Read: The Book of James - When Cancer Met God - First of Five Sundays in the Series: Life Changes
Illness changes our lives. We are profoundly moved into a different existence by the devastating effects of illnesses such as Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Arthritis, and many others. Our expectations for life, and how we will now begin to live in the midst of illness or the lingering conditions from illness is our constant human condition.
This sermon will rely heavily upon the resource, When God and Cancer Met, as a guide to the both the discussion and conclusion. The discussion is based in 19 persons reflections upon their cancer and the conclusion will be offered that God is meeting cancer as God meets any illness, with healing. That healing may however take different forms which are all God's way of offering healing. "I share Lyn's belief that God sometimes chooses to heal in different ways: physically, emotionally and spiritually. In the process of surviving a primary brain tumor, surgery, Chemo, and radiation, I gave my life to Christ, realizing that my physical health was not God's main concern, my Spiritual health was the biggest victim of a disease that needed attention and this was the way He FINALLY got my attention." --Chris Winand, cancer survivor . This quote captures the sermon focus designed to offer hope for our lives in change because of illness.
If you can review these books to prepare for this topic:
BOOK: When God and Cancer Met, Lyn Eib, 0842370153 Publisher: TYNDALE HOUSE
BOOK: It's Always Something, Gilda Radner, Simon and Schuster, June 1989
My hope is you will consider inviting a friend who needs to hear a honest word of comfort and maybe a chance to even laugh at our constant companion; illness. Yes, I believe we can move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: James 5:13-16
Sermon Title: “When Cancer Met God”
Monday, December 24, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thoughts for Sunday December 30, 2007
Matthew 1:18 – 2:23 The Magi Rescue Jesus First Sunday in Christmas
As you read though the passage for this week consider a couple of interesting facts. The Wise Men have come from the East to Jerusalem and are found asking this question, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2) This is the very first quote in the New Testament not coming from an angel or Old Testament prophet.
This question of where, may be the question of the entire Book of Matthew. Driving home the question further is the same question asked by King Herod, for entirely different reasons, in verse 4, “…he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.” Here we have it in plain view; the king does not know the Messiah, neither does the general population of the country. The Magi have to ask and ask before they find the answer from Herod’s advisors, “In Bethlehem of Judea.”
Also interesting is that the question of the Magi, in verse 2 quoted above, offers the inscription placed on the cross above Jesus at his death, “King of the Jesus.” At Christ’s birth and his death, he is accurately named. Matthew’s gospel offers this first clue of Jesus’ identity immediately following his genealogy, emphasizing his relationship to Abraham and David, listed in chapter one. Who, seems a pretty easy question for Matthew. Where, on the other hand, is worth a whole book to consider.
The question of where, should also be our question today. We struggle to find Christ in our relationships, in our work place, and in our homes. We look for signs of the presence of Christ, but many times, like Herod we do not see that which is plainly before us. It is the Magi who awaken us to the possibility of the Messiah in our lives. It is the Magi who ask the obvious child-like question, “Where is the child; where is the King of the Jews?” And all this is happening without our knowledge. Isn’t that just like our experience of God, who we continue to find mysterious, as we move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18
Sermon Title: “Without Our Knowledge”
As you read though the passage for this week consider a couple of interesting facts. The Wise Men have come from the East to Jerusalem and are found asking this question, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2) This is the very first quote in the New Testament not coming from an angel or Old Testament prophet.
This question of where, may be the question of the entire Book of Matthew. Driving home the question further is the same question asked by King Herod, for entirely different reasons, in verse 4, “…he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.” Here we have it in plain view; the king does not know the Messiah, neither does the general population of the country. The Magi have to ask and ask before they find the answer from Herod’s advisors, “In Bethlehem of Judea.”
Also interesting is that the question of the Magi, in verse 2 quoted above, offers the inscription placed on the cross above Jesus at his death, “King of the Jesus.” At Christ’s birth and his death, he is accurately named. Matthew’s gospel offers this first clue of Jesus’ identity immediately following his genealogy, emphasizing his relationship to Abraham and David, listed in chapter one. Who, seems a pretty easy question for Matthew. Where, on the other hand, is worth a whole book to consider.
The question of where, should also be our question today. We struggle to find Christ in our relationships, in our work place, and in our homes. We look for signs of the presence of Christ, but many times, like Herod we do not see that which is plainly before us. It is the Magi who awaken us to the possibility of the Messiah in our lives. It is the Magi who ask the obvious child-like question, “Where is the child; where is the King of the Jews?” And all this is happening without our knowledge. Isn’t that just like our experience of God, who we continue to find mysterious, as we move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18
Sermon Title: “Without Our Knowledge”
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Scripture Readings Leading to Sunday December 23, 2007
John 1 The Meaning of the Incarnation Fourth Sunday in Advent
We believe Jesus was fully human and fully God at the same time. For this to be reality means there had to be an act of incarnation; a bodily manifestation of a supernatural being. God became human and lived among us. We yearn for a relationship with this One who knows and understands us and yet still loves us.
Modern mythology in movies, sports, and fiction books are full of this same incarnation story image. We clamor to watch Superman, Spiderman, Batman, The Bionic Man, Indiana Jones, Lara Croft the Tomb Raider, Lassie, Roy Rogers, Harry Potter, The Matrix, Oprah, Michael Jordon, Dale Earnhardt, LeBron James, Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods, The Dirty Dozen (OK, maybe that last one was a stretch, but wasn’t Jim Brown’s character who died saving the “good” guys a Jesus’ figure?) See what I mean, we look for the Messiah everywhere, movies, books, sport figures.
The bottom line is that either we believe that Jesus was fully God and at the same time fully human or we do not. If we do believe, then we can stop our searching for the Messiah. Relax, Jesus is our all in all. If we do not understand and believe in Jesus, then we will keep searching and making kings out of talented and gifted people. Take a moment, center your thoughts on what you believe and are willing to stake your life on. Your contemplation is likely to move you just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 1:1-18
Sermon Title: “Start With Nothing”
We believe Jesus was fully human and fully God at the same time. For this to be reality means there had to be an act of incarnation; a bodily manifestation of a supernatural being. God became human and lived among us. We yearn for a relationship with this One who knows and understands us and yet still loves us.
Modern mythology in movies, sports, and fiction books are full of this same incarnation story image. We clamor to watch Superman, Spiderman, Batman, The Bionic Man, Indiana Jones, Lara Croft the Tomb Raider, Lassie, Roy Rogers, Harry Potter, The Matrix, Oprah, Michael Jordon, Dale Earnhardt, LeBron James, Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods, The Dirty Dozen (OK, maybe that last one was a stretch, but wasn’t Jim Brown’s character who died saving the “good” guys a Jesus’ figure?) See what I mean, we look for the Messiah everywhere, movies, books, sport figures.
The bottom line is that either we believe that Jesus was fully God and at the same time fully human or we do not. If we do believe, then we can stop our searching for the Messiah. Relax, Jesus is our all in all. If we do not understand and believe in Jesus, then we will keep searching and making kings out of talented and gifted people. Take a moment, center your thoughts on what you believe and are willing to stake your life on. Your contemplation is likely to move you just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 1:1-18
Sermon Title: “Start With Nothing”
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Reading Leading to Sunday Dec 16, 2007
I Corinthians 13 - Jesus’ Purpose - Third Sunday in Advent
Another sermon about love, give me a break. Maybe you are like me, I tire of hearing the same old message dressed up in new clothes and spun forth as if it is an entirely new concept. Love can be like this. Preachers have over-sold the idea for years on end that our God is love and our lives are only fulfilled when we mimic God. Sometimes when I hear there is another sermon on love, I feel like going and laying in the weeds until the sermon is over. Baa Humbug, woe is me, if I have to endure one more sermon on love.
