You want me to do.
Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries