The wee hand
reaches upward touching
the face of one
who has waited.
The smile,
at first hidden by
those questioning eyes,
finds a humble subject;
as a King might
discover those who
live to serve.
Spring approaches and
tears water barren fields,
sure to profit those
who wait.
Of all the days
offered and accepted,
this day is
best.
Of all the days;
this day has
meaning.
The sun,
the child,
the kiss.
- D.A. Weesner
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Daily Scripture Readings Leading to Sunday January 1, 2005
Daily Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday January 01, 2006
Monday:
Luke 18 Parables of Hope
Todays reading is full of hope. Jesus is very active in healing and blessing.
Tuesday:
Romans 12 New Life in Christ
Here is a wonderful outline of the Christian life. If we can live lilke this, our days will be happy and fruitful. Good News.
Wednesday:
Habakkuk 2:1-4 God Replies
The Lord affirms there is still a vision for the appointed time. Today is such a day.
Thursday:
Luke 13 The Mustard Seed
We begin three chapters all dealing with Jesus’ ministry and the hope he offers. Read slowly and consider the different ways Luke offers Christ to the people. We will read parables, healings, instructions, and some hard words we must ponder.
Friday:
Luke 14 About Humility
The great dinner is a favorite passage of mine. How many times have I refused the invitation? How am I being invited today?
Saturday:
Luke 15 Parables of Lost & Found
This is a huge passage. Not in size so much, but in it’s message. Consider re-reading this chapter several times; I have. See the progression of the lost items from one of many down to one of only two. Note the care the lost receives in each story. Also consider carefully the response of the older brother, the father, perhaps an unseen mother, certinally the prodigal son. What does it mean to celelbrate what was lost and is found again.
I will be preaching about hope on this first Sunday of a new year. These verses offer hope. Flat out; if you are hopeless, you need this passage, this new year, this Jesus. If you are filled with hope, then this will be fuel for your fire and let the celebration roll on into the new year.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 13:22-30; 15:11-32
Sermon Title: “Hopeful in Council Bluffs”
Sunday January 01, 2006
Monday:
Luke 18 Parables of Hope
Todays reading is full of hope. Jesus is very active in healing and blessing.
Tuesday:
Romans 12 New Life in Christ
Here is a wonderful outline of the Christian life. If we can live lilke this, our days will be happy and fruitful. Good News.
Wednesday:
Habakkuk 2:1-4 God Replies
The Lord affirms there is still a vision for the appointed time. Today is such a day.
Thursday:
Luke 13 The Mustard Seed
We begin three chapters all dealing with Jesus’ ministry and the hope he offers. Read slowly and consider the different ways Luke offers Christ to the people. We will read parables, healings, instructions, and some hard words we must ponder.
Friday:
Luke 14 About Humility
The great dinner is a favorite passage of mine. How many times have I refused the invitation? How am I being invited today?
Saturday:
Luke 15 Parables of Lost & Found
This is a huge passage. Not in size so much, but in it’s message. Consider re-reading this chapter several times; I have. See the progression of the lost items from one of many down to one of only two. Note the care the lost receives in each story. Also consider carefully the response of the older brother, the father, perhaps an unseen mother, certinally the prodigal son. What does it mean to celelbrate what was lost and is found again.
I will be preaching about hope on this first Sunday of a new year. These verses offer hope. Flat out; if you are hopeless, you need this passage, this new year, this Jesus. If you are filled with hope, then this will be fuel for your fire and let the celebration roll on into the new year.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 13:22-30; 15:11-32
Sermon Title: “Hopeful in Council Bluffs”
Friday, December 16, 2005
A Prayer Written for the Songs of the Season Celebration
A Prayer Written for the Songs of the Season Celebration
Lord, It was a good decision to send your Son, Jesus. And to send Jesus as a baby born in a manger was an even better idea. Just a baby without any power, any money, any place to stay.
We thank you dear God that you did not send our Savior of the world as a powerful King;
striking fear, wielding iron, causing innocent blood to be shed.
If Jesus had come to the world as a warrior, none would be able to stand find grace for sin.
We all surely would die for our transgressions, for our human-ness.
A baby we can deal with, we can understand, we can love.
We can approach a baby in a manger.
We can rejoice with his dear young mother offering her life for the life of this child.
We can stand beside his sturdy father who protected what was not his, but listened when the angels spoke.
Yes Dear Lord, we can see ourselves among the shepherd, among the wise men, among the curious bystanders.
Thank You Dear Lord, that this child, this baby in the manger, would grow to become a King.
We thank you that this baby will grow to strike fear in the hearts of those who should know better;
We remember He will experience the wielding of iron;
That His life will cause His own innocent blood to be shed.
As we sing to you Lord, we remember the sacrifice, and we remember the new life offered.
Lord, we sing our praise to you. May you be most blessed.
Amen.
Lord, It was a good decision to send your Son, Jesus. And to send Jesus as a baby born in a manger was an even better idea. Just a baby without any power, any money, any place to stay.
We thank you dear God that you did not send our Savior of the world as a powerful King;
striking fear, wielding iron, causing innocent blood to be shed.
If Jesus had come to the world as a warrior, none would be able to stand find grace for sin.
We all surely would die for our transgressions, for our human-ness.
A baby we can deal with, we can understand, we can love.
We can approach a baby in a manger.
We can rejoice with his dear young mother offering her life for the life of this child.
We can stand beside his sturdy father who protected what was not his, but listened when the angels spoke.
Yes Dear Lord, we can see ourselves among the shepherd, among the wise men, among the curious bystanders.
Thank You Dear Lord, that this child, this baby in the manger, would grow to become a King.
We thank you that this baby will grow to strike fear in the hearts of those who should know better;
We remember He will experience the wielding of iron;
That His life will cause His own innocent blood to be shed.
As we sing to you Lord, we remember the sacrifice, and we remember the new life offered.
Lord, we sing our praise to you. May you be most blessed.
Amen.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
SCRIPTURE READINGS Leading to Sunday Decembe 25, 2005
SCRIPTURE READINGS for Sunday December 25, 2005
Monday:
Luke 1 Jesus Family
Luke is writing a careful and accurate account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ. We start with John the Baptist and gain an understanding of Jesus’ extended family relationships.
Tuesday:
Luke 2 The Birth of Christ
Do not be afraid. Read on about the birth of Jesus and his life as a child.
Wednesday:
Matthew 1:18-2:23 Matthew’s Version
From the Birth to the Wise Men to Herod’s murder of the children, we read the beginning of the Good News from another point of view.
Thursday:
Isaiah 9:1-7 Vision of a Savior
Light and life are predicted by Isaiah. Read what Isaiah says the Christ will accomplish.
Friday:
Philippians 3:1-4:7 Press On
The baby has accomplished Isaiah’s predictions. Paul offers proof and power for living.
Saturday:
Luke 2:1-20 Again, The Birth of Christ
Consider that this new birth, the baby Jesus, is a offering of God to the world. Creation is enhanced, a new version of the old program has been introduced into the world. Above the groans of a world filled with pain and trouble sings this new song of hope and peace. We can almost feel the power of the radiant birth. The child with this humble beginning is the high King of Heaven and we are all the subjects of this new reality. Everything is new. Words fail us, yet even the animals understand what cannot be spoken. In one miracle followed by another we open our hearts and sing forth the glory of the promise which this new birth brings to the broken world. Every song sings life. Only, always life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Title: “Songs of Life”
Monday:
Luke 1 Jesus Family
Luke is writing a careful and accurate account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ. We start with John the Baptist and gain an understanding of Jesus’ extended family relationships.
Tuesday:
Luke 2 The Birth of Christ
Do not be afraid. Read on about the birth of Jesus and his life as a child.
Wednesday:
Matthew 1:18-2:23 Matthew’s Version
From the Birth to the Wise Men to Herod’s murder of the children, we read the beginning of the Good News from another point of view.
Thursday:
Isaiah 9:1-7 Vision of a Savior
Light and life are predicted by Isaiah. Read what Isaiah says the Christ will accomplish.
Friday:
Philippians 3:1-4:7 Press On
The baby has accomplished Isaiah’s predictions. Paul offers proof and power for living.
Saturday:
Luke 2:1-20 Again, The Birth of Christ
Consider that this new birth, the baby Jesus, is a offering of God to the world. Creation is enhanced, a new version of the old program has been introduced into the world. Above the groans of a world filled with pain and trouble sings this new song of hope and peace. We can almost feel the power of the radiant birth. The child with this humble beginning is the high King of Heaven and we are all the subjects of this new reality. Everything is new. Words fail us, yet even the animals understand what cannot be spoken. In one miracle followed by another we open our hearts and sing forth the glory of the promise which this new birth brings to the broken world. Every song sings life. Only, always life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Title: “Songs of Life”
Monday, December 05, 2005
Daily Readings Leading to Sunday December 11, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday December 11, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 60:1-5 Celebrate the Messiah
Arise, shine. Think shepherds in the field.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 60:19-22 Everlasting Light
This is one strong promise for all time.
Wednesday:
John 8 Jesus is the Light of the World
Much is packed into just a few verses. From the story of the woman caught in adultery to Jesus foretelling his own death this passage moves in and out of our focus on the Christmas season.
Thursday:
John 9 Healing of the Blind Man
Jesus heals a man born blind. The religious leaders then unceremoniously toss the man out of the temple. They are outraged that Jesus would heal this man on a Sabbath. The cause and effect assumption is that any physical ailment must be a result of sin. So these religious leaders conclude what Jesus has done by this healing is to forgive sin. What is so odd about this passage is that the leaders were right but did not know it; Jesus does have the power to forgive sin. I will be using this text on Sunday and hope you will take some time to consider this powerful story. Read about the parents who are ready to deny almost anything out of fear for the power of the religious elite. Read about the compassion of Christ as he encounters the man born blind a second time. Read about the honesty of the man born blind who proclaimed simply, “Lord, I believe.” Now, think Christmas!
Friday:
John 10 The Good Shepherd
This three chapter reading from the gospel of John concludes with Jesus offering that he is the “good shepherd.” Still, Jesus is rejected by the religious leaders. Think about Christmas again.
Saturday:
1 John 1:5-2:17 God is Light
Paul speaks clearly of Jesus’ mission; It fits nicely and is powerful in a Christmas context!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 8:12, 9:1-41
Sermon Title: “Light of the World”
Monday:
Isaiah 60:1-5 Celebrate the Messiah
Arise, shine. Think shepherds in the field.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 60:19-22 Everlasting Light
This is one strong promise for all time.
Wednesday:
John 8 Jesus is the Light of the World
Much is packed into just a few verses. From the story of the woman caught in adultery to Jesus foretelling his own death this passage moves in and out of our focus on the Christmas season.
Thursday:
John 9 Healing of the Blind Man
Jesus heals a man born blind. The religious leaders then unceremoniously toss the man out of the temple. They are outraged that Jesus would heal this man on a Sabbath. The cause and effect assumption is that any physical ailment must be a result of sin. So these religious leaders conclude what Jesus has done by this healing is to forgive sin. What is so odd about this passage is that the leaders were right but did not know it; Jesus does have the power to forgive sin. I will be using this text on Sunday and hope you will take some time to consider this powerful story. Read about the parents who are ready to deny almost anything out of fear for the power of the religious elite. Read about the compassion of Christ as he encounters the man born blind a second time. Read about the honesty of the man born blind who proclaimed simply, “Lord, I believe.” Now, think Christmas!
Friday:
John 10 The Good Shepherd
This three chapter reading from the gospel of John concludes with Jesus offering that he is the “good shepherd.” Still, Jesus is rejected by the religious leaders. Think about Christmas again.
Saturday:
1 John 1:5-2:17 God is Light
Paul speaks clearly of Jesus’ mission; It fits nicely and is powerful in a Christmas context!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 8:12, 9:1-41
Sermon Title: “Light of the World”
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Daily Reading Leading to December 4, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday December 04, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 42:1-9 The Song of the Servant
Is the servant in this passage the nation of Israel or is this a look forward to the Messiah? Some think both are true. In either case, God is surely understood as powerful and active.
Tuesday:
Psalm 22 Psalm of Deliverance
When Jesus was on the cross this is one of the passages he quoted. Take a look at verse one, then read the whole Psalm aloud.
Wednesday:
Matthew 5 The Beatitudes
This first section of the sermon on the mount is know to us as the beatitudes. One preacher has called these the “Be-Attitudes.” Try this on!
Thursday:
Matthew 6-7 Sermon on the Mount
Christ has a lot to say when preaching up on that hill. Much of our understanding of our life in Christ comes from this wonderful sermon.
Friday:
Galatians 5 The Nature of Our Call
The result of our life in Christ is our faith expressed through loving deeds.
Saturday:
Luke 4:16-43 Christ: The Transformer
Jesus makes quite a mess of his homecoming. He has things stirred up and people more than just talking. I can only imagine what his mother must have been saying to him about his behavior. It seems the local folks remember him as a boy and probably still chuckle about the story his mother used to tell about Jesus’ miracle birth. Now it gets really weird for the hometown as he proclaims he is the Messiah.
Jesus is saying he is not coming to help things move along a little better, work more smoothly, or stay steady on the path. Instead Jesus is talking total makeover, a total transformation. Everything is about to change, and he is the change agent. Powerful, Unsettling, Moving!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 4:16-30
Sermon Title: “Transformers”
Monday:
Isaiah 42:1-9 The Song of the Servant
Is the servant in this passage the nation of Israel or is this a look forward to the Messiah? Some think both are true. In either case, God is surely understood as powerful and active.
Tuesday:
Psalm 22 Psalm of Deliverance
When Jesus was on the cross this is one of the passages he quoted. Take a look at verse one, then read the whole Psalm aloud.
Wednesday:
Matthew 5 The Beatitudes
This first section of the sermon on the mount is know to us as the beatitudes. One preacher has called these the “Be-Attitudes.” Try this on!
Thursday:
Matthew 6-7 Sermon on the Mount
Christ has a lot to say when preaching up on that hill. Much of our understanding of our life in Christ comes from this wonderful sermon.
Friday:
Galatians 5 The Nature of Our Call
The result of our life in Christ is our faith expressed through loving deeds.
Saturday:
Luke 4:16-43 Christ: The Transformer
Jesus makes quite a mess of his homecoming. He has things stirred up and people more than just talking. I can only imagine what his mother must have been saying to him about his behavior. It seems the local folks remember him as a boy and probably still chuckle about the story his mother used to tell about Jesus’ miracle birth. Now it gets really weird for the hometown as he proclaims he is the Messiah.
Jesus is saying he is not coming to help things move along a little better, work more smoothly, or stay steady on the path. Instead Jesus is talking total makeover, a total transformation. Everything is about to change, and he is the change agent. Powerful, Unsettling, Moving!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 4:16-30
Sermon Title: “Transformers”
Monday, November 21, 2005
Scripture Reading for Sunday Nov. 27, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday November 27, 2005
Monday:
John 1:1-18 Before the Birth
In the beginning reminds us of Genesis and of all things before God created. This passage offers that Jesus was with God and had a part in creation from the very beginning. Beautifully written, this is a wonderful passage upon which to meditate.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 53:1-12 The Servant Song
As you read consider Jesus Christ in every verse.
Wednesday:
Hebrews 8 The New Covenant
Read about Jesus and our covenant. Now Pray!
Thursday:
Matthew 27:1-54 The End of Life
The death of Jesus Christ was painful. Couldn’t God have figured another way? And yet, Jesus is God and takes the sin of the world so that we might have salvation and everlasting life. Any offering we could give had the potential of being easily corrupted. Only an offering from God, of God, would be good enough. See the love?
Friday:
John 18 The End of Life II
We need another witness to offer another testimony of what happened. Here is John’s.
Saturday:
John 19 & 20 The Significance of Jesus’ Death
An odd reading for this time of year, perhaps. We are much more comfortable with this reading at Easter. What could the death of Jesus have to do with Christmas? Even more important; what does Jesus’ death have to say to us in the midst of our preparing for the baby Jesus’ birth? The short answer is: Everything. For the long answer: Read the entire Bible. We will go with the short answer Sunday focus deeply on the love of God.
From the humble birth in a stable to an even more humbling death upon a cross, we find meaning in both events. Placing the beginning and what appears to be an ending side by side we make a life changing discovery. It is about love. It is all about love!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 19:26-28 & 20:11-18
Sermon Title: “It’s About Love
Monday:
John 1:1-18 Before the Birth
In the beginning reminds us of Genesis and of all things before God created. This passage offers that Jesus was with God and had a part in creation from the very beginning. Beautifully written, this is a wonderful passage upon which to meditate.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 53:1-12 The Servant Song
As you read consider Jesus Christ in every verse.
Wednesday:
Hebrews 8 The New Covenant
Read about Jesus and our covenant. Now Pray!
Thursday:
Matthew 27:1-54 The End of Life
The death of Jesus Christ was painful. Couldn’t God have figured another way? And yet, Jesus is God and takes the sin of the world so that we might have salvation and everlasting life. Any offering we could give had the potential of being easily corrupted. Only an offering from God, of God, would be good enough. See the love?
Friday:
John 18 The End of Life II
We need another witness to offer another testimony of what happened. Here is John’s.
Saturday:
John 19 & 20 The Significance of Jesus’ Death
An odd reading for this time of year, perhaps. We are much more comfortable with this reading at Easter. What could the death of Jesus have to do with Christmas? Even more important; what does Jesus’ death have to say to us in the midst of our preparing for the baby Jesus’ birth? The short answer is: Everything. For the long answer: Read the entire Bible. We will go with the short answer Sunday focus deeply on the love of God.
From the humble birth in a stable to an even more humbling death upon a cross, we find meaning in both events. Placing the beginning and what appears to be an ending side by side we make a life changing discovery. It is about love. It is all about love!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 19:26-28 & 20:11-18
Sermon Title: “It’s About Love
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Scriptures Leading to Sunday November 20, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday November 20, 2005
Monday:
Luke 1 The Birth of John & Jesus
Read this orderly account of Jesus’ birth. Find Mary’s song to God and consider the wonderment of this miracle birth offering hope.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 25 Psalm of Thanksgiving
When finished reading, make your personal list of the wonderful things God has done for you.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 26 Song of Victory
Have you seen the majesty of the Lord in your life? What does it mean to await God’s victory?
Thursday:
Colossians 1- 2 Christ and Our Response
Christ takes the supreme position life and Paul is offering a grace filled vision of Jesus for all people but particularly for the young church in Colossae as they continue to seek God.
Friday:
Colossians 3- 4 The Christian Life
We read about putting on the life of Christ like putting on a garment of clothing. This passage offers instruction into the way of Christ Jesus. Does anything here surprise you or offend you?
Saturday:
Colossians 1:13-23 Jesus Christ Above All
Have you been rescued? Paul says so. He believes we have been transferred from the pit of darkness to the light of the kingdom. We find we have forgiveness and redemption in this new kingdom. What could be better? Do you know this love, this power to save?
If you do, then what is your response? The church will be receiving the pledges for 2006 this Sunday. I remind us all of God’s need to have all of our lives, not just our time, not just our energy, not just our money. A right response to God should be one of total offering. Everything is God’s and all in our possession should be offered in return. Along with Paul, we shall become servants of this gospel vs23.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Colossians 1:13-23
Sermon Title: “That’s Why We Sing”
Monday:
Luke 1 The Birth of John & Jesus
Read this orderly account of Jesus’ birth. Find Mary’s song to God and consider the wonderment of this miracle birth offering hope.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 25 Psalm of Thanksgiving
When finished reading, make your personal list of the wonderful things God has done for you.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 26 Song of Victory
Have you seen the majesty of the Lord in your life? What does it mean to await God’s victory?
Thursday:
Colossians 1- 2 Christ and Our Response
Christ takes the supreme position life and Paul is offering a grace filled vision of Jesus for all people but particularly for the young church in Colossae as they continue to seek God.
Friday:
Colossians 3- 4 The Christian Life
We read about putting on the life of Christ like putting on a garment of clothing. This passage offers instruction into the way of Christ Jesus. Does anything here surprise you or offend you?
Saturday:
Colossians 1:13-23 Jesus Christ Above All
Have you been rescued? Paul says so. He believes we have been transferred from the pit of darkness to the light of the kingdom. We find we have forgiveness and redemption in this new kingdom. What could be better? Do you know this love, this power to save?
If you do, then what is your response? The church will be receiving the pledges for 2006 this Sunday. I remind us all of God’s need to have all of our lives, not just our time, not just our energy, not just our money. A right response to God should be one of total offering. Everything is God’s and all in our possession should be offered in return. Along with Paul, we shall become servants of this gospel vs23.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Colossians 1:13-23
Sermon Title: “That’s Why We Sing”
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Daily Reading Leading to Sunday November 6, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday November 6, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 30:1-18 Judah Shuns God
Judah, the Southern Kingdom, attempts to find security in the world through an alliance with Egypt But woops, Judah did not do a consult with God before attempting this alliance. God is not happy.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 35 A Vision of Zion Restored
This is a powerful vision of God’s glory restoring the exiled people with courage and hope.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 40-42 Announcement of God’s Coming
The scene is the council of heaven, the voices come to fulfill covenant and restore God’s people. We usually read this passage just before Christmas, see if you remember it.
Thursday:
Isaiah 45 God’s Charge to Cyrus
Read as the conversion of the nations unfolds.
Friday:
Philippians 4:4-13 God Helps Us
This wonderful passage is like a shield of faith. Think and spend time on things that are worthy of God. A passage to memorize is verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Saturday:
Isaiah 41:1-13 Assurance From God
God declares sovereign power over the nations. Cyrus, King of Persia is dispatched from the East to return the exiled people to their promised homeland. God is first and last; the one who has chosen us. God offers a strong promise to strengthen and uphold God’s people. Funny thing, the more we learn about the nature of God, the more we are able to be who we were created to be. This passage appears to be about God, but is really about the restoration of God’s people. Don’t we all need more than a little restoration in our lives today as well? I think so. We each have to risk a little to gain a lot. What little bit is God asking of you this day? Remember Philippians.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-13
Sermon Title: “A Whole New Ballgame”
Monday:
Isaiah 30:1-18 Judah Shuns God
Judah, the Southern Kingdom, attempts to find security in the world through an alliance with Egypt But woops, Judah did not do a consult with God before attempting this alliance. God is not happy.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 35 A Vision of Zion Restored
This is a powerful vision of God’s glory restoring the exiled people with courage and hope.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 40-42 Announcement of God’s Coming
The scene is the council of heaven, the voices come to fulfill covenant and restore God’s people. We usually read this passage just before Christmas, see if you remember it.
Thursday:
Isaiah 45 God’s Charge to Cyrus
Read as the conversion of the nations unfolds.
Friday:
Philippians 4:4-13 God Helps Us
This wonderful passage is like a shield of faith. Think and spend time on things that are worthy of God. A passage to memorize is verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Saturday:
Isaiah 41:1-13 Assurance From God
God declares sovereign power over the nations. Cyrus, King of Persia is dispatched from the East to return the exiled people to their promised homeland. God is first and last; the one who has chosen us. God offers a strong promise to strengthen and uphold God’s people. Funny thing, the more we learn about the nature of God, the more we are able to be who we were created to be. This passage appears to be about God, but is really about the restoration of God’s people. Don’t we all need more than a little restoration in our lives today as well? I think so. We each have to risk a little to gain a lot. What little bit is God asking of you this day? Remember Philippians.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-13
Sermon Title: “A Whole New Ballgame”
Thursday, October 27, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING LEADING TO SUNDAY October 30, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday October 30, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 1 Lamentations for Israel
Once again we find a prophet beginning with a long lament for the people of God. Trouble seems to be the common starting place for renewal with God’s people. Still is today.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 6 Holy, Holy, Holy
A brief chapter focusing on a dream Isaiah had where God calls him to be a prophet. In the midst of the call God forgives sin in a new way.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 9 The Messiah King
This chapter shares prophetic news of the new King. This king will be the Messiah, the Christ.
Thursday:
Isaiah 11 More About the Messiah
Further vision of the new Messiah. From a stump which appears to be dead, a new sprout appears and will rise again and offer life to the world. A passage of hope for us all.
Friday:
John 6:48-69 The Bread of Life
Jesus speaks in teachings which inform his disciples that they are to become one with him by sharing his life. The way this will happen is through sharing in the sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. In this passage Jesus does not share how this is to occur, but Jesus is clear that this sharing must occur for life to be reality for the disciples.
Saturday:
Isaiah 6:1-8 God Calls Isaiah
When we look at our lives we must reconcile ourselves to how God must surely see us. We stand before God full of sin corrupted from our perfect created self. How can we ever “go home” again? What will it take for God to love us and offer us a place in the everlasting song? This dream from Isaiah offers a vision of our lives renewed by God’s love. At the end of all this all we can do is to offer praise to God.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Title: “Dreams, Visions, and More”
Monday:
Isaiah 1 Lamentations for Israel
Once again we find a prophet beginning with a long lament for the people of God. Trouble seems to be the common starting place for renewal with God’s people. Still is today.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 6 Holy, Holy, Holy
A brief chapter focusing on a dream Isaiah had where God calls him to be a prophet. In the midst of the call God forgives sin in a new way.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 9 The Messiah King
This chapter shares prophetic news of the new King. This king will be the Messiah, the Christ.
Thursday:
Isaiah 11 More About the Messiah
Further vision of the new Messiah. From a stump which appears to be dead, a new sprout appears and will rise again and offer life to the world. A passage of hope for us all.
Friday:
John 6:48-69 The Bread of Life
Jesus speaks in teachings which inform his disciples that they are to become one with him by sharing his life. The way this will happen is through sharing in the sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. In this passage Jesus does not share how this is to occur, but Jesus is clear that this sharing must occur for life to be reality for the disciples.
Saturday:
Isaiah 6:1-8 God Calls Isaiah
When we look at our lives we must reconcile ourselves to how God must surely see us. We stand before God full of sin corrupted from our perfect created self. How can we ever “go home” again? What will it take for God to love us and offer us a place in the everlasting song? This dream from Isaiah offers a vision of our lives renewed by God’s love. At the end of all this all we can do is to offer praise to God.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Title: “Dreams, Visions, and More”
Monday, October 17, 2005
Scriptures Leading to Sunday October 23, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday October 23, 2005
Monday:
Jeremiah 11-13 The Covenant Crumbles
This passage tells about the state of the covenant and finds Jeremiah and God both lamenting. It finishes with some interesting little exile stories.
Tuesday:
Jeremiah 17:5-18 Trust in God
The prophet offers praise of God along with a pretty good picture of the heart of humanity.
Wednesday:
Jeremiah 18:1-6 The Potter’s House
An allegory of the potter taking a lump of clay and forming a new vessel offers a vision of the new covenant which we will be reading this week.
Thursday:
Jeremiah 29, 31 God Loves Us
Right here are the two reasons why I love to read Jeremiah. These two chapters offer peace for our daily life. I feel like God is caring for us. I feel it!
Friday:
Luke 14:15-35 Dinner is Served
Jesus tells a story about a great dinner where lots of folks are invited but everyone has a reason why they will not attend. Jesus turns this story back on to the guests gathered around that table, and ours. The passage continues on to share the conditions of discipleship. This is not an easy passage and sounds almost harsh. We must hear and respond.
Saturday:
Jeremiah 31:27-34 The New Covenant
God offers by way of the prophet Jeremiah a vision of a new covenant. The old covenant was based on the law and keeping the law. This new covenant is based in grace and accepting God loving grace into our lives. Big difference in game plans, big difference in the outcome. One very interesting thing is that our lives have come nicely equipped for this new covenant plan of salvation by God’s grace. God understands how we are wired. This plan seems perfect. But then; perfect is as perfect does.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:27-34
Sermon Title: “Nicely Equipped”
Monday:
Jeremiah 11-13 The Covenant Crumbles
This passage tells about the state of the covenant and finds Jeremiah and God both lamenting. It finishes with some interesting little exile stories.
Tuesday:
Jeremiah 17:5-18 Trust in God
The prophet offers praise of God along with a pretty good picture of the heart of humanity.
Wednesday:
Jeremiah 18:1-6 The Potter’s House
An allegory of the potter taking a lump of clay and forming a new vessel offers a vision of the new covenant which we will be reading this week.
Thursday:
Jeremiah 29, 31 God Loves Us
Right here are the two reasons why I love to read Jeremiah. These two chapters offer peace for our daily life. I feel like God is caring for us. I feel it!
Friday:
Luke 14:15-35 Dinner is Served
Jesus tells a story about a great dinner where lots of folks are invited but everyone has a reason why they will not attend. Jesus turns this story back on to the guests gathered around that table, and ours. The passage continues on to share the conditions of discipleship. This is not an easy passage and sounds almost harsh. We must hear and respond.
Saturday:
Jeremiah 31:27-34 The New Covenant
God offers by way of the prophet Jeremiah a vision of a new covenant. The old covenant was based on the law and keeping the law. This new covenant is based in grace and accepting God loving grace into our lives. Big difference in game plans, big difference in the outcome. One very interesting thing is that our lives have come nicely equipped for this new covenant plan of salvation by God’s grace. God understands how we are wired. This plan seems perfect. But then; perfect is as perfect does.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:27-34
Sermon Title: “Nicely Equipped”
Monday, October 10, 2005
DAILY READINGS for Sunday October 16, 2005
Monday:
Ezra 1-10 The Return from Exile
Have fun, read the whole book of Ezra today. The return from exile is a big piece of the story puzzle.
Tuesday:
Nehemiah 8 Reading & Celebrating the Law
This passage is a continuation of the Ezra story.
Wednesday:
Ecclesiastes 3 A Season For Everything
Enjoy this familiar passage. Sing the tune!
Thursday:
Proverbs 8-13 Collected Wisdom
Ever wonder what wisdom would look like? Here is a good start. Note that the Hebrew word for wisdom, “Sophia,” is feminine. I’m not surprised.
Friday:
1 Corinthians 1-3 Spiritual Wisdom in Christ
After reading about wisdom in the Old Testament all week enjoy this look at New Testament wisdom from the Apostle Paul. Our life in Christ Jesus is the very core of the life of wisdom. I believe the task of the church is to develop this life of wisdom in ourselves and our neighbors. True wisdom is always extremely attractive to the world around us. It is also rare, even in the church. Ouch!
Saturday:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Wisdom of God
Bounce this passage of what is wise verses what is foolish off the return of the exiles and their wisdom in following God’s plan for their lives found in the Ezra and Nehemiah passages. Understanding the path of solid footing seems the first step toward a satisfying and fulfilled life. Wisdom is seeing and traveling that path. Notice the place humbleness and being vulnerably authentic play in this road to wholeness. Some things I highly valued, I now find unnecessary to carry on the journey of life. In whose name do you find your solid footing? Try coming home with new eyes and a new Spirit this week. Seek and hold faithfully the promises of God in your life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Sermon Title: “Finding Solid Footing”
Ezra 1-10 The Return from Exile
Have fun, read the whole book of Ezra today. The return from exile is a big piece of the story puzzle.
Tuesday:
Nehemiah 8 Reading & Celebrating the Law
This passage is a continuation of the Ezra story.
Wednesday:
Ecclesiastes 3 A Season For Everything
Enjoy this familiar passage. Sing the tune!
Thursday:
Proverbs 8-13 Collected Wisdom
Ever wonder what wisdom would look like? Here is a good start. Note that the Hebrew word for wisdom, “Sophia,” is feminine. I’m not surprised.
Friday:
1 Corinthians 1-3 Spiritual Wisdom in Christ
After reading about wisdom in the Old Testament all week enjoy this look at New Testament wisdom from the Apostle Paul. Our life in Christ Jesus is the very core of the life of wisdom. I believe the task of the church is to develop this life of wisdom in ourselves and our neighbors. True wisdom is always extremely attractive to the world around us. It is also rare, even in the church. Ouch!
Saturday:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Wisdom of God
Bounce this passage of what is wise verses what is foolish off the return of the exiles and their wisdom in following God’s plan for their lives found in the Ezra and Nehemiah passages. Understanding the path of solid footing seems the first step toward a satisfying and fulfilled life. Wisdom is seeing and traveling that path. Notice the place humbleness and being vulnerably authentic play in this road to wholeness. Some things I highly valued, I now find unnecessary to carry on the journey of life. In whose name do you find your solid footing? Try coming home with new eyes and a new Spirit this week. Seek and hold faithfully the promises of God in your life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Sermon Title: “Finding Solid Footing”
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Sunday Sermon October 9, 2005
Job 42:1-6 “Suffering for What”
I do not like the book of Job.
Job calls for my attention…asks for my consideration… questions my priorities.
In a world where peaceful, grace filled days define our level of success;
Job asks me to bite down on the leather strap,
to face into the pain,
and look honestly at the evil surrounding us.
I struggle with this book of Job.
I think we all speculate: if Go is so powerful, then why is evil so prevalent in our lives.
Job was very much like a typical Educated North American, Married, Family, Good Job, House. Job has everything, and then loses everything. Everything!
As one disaster follows the next he asks the question, “Why is this happening?“
His wife and his friends are quiet for a time and then one by one they all offer that Job must have done something to deserve this catastrophic calamity.
Simply put they all tell him the same thing:
“Job you must have sinned, therefore God is punishing you.”
However, Job has not sinned and he knows it. He is angry and inquires of God, Demands of God!!
“If I am guilty, name my sin.” All the while Job offers his innocence before God.
What would your friends say if tomorrow, your life just completely fell apart?
What would your wife say to you, if you lost everything in a matter of days?
What would you think of yourself, say to yourself?
Even if you knew you were not to blame?
Who to Blame? Got to blame somebody?
Can things go bad in our society today and not have somebody be at fault?
We are so into blaming and finding fault; Interesting; so were Job’s friends.
We are want to manufacture our lives. We attempt to discover and then direct the minute details of every hour with a manic precision. Our days are frenzied. Even our rest is deemed “unproductive.” When life gets too hot; we turn to fantasy (now called reality) to find relief.
But there I go: offering up the blame game. Blaming, finding someone at fault, is so deep into our culture that we often do not even recognize it. Nothing ever seems to be our fault.
And yet just like Job, every so often, there is no fault. Sometimes stuff just seems to happen (Like the weather, (two old boys: man on moon messes up weather)) and like Job we turn to God for answers.
Well God we are listening, How about Katrina, Rita, 9-11, Vietnam, Hitler, or something simple like death for that matter, or how about the death of a child, young mother, drug addict, Why is anyone ever addicted to drugs. Are they guilty of something? Is everybody guilty?
I suggest the opposite of blame is trust.
Trust stinks, cause you don’t get to blame anybody. That is why it is so rare.
Consider whatever it is you are going through right now.
Now think what this mess would be like if you were suddenly, magically able to trust.
Maybe you would need to trust your spouse, or your child, or your doctor, and how about God!!
We are so used to controlling and manufacturing our lives that we do not believe in anything but our own power to make change in the world around us.
Chariton wrote, “ So long as you hold on to even a little hope of achieving something by your own powers, the Lord does not interfere.”
As if God says to us, “Think you can do it by yourself? Go ahead!!”
Trust, not patience, is the key to the book of Job.
Trusting God in the midst of storms and disasters really calls everything into question.
What do we believe about God?
“Trust Me,” is God’s word to Job, “Trust Me.”
“Trust Me,” is God’s word to us, “Trust Me.”
Trusting God is not easy,
When disaster strikes we generally fall back into one of two responses.
Free Will Defense: God allows evil in order to protect free will.
God becomes author/supporter of evil. Nursing home deaths??
Mystery Defense: God’s purposes are hidden and there must be some good reason for evil
God becomes distant and uninvolved. God does not matter at all.
Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zolla Neal Hurston
Young back woman from Florida at turn of last century, her life, her struggles.
She accepts and trusts and lives.
All the time watching God. Trusting, heroic spirit.
Trust Me – How?
We believe God has conquered evil and death through Jesus Christ.
We understand our society and our position cause this “Trusting” to be more difficult.
We believe what will be is glorious compared to anything we experience today.
To Trust God is the key to Job
Trusting God is the key to our lives, eternal lives.
Job 42.2 “I Know My Redeemer Lives.”
I do not like the book of Job.
Job calls for my attention…asks for my consideration… questions my priorities.
In a world where peaceful, grace filled days define our level of success;
Job asks me to bite down on the leather strap,
to face into the pain,
and look honestly at the evil surrounding us.
I struggle with this book of Job.
I think we all speculate: if Go is so powerful, then why is evil so prevalent in our lives.
Job was very much like a typical Educated North American, Married, Family, Good Job, House. Job has everything, and then loses everything. Everything!
As one disaster follows the next he asks the question, “Why is this happening?“
His wife and his friends are quiet for a time and then one by one they all offer that Job must have done something to deserve this catastrophic calamity.
Simply put they all tell him the same thing:
“Job you must have sinned, therefore God is punishing you.”
However, Job has not sinned and he knows it. He is angry and inquires of God, Demands of God!!
“If I am guilty, name my sin.” All the while Job offers his innocence before God.
What would your friends say if tomorrow, your life just completely fell apart?
What would your wife say to you, if you lost everything in a matter of days?
What would you think of yourself, say to yourself?
Even if you knew you were not to blame?
Who to Blame? Got to blame somebody?
Can things go bad in our society today and not have somebody be at fault?
We are so into blaming and finding fault; Interesting; so were Job’s friends.
We are want to manufacture our lives. We attempt to discover and then direct the minute details of every hour with a manic precision. Our days are frenzied. Even our rest is deemed “unproductive.” When life gets too hot; we turn to fantasy (now called reality) to find relief.
But there I go: offering up the blame game. Blaming, finding someone at fault, is so deep into our culture that we often do not even recognize it. Nothing ever seems to be our fault.
And yet just like Job, every so often, there is no fault. Sometimes stuff just seems to happen (Like the weather, (two old boys: man on moon messes up weather)) and like Job we turn to God for answers.
Well God we are listening, How about Katrina, Rita, 9-11, Vietnam, Hitler, or something simple like death for that matter, or how about the death of a child, young mother, drug addict, Why is anyone ever addicted to drugs. Are they guilty of something? Is everybody guilty?
I suggest the opposite of blame is trust.
Trust stinks, cause you don’t get to blame anybody. That is why it is so rare.
Consider whatever it is you are going through right now.
Now think what this mess would be like if you were suddenly, magically able to trust.
Maybe you would need to trust your spouse, or your child, or your doctor, and how about God!!
We are so used to controlling and manufacturing our lives that we do not believe in anything but our own power to make change in the world around us.
Chariton wrote, “ So long as you hold on to even a little hope of achieving something by your own powers, the Lord does not interfere.”
As if God says to us, “Think you can do it by yourself? Go ahead!!”
Trust, not patience, is the key to the book of Job.
Trusting God in the midst of storms and disasters really calls everything into question.
What do we believe about God?
“Trust Me,” is God’s word to Job, “Trust Me.”
“Trust Me,” is God’s word to us, “Trust Me.”
Trusting God is not easy,
When disaster strikes we generally fall back into one of two responses.
Free Will Defense: God allows evil in order to protect free will.
God becomes author/supporter of evil. Nursing home deaths??
Mystery Defense: God’s purposes are hidden and there must be some good reason for evil
God becomes distant and uninvolved. God does not matter at all.
Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zolla Neal Hurston
Young back woman from Florida at turn of last century, her life, her struggles.
She accepts and trusts and lives.
All the time watching God. Trusting, heroic spirit.
Trust Me – How?
We believe God has conquered evil and death through Jesus Christ.
We understand our society and our position cause this “Trusting” to be more difficult.
We believe what will be is glorious compared to anything we experience today.
To Trust God is the key to Job
Trusting God is the key to our lives, eternal lives.
Job 42.2 “I Know My Redeemer Lives.”
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Sermon for Sunday Oct 2
Micah 6:6-8 “Re-Acquired”
In the midst of lives tossed by a succession of rapid-fire deadly storms,
with un-thinkable destruction an almost daily occurrence,
faced with decisions on issues which did not even exist just months before…
We want to know…
What must living the Christian Life, today, look like?
What does it take in 2005 for us to “Get Right” with God?
Micah dares ask: What does God require from us?
What do you want God?
Micah - (Who is like Yahweh?)
Prophet from 8th Century BCE – Lived at the same time as the prophet Isaiah
Time of swift and sweeping change in world events
Assyria – has overthrown Israel, the Northern Kingdom
Refuges have overflowed into Jerusalem swelling the city beyond capacity
Time of Growing Division between Wealthy and Poor
Increased armaments and fortification to defend the country furthers the division
Injustice and lack of concern for the under-privileged is common place
The People of God are lacking in actions of basic piety and theological reflection
The religion of choice is of greed and self-service
The prophet Micah speaks a word from God in the midst of this time of incredible change.
Some familiar quotes from Micah:
Promise of a time of peace when nations will, “beat their swords into plowshares.” (4:3)
Prophesy of a new ruler to come from the town of Bethlehem (5.2)
Response to what the Lord requires, today’s reading, (6.6-8)
Micah is clear that
1. There is great sin in the Land and God is not pleased.
2. God will have to “deal with” this sin somehow.
There likely will be punishment involved for those who “have not/will not” return to the Lord their God.
So, What does The Lord require - from God’s people?
How can this punishment be avoided?
What can we:
offer to “Make it Right”?
do to become righteous? Can we ever be “Good Enough?”
Should we offer some sort of religious service to honor God?
Should we give ridiculous amounts of offerings?
(Thousands of rams or Ten Thousand Rivers of oil)
Should we sacrifice something, even human sacrifice?
What does Micah say the Lord requires: A Right Relationship with God
To Do Justice,
Love Kindness,
and Walk Humbly with your God
Doing Justice implies that people’s behavior toward each other will change.
No longer will folks offer or accept a station in life without grace and hope
No longer will society trap segments of the working population into financial and moral ghettos.
No longer will the hand-out be solicited as a acceptable way of life because of the demoralizing and dehumanizing qualities of a life lived in a state of constant welfare.
Doing Justice means there will be something required.
Simply put: We will ALL be held accountable before God for our actions toward our neighbors.
MICAH also calls the people to (Hebrew: (Ahab Hesed)) Love Kindness.
Hesed – translated Kindness
has to do with love, loyalty, and faithfulness
this is the KEY element in relationships
To love this relationship is to Love as God loved Israel. More than self, willing to sacrifice self.
Our relationships will be motivated by our love
Not by a misguided sense of obligation to the law or covenant
The law and the covenant represents (Reflects) the Love of Kindness
GOD DOES NOT demand loyalty by holding the covenant over our heads like a carrot on a string.
The covenant is never maintained
by a complacent subscribing to the rote practice of right doctrine.
Were not our hearts on fire as he (Jesus) spoke to us on the road? The pair from Emmaus exclaimed in Luke 24.
Micah goes on to offer that the people of God must also: WALK Humbly with Your God
Perhaps the key word here is to WALK with God
We usually gloss over the walking and go right to the humble pie. We like to think that if we are just “Nice People.” That is all God wants. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
God wants God’s people to Go with God, Walk with God, Talk with God.
God wants Relationship.
Constant, Ongoing, Conversational, Walking along through life together RELATIONSHIP.
OH!! Did I Say God wants this? That is incorrect.
God does not “simply want” this relationship.
God REQUIRES this relationship.
How do we get “there (Micah 6.8) from here?”
FOR LIFETIME: Gather, Grow, Go
FOR TODAY – RIGHT NOW: Prayer, Forgiveness, Communion.
In the midst of lives tossed by a succession of rapid-fire deadly storms,
with un-thinkable destruction an almost daily occurrence,
faced with decisions on issues which did not even exist just months before…
We want to know…
What must living the Christian Life, today, look like?
What does it take in 2005 for us to “Get Right” with God?
Micah dares ask: What does God require from us?
What do you want God?
Micah - (Who is like Yahweh?)
Prophet from 8th Century BCE – Lived at the same time as the prophet Isaiah
Time of swift and sweeping change in world events
Assyria – has overthrown Israel, the Northern Kingdom
Refuges have overflowed into Jerusalem swelling the city beyond capacity
Time of Growing Division between Wealthy and Poor
Increased armaments and fortification to defend the country furthers the division
Injustice and lack of concern for the under-privileged is common place
The People of God are lacking in actions of basic piety and theological reflection
The religion of choice is of greed and self-service
The prophet Micah speaks a word from God in the midst of this time of incredible change.
Some familiar quotes from Micah:
Promise of a time of peace when nations will, “beat their swords into plowshares.” (4:3)
Prophesy of a new ruler to come from the town of Bethlehem (5.2)
Response to what the Lord requires, today’s reading, (6.6-8)
Micah is clear that
1. There is great sin in the Land and God is not pleased.
2. God will have to “deal with” this sin somehow.
There likely will be punishment involved for those who “have not/will not” return to the Lord their God.
So, What does The Lord require - from God’s people?
How can this punishment be avoided?
What can we:
offer to “Make it Right”?
do to become righteous? Can we ever be “Good Enough?”
Should we offer some sort of religious service to honor God?
Should we give ridiculous amounts of offerings?
(Thousands of rams or Ten Thousand Rivers of oil)
Should we sacrifice something, even human sacrifice?
What does Micah say the Lord requires: A Right Relationship with God
To Do Justice,
Love Kindness,
and Walk Humbly with your God
Doing Justice implies that people’s behavior toward each other will change.
No longer will folks offer or accept a station in life without grace and hope
No longer will society trap segments of the working population into financial and moral ghettos.
No longer will the hand-out be solicited as a acceptable way of life because of the demoralizing and dehumanizing qualities of a life lived in a state of constant welfare.
Doing Justice means there will be something required.
Simply put: We will ALL be held accountable before God for our actions toward our neighbors.
MICAH also calls the people to (Hebrew: (Ahab Hesed)) Love Kindness.
Hesed – translated Kindness
has to do with love, loyalty, and faithfulness
this is the KEY element in relationships
To love this relationship is to Love as God loved Israel. More than self, willing to sacrifice self.
Our relationships will be motivated by our love
Not by a misguided sense of obligation to the law or covenant
The law and the covenant represents (Reflects) the Love of Kindness
GOD DOES NOT demand loyalty by holding the covenant over our heads like a carrot on a string.
The covenant is never maintained
by a complacent subscribing to the rote practice of right doctrine.
Were not our hearts on fire as he (Jesus) spoke to us on the road? The pair from Emmaus exclaimed in Luke 24.
Micah goes on to offer that the people of God must also: WALK Humbly with Your God
Perhaps the key word here is to WALK with God
We usually gloss over the walking and go right to the humble pie. We like to think that if we are just “Nice People.” That is all God wants. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
God wants God’s people to Go with God, Walk with God, Talk with God.
God wants Relationship.
Constant, Ongoing, Conversational, Walking along through life together RELATIONSHIP.
OH!! Did I Say God wants this? That is incorrect.
God does not “simply want” this relationship.
God REQUIRES this relationship.
How do we get “there (Micah 6.8) from here?”
FOR LIFETIME: Gather, Grow, Go
FOR TODAY – RIGHT NOW: Prayer, Forgiveness, Communion.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Daily Readings for Sunday Oct. 9, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO
Sunday October 9, 2005
Monday:
Job 1-2 The Story of Job
We must read these chapters to understand any of the rest of the book. Everything hinges upon these first verses. And Yes, you are now entering the fog of Job, so do not expect to understand everything. In fact be wary of those who claim to fully understand this book. That said, reading and pondering this book is time well spent as we grow in Christ Jesus. Mandatory Reading!! You Can Do It!!
Tuesday:
Job 13-14 Job Speaks
We skip ahead to read some of Job’s thoughts.
Wednesday:
Job 19 & 38 Job and God Both Speak
The story moves along. What is Job learning?
Thursday:
Job 40-42 God Speaks & Job Responds
A wonderful “God Thing” story ending.
Friday:
1 Corinthians 15:42-58 About Resurrection
To be a new creation requires a new body. And yet, this newness of life in Christ Jesus is Spiritual not physical. This changes everything about the meaning or human value of our physical suffering. Doesn’t it?
Saturday:
Job 42:1-6 Job Repents
Job has finally correctly recognized God and has offered worship and praise. Job has repented before God even as we know that God had found him without fault early in this story. Job is a difficult story with many twists and turns which are interpreted different ways. What was God’s purpose in this suffering of Job? We read the newspapers, reflecting upon the current events of today and wonder if our lives don’t parallel Job’s in the path of suffering. If only we understood suffering and were able to find value in our struggles. That is our task this week.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Job 42:1-6
Sermon Title: “Suffering for What?”
Sunday October 9, 2005
Monday:
Job 1-2 The Story of Job
We must read these chapters to understand any of the rest of the book. Everything hinges upon these first verses. And Yes, you are now entering the fog of Job, so do not expect to understand everything. In fact be wary of those who claim to fully understand this book. That said, reading and pondering this book is time well spent as we grow in Christ Jesus. Mandatory Reading!! You Can Do It!!
Tuesday:
Job 13-14 Job Speaks
We skip ahead to read some of Job’s thoughts.
Wednesday:
Job 19 & 38 Job and God Both Speak
The story moves along. What is Job learning?
Thursday:
Job 40-42 God Speaks & Job Responds
A wonderful “God Thing” story ending.
Friday:
1 Corinthians 15:42-58 About Resurrection
To be a new creation requires a new body. And yet, this newness of life in Christ Jesus is Spiritual not physical. This changes everything about the meaning or human value of our physical suffering. Doesn’t it?
Saturday:
Job 42:1-6 Job Repents
Job has finally correctly recognized God and has offered worship and praise. Job has repented before God even as we know that God had found him without fault early in this story. Job is a difficult story with many twists and turns which are interpreted different ways. What was God’s purpose in this suffering of Job? We read the newspapers, reflecting upon the current events of today and wonder if our lives don’t parallel Job’s in the path of suffering. If only we understood suffering and were able to find value in our struggles. That is our task this week.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Job 42:1-6
Sermon Title: “Suffering for What?”
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
A Little Closer to Home…
I am writing this as Hurricane Rita prepares to slam into the Texas gulf coast. My goodness, in all my life I have never seen a hurricane season like this year. Week after week those of us in the safe mid-west have stood by and watched as storm after storm has taken its toll on lives all along the Gulf and mid-Atlantic coasts. Bringing this closer for me is the fact that Cheryl and I have visited both the Florida panhandle and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina this year. Both areas are prone to hurricane damage and have seen high winds and waves over the past few weeks. And now, we wait for Rita. By the time you read this we will probably know the exact place where Rita will make landfall and have seen the early damage reports.
We are isolated from the hurricanes here in Iowa. Yet, we have our own storms and many who live along the coasts would never want to deal with our tornadoes and cold winter season. Funny how what we have grown up with feels more manageable than what for us is unknown. To be afraid of the unknown is a human response to the world around us. This fear is as old as humanity. I imagine Adam and Eve’s fear as they start a new life outside the garden.
There is no place in the church for fear. Our faith leads us to hope in what we cannot see and to have faith in the eternal love and grace of our God. Storms will come and go to be sure. And yet, this is not a place where storms will wreak havoc on our souls. I see the storms in your life. Some of these storms are only brewing on the horizon, some are gaining strength and we prepare to withstand the impact, while others have made landfall and are raising issues and causing us to rethink our lives. Consider the storms in your life. Consider the calm in God’s presence, as if you were the eye of a hurricane. I encourage you to live without fear, knowing the love of God will stand all tests and all storms life can send our way.
See you Sunday, Rev. Dave Weesner
We are isolated from the hurricanes here in Iowa. Yet, we have our own storms and many who live along the coasts would never want to deal with our tornadoes and cold winter season. Funny how what we have grown up with feels more manageable than what for us is unknown. To be afraid of the unknown is a human response to the world around us. This fear is as old as humanity. I imagine Adam and Eve’s fear as they start a new life outside the garden.