Oh, wait, I am the preacher. And I chose this topic and scripture passage because the context of the season allows us to experience the message in a new way, a new light, with a new heart. Oh my goodness, what was I thinking? Perhaps I was thinking that you have just come through a tough year and your ears and eyes are now open to the new/old story of God’s love come to offer us hope. Perhaps, I was thinking that this topic can be more than ever before; more muscle, more alive, more transformative. Perhaps, I was thinking I might be inspired to “go off” on this subject the way I feel in the depth of my heart that it deserves. Perhaps, I was just dreaming of eggnog instead of a better sermon topic for the third week in advent.
We all need a sermon to help move us gracefully through the final days before the big celebration of Christmas. We need something on which to focus which is bigger than us, bigger than even the holiday it’s self. We need an idea to grasp our attention, move our hearts, and offer peace into our lives. Just maybe love is the only topic, the only idea, worth offering especially right now, to help our souls move gracefully a little closer to home. Funny, even when I am lying in the weeds, I still hear the voice of the preacher, and I even raise my head to listen more carefully to a few words. And I smile. But that is just me.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13
Sermon Title: “Love is …”
Another sermon about love, give me a break. Maybe you are like me, I tire of hearing the same old message dressed up in new clothes and spun forth as if it is an entirely new concept. Love can be like this. Preachers have over-sold the idea for years on end that our God is love and our lives are only fulfilled when we mimic God. Sometimes when I hear there is another sermon on love, I feel like going and laying in the weeds until the sermon is over. Baa Humbug, woe is me, if I have to endure one more sermon on love.
Oh, wait, I am the preacher. And I chose this topic and scripture passage because the context of the season allows us to experience the message in a new way, a new light, with a new heart. Oh my goodness, what was I thinking? Perhaps I was thinking that you have just come through a tough year and your ears and eyes are now open to the new/old story of God’s love come to offer us hope. Perhaps, I was thinking that this topic can be more than ever before; more muscle, more alive, more transformative. Perhaps, I was thinking I might be inspired to “go off” on this subject the way I feel in the depth of my heart that it deserves. Perhaps, I was just dreaming of eggnog instead of a better sermon topic for the third week in advent.
We all need a sermon to help move us gracefully through the final days before the big celebration of Christmas. We need something on which to focus which is bigger than us, bigger than even the holiday it’s self. We need an idea to grasp our attention, move our hearts, and offer peace into our lives. Just maybe love is the only topic, the only idea, worth offering especially right now, to help our souls move gracefully a little closer to home. Funny, even when I am lying in the weeds, I still hear the voice of the preacher, and I even raise my head to listen more carefully to a few words. And I smile. But that is just me.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13
Sermon Title: “Love is …”
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
SErmon Thoughts for Sunday December 09, 2007
Luke 1 The Songs of Christmas Second Sunday in Advent
Hey, I thought singing was simply opening my mouth and pushing out more air; kind of like talking on steroids. But if you study singing you find out there is a whole lot going on and happening at the same time. Singing is an act of coordination between several parts of your body, not just a bunch of hot air moving somewhere in a hurry. Posture, correct breathing, resonance, voice registers, and health of the vocal cords are all a part of the ability to sing. So are tone, focus, tempo, interpretation, diction, enunciation, and even stuff like how you end your vowels. Man, singing is tough, hard work; who knew!
They say singing is good for the soul. They say singing lowers blood pressure. They say singing everyday is good for our mental health. They say God created us with the most amazing instrument for making music. I have seen tough guys in the movies singing on the trail, singing in the rain, singing about the moon, singing about a dog or a horse, and yes singing about a girl. Clint Eastwood even sang to a tree in a movie once. Sometimes when folks sing, I cry. The lady sitting beside me at “The Lion King” last year must have thought I was a real loser because I could not stop my eyes from sweating. While I am on the subject, doesn’t everyone sing in the car? Yeah, me too.
Sometimes I just feel like singing. I did not say I was good at it, or even really understand how it happens, I just feel like it. Some days singing is easy, like eating an ice cream cone. Some days singing is tough; like at my dad’s funeral. But I sang that day, sort of.
This is the season for singing. We are singing fools at Christmas. This is the best reason to sing. The God of the universe has come to save us from our sin. So, as you find yourself singing all the non-Christmas Christmas songs (you know what I mean) be sure to add in a chorus of Away in the Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Mary Did You Know, or my favorite; O come All Ye Faithful. See if all that singing hard work does move you just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Luke 1:34-38
Sermon Title: “I Feel Like Singing”
Hey, I thought singing was simply opening my mouth and pushing out more air; kind of like talking on steroids. But if you study singing you find out there is a whole lot going on and happening at the same time. Singing is an act of coordination between several parts of your body, not just a bunch of hot air moving somewhere in a hurry. Posture, correct breathing, resonance, voice registers, and health of the vocal cords are all a part of the ability to sing. So are tone, focus, tempo, interpretation, diction, enunciation, and even stuff like how you end your vowels. Man, singing is tough, hard work; who knew!
They say singing is good for the soul. They say singing lowers blood pressure. They say singing everyday is good for our mental health. They say God created us with the most amazing instrument for making music. I have seen tough guys in the movies singing on the trail, singing in the rain, singing about the moon, singing about a dog or a horse, and yes singing about a girl. Clint Eastwood even sang to a tree in a movie once. Sometimes when folks sing, I cry. The lady sitting beside me at “The Lion King” last year must have thought I was a real loser because I could not stop my eyes from sweating. While I am on the subject, doesn’t everyone sing in the car? Yeah, me too.
Sometimes I just feel like singing. I did not say I was good at it, or even really understand how it happens, I just feel like it. Some days singing is easy, like eating an ice cream cone. Some days singing is tough; like at my dad’s funeral. But I sang that day, sort of.
This is the season for singing. We are singing fools at Christmas. This is the best reason to sing. The God of the universe has come to save us from our sin. So, as you find yourself singing all the non-Christmas Christmas songs (you know what I mean) be sure to add in a chorus of Away in the Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Mary Did You Know, or my favorite; O come All Ye Faithful. See if all that singing hard work does move you just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Luke 1:34-38
Sermon Title: “I Feel Like Singing”
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thoughts leading to Dec 02
Isaiah 9:1-7 & 11:1-9 The Coming King First Sunday in Advent
What’s in a name? Apparently quite a lot. When parents are considering the name for their child many consult book lists, while others go with family names, or simply a gut feeling about the name.
Here is a list of the top ten names in the US for boys and girls from 2006 from the Social Security Administration. From most popular:
Boys: Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Ethan, Matthew, Daniel, Christopher, Andrew, Anthony, William
Girls: Emily, Emma, Madison, Isabella, Ava, Abigail, Olivia, Hannah, Sophia, Samantha
This passage from Isaiah offer the best all time names for Christ Jesus. Unlike our favorite names for our children, these tend to be descriptive of Jesus attributes and abilities. It is a pretty cool list; take a look. We are going to be looking at these names and learning more about the Christ and ourselves. The goal is that this investigation will lead us all a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7
Sermon Title: “Name the Child”
What’s in a name? Apparently quite a lot. When parents are considering the name for their child many consult book lists, while others go with family names, or simply a gut feeling about the name.
Here is a list of the top ten names in the US for boys and girls from 2006 from the Social Security Administration. From most popular:
Boys: Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Ethan, Matthew, Daniel, Christopher, Andrew, Anthony, William
Girls: Emily, Emma, Madison, Isabella, Ava, Abigail, Olivia, Hannah, Sophia, Samantha
This passage from Isaiah offer the best all time names for Christ Jesus. Unlike our favorite names for our children, these tend to be descriptive of Jesus attributes and abilities. It is a pretty cool list; take a look. We are going to be looking at these names and learning more about the Christ and ourselves. The goal is that this investigation will lead us all a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7
Sermon Title: “Name the Child”
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Scripture and Sermon Thoughts for Nov 18, 2007
1 Kings 4 & 5 Elisha’s Miracles Month of Miracles
The easy and the hard both happen to us on a daily basis. Some stuff we do not even give a second thought. The light changes, we push the gas, and the car goes. We open the faucet and water fills our glass. We look toward the East and the sun peaks over the hills to offer a visual feast. Other things take place which feel so hard to accomplish that we wonder how and why this thing took place. The baby takes the first breath. The final breath is not received until after all the family has arrived. The broken arm heals, the final step of the marathon is planted, or the evil is put down once and for all.
Miracles are both easy and hard. It is almost funny to note that they can be of the same stuff. One might see the thing as hard, another as easy. One will moan under the stress and load of a particular situation, while another will sail along through life with the same situation. Both are miracles, both are amazing. We always say that miracles are of God. We always say things that lead us believe that God makes miracles happen, even plans the miracles in our lives. They are God moments when we are offered a closer glimpse of the kingdom. Miracles show a closer walk with God.
However, I think miracles may not be about God at all, at least not in the sense that God provides them for us alone as if we are consumers at the supermarket asking for a miracle stew to meet our hunger. Just perhaps miracles are in the way we approach our lives. Maybe Einstein was right when he said, “Either everything is a miracle, or nothing is a miracle.” Perhaps how we understand God’s presence in our lives and our everyday events, both hard and easy, dictates if and how we identify miracles in our lives.
The miracle is life itself. It is when we begin to categorize some events as easy and others as hard that we undo the very grace of God’s life giving Spirit. It is all miracle, and it is all both hard and easy at the same time. To claim a miracle of God is to claim the very being and presence of God. And that my friends, ah yes brothers and sisters in the faith, that claiming of God and only God in our lives as our miracle power, which runs in and through all things at all times, is the beginning of wisdom and moves us all a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 2 Kings 5:9-14
Sermon Title: “Miracle Healing”
The easy and the hard both happen to us on a daily basis. Some stuff we do not even give a second thought. The light changes, we push the gas, and the car goes. We open the faucet and water fills our glass. We look toward the East and the sun peaks over the hills to offer a visual feast. Other things take place which feel so hard to accomplish that we wonder how and why this thing took place. The baby takes the first breath. The final breath is not received until after all the family has arrived. The broken arm heals, the final step of the marathon is planted, or the evil is put down once and for all.
Miracles are both easy and hard. It is almost funny to note that they can be of the same stuff. One might see the thing as hard, another as easy. One will moan under the stress and load of a particular situation, while another will sail along through life with the same situation. Both are miracles, both are amazing. We always say that miracles are of God. We always say things that lead us believe that God makes miracles happen, even plans the miracles in our lives. They are God moments when we are offered a closer glimpse of the kingdom. Miracles show a closer walk with God.
However, I think miracles may not be about God at all, at least not in the sense that God provides them for us alone as if we are consumers at the supermarket asking for a miracle stew to meet our hunger. Just perhaps miracles are in the way we approach our lives. Maybe Einstein was right when he said, “Either everything is a miracle, or nothing is a miracle.” Perhaps how we understand God’s presence in our lives and our everyday events, both hard and easy, dictates if and how we identify miracles in our lives.
The miracle is life itself. It is when we begin to categorize some events as easy and others as hard that we undo the very grace of God’s life giving Spirit. It is all miracle, and it is all both hard and easy at the same time. To claim a miracle of God is to claim the very being and presence of God. And that my friends, ah yes brothers and sisters in the faith, that claiming of God and only God in our lives as our miracle power, which runs in and through all things at all times, is the beginning of wisdom and moves us all a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 2 Kings 5:9-14
Sermon Title: “Miracle Healing”
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Scripture and Sermon Thoughts Leading to Oct 21, 2007
Amos 5 We are Called to do Justice Growing in Discipleship
The pledge of allegiance ends with these words, “Justice for All.” Rarely do we consider that when we say the words of the pledge we mean that we will make the changes necessary to allow justice for all to become a reality. We are the people, we are the ones who will make justice a reality on national scale. We must act in regard to those who have no voice, who have no place or position of power in our society.
The prophet Amos calls the people of God on the carpet. Israel was living high on the hog, things were going really well, profits were up. The military security and economic affluence which they were experiencing were taken by many Israelites as signs of the Lord’s special favor that they felt they deserved. Sound a little familiar?
Amos was given the difficult task of preaching, “harsh words in a smooth season.” Amos denounced reliance upon military might, injustice in social dealings, abhorrent immorality, and swallow, meaningless piety. His uncompromising preaching brought him into direct conflict with the authorities of his day.
I feel God leading me to consider the children without food in our midst or the elderly increasingly marginalized by a quickening pace of society. I feel God leading me to consider my response to the foreigner among us, especially the ones who cannot speak my language, but who share my feelings and have the same dreams of God, home, and family. As I grow as a disciple of Jesus, I will learn to do justice and not just speak the words without regard to my personal response. And it is in that Gathering, that Growing, and that Going out to those I can help, that I find I have moved just a little closer to home.”
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Amos 5:14-15
Sermon Title: “Justice for All”
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Scripture for September 23, 2007
Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Valley of Dry Bones
The movies show a crowd of life-less zombies walking along without a light in their eyes. They are attempting to frighten by offering a vision of dead people who are somehow, not dead. We hide our head under the pillow until the hero with the anti-zombie cure comes and makes the world safe for us once again. We trudge off to try to our own beds to attempt to sleep, muttering something like “stupid movie,” all the while knowing that we are going to lie with eyes wide open until our own death-like slumber overtakes our thoughts of the zombie movie.
I recently spoke with a UMC pastor who shared that he and his spouse were watching TV when a commercial for the United Methodist Church aired. He said the commercial had a bunch of folks walking over a pasture hill like zombies. The story line was simple that the people of the UMC has opened our doors, our hearts, and our minds to the world. The point was to be that this huge group of people were marching toward some sense of unity in Christ Jesus. What this couple experienced was a commercial that reminded them of the zombie march of a group of life-less people. He was bent over in laughter telling the story. Maybe you have seen the commercial, I have. But now, I will look for a light in the eyes of the group of folks walking over the hill toward a new day.
My point is that just perhaps my pastor friend is right. Perhaps the UMC looks like a bunch of life-less zombies to a world of folks overtaken by the passions of worldly knowledge. Just perhaps the church is so out of touch with reality and life itself that we appear dead. What does it mean to be alive? Are we walking like dead people, not seeing, not hearing, not responding to the opportunities to share God’s blessings with a hurting world?