There is no place in the church for fear. Our faith leads us to hope in what we cannot see and to have faith in the eternal love and grace of our God. Storms will come and go to be sure. And yet, this is not a place where storms will wreak havoc on our souls. I see the storms in your life. Some of these storms are only brewing on the horizon, some are gaining strength and we prepare to withstand the impact, while others have made landfall and are raising issues and causing us to rethink our lives. Consider the storms in your life. Consider the calm in God’s presence, as if you were the eye of a hurricane. I encourage you to live without fear, knowing the love of God will stand all tests and all storms life can send our way.
See you Sunday, Rev. Dave Weesner
Friday, September 09, 2005
Scripture for Sunday September 25, 2005
I know I have a couple weeks of scripture readings going on the blog at the same time here so be sure you are on the right week with me. I will be heading out to Denver next week to be with family so I am going to post this now and hope you will go with the right week as dated. Blessings. Dave.
Monday:
Hosea 1-4 Trouble in the Family
These first four chapters will offer you way more than you are expecting. Does God really act in this way? To get a modern day picture of the Book of Hosea get a copy of “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. This is the book my daughter in laws keep reading over and over and over. Talk about a love story. God really, REALLY loves us.
Tuesday:
Hosea 5-8 More Trouble
Israel and Judah are having all kinds of problems with God. Remember there is a divided Kingdom at this point in history. Judah is the southern Kingdom, Israel is in the North.
Wednesday:
Hosea 9-11 God’s Compassion
Keep reading and you will find God being compassionate in spite of Israel’s ingratitude.
Thursday:
Hosea 12-14 The Big Finish
More judgment is followed by an impassioned call for Israel to return to God and find relationship.
Friday:
Luke 17-18 Keeping Our Finger in the NT
It is good to reflect our thoughts from our Hosea reading upon a Gospel reading. Read about the coming of the Kingdom, the ten lepers, the Pharisee and the tax collector, and Jesus blessing the children. Identify idea links between these passages of Hosea and Luke.
Saturday:
Hosea 14:1-2 Mercy in God
The Lord God is offering reconciliation for all sin. Read carefully these two verses and consider their implied message. We can infer that God is indeed creator, redeemer, sustainer. We can infer that there is no other place where we are able to find this mercy love than in the love-presence of this God. Unique, powerful, awesome. Redemption during autumn is particularly attractive, don’t you think? Identify signs of God’s mercy in your life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Hosea 14:1-2
Sermon Title: “Redeeming Love”
Monday:
Hosea 1-4 Trouble in the Family
These first four chapters will offer you way more than you are expecting. Does God really act in this way? To get a modern day picture of the Book of Hosea get a copy of “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. This is the book my daughter in laws keep reading over and over and over. Talk about a love story. God really, REALLY loves us.
Tuesday:
Hosea 5-8 More Trouble
Israel and Judah are having all kinds of problems with God. Remember there is a divided Kingdom at this point in history. Judah is the southern Kingdom, Israel is in the North.
Wednesday:
Hosea 9-11 God’s Compassion
Keep reading and you will find God being compassionate in spite of Israel’s ingratitude.
Thursday:
Hosea 12-14 The Big Finish
More judgment is followed by an impassioned call for Israel to return to God and find relationship.
Friday:
Luke 17-18 Keeping Our Finger in the NT
It is good to reflect our thoughts from our Hosea reading upon a Gospel reading. Read about the coming of the Kingdom, the ten lepers, the Pharisee and the tax collector, and Jesus blessing the children. Identify idea links between these passages of Hosea and Luke.
Saturday:
Hosea 14:1-2 Mercy in God
The Lord God is offering reconciliation for all sin. Read carefully these two verses and consider their implied message. We can infer that God is indeed creator, redeemer, sustainer. We can infer that there is no other place where we are able to find this mercy love than in the love-presence of this God. Unique, powerful, awesome. Redemption during autumn is particularly attractive, don’t you think? Identify signs of God’s mercy in your life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Hosea 14:1-2
Sermon Title: “Redeeming Love”
Scripture Leading to Sunday September 18, 2005
Monday:
Amos 1-3 God is Not Happy With Israel
We are going to read the prophet Amos this week. He seems to denounce these four things:
1. Israel’s Reliance upon Military Might
2. Grave Injustice in Social Dealings
3. Abhorrent Immorality
4. Shallow Meaningless Piety
Wow! Was Amos watching daytime TV?
Tuesday:
Amos 4-6 God’s is Still Not Happy
Like a daytime soap, the story continues on.
Wednesday:
Amos 7-9 Five Visions of God’s Judgment
From plumb lines, to summer fruit, to …
Thursday:
Matthew 10 Jesus Sends the Disciples
A insightful chapter to center and focus our lives. Some of this stuff sounds really tough. gee whiz
Friday:
2 Corinthians 9 About Helping the Poor
Paul the apostle shares his thoughts about ministry. He is clear that as God’s children we should go about doing ministry, not just talking about ministry. Far too often I find myself talking about ministry when my heart wants to really be out there doing something extra-ordinary.
Saturday:
Amos 7:7-9 The Plumb Line
This is the particular scripture we are looking at on Sunday. Now that you have read the entire book of Amos you have a pretty good idea of the plumb line and its purpose. What is God Plumb Line exactly? Is it righteousness, grace, or love? Is the standard the same for every one of God’s children? How should we go about holding one another accountable in the way in which we should live? What is God saying to us as we reflect upon our response to current events? I know; too many questions. I hope to have some thoughtful answers to share with you on Sunday.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Amos 7:7-9
Sermon Title: “God’s Plumb Line”
Amos 1-3 God is Not Happy With Israel
We are going to read the prophet Amos this week. He seems to denounce these four things:
1. Israel’s Reliance upon Military Might
2. Grave Injustice in Social Dealings
3. Abhorrent Immorality
4. Shallow Meaningless Piety
Wow! Was Amos watching daytime TV?
Tuesday:
Amos 4-6 God’s is Still Not Happy
Like a daytime soap, the story continues on.
Wednesday:
Amos 7-9 Five Visions of God’s Judgment
From plumb lines, to summer fruit, to …
Thursday:
Matthew 10 Jesus Sends the Disciples
A insightful chapter to center and focus our lives. Some of this stuff sounds really tough. gee whiz
Friday:
2 Corinthians 9 About Helping the Poor
Paul the apostle shares his thoughts about ministry. He is clear that as God’s children we should go about doing ministry, not just talking about ministry. Far too often I find myself talking about ministry when my heart wants to really be out there doing something extra-ordinary.
Saturday:
Amos 7:7-9 The Plumb Line
This is the particular scripture we are looking at on Sunday. Now that you have read the entire book of Amos you have a pretty good idea of the plumb line and its purpose. What is God Plumb Line exactly? Is it righteousness, grace, or love? Is the standard the same for every one of God’s children? How should we go about holding one another accountable in the way in which we should live? What is God saying to us as we reflect upon our response to current events? I know; too many questions. I hope to have some thoughtful answers to share with you on Sunday.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Amos 7:7-9
Sermon Title: “God’s Plumb Line”
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
SCRIPTURE for Sunday September 11, 2005
Monday:
Psalm 139 Israel Falls Into Exile
A familiar and very readable Psalm offering God’s presence and promise in clear language. A Psalm for all seasons; so to speak.
Tuesday:
Psalms 84 God’s Home
As all Psalms are both simple and complex, so this Psalm finds it’s mark in our lives. How many familiar hymns and new worship songs find their inspiration from this Psalm? Lots and lots.
Wednesday:
Psalms 121 Protection
This has become my favorite Psalm since moving to Council Bluffs and living in the Loss Hills. The theme of protection feels timely.
Thursday:
Psalm 100 Thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise, worship the Lord with gladness, and commit this Psalm to memory.
Friday:
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 Treasure in Clay Jars
Power belongs to God. Power belongs to God. Power belongs to God. By the way did I mention: Power belongs to God!
Saturday:
Psalm 91 God’s Protection & Grace
When all is said and done we believe God will offer grace and protection to God’s people. We know this love through our King, Jesus Christ. For the last Seven weeks we have studied the human kings in the Old Testament. We have seen the people ask for a king, the prophets sigh in weariness, and God allowing a human king to rule. We have followed as the kings all failed to offer the security and hope for which the people were yearning. Enter this wonderful Psalm offering a new vision for living in the shadow of God’s love and protection. Do you know the hymn, “On Eagles Wings.”
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 91
Sermon Title: “Life in the Shadows”
Psalm 139 Israel Falls Into Exile
A familiar and very readable Psalm offering God’s presence and promise in clear language. A Psalm for all seasons; so to speak.
Tuesday:
Psalms 84 God’s Home
As all Psalms are both simple and complex, so this Psalm finds it’s mark in our lives. How many familiar hymns and new worship songs find their inspiration from this Psalm? Lots and lots.
Wednesday:
Psalms 121 Protection
This has become my favorite Psalm since moving to Council Bluffs and living in the Loss Hills. The theme of protection feels timely.
Thursday:
Psalm 100 Thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise, worship the Lord with gladness, and commit this Psalm to memory.
Friday:
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 Treasure in Clay Jars
Power belongs to God. Power belongs to God. Power belongs to God. By the way did I mention: Power belongs to God!
Saturday:
Psalm 91 God’s Protection & Grace
When all is said and done we believe God will offer grace and protection to God’s people. We know this love through our King, Jesus Christ. For the last Seven weeks we have studied the human kings in the Old Testament. We have seen the people ask for a king, the prophets sigh in weariness, and God allowing a human king to rule. We have followed as the kings all failed to offer the security and hope for which the people were yearning. Enter this wonderful Psalm offering a new vision for living in the shadow of God’s love and protection. Do you know the hymn, “On Eagles Wings.”
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 91
Sermon Title: “Life in the Shadows”
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
SCRIPTURE FOR Sunday September 4, 2005
Monday:
2 Kings 17-18 Israel Falls Into Exile
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, fails and is taken into exile by the Assyrians, who then return and resettle the land with their own people.
Tuesday:
2 Kings 19-20 King Hezekiah
Read of King Hezekiah of the Southern Kingdom after he finds out about all that has taken place in the Northern Kingdom. And God answers the prayers of the King to save Jerusalem, for now.
Wednesday:
2 Kings 25 Judah & Jerusalem Fall
Love is not the theme of the day as we read about the end of the Southern Kingdom. The end is surely in sight for God’s chosen people.
Thursday:
2 Chronicles 36:15-23 The Exiles Go Home
Jerusalem has fallen and all is lost. Then God does a new thing. God stirs up the spirit of Cyrus the King of Persia and he send the exiles home.
Friday:
John 15:1-27 The New Commandment
Read the words of Jesus offering a new way to live. He offers this new commandment , “that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Saturday:
Psalm 137:1-9 Lament Over Jerusalem
The plan of a human King to rule over God’s chosen people has now become past tense. God has given the people what they thought they wanted and things did not work out for the best. The land has been conquered and the best of the people taken into exile to a foreign land. Psalm 137 offers a passionate lament over the situation of having so much and losing it all. However, read carefully as there is a sense of hope sprinkled in the midst of the tears. God always seems to have another plan in the wings, another means to wholeness, another path of grace and reconciliation. What really did happen to Humpty Dumpty after all was said and done?
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Sermon Title: “Humpty Dumpty Had a Great …”
2 Kings 17-18 Israel Falls Into Exile
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, fails and is taken into exile by the Assyrians, who then return and resettle the land with their own people.
Tuesday:
2 Kings 19-20 King Hezekiah
Read of King Hezekiah of the Southern Kingdom after he finds out about all that has taken place in the Northern Kingdom. And God answers the prayers of the King to save Jerusalem, for now.
Wednesday:
2 Kings 25 Judah & Jerusalem Fall
Love is not the theme of the day as we read about the end of the Southern Kingdom. The end is surely in sight for God’s chosen people.
Thursday:
2 Chronicles 36:15-23 The Exiles Go Home
Jerusalem has fallen and all is lost. Then God does a new thing. God stirs up the spirit of Cyrus the King of Persia and he send the exiles home.
Friday:
John 15:1-27 The New Commandment
Read the words of Jesus offering a new way to live. He offers this new commandment , “that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Saturday:
Psalm 137:1-9 Lament Over Jerusalem
The plan of a human King to rule over God’s chosen people has now become past tense. God has given the people what they thought they wanted and things did not work out for the best. The land has been conquered and the best of the people taken into exile to a foreign land. Psalm 137 offers a passionate lament over the situation of having so much and losing it all. However, read carefully as there is a sense of hope sprinkled in the midst of the tears. God always seems to have another plan in the wings, another means to wholeness, another path of grace and reconciliation. What really did happen to Humpty Dumpty after all was said and done?