I expect to make some folks uncomfortable this week. Are you alive in Christ? Give me evidence; prove it. I also expect to bless some folks this week. The Spirit has power to offer life. And it is in the life of Jesus Christ alone that we will together walk the path a little closer to home. Buckle your seat belts for this one. Or not.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-6
Sermon Title: “The Living Dead”
The movies show a crowd of life-less zombies walking along without a light in their eyes. They are attempting to frighten by offering a vision of dead people who are somehow, not dead. We hide our head under the pillow until the hero with the anti-zombie cure comes and makes the world safe for us once again. We trudge off to try to our own beds to attempt to sleep, muttering something like “stupid movie,” all the while knowing that we are going to lie with eyes wide open until our own death-like slumber overtakes our thoughts of the zombie movie.
I recently spoke with a UMC pastor who shared that he and his spouse were watching TV when a commercial for the United Methodist Church aired. He said the commercial had a bunch of folks walking over a pasture hill like zombies. The story line was simple that the people of the UMC has opened our doors, our hearts, and our minds to the world. The point was to be that this huge group of people were marching toward some sense of unity in Christ Jesus. What this couple experienced was a commercial that reminded them of the zombie march of a group of life-less people. He was bent over in laughter telling the story. Maybe you have seen the commercial, I have. But now, I will look for a light in the eyes of the group of folks walking over the hill toward a new day.
My point is that just perhaps my pastor friend is right. Perhaps the UMC looks like a bunch of life-less zombies to a world of folks overtaken by the passions of worldly knowledge. Just perhaps the church is so out of touch with reality and life itself that we appear dead. What does it mean to be alive? Are we walking like dead people, not seeing, not hearing, not responding to the opportunities to share God’s blessings with a hurting world?
I expect to make some folks uncomfortable this week. Are you alive in Christ? Give me evidence; prove it. I also expect to bless some folks this week. The Spirit has power to offer life. And it is in the life of Jesus Christ alone that we will together walk the path a little closer to home. Buckle your seat belts for this one. Or not.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-6
Sermon Title: “The Living Dead”
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Reading for September 9, 2007
Exodus 1,2,3 The Call of Moses
The call of Moses is foundational. God calls each of us into the priesthood of all believers. These first chapters of Exodus outline the birth and call of the great Mo-sayes, leader of the Hebrew people to a new life. We find strength and hope in this narrative.
The faith of a mother who, in a desperate attempt to save his life, would put her child in a basket and push him off into the flow of the mighty Nile, instructs us into a new path, a new reality for out lives. She could not know the outcome. She had to trust God, fully trust God, only trust God.
We may understand ourselves as the one in the basket, the one on the shore weeping for her child, the sister running the shore to maintain contact, or even Pharaoh’s daughter who draws the baby from the Nile against the wishes of her father. Whatever our place, a willingness to listen to God and then act with faith is our path to moving us all just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10
Sermon Title: “A Basket Case”
The call of Moses is foundational. God calls each of us into the priesthood of all believers. These first chapters of Exodus outline the birth and call of the great Mo-sayes, leader of the Hebrew people to a new life. We find strength and hope in this narrative.
The faith of a mother who, in a desperate attempt to save his life, would put her child in a basket and push him off into the flow of the mighty Nile, instructs us into a new path, a new reality for out lives. She could not know the outcome. She had to trust God, fully trust God, only trust God.
We may understand ourselves as the one in the basket, the one on the shore weeping for her child, the sister running the shore to maintain contact, or even Pharaoh’s daughter who draws the baby from the Nile against the wishes of her father. Whatever our place, a willingness to listen to God and then act with faith is our path to moving us all just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10
Sermon Title: “A Basket Case”
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Readings Leading to September 02, 2007
2 Corinthians 4 & 5 New Life in Christ Jesus
The Apostle Paul writes that we have treasures in clay pots. Some days I think mine is cracked. But that is the point he is making. We have the most wonderful gift hidden in these most common of items. The Spirit of God resides within us. Why would God allow something so wonderful to be carried by such a common thing as you and me?
Paul also offers that if anyone is in Christ Jesus, they are a new creation. This is where I think my sermon will center. This idea of a new creation is just like something God would do. Take everything that is common and make it into something new, something amazing. To be a new creation is to let go of all our pain and worry and grasp a new reality, waiting for us like a bride awaiting the wedding march. Could God be that good? Could we be that unwilling? Could this be real?
Consider with me what our lives will be as we fully rest into Christ Jesus. Consider those who live in need and the impact the new creation will have on their lives. Reach out to Jesus and let God heal that cracked pot of a live. And when we do this, day by day, we all move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Sermon Title: “From Now On”
The Apostle Paul writes that we have treasures in clay pots. Some days I think mine is cracked. But that is the point he is making. We have the most wonderful gift hidden in these most common of items. The Spirit of God resides within us. Why would God allow something so wonderful to be carried by such a common thing as you and me?
Paul also offers that if anyone is in Christ Jesus, they are a new creation. This is where I think my sermon will center. This idea of a new creation is just like something God would do. Take everything that is common and make it into something new, something amazing. To be a new creation is to let go of all our pain and worry and grasp a new reality, waiting for us like a bride awaiting the wedding march. Could God be that good? Could we be that unwilling? Could this be real?
Consider with me what our lives will be as we fully rest into Christ Jesus. Consider those who live in need and the impact the new creation will have on their lives. Reach out to Jesus and let God heal that cracked pot of a live. And when we do this, day by day, we all move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Sermon Title: “From Now On”
Monday, August 13, 2007
A Word on Youth
You are young for a reason. It has to do with years lived and physical development. Yet, here is my observation. Your youthfulness, being young in age, means nothing when it comes to wisdom, knowlege of right and wrong, or ability to make change in the world around us. Do not disrespect or disreguard your young age, God does not. You are God's creation and as such, you are Holy right now. Being Holy is one area of your life for which you do not have to wait.
Others, even your elders, will notice and be moved into a deeper relationships by your example. Have you noticed that nothing really good and lasting happens without young persons. Think about it. Without your participation in life everyone is poorer. You can move mountians and make whole societies think in new ways. You will make better choices and focus your lives on more important topics than any society in the history of humankind. Yes, there will be changes and you will help lead them.
You are young for a reason. Your youthfulness is a very good thing and this is the Good News..
Others, even your elders, will notice and be moved into a deeper relationships by your example. Have you noticed that nothing really good and lasting happens without young persons. Think about it. Without your participation in life everyone is poorer. You can move mountians and make whole societies think in new ways. You will make better choices and focus your lives on more important topics than any society in the history of humankind. Yes, there will be changes and you will help lead them.
You are young for a reason. Your youthfulness is a very good thing and this is the Good News..
Reading for August 26, 2007
Philippians 2:1-18; 3 The Christian Life
God’s grace does not excuse us from the obligation to put forth serious effort in our spiritual life. To say we are a Christian is not the same as to act as a Christian. I am reminded of the old saying, “Sleeping in the garage does not make one a car.” Jesus told the disciples that his yoke was easy and light. While that is true, we should not carry around burdens and cares for which we have no application, it is also true that the upward call of Christ requires constant attention.
In this passage, the apostle encourages us to press on toward the goal. While this may sound like a football coach at half-time, it is really the truth of our lives in transformation. We must not stop growing in our faith and love toward others.. We dare not languish in pride or self-pity for even a moment. Our lives are not our own, but belong to Jesus Christ. As such we must offer our very best for God’s highest prize. The sacrifice of self is the very work of moving our lives just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Philippians 3:10-16
Sermon Title: “Press On”
God’s grace does not excuse us from the obligation to put forth serious effort in our spiritual life. To say we are a Christian is not the same as to act as a Christian. I am reminded of the old saying, “Sleeping in the garage does not make one a car.” Jesus told the disciples that his yoke was easy and light. While that is true, we should not carry around burdens and cares for which we have no application, it is also true that the upward call of Christ requires constant attention.
In this passage, the apostle encourages us to press on toward the goal. While this may sound like a football coach at half-time, it is really the truth of our lives in transformation. We must not stop growing in our faith and love toward others.. We dare not languish in pride or self-pity for even a moment. Our lives are not our own, but belong to Jesus Christ. As such we must offer our very best for God’s highest prize. The sacrifice of self is the very work of moving our lives just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Philippians 3:10-16
Sermon Title: “Press On”
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Readings for August 19, 2007
Job 1,2,3 & 40, 41, 42 Suffering and Evil
Take time and read the chapters assigned from Job for next Sunday. The context will help your understanding and thinking as we investigate the topics of suffering and evil in our lives. I am hopeful to offer grace for your journey through the sermon and your reading the text ahead of time will give a fuller focus to our experience.
We find a wonderful beginning and ending of Job’s life and years of suffering and evil that plague him in the middle. I wonder if we feel the same. I believe we can understand how Job felt. As we are reminded of God’s promises we are sure to find that however we may find our selves today, the best is yet to come. And that thought again moves me just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Job 1:1-5; 42:12-17
Sermon Title: “Life in the Middle”
Take time and read the chapters assigned from Job for next Sunday. The context will help your understanding and thinking as we investigate the topics of suffering and evil in our lives. I am hopeful to offer grace for your journey through the sermon and your reading the text ahead of time will give a fuller focus to our experience.
We find a wonderful beginning and ending of Job’s life and years of suffering and evil that plague him in the middle. I wonder if we feel the same. I believe we can understand how Job felt. As we are reminded of God’s promises we are sure to find that however we may find our selves today, the best is yet to come. And that thought again moves me just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Job 1:1-5; 42:12-17
Sermon Title: “Life in the Middle”
A Word on Birth...
We all agree birth is the beginning of life. We struggle to discern exactly when and how life begins. We simply can know that we are, and not much more. Birth becomes a slippery slope upon which to make important life choices, unless we define its boundaries. Does our birth occur with the first gulp of air, the first moment of viability as an individual while still in the womb, or at our conception from egg and sperm to ovum? These questions puzzle our society and we struggle to find substantial answers worthy of the question.
Consider birth from another perspective. Theologically we are born, have our birth, as and when God invites creation. Perhaps our birth is primordial and predates our understanding of self and world. Perhaps God weeps at a society in which hearts move to violence and disrespect for others over the boundaries of birth. Perhaps with God there are no boundaries and as God speaks the word of creation, we are born into being. Birth then becomes not a physical relationship with the world, rather a Spiritual relationship with the creator.
The bitter conflict over the boundaries of physical life should not also become the defining point of the birth of our souls. Our birth has more to do with our relationship with our God, than our lung’s relationship with oxygen. Yet, we all agree, birth is the beginning of life.
Consider birth from another perspective. Theologically we are born, have our birth, as and when God invites creation. Perhaps our birth is primordial and predates our understanding of self and world. Perhaps God weeps at a society in which hearts move to violence and disrespect for others over the boundaries of birth. Perhaps with God there are no boundaries and as God speaks the word of creation, we are born into being. Birth then becomes not a physical relationship with the world, rather a Spiritual relationship with the creator.
The bitter conflict over the boundaries of physical life should not also become the defining point of the birth of our souls. Our birth has more to do with our relationship with our God, than our lung’s relationship with oxygen. Yet, we all agree, birth is the beginning of life.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Readings Leading to Aug 12, 2007
John 14 & 15 The True Vine
Jesus is offering final instructions to the disciples in these two chapters. He is clarifying some things that are easily misunderstood. One of theses clarifications is the route we must take to get to our Father God. Within this passage is the idea of going home and finding our final place of being with God. Others find this passage as offering a route for salvation. Your reading and understanding may vary, but Jesus is being clear about one thing.
Jesus tells us, “I am,” reminding us of God speaking to Moses through the burning bush. God said, “I am who I am.” so this seemingly unimportant little, “I Am,” actually some pretty powerful insight. Jesus, one final time, reminds the disciples who he is. We hear the words spoken to Thomas in our own lives. We affirm with the disciples that God is alive, Jesus is God. There is much more in just this one verse (the way, the truth, the life) that offers even more power into our lives to live in the presence of this risen God and move every day just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 14:6
Sermon Title: “No One”
Jesus is offering final instructions to the disciples in these two chapters. He is clarifying some things that are easily misunderstood. One of theses clarifications is the route we must take to get to our Father God. Within this passage is the idea of going home and finding our final place of being with God. Others find this passage as offering a route for salvation. Your reading and understanding may vary, but Jesus is being clear about one thing.
Jesus tells us, “I am,” reminding us of God speaking to Moses through the burning bush. God said, “I am who I am.” so this seemingly unimportant little, “I Am,” actually some pretty powerful insight. Jesus, one final time, reminds the disciples who he is. We hear the words spoken to Thomas in our own lives. We affirm with the disciples that God is alive, Jesus is God. There is much more in just this one verse (the way, the truth, the life) that offers even more power into our lives to live in the presence of this risen God and move every day just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 14:6
Sermon Title: “No One”
A Word on Death...
Is death the absence of life? We will not avoid death, just as we did not avoid life. Theories abound as to the finality of death. I believe death is not the last word, but is a place of changing, yet continued existence. To be clear, our bodies will experience a physical death. Yet there is a part of us, sometimes referred to as our soul, our spirit, or inner being, which I believe has and will continue to transcend this life. It is as if our souls are not bound within the world as we experience it today. The soul is primordial, comes from God and will one day return to God.
Death then is the condition of passing from this experience of life unto the next shadowy place where God will be found. Many claim to have visited death and then returned to life to share their experience. These reports offer that death may lead us to a place of goodness and eternal grace, or a place of anguish and turmoil. I find scripture supports their observation.
We need not fear death. God's grace and love will abound in death as creative power. In addition, we shall not glorify or worship death. To do so would be to fail to live fully within the gift of today. And isn't our goal to live in this moment in time as faithfully as possible without fear of death? I think so.
Death then is the condition of passing from this experience of life unto the next shadowy place where God will be found. Many claim to have visited death and then returned to life to share their experience. These reports offer that death may lead us to a place of goodness and eternal grace, or a place of anguish and turmoil. I find scripture supports their observation.
We need not fear death. God's grace and love will abound in death as creative power. In addition, we shall not glorify or worship death. To do so would be to fail to live fully within the gift of today. And isn't our goal to live in this moment in time as faithfully as possible without fear of death? I think so.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A Word on Conversion
Conversion means change. That which has been, now is somehow better or improved, closer to perfect. Broken verses Repaired; Lost verses Found; Empty verses Filled. You get the idea.
A conversion, in a Christian context, is also known as a "born again" experience. We may recall John Wesley's experience of a "strangely warmed heart.” Conversion is necessary for the life in Jesus Christ. How conversion happens, what it may look like, or even the time period needed to complete a conversion, vary to the extremes. We do know the Holy Spirit is active and leads the process of conversion. We do know we become more like Jesus Christ in conversion. We do know conversion moves us toward God, perhaps even within God. Conversion is individually unique, yet held in common with others within the community of faith.
Conversion is a life dance with God's grace enabling our soul to be refined into something more. One can die without experiencing conversion; however, one cannot experience the fullness of life without experiencing conversion.