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Sermon Title: “Humpty Dumpty Had a Great …”
Thursday, August 11, 2005
SCRIPTURE STUDY LEADING TO SUNDAY August 21, 2005
Monday: 1 Samuel 16 David Anointed as King
There seem to be several stories of David becoming known in the kingdom. This passage has two. The first is a search through the seven sons of Jesse for the chosen one. David is not even in attendance because he is young and out watching the sheep. Yet he is the one and Samuel anoints him in the presence of his brothers. Think about that happy family scene! The second is where I will be preaching and concerns Saul who is now a little scary as the Spirit of the Lord has departed from him. David is called upon to calm Saul by playing on the Lyre and making music. Saul loves David and needs him, but secretly wants to kill him for he represents a new King. Talk about job security.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 17 David & Goliath
This section of the story is another introduction to David through the telling of the story of David defeating the giant Goliath. Read and enjoy. Consider what your five smooth stones might be today.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 18-19 Friendship of David and Jonathan
The history of David’s relationship with Saul and Jonathan are recorded so that we may understand David’s Kingship from a grander perspective. Notice the covenant Jonathan makes with David. See how Saul turns from David and even attempts to murder him, only to come back later and offer his daughters in marriage in order to trap David. Are we more like Saul or more like David in our dealings and relationships?
Thursday: 1 Samuel 20-21 The Friendship Continues
This is where the friendship really is tested. Saul does not like Jonathan’s relationship with David. However, the two get together in secret and honor one another. David is later found to be gathering the holy bread from the priest and using it for food for himself and his men. David has fear and this passage does not reflect the fearless warrior who defeated the giant goliath in battle.
Friday: 1 Samuel 31 The Death and Burial of Saul
Read here about the end of the great King Saul and how death comes to him in the final moments. Remember back to the readings of Samuel anointing Saul in the first moments of his reign. Consider how power has corrupted Saul. How would you and I act differently if offered the king of position and power Saul was offered?
Saturday: 2 Timothy 2:1-15 Standing Strong in Grace
We are pleased to read Paul sharing with young Timothy about the ways which he should attempt to live and lead in the grace of Christ Jesus. Outstanding!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
Sermon Title: “One of Those Love / Hate Relationships”
There seem to be several stories of David becoming known in the kingdom. This passage has two. The first is a search through the seven sons of Jesse for the chosen one. David is not even in attendance because he is young and out watching the sheep. Yet he is the one and Samuel anoints him in the presence of his brothers. Think about that happy family scene! The second is where I will be preaching and concerns Saul who is now a little scary as the Spirit of the Lord has departed from him. David is called upon to calm Saul by playing on the Lyre and making music. Saul loves David and needs him, but secretly wants to kill him for he represents a new King. Talk about job security.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 17 David & Goliath
This section of the story is another introduction to David through the telling of the story of David defeating the giant Goliath. Read and enjoy. Consider what your five smooth stones might be today.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 18-19 Friendship of David and Jonathan
The history of David’s relationship with Saul and Jonathan are recorded so that we may understand David’s Kingship from a grander perspective. Notice the covenant Jonathan makes with David. See how Saul turns from David and even attempts to murder him, only to come back later and offer his daughters in marriage in order to trap David. Are we more like Saul or more like David in our dealings and relationships?
Thursday: 1 Samuel 20-21 The Friendship Continues
This is where the friendship really is tested. Saul does not like Jonathan’s relationship with David. However, the two get together in secret and honor one another. David is later found to be gathering the holy bread from the priest and using it for food for himself and his men. David has fear and this passage does not reflect the fearless warrior who defeated the giant goliath in battle.
Friday: 1 Samuel 31 The Death and Burial of Saul
Read here about the end of the great King Saul and how death comes to him in the final moments. Remember back to the readings of Samuel anointing Saul in the first moments of his reign. Consider how power has corrupted Saul. How would you and I act differently if offered the king of position and power Saul was offered?
Saturday: 2 Timothy 2:1-15 Standing Strong in Grace
We are pleased to read Paul sharing with young Timothy about the ways which he should attempt to live and lead in the grace of Christ Jesus. Outstanding!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
Sermon Title: “One of Those Love / Hate Relationships”
Thursday, August 04, 2005
SCRIPTURE STUDY LEADING TO SUNDAY August 14, 2005
Monday: Acts 13 Paul Preaches in Cyprus About Saul
Ok, Paul’s sermon is not exactly about Saul, but it does include king Saul and offers an overview of Saul’s place in the history. I also chose this passage because the Apostle Paul (New Testament) is also called Saul before his conversion experience. So, there is a King Saul in the Old Testament and a guy named Saul who later became Apostle Paul in the New Testament. I just wanted you to know before we get too far into this weeks readings.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 8-9 The People Ask For A King
“When Samuel became old,” is where this passage starts. Samuel was almost a king. He almost acted like a king and the people respected him. He was however, not a king and the people wanted a king. God chose Saul to be the king and Samuel offers Saul the kingdom in secret.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 10-11 Saul is Called By God
“Long live the King,” the people shouted. Samuel finishes offering Saul the kingdom. Saul goes a little nuts. I really like verse nine where it reads, “God gave him (Saul) another heart.” Two hearts are better than one. Or does this mean that his heart was replaced with a different heart at this point? I think so. I will be preaching Sunday from today’s readings. Saul is so very interesting and his life can be like a mirror for us if we are willing to look closely.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 12-13 Samuel Says Goodbye & Saul Finds Trouble
This passage has Samuel offering the story of God’s salvation which has come to the people over and over. Saul begins to reign and makes war with the nasty old Philistines. It seems Saul was guilty of sin and God has something to say about Saul’s lack of patience.
Friday: 1 Samuel 14-15 The War and Saul is Rejected Again
The war with the Philistines continues. Saul’s son Jonathan takes the lead and even old Samuel offers a victory to Saul. However, Saul cannot follow directions and has to learn the hard way that to obey God is better than a sacrifice to God. We find God instructing Saul to murder and Amalekites as problematic at best. And so we must deal with our differences in culture and metaphoric symbolism from Biblical times. The powerful message which remains clear however is a message of faithfulness to the Word of God.
Saturday: 1 Peter 2:1-10 The Lord Speaks to Samuel
We are instructed with pure spiritual milk. We are like infants feeding on the gospel which will surely offer strength and health for the days ahead. I once preached a sermon on this passage titled, “Free Beer Tomorrow.” So much of what the world offers under-whelms us. Finally there is a rock; a worthy King
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:17-24
Sermon Title: “It’s All About Saul”
Ok, Paul’s sermon is not exactly about Saul, but it does include king Saul and offers an overview of Saul’s place in the history. I also chose this passage because the Apostle Paul (New Testament) is also called Saul before his conversion experience. So, there is a King Saul in the Old Testament and a guy named Saul who later became Apostle Paul in the New Testament. I just wanted you to know before we get too far into this weeks readings.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 8-9 The People Ask For A King
“When Samuel became old,” is where this passage starts. Samuel was almost a king. He almost acted like a king and the people respected him. He was however, not a king and the people wanted a king. God chose Saul to be the king and Samuel offers Saul the kingdom in secret.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 10-11 Saul is Called By God
“Long live the King,” the people shouted. Samuel finishes offering Saul the kingdom. Saul goes a little nuts. I really like verse nine where it reads, “God gave him (Saul) another heart.” Two hearts are better than one. Or does this mean that his heart was replaced with a different heart at this point? I think so. I will be preaching Sunday from today’s readings. Saul is so very interesting and his life can be like a mirror for us if we are willing to look closely.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 12-13 Samuel Says Goodbye & Saul Finds Trouble
This passage has Samuel offering the story of God’s salvation which has come to the people over and over. Saul begins to reign and makes war with the nasty old Philistines. It seems Saul was guilty of sin and God has something to say about Saul’s lack of patience.
Friday: 1 Samuel 14-15 The War and Saul is Rejected Again
The war with the Philistines continues. Saul’s son Jonathan takes the lead and even old Samuel offers a victory to Saul. However, Saul cannot follow directions and has to learn the hard way that to obey God is better than a sacrifice to God. We find God instructing Saul to murder and Amalekites as problematic at best. And so we must deal with our differences in culture and metaphoric symbolism from Biblical times. The powerful message which remains clear however is a message of faithfulness to the Word of God.
Saturday: 1 Peter 2:1-10 The Lord Speaks to Samuel
We are instructed with pure spiritual milk. We are like infants feeding on the gospel which will surely offer strength and health for the days ahead. I once preached a sermon on this passage titled, “Free Beer Tomorrow.” So much of what the world offers under-whelms us. Finally there is a rock; a worthy King
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:17-24
Sermon Title: “It’s All About Saul”
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Sermon for Ila Coziahr
I preached this sermon for Ila's funeral this week. I used the Old Testament scripture from Isaiah 43, 23rd Psalm, and a Gospel reading from John 14. This is a fairly straightforward sermon and speaks to who Ila was in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Ila was 62 and had been battling cancer for the past three years. She died at home with her family around her onFriday evening. Earlier in the day we had baptised her grandson, Carter, in the very same bedroom with the family all crowded together, fulfilling one of Ila's last wishes. When I finished baptising Carter, who is one year old, he looked at me and said, "Thank you!" First time I have been thanked in that way, but it seems to me to have some pretty deep theological message as well. Here is the sermon preached to a packed church on Tuesday morning.
SERMON – “Perfect”
(Informal comments Including: Three sons – There is a special place in heaven for the mother of three sons.)
Ila did not ask for perfect. She did not ask for life where the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. Ila did not ask for perfect, nor did she expect perfection. But if you had asked her, she would have told you that she experienced perfect. The Perfect parents, Perfect husband, Perfect family, Perfect co-workers, the Perfect church, the Perfect life. But Ila did not ask for perfect; did not expect it.
Now; I know, I know, nothing is really perfect. I mean there were a lot of dark clouds along the way. As we examine Ila’s life we realize it was far from perfection. Not even counting these last three years battling cancer, there were some tough days, hard decisions, and some lucky bounces. And yet, today of all days, we claim perfection. Looking back with grace, seeing with eyes focused beyond the pain of grief, perfection is all that comes into view.
Perspective is funny thing; the further away from the trees we travel, the more our breath is taken away by the beauty of the whole forest.
In this passage of scripture from the Gospel of John, God in Jesus Christ is sharing with the disciples all that will take place in the coming days. He shares that he will be leaving them. He offers that he goes to prepare a place for them, and will come again one day and they will be reunited. Jesus tells them he will not leave them alone, orphaned, but will send the Holy Spirit to remind them of everything. They need not worry, nor be afraid of anything ever again. It all sounds perfect.
However, we know Jesus tells all this to the disciples just before he is arrested and then crucified for the sin of the world. Perfect just became un-believable, unbearable, un-thinkable; all in the matter of just a few hours.
If we were never to move beyond this point of the story; If we stopped here at the trees because the pain of perfection so close in hand, now seemingly lost, was too harsh, too ugly, or threatened to overwhelm us we would miss the perspective of the whole forest. We would miss the beauty of the resurrection and new life in Christ Jesus. We would miss perfection in all it’s glory. Sadly we would miss the greatest gift of love the world has ever known.
And yes, we are all temped to stop believing, to stop listening to Jesus just as the final call is about to be trumpeted. Our humanness tugs at our emotions; even as God is calling us this very moment to raise our heads beyond the grief of the day and look once again into His face of perfection.
We cringe before the mystery of death.
And we cry out to our God whose voice comforts us:
1 But now thus says the LORD,
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
If only we could fully accept the words of God’s prophet Isaiah:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Perfection, it seems is at hand in the Name of Jesus, the Holiness of our Redeemer,
the grace of our Savior.
Perfection is not a human trait, it is a Godly one. We become perfect only as God enters our lives and offers discipline and responsibility into our daily habits.
Perfection is impossible without God. But with God all things are possible.
Ila did not ask for perfect. She did not ask for life where the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. Ila did not ask for perfect, nor did she expect perfection.
But if you had asked her, she would have told you that she experienced perfect through new life in Jesus Christ and will for all eternity. Amen.
SERMON – “Perfect”
(Informal comments Including: Three sons – There is a special place in heaven for the mother of three sons.)
Ila did not ask for perfect. She did not ask for life where the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. Ila did not ask for perfect, nor did she expect perfection. But if you had asked her, she would have told you that she experienced perfect. The Perfect parents, Perfect husband, Perfect family, Perfect co-workers, the Perfect church, the Perfect life. But Ila did not ask for perfect; did not expect it.
Now; I know, I know, nothing is really perfect. I mean there were a lot of dark clouds along the way. As we examine Ila’s life we realize it was far from perfection. Not even counting these last three years battling cancer, there were some tough days, hard decisions, and some lucky bounces. And yet, today of all days, we claim perfection. Looking back with grace, seeing with eyes focused beyond the pain of grief, perfection is all that comes into view.
Perspective is funny thing; the further away from the trees we travel, the more our breath is taken away by the beauty of the whole forest.
In this passage of scripture from the Gospel of John, God in Jesus Christ is sharing with the disciples all that will take place in the coming days. He shares that he will be leaving them. He offers that he goes to prepare a place for them, and will come again one day and they will be reunited. Jesus tells them he will not leave them alone, orphaned, but will send the Holy Spirit to remind them of everything. They need not worry, nor be afraid of anything ever again. It all sounds perfect.