A conversion, in a Christian context, is also known as a "born again" experience. We may recall John Wesley's experience of a "strangely warmed heart.” Conversion is necessary for the life in Jesus Christ. How conversion happens, what it may look like, or even the time period needed to complete a conversion, vary to the extremes. We do know the Holy Spirit is active and leads the process of conversion. We do know we become more like Jesus Christ in conversion. We do know conversion moves us toward God, perhaps even within God. Conversion is individually unique, yet held in common with others within the community of faith.
Conversion is a life dance with God's grace enabling our soul to be refined into something more. One can die without experiencing conversion; however, one cannot experience the fullness of life without experiencing conversion.
Scripture Readings for August 05, 2007
Habakkuk Why a Just God is Silent
We wonder why evil appears to flourish while a good God looks on. I think the answer is in the question, as is often the case. The prophet Habakkuk offers the righteous live by faith. We live by God’s grace, not by our own wit and wisdom. God offers goodness and allows the possibility for evil. We choose.
Ever notice that the material possessions, fame, or fortune of others never brings happiness. Never. People may be happy, contented, and well grounded but it is never because of the size of the storage units piled high with their stuff. Good choices give us life and bring us just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-5
Sermon Title: “Power to Live”
We wonder why evil appears to flourish while a good God looks on. I think the answer is in the question, as is often the case. The prophet Habakkuk offers the righteous live by faith. We live by God’s grace, not by our own wit and wisdom. God offers goodness and allows the possibility for evil. We choose.
Ever notice that the material possessions, fame, or fortune of others never brings happiness. Never. People may be happy, contented, and well grounded but it is never because of the size of the storage units piled high with their stuff. Good choices give us life and bring us just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-5
Sermon Title: “Power to Live”
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
A Word on Prayer…
To pray is to focus ourselves within God’s presence. Prayer moves us to experience that which is already, but has remained unknown. To pray is to join with God in what God is doing. Therefore, prayer is either always selfish or never selfish, depending on how we understand the outcome.
Real prayer takes time. Thirty minutes every day is a good start. Real prayer offers a conversation with God regarding all the vital details of our lives as well as the mundane seemingly unimportant aspects of our days. All topics are welcome in prayer.
Yet, we do not know what to pray. No one ever does, nor can. We place ourselves in God’s presence and listen. Quietly waiting for God to speak is the hardest work of our praying. By listening, we begin to sense the message, which God has been speaking to us all along. Let us pray.
Real prayer takes time. Thirty minutes every day is a good start. Real prayer offers a conversation with God regarding all the vital details of our lives as well as the mundane seemingly unimportant aspects of our days. All topics are welcome in prayer.
Yet, we do not know what to pray. No one ever does, nor can. We place ourselves in God’s presence and listen. Quietly waiting for God to speak is the hardest work of our praying. By listening, we begin to sense the message, which God has been speaking to us all along. Let us pray.
Scripture Readings Leading to July 29, 2007
John 4:1- 42 The Woman at the Well
The woman at the well did not expect grace. We never do. The woman at the well did not expect a messiah. Nor do we. The woman at the well did not expect cool water to quench her thirst. To drink deeply and be satisfied is a Spiritual experience. How does your life align with this woman? Do you understand her needs, her fears? Jesus understood.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus turned water into wine. In this passage John recalls Jesus turning water into a transformed life. Our lives are also transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ who calls us to the well just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 4:7-15
Sermon Title: “Cool Water”
The woman at the well did not expect grace. We never do. The woman at the well did not expect a messiah. Nor do we. The woman at the well did not expect cool water to quench her thirst. To drink deeply and be satisfied is a Spiritual experience. How does your life align with this woman? Do you understand her needs, her fears? Jesus understood.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus turned water into wine. In this passage John recalls Jesus turning water into a transformed life. Our lives are also transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ who calls us to the well just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 4:7-15
Sermon Title: “Cool Water”
Thursday, July 05, 2007
A Word on Christian Marriage…
Two people joining together for a lifetime while submitting to a blessing by God is a sacred covenant. Christian marriage is more than an agreement, more than an arrangement, it is a grace-filled bond offered by God. God offers an unseen guest of grace to be a part of the marriage, until death parts the couple. And so, the two who come together actually leave for a life together as three: groom, bride, Holy Spirit.
Christian marriage is always in the moment, it is never lived in the past. When we celebrate a 10th or 25th wedding anniversary we are essentially saying, that as a couple, they have given themselves to each moment for that length of time. We do not simply celebrate the past, we honor the moment by moment commitment held by God’s grace.
Remember, a wedding is not a marriage. Preparing for a wedding should be exciting and inspiring. However, preparing for a marriage holds far more blessings and should receive the lions share of our attention.
Christian marriage is always in the moment, it is never lived in the past. When we celebrate a 10th or 25th wedding anniversary we are essentially saying, that as a couple, they have given themselves to each moment for that length of time. We do not simply celebrate the past, we honor the moment by moment commitment held by God’s grace.
Remember, a wedding is not a marriage. Preparing for a wedding should be exciting and inspiring. However, preparing for a marriage holds far more blessings and should receive the lions share of our attention.
A Word on Gossip…
Gossip is talk which is not intended to confront or inspire, rather it's purpose is to demote others so as to raise the self; so that one's ego may be artificially inflated. Gossip deals, not in the achievements, rather in the defeat of another. We conspire with, and are unwittingly used by, "the accuser" when we gossip. Those who gossip do so with malice, not grace.
Gossip requires talkers who talk and listeners who listen. Consider that those who talk and those who listen are both active, equal, participants. As gossip makes another loop, a new group of good folks invest their energy into spreading a damaging message. What is the worse evil, the original gossip or the gossip loops that follow? I am equally saddened by both.
Lord have Mercy.
Gossip requires talkers who talk and listeners who listen. Consider that those who talk and those who listen are both active, equal, participants. As gossip makes another loop, a new group of good folks invest their energy into spreading a damaging message. What is the worse evil, the original gossip or the gossip loops that follow? I am equally saddened by both.
Lord have Mercy.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday March 25, 2007
Where Angles Fear to Tread: The Boldness of Christ
John 18 Jesus and the Cross
The cross is the focus for all the boldness of Jesus. The cross defines Jesus. The cross defines the followers of Jesus. Jesus moves over the line when he chooses the cross over personal safety. Yes, Jesus chose the cross. The way Jesus spoke to the people who had control over his life assured him a cruel death. Even the angels could not stop this. They must have wept and looked away. You would too. “Surely this was the Messiah, the Christ,” exclaimed the centurion at the foot of the cross.
Boldness can be in our actions as well as our speech. Jesus displayed both. As you review the passage, notice how often Jesus is simply silent. Recall the occasions in your life when the bold thing, the correct thing, would have been to be silent. Next, consider the words of Christ as he moves closer to the cross. Jesus words are combative, yet detached, in a good and righteous stance. The Christ is choosing the cross. Nothing about Jesus death haunts as deeply as this fact. He chose to die for the sin of the world.
Actions can be bold and communicate with more power and clarity than the spoken word. Consider the symbol of the cross in our lives, in the sanctuaries of our churches, representing the action of the Christ. We put a symbol of death and agony in the midst of our worship. We focus on the cross. We sing our love for the cross. Then we wonder why worldly folks think us fools or mindless. At least, we must recognize the bold action of Christ represents something wilder and without limits. This action is so bold, so other, that transformation becomes reality. Our lives represent something bold, something wild, without boundaries.
Let go of fear and trembling, God has entered the world and is doing a new thing, moving us just a little closer to home.
See you Sunday! Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 18:19-24, 28-40
Sermon Title: “Over the Line”
Sunday March 25, 2007
Where Angles Fear to Tread: The Boldness of Christ
John 18 Jesus and the Cross
The cross is the focus for all the boldness of Jesus. The cross defines Jesus. The cross defines the followers of Jesus. Jesus moves over the line when he chooses the cross over personal safety. Yes, Jesus chose the cross. The way Jesus spoke to the people who had control over his life assured him a cruel death. Even the angels could not stop this. They must have wept and looked away. You would too. “Surely this was the Messiah, the Christ,” exclaimed the centurion at the foot of the cross.
Boldness can be in our actions as well as our speech. Jesus displayed both. As you review the passage, notice how often Jesus is simply silent. Recall the occasions in your life when the bold thing, the correct thing, would have been to be silent. Next, consider the words of Christ as he moves closer to the cross. Jesus words are combative, yet detached, in a good and righteous stance. The Christ is choosing the cross. Nothing about Jesus death haunts as deeply as this fact. He chose to die for the sin of the world.
Actions can be bold and communicate with more power and clarity than the spoken word. Consider the symbol of the cross in our lives, in the sanctuaries of our churches, representing the action of the Christ. We put a symbol of death and agony in the midst of our worship. We focus on the cross. We sing our love for the cross. Then we wonder why worldly folks think us fools or mindless. At least, we must recognize the bold action of Christ represents something wilder and without limits. This action is so bold, so other, that transformation becomes reality. Our lives represent something bold, something wild, without boundaries.
Let go of fear and trembling, God has entered the world and is doing a new thing, moving us just a little closer to home.
See you Sunday! Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: John 18:19-24, 28-40
Sermon Title: “Over the Line”
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Thoughts for February 18, 2007
Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday February 18, 2007
Galatians 5 The Nature of Freedom in Christ
Most people can’t close the deal. I am not sure if we can’t, won’t or just plain don’t. Anyway you cut it the same thing happens; that great project we started with such promise and enthusiasm ends up on the shelf two months later. There it will stay for a long, long time until we finally clean out and pitch it all together. Guilt and shame are human by products of our failed attempts at change.
To finish strong is always a good goal. I always look to see if the runner breaks through the tape at the finish line with energy. Sometimes to simply finish is the goal. Other times it is heroic enough to begin the journey of change. However even then there is always a hint of, what if I can finish? And better yet, what if I finish strong and refreshed? The other night at youth group when the conversation turned to whether the glass was half full or half empty, one bright lad responded, “Hey both glasses have water in them, get over it already.” He was able to move beyond the discussion of possibility to the facts of the reality. We should do the same. To whine and pine about what might be possible is to waste precious energy needed to finish fresh.
God offers freedom to finish, energy to run the tape, and wisdom to close the deal. God offers the glass that has water. It may be half-full or half-empty. But the point is that God offers what is needed to accomplish the task at hand. Simply put, “There is water in your glass.” When we believe this with such conviction that we can offer those who appear lost a drink from our glass, we will have born fruit of the Spirit which lives in us. We are free to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are free to become salves to one another. At that point the deal is closed and the victory won. Every fresh start become a finish line crossed. And every step on our journey toward wholeness in Christ is a fresh start moving us just a little closer to home. See you Sunday!
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Galatians 5:1, 13-14
Sermon Title: “Finishing Fresh”
Sunday February 18, 2007
Galatians 5 The Nature of Freedom in Christ
Most people can’t close the deal. I am not sure if we can’t, won’t or just plain don’t. Anyway you cut it the same thing happens; that great project we started with such promise and enthusiasm ends up on the shelf two months later. There it will stay for a long, long time until we finally clean out and pitch it all together. Guilt and shame are human by products of our failed attempts at change.
To finish strong is always a good goal. I always look to see if the runner breaks through the tape at the finish line with energy. Sometimes to simply finish is the goal. Other times it is heroic enough to begin the journey of change. However even then there is always a hint of, what if I can finish? And better yet, what if I finish strong and refreshed? The other night at youth group when the conversation turned to whether the glass was half full or half empty, one bright lad responded, “Hey both glasses have water in them, get over it already.” He was able to move beyond the discussion of possibility to the facts of the reality. We should do the same. To whine and pine about what might be possible is to waste precious energy needed to finish fresh.
God offers freedom to finish, energy to run the tape, and wisdom to close the deal. God offers the glass that has water. It may be half-full or half-empty. But the point is that God offers what is needed to accomplish the task at hand. Simply put, “There is water in your glass.” When we believe this with such conviction that we can offer those who appear lost a drink from our glass, we will have born fruit of the Spirit which lives in us. We are free to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are free to become salves to one another. At that point the deal is closed and the victory won. Every fresh start become a finish line crossed. And every step on our journey toward wholeness in Christ is a fresh start moving us just a little closer to home. See you Sunday!
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Galatians 5:1, 13-14
Sermon Title: “Finishing Fresh”
Thoughts for February 11, 2007
Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday February 11, 2007
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 A Warning
Everybody’s got a body. We come in all shapes and sizes. We can not order a replacement body from the factory, artificial joints and enhancement surgeries do not count. Some have genetic history which helps, some have genetics which hurt. I like to blame my genetics. I like to blame genetics a lot. Blaming my genetics keeps me from having to be responsible for much of anything which goes wrong with my body. Hair getting thin; blame my mother’s dad. High blood pressure, blame my father’s mother’s family. Bad teeth, skinny legs, poor eyesight, two left feet, hearing loss, flat feet, whiney voice, sore back, no matching gloves; the list goes on as I can blame just about anything on my genetics.
The truth is that we all get one body. We all get one shot at this thing. We all get what we get and there is no changing it. This is a bad news/good news kind of statement. This is bad because we all want the body the other guy ended up with. We want the other guys body just like we wanted to be the kid who got the T-Bird in high school. Then we remember that he wrapped the thing around a telephone poll two weeks later. The good news is that we get this body, our body, for a lifetime. We get to know how this body works and what looks good with it. We also learn what to keep far away from the thing. The good news is we do not have to break in a new model every few years.
God has a purpose for this body. It seems that your body, my body, is the place where the Holy Spirit resides. God the Holy Spirit lives in our bodies. This physical shell is provided as a temple for holding the presence of God. As this Spiritual fact sinks into our lives, we want to keep and maintain the temple as clean and up to date as possible. We want to make sure all systems are up and running and all broken stuff repaired. We want to maintain the temple with the least amount of clutter so that the main focus, God’s grace and love, can be offered at anytime, day or night. And when we begin to move in that sense of purpose for our physical bodies we also find we are just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Sermon Title: “Healthy Fresh Start”
Sunday February 11, 2007
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 A Warning
Everybody’s got a body. We come in all shapes and sizes. We can not order a replacement body from the factory, artificial joints and enhancement surgeries do not count. Some have genetic history which helps, some have genetics which hurt. I like to blame my genetics. I like to blame genetics a lot. Blaming my genetics keeps me from having to be responsible for much of anything which goes wrong with my body. Hair getting thin; blame my mother’s dad. High blood pressure, blame my father’s mother’s family. Bad teeth, skinny legs, poor eyesight, two left feet, hearing loss, flat feet, whiney voice, sore back, no matching gloves; the list goes on as I can blame just about anything on my genetics.