However, we know Jesus tells all this to the disciples just before he is arrested and then crucified for the sin of the world. Perfect just became un-believable, unbearable, un-thinkable; all in the matter of just a few hours.
If we were never to move beyond this point of the story; If we stopped here at the trees because the pain of perfection so close in hand, now seemingly lost, was too harsh, too ugly, or threatened to overwhelm us we would miss the perspective of the whole forest. We would miss the beauty of the resurrection and new life in Christ Jesus. We would miss perfection in all it’s glory. Sadly we would miss the greatest gift of love the world has ever known.
And yes, we are all temped to stop believing, to stop listening to Jesus just as the final call is about to be trumpeted. Our humanness tugs at our emotions; even as God is calling us this very moment to raise our heads beyond the grief of the day and look once again into His face of perfection.
We cringe before the mystery of death.
And we cry out to our God whose voice comforts us:
1 But now thus says the LORD,
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
If only we could fully accept the words of God’s prophet Isaiah:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Perfection, it seems is at hand in the Name of Jesus, the Holiness of our Redeemer,
the grace of our Savior.
Perfection is not a human trait, it is a Godly one. We become perfect only as God enters our lives and offers discipline and responsibility into our daily habits.
Perfection is impossible without God. But with God all things are possible.
Ila did not ask for perfect. She did not ask for life where the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. Ila did not ask for perfect, nor did she expect perfection.
But if you had asked her, she would have told you that she experienced perfect through new life in Jesus Christ and will for all eternity. Amen.
SCRIPTURE STUDY / WEEK LEADING TO SUNDAY August 7, 2005
Monday: Acts 22:3-21 Paul Tells of His Call
It is easy to see why God chose Saul (Paul) to go to the gentile nation and offer them new life in Jesus Christ. He is articulate and well educated in Greek thought, his family is Jewish, and he is a Roman citizen. All combine to make Paul the great Apostle of the early church.
Tuesday: Acts 26:2-18 Why Paul is Called
God works in funny ways and Paul outlines just how it is that he has been used to further the kingdom of God. The big part of his call is his new life experience. Paul tells just how this happened and we can understand how he must have been feeling. This is very powerful witness that continues to change lives just by the telling of the story.
Wednesday: Psalm 82 A Plea for Justice
Read this Psalm with the voice of one who has suffered injustice. You may find a residual anger in your heart and resonate with the Psalmist. Or you may feel very foreign to this type of crying out to God. Either way this Psalm is honest in offering to God the place of judgment and action.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 1 Hannah has a Baby
This woman can pray! We read about Abraham and Isaac and wonder how Abraham could have offered to sacrifice his only son. But then we read this passage and find Hannah doing something similar. Could you give up your child to God? What is really going on here?
Friday: 1 Samuel 2 Hannah and the Boy vs. Eli and the Boys
Hannah’s song is one of the oldest pieces of scripture. Consider Eli and how he has lost control of the family. What can he do to regain his sons? We are surely to balance the goodness of Samuel against the evilness of Eli’s sons.
Saturday: 1 Samuel 3 The Lord Speaks to Samuel
Samuel had first to recognize that it was God speaking to him before he was given the message. We generally consider this Samuel’s call to ministry. How terrible it would have been if Samuel had not listened to Eli and responded in a proper fashion. I believe the Lord still speaks even as I read and also agree with verse one in this passage as it relates to our days. Samuel did not expect the Lord to call to him.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-11; 19-4:1a
Sermon Title: “Here I Am”
It is easy to see why God chose Saul (Paul) to go to the gentile nation and offer them new life in Jesus Christ. He is articulate and well educated in Greek thought, his family is Jewish, and he is a Roman citizen. All combine to make Paul the great Apostle of the early church.
Tuesday: Acts 26:2-18 Why Paul is Called
God works in funny ways and Paul outlines just how it is that he has been used to further the kingdom of God. The big part of his call is his new life experience. Paul tells just how this happened and we can understand how he must have been feeling. This is very powerful witness that continues to change lives just by the telling of the story.
Wednesday: Psalm 82 A Plea for Justice
Read this Psalm with the voice of one who has suffered injustice. You may find a residual anger in your heart and resonate with the Psalmist. Or you may feel very foreign to this type of crying out to God. Either way this Psalm is honest in offering to God the place of judgment and action.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 1 Hannah has a Baby
This woman can pray! We read about Abraham and Isaac and wonder how Abraham could have offered to sacrifice his only son. But then we read this passage and find Hannah doing something similar. Could you give up your child to God? What is really going on here?
Friday: 1 Samuel 2 Hannah and the Boy vs. Eli and the Boys
Hannah’s song is one of the oldest pieces of scripture. Consider Eli and how he has lost control of the family. What can he do to regain his sons? We are surely to balance the goodness of Samuel against the evilness of Eli’s sons.
Saturday: 1 Samuel 3 The Lord Speaks to Samuel
Samuel had first to recognize that it was God speaking to him before he was given the message. We generally consider this Samuel’s call to ministry. How terrible it would have been if Samuel had not listened to Eli and responded in a proper fashion. I believe the Lord still speaks even as I read and also agree with verse one in this passage as it relates to our days. Samuel did not expect the Lord to call to him.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-11; 19-4:1a
Sermon Title: “Here I Am”
Thursday, July 21, 2005
SCRIPTURE STUDY LEADING TO SUNDAY July 31, 2005
Monday: Ruth 1 Ruth & Naomi
This is the crux of the story. You must read this passage to understand the ending. The whole point of Ruth and Boaz is caught up in Ruth’s willingness to follow Naomi back home.
Tuesday: Ruth 2 Ruth & Boaz
God works to make a bad situation a good situation. The chance of Boaz and Ruth getting together are slim and none, but then God is a God of possibilities. You might want to do some digging and find Boaz family linage. You will end up back with Jacob and Abraham.
Wednesday: John 13 The Last Supper
Read though this very familiar passage of Jesus in the upper room with his disciples. As you read I would like you to look for and note places of Jesus acting as King. You must also be aware of the counter-culture kingdom over which Jesus is presiding. What new insights of Jesus do you find?
Thursday: Psalm 61 A Psalm of David
God is a rock higher than ourselves. I was recently asked to explain why we take off our hats in the church sanctuary. My response was that in the action of uncovering our heads we offer deference to one whom we acknowledge is greater, a cousin to the tipping of our hat or a salute. This seems to be learned behavior until we have the experience of deciding this for ourselves.
Friday: Ruth 3 Naomi’s Instructions to Ruth
I have often called this whole book the story of Naomi’s Redemption. You will begin to see the transformation taking place in this her life because of the generosity and grace of those around her. Doesn’t Boaz remind us of a king?
Saturday: Ruth 4 A Marriage and a Child for Ruth & Boaz
A child is born to this unlikely couple and he will be the father of King David. Well there are a few generations in-between but you get the idea. Note the linage of the King has a foreigner in Ruth placed squarely where we cannot disregard her presence. What must this mean for King David and then again for us who are claimed as children of the King?
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: Ruth 4:13-22Sermon Title: “The Old Family Tree”
This is the crux of the story. You must read this passage to understand the ending. The whole point of Ruth and Boaz is caught up in Ruth’s willingness to follow Naomi back home.
Tuesday: Ruth 2 Ruth & Boaz
God works to make a bad situation a good situation. The chance of Boaz and Ruth getting together are slim and none, but then God is a God of possibilities. You might want to do some digging and find Boaz family linage. You will end up back with Jacob and Abraham.
Wednesday: John 13 The Last Supper
Read though this very familiar passage of Jesus in the upper room with his disciples. As you read I would like you to look for and note places of Jesus acting as King. You must also be aware of the counter-culture kingdom over which Jesus is presiding. What new insights of Jesus do you find?
Thursday: Psalm 61 A Psalm of David
God is a rock higher than ourselves. I was recently asked to explain why we take off our hats in the church sanctuary. My response was that in the action of uncovering our heads we offer deference to one whom we acknowledge is greater, a cousin to the tipping of our hat or a salute. This seems to be learned behavior until we have the experience of deciding this for ourselves.
Friday: Ruth 3 Naomi’s Instructions to Ruth
I have often called this whole book the story of Naomi’s Redemption. You will begin to see the transformation taking place in this her life because of the generosity and grace of those around her. Doesn’t Boaz remind us of a king?
Saturday: Ruth 4 A Marriage and a Child for Ruth & Boaz
A child is born to this unlikely couple and he will be the father of King David. Well there are a few generations in-between but you get the idea. Note the linage of the King has a foreigner in Ruth placed squarely where we cannot disregard her presence. What must this mean for King David and then again for us who are claimed as children of the King?
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: Ruth 4:13-22Sermon Title: “The Old Family Tree”
Friday, June 24, 2005
Grandpa Alert!!
Here is the picture of our granddaughter, Brianna Nicole Weesner, born this last weekend. We are going to Denver for a couple of days this next week. She already has that look in her eye like she knows more than she fells compelled to tell. Beautiful litte girl.
Ever See the Movie, "Phenomenon?"
What if we started a new children's worship service? Lets say we gut the old gym in the basement and put in a whole new look and feel more like a Nickolodian stage or something. What if we moved our worship services on Sunday morning from three upstairs to two upstairs and one downstairs? In addition to this, we keep moving forward on the Sunday evenings prayer service the Lay Speakers group is leading and excited about along with keeping some sort of our Wednesday evening WOW service. That would make five organized large group worship experiences every week. What if the two services on Sunday morning were just enough different that the choir and orcherstra would take primary music responsibility at one service and we kept things just enough to the Hymnal side of the isle that folks at the present traditional service would feel comfortable 80-90% of the time. And what if the Worship Team/Praise Band would take the primary music leadership at the other service and it would move just enough to the praise side of the isle that folks from the present contemporary services would experience God moving in new ways but also get a little of the flavor of things from our heritage? And what if we had a new coffee machine out in the fellowship hall with free cupachio or hot choc. , just push the button like down at the gas station? What if the two worship services upstairs lasted about an hour and half, so that we could finally incorporate all the things you would like us to incorporate into worship? What if at the same time we had this Elementary children's worship going downstairs which also incorporated Sunday School as we now know it into something compllety new and fresh? What if we had children's church for 50 minutes and then a small group breakout session by age or whatever for an additional 20 minutes? What if Jr and Sr high youth were the worship assistants at the children's worship time. What if we had Holy Communion upstairs at every service. Not sure about downstairs? Not that the kids aren't worthy, but some parents like the children to wait for them in this area of Spiritual experience. What if at the same time we have started at least one or two or more home church group meeting midweek or on Sunday and they were using the same materials that we use on Sunday, or at least were following the same scriptures as the weekly Study offers so that we were all doing the same thing all the time. What if we we offered a whole lot of small group studies for this fall like Beginnings and Comanions and Disciple. Maybe like twenty different groups starting in the fall with folks all growing like crazy for God. What if we really started a mission to the college kids at Iowa Western. Like provide a worship time and supportive stuff that help them experience God at this time in their life. What if we did some strategic planning to figure out the best way to move through all of this wonderful growth that is taking place. What if we talked seriously about facilitate and staffing and finances with an eye on the future and another eye on God. Maybe we will find we are looking at the same thing, for certainly the future is God and only God. Maybe you guys will never let me go on vacation for a week again where my mind goes off into these hyper-ideas and just free-wheels. Maybe I shouldn't drink three ice teas and then sit and try to write. Maybe everything I have written about is in our near future. What do you think?
Thursday, June 23, 2005
SCRIPTURE STUDY LEADING TO SUNDAY July 3, 2005
Monday: Nmbers11.1-14.25 Please Pass the Meat
This week we will be reading about an interesting aspect of the covenant in that the people were always grumbling. You would think that after God had saved them from the Egyptians they would be a happy and thankful lot. Not so. Our human ability to pick, pick at the tender spots and always want things to go our way is as old as humanity. Enjoy this back and forth between Moses and the Lord. Look for who says, “Until it comes out your nose.”
Tuesday: Numbers 17 Flowering Staff
God is again going to show the people the power with which they are dealing. What does an Almond flower look like anyway? They all thought they were going to die. Perhaps this mean they were all complaining also?
Do you ever grumble or complain? To whom? About what?
Wednesday: Numbers 20 Thirsty People
Moses gets in big trouble with God. So much trouble that God will not allow Moses to enter the promised land. What did he do wrong? It seems Moses hit his stick on a rock to give the people water. It must be the action of not waiting for God to offer what the people need that was a problem. In verse 12 the Lord talks about Moses not trusting enough to allow God to act in due time. This could be bad for us today, as we grumble and complain and hit about everything in sight to get our way. Maybe we need to rethink all we have as being a gift and sign from God as well.
Thursday: Numbers 22 A Talking Donkey
And you thought Shrek had the first talking donkey. In fact it is the Lord who speaks through the donkey. Read the passage and hear God speaking to you.
Friday: Numbers 27.12-23 A Good Day for Joshua
The next leader of the nation is commissioned. Moses’ work is through and he has Joshua before the priest and the people where they prayerfully lay hands on Joshua and take him as their new leader.