The truth is that we all get one body. We all get one shot at this thing. We all get what we get and there is no changing it. This is a bad news/good news kind of statement. This is bad because we all want the body the other guy ended up with. We want the other guys body just like we wanted to be the kid who got the T-Bird in high school. Then we remember that he wrapped the thing around a telephone poll two weeks later. The good news is that we get this body, our body, for a lifetime. We get to know how this body works and what looks good with it. We also learn what to keep far away from the thing. The good news is we do not have to break in a new model every few years.
God has a purpose for this body. It seems that your body, my body, is the place where the Holy Spirit resides. God the Holy Spirit lives in our bodies. This physical shell is provided as a temple for holding the presence of God. As this Spiritual fact sinks into our lives, we want to keep and maintain the temple as clean and up to date as possible. We want to make sure all systems are up and running and all broken stuff repaired. We want to maintain the temple with the least amount of clutter so that the main focus, God’s grace and love, can be offered at anytime, day or night. And when we begin to move in that sense of purpose for our physical bodies we also find we are just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Sermon Title: “Healthy Fresh Start”
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Thoughts for February 04, 2007
Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday February 04, 2007
Ephesians 6 The Whole Armor of God
The Platt River has been described as, “an inch deep and mile wide.” Unfortunately, this is also a fitting description of much that passes for Christian Spirituality these days. So much talk about not much of anything lasting and profound. Our life in Christ should be an iceberg with 90 percent beneath the surface. Rather than a slippery patch of ice on my sidewalk which will dry up quickly as the sun begins to shine.
The Apostle Paul is writing in Ephesians about the idea of protecting our lives and learning to withstand the winds which will surely blow as we grow in our Spirit. I believe depth of Spirit is a function of growing and allowing that growth to bear fruit. For years I have encouraged myself to be faithful. Only recently I have encountered a new focus of being fruitful. To bear fruit is to be faithful, but feels to me to be the next step in our faith journey. If my goal is to simply be faithful, then I do not need take responsibility and also find I cannot be held accountable. If on the other hand, my Spiritual goal is to bear fruit, then it is fairly easy to identify my responsibilities and I also can be held accountable. Christ said we are known by our fruit, not just our faithfulness.
Roots become very important. Depth is essential when bearing fruit so that we can endure the dry seasons. There is a bridge to this place of Spiritual depth. It is not quick or particularly easy route to follow. Yet, the path of discipleship proves over and over to produce the very fruit we celebrate as the life of Christ. So it is to this place of the methodical practice of time honored means of Grace that we will focus this coming week. Rather than living our lives an inch deep and mile wide, lets go deep with Christ Jesus and bear fruit in all seasons; moving us just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Sermon Title: “Spiritual Fresh Start”
Sunday February 04, 2007
Ephesians 6 The Whole Armor of God
The Platt River has been described as, “an inch deep and mile wide.” Unfortunately, this is also a fitting description of much that passes for Christian Spirituality these days. So much talk about not much of anything lasting and profound. Our life in Christ should be an iceberg with 90 percent beneath the surface. Rather than a slippery patch of ice on my sidewalk which will dry up quickly as the sun begins to shine.
The Apostle Paul is writing in Ephesians about the idea of protecting our lives and learning to withstand the winds which will surely blow as we grow in our Spirit. I believe depth of Spirit is a function of growing and allowing that growth to bear fruit. For years I have encouraged myself to be faithful. Only recently I have encountered a new focus of being fruitful. To bear fruit is to be faithful, but feels to me to be the next step in our faith journey. If my goal is to simply be faithful, then I do not need take responsibility and also find I cannot be held accountable. If on the other hand, my Spiritual goal is to bear fruit, then it is fairly easy to identify my responsibilities and I also can be held accountable. Christ said we are known by our fruit, not just our faithfulness.
Roots become very important. Depth is essential when bearing fruit so that we can endure the dry seasons. There is a bridge to this place of Spiritual depth. It is not quick or particularly easy route to follow. Yet, the path of discipleship proves over and over to produce the very fruit we celebrate as the life of Christ. So it is to this place of the methodical practice of time honored means of Grace that we will focus this coming week. Rather than living our lives an inch deep and mile wide, lets go deep with Christ Jesus and bear fruit in all seasons; moving us just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Sermon Title: “Spiritual Fresh Start”
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Thoughts for January 14, 2007
Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday January 14, 2007
1 Timothy 6 Some Final Directions for Timothy
I hope this sermon is different. When I have spoken about financial issues in the past, there has been a lot of anxiety. It seems many church members do not care to hear about Biblical standards as they relate to our personal finances. Guilt appears written over many faces and I usually hear some comments asking that I not speak about money ever again. Gee, I thought my job was to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. However, this particular topic pulls folks through the cracks of both of those definitions to the point where we are neither afflicted nor comfortable. We as a society are so private with our money, it is so sacred, that we may feel violated if a sermon even refers to the subject. Yet this is my task. I hope this sermon is different.
As a society we are in financial ruin. Bankruptcies have increased to a crisis level. In 2005 the largest increase was in young families under the age of 35. School loans, car loans, home loans, credit cards, high interest and child care issues all combine to put every young family at risk. Even the very best money managers struggle to make ends meet and keep their financial heads above water. Some young families work two, three, or even four jobs and still fall further behind.
Our society does not reward and empower savings, only spending. In 2005 the average US household spent 122% of every dollar it made. The balance goes on credit with little hope of every paying off the entire balance. How do we begin to find a financial fresh start in the midst of this reality? I believe we must get back to basics. We must re-learn fruitful and God honoring concepts about money. We must gain a fresh understanding of our role as managers of God’s resources. We are not the owners, we are the managers. We have been acting as if we own the money flowing through our bank accounts. We must put God in God’s rightful place. We will then see ourselves as the caretaker of God’s resources. This shift allows us to focus towards our financial future with hope and moves us all just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Sermon Title: “Financial Fresh Start”
Sunday January 14, 2007
1 Timothy 6 Some Final Directions for Timothy
I hope this sermon is different. When I have spoken about financial issues in the past, there has been a lot of anxiety. It seems many church members do not care to hear about Biblical standards as they relate to our personal finances. Guilt appears written over many faces and I usually hear some comments asking that I not speak about money ever again. Gee, I thought my job was to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. However, this particular topic pulls folks through the cracks of both of those definitions to the point where we are neither afflicted nor comfortable. We as a society are so private with our money, it is so sacred, that we may feel violated if a sermon even refers to the subject. Yet this is my task. I hope this sermon is different.
As a society we are in financial ruin. Bankruptcies have increased to a crisis level. In 2005 the largest increase was in young families under the age of 35. School loans, car loans, home loans, credit cards, high interest and child care issues all combine to put every young family at risk. Even the very best money managers struggle to make ends meet and keep their financial heads above water. Some young families work two, three, or even four jobs and still fall further behind.
Our society does not reward and empower savings, only spending. In 2005 the average US household spent 122% of every dollar it made. The balance goes on credit with little hope of every paying off the entire balance. How do we begin to find a financial fresh start in the midst of this reality? I believe we must get back to basics. We must re-learn fruitful and God honoring concepts about money. We must gain a fresh understanding of our role as managers of God’s resources. We are not the owners, we are the managers. We have been acting as if we own the money flowing through our bank accounts. We must put God in God’s rightful place. We will then see ourselves as the caretaker of God’s resources. This shift allows us to focus towards our financial future with hope and moves us all just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Sermon Title: “Financial Fresh Start”
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