Saturday: John 4.7-42 An Invitation to Abundant Life
The story of the Samaritans and Jesus strikes an interesting reflection against the previous reading of this week. As you read this wonderful story of grace and hope, consider this living water and how it is given and received. What is stranger, hitting a rock in the wilderness and getting water, a talking donkey, or a man who walks into our lives forgives all sin and offers new life? If you were to send a postcard from each of the places and days in our readings this week, what would each postcard say? See you Sunday.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: Numbers 20.13
Sermon Title: “Postcards from Traveling with the Family”
This week we will be reading about an interesting aspect of the covenant in that the people were always grumbling. You would think that after God had saved them from the Egyptians they would be a happy and thankful lot. Not so. Our human ability to pick, pick at the tender spots and always want things to go our way is as old as humanity. Enjoy this back and forth between Moses and the Lord. Look for who says, “Until it comes out your nose.”
Tuesday: Numbers 17 Flowering Staff
God is again going to show the people the power with which they are dealing. What does an Almond flower look like anyway? They all thought they were going to die. Perhaps this mean they were all complaining also?
Do you ever grumble or complain? To whom? About what?
Wednesday: Numbers 20 Thirsty People
Moses gets in big trouble with God. So much trouble that God will not allow Moses to enter the promised land. What did he do wrong? It seems Moses hit his stick on a rock to give the people water. It must be the action of not waiting for God to offer what the people need that was a problem. In verse 12 the Lord talks about Moses not trusting enough to allow God to act in due time. This could be bad for us today, as we grumble and complain and hit about everything in sight to get our way. Maybe we need to rethink all we have as being a gift and sign from God as well.
Thursday: Numbers 22 A Talking Donkey
And you thought Shrek had the first talking donkey. In fact it is the Lord who speaks through the donkey. Read the passage and hear God speaking to you.
Friday: Numbers 27.12-23 A Good Day for Joshua
The next leader of the nation is commissioned. Moses’ work is through and he has Joshua before the priest and the people where they prayerfully lay hands on Joshua and take him as their new leader.
Saturday: John 4.7-42 An Invitation to Abundant Life
The story of the Samaritans and Jesus strikes an interesting reflection against the previous reading of this week. As you read this wonderful story of grace and hope, consider this living water and how it is given and received. What is stranger, hitting a rock in the wilderness and getting water, a talking donkey, or a man who walks into our lives forgives all sin and offers new life? If you were to send a postcard from each of the places and days in our readings this week, what would each postcard say? See you Sunday.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: Numbers 20.13
Sermon Title: “Postcards from Traveling with the Family”
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Sunday Sermon: Genesis 21:1-7 “Going All In” May 29, 2005
If you have watched any Cable Television at all lately, you certainly have seen TV Poker games. There is everything from weekly ESPN World Championships to Celebrity Poker. A friend recently remarked, “You know your life is in really bad shape when you find yourself sitting and watching celebrity poker on the television!” The poker game sweeping the country is called, Texas Hold ‘Em.
I am worried this poker explosion, which appears so acceptable, is a free advertisement for evil. We now are experiencing a large and growing youth gambling problem. It is not unusual to hear of high school students owing amounts up to $500 to classmates; money lost during poker games. Texas Hold ‘em is so popular and so easy to play that we have accepted it is as normal to our society. When in fact, it is a game based on breaking down the other individuals personalities in an attempt to take everything from everyone. This is a dangerous game and yet the popularity of Texas Hold ‘Em is growing by leaps and bounds.
One particular play in this game is called going all in. This refers to a move which puts your whole stake in the game on the line. Either you are going to win big or you lose everything. Going All In can be the bold move of a champion, who made the right choices at the proper time, or it can also be the bold move of a fool who walks away with nothing. Just as importantly to NOT go all in, when the time is right, also has the same consequences. Going all in is a term of commitment. When one goes all in, one commits everything and holds nothing back in reserve.
I read the city swimming pools will open on Tuesday. Wow! Imagine the temperature of the water. When I enter water like that sometimes I wade in to my knees, then my thighs, then my waist, then some nut splashes water at me, then finally after I have risen my courage to the highest point, I put my head under. In just a few minutes the water feels just fine, but at first I think I am freezing. Sometimes however, I just go to the deep end and dive in. No muss, no fuss, just go all in.
Abraham and Sarah have gone all in by following God in Covenant TWO ways. And they have dived in, no “frady-cat” wading around for them. First, they have put their whole lives on the line by moving to a new place where they are living as strangers in a strange land. And they have moved to this new place because God invited them to move. Has God ever invited you to move to a new place in your life? Secondly, Abraham and Sarah have also Gone all in by having all the males circumcised as a constant reminder and witness to themselves, their families, and the society in which they live that they have committed their lives to the Lord God. Their share of the covenant with God was that they would live lives full of miracles and trust God completely in ALL things. God would in turn offer unconditional love and freedom to grow and choose.
Remember from last week that God has promised them: a home (land) and offspring (like stars in the sky and sand upon the sea shore.) Both of which they do not possess and both are in reality, quite impossible. But with God all things are possible and these things came true.
Sarah gives birth to baby Isaac while in her 90”s. They lived lives full of Miracles.
Abraham was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice to God. They trusted God completely in all things.
The Bible is story after story of God forgiving and loving unconditionally. No where more powerful than Jesus’ death and resurrection for our lives. Jesus died with our sin so that we may have life.
God offers the opportunity to learn and grow from all our experiences. And we know all to well that God has given us freedom to choose good or bad. Certainly God has kept God’s side of the covenant, even unto today.
A good working definition of covenant is: When Unequal Parties agree to Unconditionally offer the full measure of their agreement, Regardless.
Covenant means both parties go all in all the time.
Example: a successful marriage is not 50/50. It is always 110/110.Both partner is giving and sacrificing for the other with out regard to their own needs. Show me a couple who gives 110/110 and I will show you a very happy couple and a pretty well adjusted family.
We need to be reminded: God loves us unconditionally and offers freedom to grow and choose. And we Trust God in all things and live as if everything is a miracle and a blessing.
Going All In on God’s covenant FEELS like a Bold Move!
In truth, we are not risking anything we will not lose anyway… You are not going to take it with you.
Think about what you would risk by fully diving in with God. None of those things are anything but a gift from God in the first place. Like wading into the swimming pool we are afraid of the unknown, we find it hard to trust God. And so there we have it… trusting God seems to be the key to this whole covenant.
We know in our heads that God loves us. We know in our heads that we need to come closer to God. We know in our heads God is the God of miracles and blessings. But we are afraid of Going All In with our Hearts. We are wading ankle deep, while we muster the courage to put our heads fully under the water.
Sadly, we have no idea when that day will be, and we have no real plan on how to get to that day.
The church, who should be leading in this process, has instead been a hand holder. We have been willing to stand along side and say nice things like,
“You are doing good by getting this far!
Some day it will just happen for you!
We are so glad you are in the pool.
What a pretty swimsuit!”
Others in the church kick water and laugh as they go off the high board at the deep end. “Look at me, they shout, see how good I am!” That does not help either. Some days I think the church has forgotten how to help others find the covenant of God in their lives.
Let me help you go all in starting today. Or at the very least what that might look like here at Salem UMC.
FIRST: Begin Trusting God with Everything
Commit our Life to Christ – Surrender every Day
Every day in Prayer
Commit to Regular Worship Attendance every Week
3 out of 4 Sundays
Commit to a Spiritual Growth Opportunity every Year
Short Term, Long Term or Both
Commit to a Mission Effort that Moves Your Heart every Year
Whatever - !!
Commit a Fixed Percent of your Income to God
Make your giving planned and regular – EFT soon.
SECOND: Accept God’s power to live as if everything is a miracle.
Feel the change in your attitude immediately!!
Experience the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
Remember, going all in refers to a move which puts your whole stake in the game on the line. Either you are going to win big or you lose everything. Going All In can be the bold move of a champion, who made the right choices at the proper time, and it is also can be the move of a fool who walks away with nothing. Perhaps more importantly to NOT go all in, when the time is right, also has the same consequences.
Win Big or Lose Everything. It is Your Move.
I am worried this poker explosion, which appears so acceptable, is a free advertisement for evil. We now are experiencing a large and growing youth gambling problem. It is not unusual to hear of high school students owing amounts up to $500 to classmates; money lost during poker games. Texas Hold ‘em is so popular and so easy to play that we have accepted it is as normal to our society. When in fact, it is a game based on breaking down the other individuals personalities in an attempt to take everything from everyone. This is a dangerous game and yet the popularity of Texas Hold ‘Em is growing by leaps and bounds.
One particular play in this game is called going all in. This refers to a move which puts your whole stake in the game on the line. Either you are going to win big or you lose everything. Going All In can be the bold move of a champion, who made the right choices at the proper time, or it can also be the bold move of a fool who walks away with nothing. Just as importantly to NOT go all in, when the time is right, also has the same consequences. Going all in is a term of commitment. When one goes all in, one commits everything and holds nothing back in reserve.
I read the city swimming pools will open on Tuesday. Wow! Imagine the temperature of the water. When I enter water like that sometimes I wade in to my knees, then my thighs, then my waist, then some nut splashes water at me, then finally after I have risen my courage to the highest point, I put my head under. In just a few minutes the water feels just fine, but at first I think I am freezing. Sometimes however, I just go to the deep end and dive in. No muss, no fuss, just go all in.
Abraham and Sarah have gone all in by following God in Covenant TWO ways. And they have dived in, no “frady-cat” wading around for them. First, they have put their whole lives on the line by moving to a new place where they are living as strangers in a strange land. And they have moved to this new place because God invited them to move. Has God ever invited you to move to a new place in your life? Secondly, Abraham and Sarah have also Gone all in by having all the males circumcised as a constant reminder and witness to themselves, their families, and the society in which they live that they have committed their lives to the Lord God. Their share of the covenant with God was that they would live lives full of miracles and trust God completely in ALL things. God would in turn offer unconditional love and freedom to grow and choose.
Remember from last week that God has promised them: a home (land) and offspring (like stars in the sky and sand upon the sea shore.) Both of which they do not possess and both are in reality, quite impossible. But with God all things are possible and these things came true.
Sarah gives birth to baby Isaac while in her 90”s. They lived lives full of Miracles.
Abraham was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice to God. They trusted God completely in all things.
The Bible is story after story of God forgiving and loving unconditionally. No where more powerful than Jesus’ death and resurrection for our lives. Jesus died with our sin so that we may have life.
God offers the opportunity to learn and grow from all our experiences. And we know all to well that God has given us freedom to choose good or bad. Certainly God has kept God’s side of the covenant, even unto today.
A good working definition of covenant is: When Unequal Parties agree to Unconditionally offer the full measure of their agreement, Regardless.
Covenant means both parties go all in all the time.
Example: a successful marriage is not 50/50. It is always 110/110.Both partner is giving and sacrificing for the other with out regard to their own needs. Show me a couple who gives 110/110 and I will show you a very happy couple and a pretty well adjusted family.
We need to be reminded: God loves us unconditionally and offers freedom to grow and choose. And we Trust God in all things and live as if everything is a miracle and a blessing.
Going All In on God’s covenant FEELS like a Bold Move!
In truth, we are not risking anything we will not lose anyway… You are not going to take it with you.
Think about what you would risk by fully diving in with God. None of those things are anything but a gift from God in the first place. Like wading into the swimming pool we are afraid of the unknown, we find it hard to trust God. And so there we have it… trusting God seems to be the key to this whole covenant.
We know in our heads that God loves us. We know in our heads that we need to come closer to God. We know in our heads God is the God of miracles and blessings. But we are afraid of Going All In with our Hearts. We are wading ankle deep, while we muster the courage to put our heads fully under the water.
Sadly, we have no idea when that day will be, and we have no real plan on how to get to that day.
The church, who should be leading in this process, has instead been a hand holder. We have been willing to stand along side and say nice things like,
“You are doing good by getting this far!
Some day it will just happen for you!
We are so glad you are in the pool.
What a pretty swimsuit!”
Others in the church kick water and laugh as they go off the high board at the deep end. “Look at me, they shout, see how good I am!” That does not help either. Some days I think the church has forgotten how to help others find the covenant of God in their lives.
Let me help you go all in starting today. Or at the very least what that might look like here at Salem UMC.
FIRST: Begin Trusting God with Everything
Commit our Life to Christ – Surrender every Day
Every day in Prayer
Commit to Regular Worship Attendance every Week
3 out of 4 Sundays
Commit to a Spiritual Growth Opportunity every Year
Short Term, Long Term or Both
Commit to a Mission Effort that Moves Your Heart every Year
Whatever - !!
Commit a Fixed Percent of your Income to God
Make your giving planned and regular – EFT soon.
SECOND: Accept God’s power to live as if everything is a miracle.
Feel the change in your attitude immediately!!
Experience the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
Remember, going all in refers to a move which puts your whole stake in the game on the line. Either you are going to win big or you lose everything. Going All In can be the bold move of a champion, who made the right choices at the proper time, and it is also can be the move of a fool who walks away with nothing. Perhaps more importantly to NOT go all in, when the time is right, also has the same consequences.
Win Big or Lose Everything. It is Your Move.
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